12 to 14 hrs a day

How do we wrap our minds around Keith basically sitting in a chair for 12 to 14 hrs a day with getting up once every hour? He is one tough guy because he does it day after day.

I'll tell you it is the biggest mental challenge we have had so far. Movement has always been so much a part of our lives and now this. I particularly struggle with it. I think more than Keith but then I am more selfish than he is. Were not for our faith in the Lord, we couldn't  make it through this MSA struggle. It saps Keith of strength both physically and mentally.

BUT, and there is always a but. God has given us the Holy Spirit who acts on our behalf. Good thing because we are tired. We pray for and have faith that we will keep getting the strength we need to continue.

 As I talk to you I  hear how some of you are also dealing with difficult times. Know that you have encouraged us as we watch how you have dealt with them. Thank you for reminding us about Job's story in the Bible.  How others told him to curse God. He did not and in the end was blessed. His life was restored twofold and he had more in his latter years and lived a long life.  Not without a lot of pain and suffering first. That's the part we don't want to go through and as we do I pray that we may remain strong like Job. But come on, Job, really?  How many of us are a Job? Comparing us to Job just seems too lofty.

On a lighter note, I asked again for meals from our church family and friends during Jan and Feb. It's not so much the food we are missing (well sort of) as much as the company when you guys bring  meals to us. It is a distraction from our predictable day.

  MSA is wearing us down but God is bigger than MSA!

More fun!!!!!!!

33years ago, I married the best man ever. No I mean the greatest guy ever, not his best man =)

Yes, we are feeling happy and loved as we go into this holiday weekend. I know gifts shouldn't be the only things that make you happy but I must admit, they definitely add to the joy in our lives. I'm just being real and grateful. I think it is the caring that shows when we receive them. Thank you from us.

Ok, ok, I will stop trying to justify and just accept and have some fun. It has been so heavy around here that we can change that now. In fact, Keith and I are going to try to see a movie, the first time in about 2 years. Wish us luck. I've been informed by Keith that he would like his own bag of popcorn. The guy asks for nothing, so of course he WILL get his own bag =) He is so non-materialistic he doesn't even know what popcorn at theaters cost. If he did, he wouldn't get it. I'm not going to tell him!

Have a wonderful weekend. I know we will. =)

Fun times

We couldn't help smile as we enjoyed the 30 or so church family friends who came over Sunday afternoon to sing Christmas carols and sang very well they did. We were impressed. Keith was able to stand at the door for the whole serenade. He is getting stronger.  We felt loved and cared for. On top of that, we received some excellent goodies. You know how Keith (ok I have a sweet tooth also) loves his goodies! Thank you all.

I mentioned Keith getting stronger. I must admit I thought he would only deteriorate after he got sick. One of the nurses said to me yesterday  he should do a certain procedure because his condition is deteriorating. (it's private, though Keith says he has no secrets since he has been to the hospital.) All I can say is I hope she is wrong. As a matter of fact, I hope I am wrong. All the literature and those on the MSA website give proof that MSA is in fact a degenerative disease with no cure.  Maybe we forgot to tell Keith or maybe he is choosing to be the only one I know not following its (MSA) progression. Whatever the reason, we rejoice at his renewed strength!

Now about some of the changes coming up for Keith and I and our family. We will be moving in a few months to South Everett, WA. My sister and her husband have graciously and generously invited us to move to their home. They love us. They  know we do and will continue to need help and support, more than we can ask of all of you, though I feel you would and will continue to do all you can.

I will share more later. Now is not the time to say goodbye, so I will only say, "Goodnight."

small miracles

 All I can do is report what I see and what we are living as I have done from the start of my blog. So here goes. The other day I look over because I hear Keith say, "I can walk." There he was taking a few steps without the walker! The bad part was he was putting dishes away at the time (oh yeah, he also can put the dishes away again. And like I said he is valuable whether or not he puts dishes away but it is kind of a marker as to his recovery) So anyway, there he was walking his two steps while holding two breakable glasses. Needless to say I was both happy and worried. I said next time can you try it without something breakable in your hands =) He hadn't done it since that one time or so I thought until yesterday when he told me he did walk a couple of steps in the kitchen when I was gone. That guy is doing all he can.  He just now did 5 minutes on the recumbent bike!

I'm learning that miracles can take place in small ways, often not instantly. If the Lord does not want to heal Keith all at once then so be it. After all he loves him the most and knows the reason for him having MSA and what its results will be. We trust in our heavenly father.

On a lighter note, Keith is loving the treats. His eyes light up for those cakes, donuts, cookies, pies and cinnamon rolls. I will tell you if there are too many or if he gains too much weight.

We are reading the verses you have sent on healing.

Thanks all of you. We are feeling very encouraged!