Thankful Hearts

Hi Everyone - No new medical developments to report, but just wanted to touch base and say that we hope everyone had a peaceful Thanksgiving Holiday.

It's surreal to look back a year ago to see the difference in Sam's condition today compared to last year at this time. If you have time to go back and view the posts for November 23rd and November 17, 2008 - you will see the incredible progress Sam has made. It's funny how we so quickly forget past pain and suffering - but we suppose it's normal. But it is important to remember how things were, so that we can remain grateful for Sam's progress to this point.

It's ironic that Sam will sometimes gripe now that it takes so long to chew his food and that he has to drink a lot of liquid to help with swallowing. He is usually reminded (it won't be reported, by whom) of a time when he was dragging around a feeding tube for seven months which then helps to keep his current situation in perspective.

We are so looking forward to the Christmas holiday when our home will be filled with the hustle bustle of the season; family guests staying with us for the holidays; memories of Christmas past and hope for Christmas future. We will feast on favorite foods and Sam will do his best to try everything on the table.

A few weeks ago as we were reading from "Streams in the Desert", and were moved by a poetic verse included in that day's devotion.

If all my days were sunny could I say "In His fair land He wipes all tears away"?
If I were never weary could I keep this blessed truth, "He gives His loved ones sleep"?
If no grave were mine, I might come to deem the life eternal but a baseless dream. My winter, and my tears, and weariness, even my grave, may be his way to bless.
I call them ills, yet that can surely be nothing but love that shows my Lord to me.

From our own recent experience we could add to this a verse that says: "If we were never hungry, thirsty, or unable to swallow, could we really appreciate the bounty that has been provided for our enjoyment by our Creator"?

We thank you for your continued prayers for a total healing for Sam.