Vinyl Cafe

The past few days have been very encouraging for me. The highlight was probably attending a Vinyl Café concert with Stuart McLean. For those not in the know he has a show on CBC radio where he tells uplifting, humorous stories. The icing on the cake was we met personally with Stuart after the concert. This was arranged by one of the nurses we consulted with this past week. God works things out in his timing even to seeing the nurse this particular week. This brings to mind a favourite verse of the boys at the school I taught at in Kenya so many years ago – Jer. 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future

Thanks for all your prayers

I felt good enough today to review the last few blogs and responses. I have been greatly encouraged by the mention of the prayers you have for Laverne and I. My mind is clearer and my spiritual sense is reawakening. Let us praise the Lord together! Hallelujah! Psalm 150.
John.(typed by caregiver Amanda)

John is out and about again

As I write this John is tucked in bed sleeping. He continues to improve each day and do more. Today we went to my parents for lunch and then after that John wanted to go to the library. Tonight we went to Bible Study –the first for over a month. It was amazing that John was feeling well enough to go out in the evening but we enjoyed spending time and sharing in God’s Word. To not do that for awhile really makes me realize how special that time is. Praise God with us for John’s continued improvement.

We need each other

Today John woke up like his old self. Although we didn’t make it to church we got out the Bible and read and prayed and shared our thoughts as well as sang some old hymns. In the afternoon John got up (first time for more than 5 minutes in days). We took a drive and watched the waves crash in on the beach as well as went and watched the salmon spawning. On the way back to the car the wheelchair got grounded on a two foot wide patch of stones. Fortunately someone noticed out plight and came to our aid. He pushed the chair while I drove it and got out of there. It reminded me of the message he delivered to the university students a couple of months ago. His message was “we need each other. we aren’t going to make it on our own”.

Good News

Today was a better day for John. We had a number of people from Kelly Creek Community Church come this morning and pray for John. It was very encouraging for both of us to see such love and concern for us demonstrated. He is starting to eat a bit and says he feels improved. Please continue to pray that this improvement will continue. We feel blessed to be part of such a loving community here in Kelly Creek and also with those of you on the blog.

Prayers requested

John has been struggling lately. At the present time we would appreciate your prayers for him as well as me. His level of consciousness has decreased in the past few days. This is somewhat similar to what happened to him in Vancouver last November. It is not apparent what the problem is. At that time he had all kinds of specialists and tests done but nothing definitive turned up. Please pray that if there is something can be done that we will figure out what it is.

Vancouver Visit

We have been staying at GF Strong on this trip to Vancouver. It has been great to see lots of friends from the staff there as well as a few of the patients who were back for a visit and we got to catch up on what is happening. We were able to attend the rehab rap on Wednesday which is a meeting with the BC Paraplegic Assn. These are always informative meetings with everyone sharing ideas about what is on different people’s minds. The focus ended up being mostly on staffing and it was quite helpful for us. We also found out that the room we are staying in was not booked for Friday so we decided to stay an extra day. This way we avoid the ferry traffic on Friday night, as well we can have a longer visit with John’s brother Robin who came down to visit as well as buy a few things.

Successful Surgery

Today John had a Port-A-Cath inserted under the skin on the right side of his chest. This needed to be done under anesthetic. We were blessed to have John’s former family doctor do the anesthetic. Everything went very smoothly. John had been fasting since the previous night and got out of the OR at 3:10pm. You won’t be surprised to know that his first words were “when can I have something to eat”! We were home by just after 5 and he has been resting in bed ever since. How appropriate that this is the week of Thanksgiving. We are truly thankful, thankful for everything going so smoothly, thankful for the anesthetist being a friend, and thankful for all of you praying for us.

Surgery Tomorrow

Tomorrow John will have surgery to put in a port o cath - a type of IV line that is under the skin that is less susceptible to infection. Please pray that this will go without incident and John’s recovery will be short. He continues to be very tired. He has not had the energy to write or even think about doing his blog. We do appreciate all your prays and encouraging words

The Infection Continues

John is continuing to struggle with this infection. It leaves him very weak and dozing much of the time. This past week we spent a couple of days in Emergency while they tried to figure out what was going on. They aren’t sure but have taken out in PICC (IV) line and hope that he improves. At least he is no worse! Tuesday he is to go to the hospital for a surgical procedure to put in a different sort of IV access line. Please pray that everything will go well as we are to leave the next day for Vancouver for another doctor’s appointment on Friday. I hope this is the last trip to Vancouver for at least a month! We will have made three trips in a month by next week.