Dan had a lot of severe pain last night but I think due to the anesthesia he may have actually slept a little more.  He's always ready for hourly pain meds. He can bend his right knee up and down significantly more today, and touch sensation is more specific on the right foot and toes. No movement yet in either foot.  The left toes were less responsive this morning but still some sensation and that is his broken leg. 

We were encouraged by several cheerful visitors this the morning. Later Dan got a longer than usual nap. Physical therapy planned to assess Dan and plan a course of "action".  He is notably less than thrilled about movement considering long incisions front and back on top of the original injuries, but he knows he needs it and needs to get off his back after 3 1/2 days flat.

I, (Mom), ran back to Addison in the early afternoon and Drew and Su stayed with Dan the rest of the day so my report on Dan's day ends here.  My cell phone picked today to turn off without my permission and won't give me the "on option", so I am enlisting our resident tech, Steve, to get me back in business tonight.  I apologize to those who tried unsuccessfully to call.  Also sometimes my service reception is not good in Dan's room so I'm learning to keep the phone near the window.  Folks with Su's number called her instead.  Note that if you try to call Su or Phil they will be unavailable when they work their hospital shifts. I plan to return tonight as soon as I clean up some details here at the house.  There is a comfortable chair/bed next to Dan's bed which I used this week at night.

I'll upload pictures as soon as I can get them off the cameras.  In the mean time here are snaps from Drew and Su's wedding in March.  Dan is on the left of the photo above.

Once again we thank you all for your visits, positive words of encouragement, gifts, plants, details in regard to arrangements we are at a loss to handle and most of all for your loving  prayers. 

Here is a Bible verse that I liked very much when I looked it up in the Amplified Translation

James 5:16

Confess to one another therefore your faults (your slips, your false steps, your offenses, your sins) and pray [also] for one another, that you may be healed and restored [to a spiritual tone of mind and heart]. The earnest (heartfelt, continued) prayer of a righteous man makes tremendous power available [dynamic in its working].

We know we need tremendous power right now.  God explains how that all works in this verse.  Since He is the Creator and extremely capable I think the instructions here are good to latch onto, firmly. 

Olive Kaiser (Mom)

Click on Show/Hide links below for updates.

Hide:  August 7, 2008, Thursday

The computer remote connection is figured out now and I apologize for the update delay.  Dan has had progress and some setback yesterday and today.  And he has had many many visitors to brighten his days.  We thank you all for your dedication to drive so far, and for all the fun gifts, food activity ideas, etc.  He is surrounded by love and  friends and that is an incredible privilege

On the positive side, his right knee moves well and he continues to have sensation everywhere, to a much lesser degree on the broken left leg side.  Not much change there in the past 3 days.  Physical therapy got him up to sit on the side of the bed yesterday, and actually in a wheelchair today for a short time.  But these moves were very painful and short.

The downer is that he has developed some wicked headaches that hit as soon as he tries to sit up to any degree.  Pain meds don't touch them as quickly or well as we would like.  So a CT head scan was done today and another med is on trial tonight..  They looked for fluid leaks in the membrane that envelopes the brain and spinal cord but nothing was found.  But the headaches hinder physical therapy for the moment.  Maybe the neuro team will have some ideas in the morning.

The word now on his long term prognosis is that there is a good possibility that Dan will walk to some degree someday, perhaps with the aid of braces or a walker.  We pray of course for full recovery in God's time.

John Steve and Phil were up today.  I, Olive, am settled in for as needed daytime use  of Kathy's House near the hospital.  Kitchen privileges, laundry, and address for package deliveries, and rooms for the night when the family needs them.  I sleep in the folding chair bed beside Dan so far.

For our church friends, there has been no praise and prayer post because the P&P server is down.  I attempted several times this week to send out private emails to my own address book list and the address book is not behaving.  So if folks could pass on this web link to those they think would want it it would help us.  Muchas gracias.

The daily Bible reading for Dan and I today included comforting promises from Psalms 31.

Psalm 31: 1-8

   IN YOU, O Lord, do I put my trust and seek refuge; let me never be put to shame or [have my hope in You] disappointed; deliver me in Your righteousness!

   Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily! Be my Rock of refuge, a strong Fortress to save me!

    Yes, You are my Rock and my Fortress; therefore for Your name's sake lead me and guide me.

   Draw me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, for You are my Strength and my Stronghold.

   Into Your hands I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, the God of truth and faithfulness.

   [You and] I abhor those who pay regard to vain idols; but I trust in, rely on, and confidently lean on the Lord.

Many thanks for your love and prayers,

Hide: August 9, 2008 Saturday

Danny was flat today and will remain so until 6 am tomorrow morning due to the severe headaches that surfaced a couple of days ago. His neuro surgeon suspects a spinal fluid leak and wants to give the body a chance to seal on it's own.

His pain level is still pretty high often, even without headaches, 7-8 on a 1-10 scale, movement is about the same and it is hard to find comfortable positions.  His back is the biggie.  Like he is lying on a "lego", according to his description. 

Dan is also starting to eat some real solid foods but with some caution, since he is still flat and his digestive system is in the process of "waking up".  Chicken quesadillas were a hit.  Thank you everyone for treats, etc.  Please understand if some items don't work on his system right now.  The nurses who work so hard to keep him comfortable appreciate goodies, particularly the night shift, and we have shared some of your delectable contributions with them.

Dan's body is working on "waking up" from the trauma and anesthesia.  It's a long slow and not so comfortable process. But it's encouraging. 

Dan is doing upper body exercises and breathing exercises to prevent lung issues, but can't start formal rehab until the headaches are under control.  Physical therapy comes in once or twice a day to exercise and massage the legs and feet. He's up for a foot massage from anyone handy. 

Here are some snaps of Dan and others from a couple of days ago. 

Dr. Rau, Dan's neurosurgeon

(spinal repair). 

                    IV bruises

We'll post more pics of Dan with friends.  These happened to be in my phone which I have with me tonight.  A heartfelt thanks to everyone again the effort and miles you have driven to support Dan.

Dan reminded some of us today of a favorite verse of his,   "Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

We looked up the context and here are several more verses from that passage.

Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love.

   "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love.

   "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.

   "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.

   "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

   "You are My friends if you do what I command you."

The amazing part is that Jesus Christ, the Creator, willingly laid down His life for his enemies.

Hide: August 10, 2008 Sunday Pics included

Dan started his day today easing his bed up almost imperceptibly to check out the headache situation but then Dr. Rau called with the decision to go another 24 hours flat.  Bummer!! but hey Dr. Rau's in charge.

Milkshake today for breakfast, homemade beef bone broth later, and Su appeared later with some chicken broth and veggies and other selections in her portable cooler.  Mom ran to Kathy's House to prepare food and then home for various duties.  Su stayed until evening.  Mom will return sometime during the night.

Dan's digestive system continues to wake up and grumble.  

Movement issues are about the same.  Dan is wearing bright blue velcro "boots" to help keep the feet in proper alignment.  Rehab and the move to the spinal floor is waiting for the headaches to resolve.  But Dan stayed flat all day and avoided that extra stress.  Other injuries still uncomfortable.

Lots of visitors as usual.  Thank you all for your attention.

FYI, Olive's cell ringer bothers Dan so it's on vibrate most of the time.

Verses of encouragement from today's Bible reading:

Oh how great is Your goodness, which you have laid up for them that fear You: which you have wrought for them that trust in You before the sons of men.  Psalm 31:19

Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:19-24

Hide: August 11, 2008 Monday

Dan tried to sit up this morning, in small increments, and yes unfortunately the headaches did return as he sat up higher. He lay back down and didn't let it develop to the same extent.  An MRI was done tonight and he is back to flat on his back, but at least he isn't fighting a headache.

Today was quiet.  Danny is a little more comfortable than the past few days, meaning he rates the pain  at 5-6 compared to 7-9.

The occupational therapist spent time with Dan  He's learning how to put on hospital trousers with those "grabby things" and we discussed future rehab options.  But first the "sitting up" headaches need to go.

So overall, a little bit better day.  Thank you all for your prayers.

Our good friend Jim Ensign and webmaster for this website (along with our Steve, now), kindly put up the guestbook today.  Several have already signed it, and I read the entries to Dan tonight.  He was visibly touched.  Thanks folks. 

Oh praise the Lord for His goodness  and His wonderful works to the children of men"

Thank you Lord for allowing Dan a better overall day.  

Hide: August 12, 2008 Tuesday

Dan rated today for pain and discomfort as a 5 on a 1-10 scale.  So we are thankful for progress.  He started out keeping his bed partly reclined without a headaches, but later today physical therapy put him in a wheelchair and then it did come back but did not come on as fast or as severe as the first few days .  He toughed it out for 30 minutes and then went back to bed and Dr. Rau put him flat on his back again.  Dr Rau then gave him a choice of another 2 days flat to see if the healing which is obviously happening slowly, completes on its own, or the option of a procedure in which his own blood is injected into the site of the spine to encourage healing of the fluid leaks that they cannot find on imaging.  Since either option involves 2 days flat, he chose the injection procedure, hoping it will move the rehab schedule up on the calendar.

Lying flat is a bummer and restricts eating a lot. He had a hamburger this evening, but mostly It's easier to swallow fluids or soft pudding type foods so I came up with a couple of homemade chicken and beef bone broths and stews, pureed buttered butternut squash, eggnog, homemade ice cream with chocolate or peach topping and a frozen coconut cream peach pie that mainly melts on it's own.  Plus papaya lime pudding and some chicken salad with roasted red pepper spread that is almost pureed.  So there are some choices for the next few days while I run back home.  The staff has been great about letting me use a freezer on the floor and it has been awesome to have Kathy's House to prepare food.

Physical therapy explained today that the hamstring responds at least in the right leg,   So something very low in the back is still working.  Yaay

We welcomed several visitors this evening and Dan is now asleep, hopefully for a quiet, restful night

Tomorrow Su plans to spend the day with Dan, and Phil will relieve her in the evening.  I plan to return to Addison after a stop at Kathy's House to throw together some grilled flatbread for Su and Dan. (A favorite at our house.)  We have a co-op pickup at our house on Thursdays.  I plan to return Friday by noon, Lord Willing. I appreciate the effort expended by Matt Buchanan and Dave Thonney (boarders our kids age) who have kept our 3 fat cats fed and watered, and a  number of plants inside and out wet and happy in between rains.  And general housekeeping duties performed by John, Steve, our David and Matt Buchanan and Dave Thonney.

I spoke to John on the phone today and he told me of many phone calls he's received at Bible Truth Publishers from our friends all over the country who are concerned and care.  Thank you also for the voice mail messages, cards, gifts, and items to fill the hours when time hangs heavy. Your support and concern and most of all your prayers are an awesome encouragement.

  "Lean Hard" is a meditation that meant a lot to me as a young single working girl when I went through what seemed at the time a dark valley.  I memorized the last paragraph then and just now I googled it and found an expanded (original?) version.  Here it is.  So often we want to be the hero and carry the burdens alone.  As Dan travels the next miles of his life may these truths become very real to Him.

Lean hard!

(from Winslow's, "The Burden Cast upon God")

"Cast your burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain you." Psalm 55:22.

It is by an act of simple, prayerful faith we transfer our cares and anxieties, our sorrows
and needs, to the Lord.

Jesus invites you come and lean upon Him, and to lean with all your might upon
that arm that balances the universe, and upon that bosom that bled for you upon
the soldier's spear!

But you doubtingly ask, "Is the Lord able to do this thing for me?" And thus, while you are debating a matter about which there is not the shadow of a shade of doubt, the burden is crushing your gentle spirit to the dust.

And all the while Jesus stands at your side and lovingly says, "Cast your burden upon Me and
I will sustain you. I am God Almighty. I bore the load of your sin and condemnation up the
steep of Calvary, and the same power of omnipotence, and the same strength of love that
bore it all for you then, is prepared to bear your need and sorrow now. Roll it all upon Me!"

"Child of My Love! Lean hard!

 and let Me feel the pressure of your care.

 I know your burden, child! I shaped it - poised it in My own hand and made
no proportion of its weight to your unaided strength.

For even as I laid it on, I said I shall be near, and while he leans on Me,

this burden shall be Mine, not his.

So shall I keep My child within the circling arms of My own love.

Here lay it down! Do not fear to impose it on a shoulder which upholds the government of worlds!

Yet closer come! You are not near enough! I would embrace your burden,
so I might feel My child reposing on My breast.

You love Me! I know it. Doubt not, then. But, loving me, lean hard!"

Hide: August 13, 2008, Wednesday

This is part of an email from Su who stayed with Dan today while Mom ran back home.  Phil is taking the night shift.  Dan was expecting to get the "blood treatment" to try to seal the spinal leak that is likely causing the headaches, but maybe they didn't take him at 3 pm as planned.  Between meeting and other errands and activities we missed getting an update from them before Dan's bedtime.   We'll post on this tomorrow. And appreciate prayer that this procedure will help. 

NOTE: Aug 15, Dan did have the procedure and has moved to Room 5SE 16.  He is supposed to be flat for another 2 days unless the dr changed that order.

"I am in with Dan right now and he is getting physical therapy.  He can bend and extend his knees and the therapist says he is doing really well.  They still think he has a leak in his spinal fluid (even though they couldn't find it on the MRI) so today or tomorrow they plan to inject some blood into the spinal fluid and hopefully clot off the hole.  He is holding up very well and just taking things a day at a time."  Su Chase-Ziolek

The eye of the LORD is on those who fear Him,
         On those who hope for His lovingkindness,
      To deliver their soul from death
         And to keep them alive in famine.
      Our soul waits for the LORD;
         He is our help and our shield.
      ²¹For our heart rejoices in Him,
         Because we trust in His holy name.

Hide:  August 14, 2008, Thursday

Dan learned how to put on socks today in physical therapy.  He sat for an hour in a wheelchair without a headache until the very end.  Even then it wasn't a bad headache, just a threat of one with some dizziness.  Perhaps the procedure yesterday helped seal the spinal leak.  Thank you Lord! 

He has moved now to the spinal cord unit, new room number is 5SE 16.  The room is smaller so a lot of stuff has gone back to Chicago with Phil and Su in preparation hopefully for his move to Rehab Institute of Chicago next week..  Mom drove back up this afternoon after a day at home.  No chair bed in this room. Danny has adjusted enough that there is less reason to need to sleep in his room so the family center downstairs gave me a cubby for the night.  The hospital has been unusually accommodating of family needs. 

Today's devotional included 1 Corinthians 9:13

There has no trial taken you but such as is common to man:  But God is faithful, Who will not let you be tried above what you are able; but will with the trial also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it..

Also Psalm 34: 8,9

O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusts in Him

Hide: August 15, 2008, Friday.

Dan is better today.  He can sit up and be in a wheelchair without headaches, so probably the blood patch on Thursday helped, thanks Lord.  He is still in a lot of pain of course, but the parts that CAN move are moving more freely.

He spent time exercising in the rehab gym, took a nap after lunch and then visited with several who made the long drive from Chicago area. They took him on a 2 hour "walk" around the hospital campus, in a wheelchair of course, in the evening.

John and Steve came up today for a visit and later John helped me get things organized at Kathy's House and took items back that we no longer need here.  Mom is staying at Kathy's House tonight.  We are hoping for a move to Chicago to RIC (Rehab Institute of Chicago) next week.  It is encouraging that  rehab is happening.

As we look to the beginning of a new week and a new life for Dan, it is with gratefulness and joy that we remember our Lord Jesus Christ, Who freely and in an agonizingly way gave His life to pay our sin debt. We recently received "The Case for Easter" by Lee Strobel, an investigative reporter.  He graphically describes expert's accounts of the physical pain and torture of crucifixion.  Just the beating ahead of time often laid the spine open. Just watching Dan suffer from his injuries has given a little more insight into the Lord's physical sacrifice for us. Thank you God for your unspeakable gift.  (2 Corinthians 8:9).

"God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Hide: August 16, 2008, Saturday

This was a fairly quiet day for Danny.  Occupational therapy helped him learn to clean up on his own, and he spent time in the morning in physical therapy.  He says it hurts a lot. I found him in a commons room in the PT area on the internet after therapy was finished. He can get around on his own in the wheelchair and it is good to see him out of bed. He was in bed the rest of the day and evening.  Tomorrow we hope to hear more details on a move to Chicago to the rehab facility.

Our Scripture reading this Lord's Day morning was in John, the crucifixion and resurrection.

"These things are written, that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you might have life through His Name.  John 20:31

Hide: August 17, 2008 Sunday

Dan went to physical therapy in the morning and early afternoon and enjoyed visits with several friends in the afternoon.  Each day brings some more self help skills.  Thank you all for your prayers.  God hears and is answering prayer. 

It turns out the first opening for Dan at Rehab Institute of Chicago is Thursday, unless something unexpected opens up.

Mom will leave tonight and return to Chicago for an extended family funeral in Tennessee. 
Tim was expected to return from Ecuador tonight and likely will go up to see Dan in the mean time.  Dan is ready to be "on his own" which is good to see. 

The accident was 2 weeks ago today and it's a relief that the first hard miles of suffering are lessening.  Pain levels are 5-6 now with meds. 

The Word of God plainly states, "The wages of sin is death (and suffering is implied).  But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Romans 6:23   What a blessing that there are two parts to that verse.

Hide: August 18, 2008, Monday

I apologize for posting this late.  Dan had a "normal" day today that included physical therapy, visitors, and also the staples in his back were removed.  So his back is a little more comfortable.  Otherwise pain levels are about the same.

A bed at RIC, (Rehab Instititute of Chicago) opened up a day early, so Dan moves Wednesday.

Dan will now have a much more structured routine with visiting hours. There are parking issues.  There are a couple of parking garages about a block away.  Fees are $10/day with RIC validation, valet parking $11 with validation.  Street parking is limited to meters which must be fed and is generally not recommended.  Here is a link to the patient/visitor info page of RIC's website.

http://www.ric.org/guide/directions/index.aspx

We do not have Dan's room number yet.  Only the patient can give it out or the visitor must be present in person to receive the number so bear with us until we get these details.

"The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows them which trust in Him."  Nahum 1:7

Thank you Lord for your Presence in this trial, for preparing a way to RIC.  We trust You for a safe transport, to bless this move, and the treatment provided at RIC.  Bless Danny spirit, soul, and body in this new phase of his life.

Hide: August 19, 2008, Tuesday

Dan moved to RIC (Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago) this morning.  The transfer went smoothly and he says he is fairly well settled into Room 732.  He spent the rest of the day with doctors doing exams and assessments.   He'll likely know his schedule more by tomorrow.

Visiting hours are 8 am - 8 pm but likely he will often be out of the room in therapy so it's best to inquire before visiting and we will post his schedule as we find it out.

John and I just returned from a flying trip to Nashville for a family funeral which took place this morning.  A couple from our church offered to drive us down, which was a great help.  Dan was ready to be on his own so I felt free to go, thinking Dan likely would move on Thursday and we'd be back for the transfer.  But hey, the move went just fine without us (what a surprise!! :-)

The following passage was read at the funeral today and it was easy to relate to it.

I love the Lord because he hears my voice
      and my prayer for mercy.
    ² Because he bends down to listen,
      I will pray as long as I have breath!
    ³ Death wrapped its ropes around me;
      the terrors of the grave overtook me.
      I saw only trouble and sorrow.
    ⁴ Then I called on the name of the Lord:
      “Please, Lord, save me!”
    ⁵ How kind the Lord is! How good he is!
      So merciful, this God of ours!
    ⁶ The Lord protects those of childlike faith;
      I was facing death, and he saved me.
    ⁷ Let my soul be at rest again,
      for the Lord has been good to me.
    ⁸ He has saved me from death,
      my eyes from tears,
      my feet from stumbling.
    ⁹ And so I walk in the Lord’s presence
      as I live here on earth!
   .........
   ¹² What can I offer the Lord
      for all he has done for me?
   ¹³ I will lift up the cup of salvation
      and praise the Lord’s Name for saving me.
   ¹⁴ I will keep my promises to the Lord
      in the presence of all his people....

      ¹⁷ I will offer you a sacrifice of thanksgiving
      and call on the name of the Lord.
   ¹⁸ I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
      in the presence of all his people—
   ¹⁹ in the house of the Lord....
         Praise the Lord!

Hide: August 20, 2008, Wednesday

Dan's meds are reduced by 50% and he is in a lot of pain, levels back up to 8 or so.  More assessments were done this morning, some physical therapy and group therapy.  He was finished by noon.  Mom dropped in at that point for a short visit and to pick up some items to take home.  Dan got back in bed while I was there.  He was ready to get out of the wheelchair.  It's his back that hurts.

Even with his pain, Dan was a little bummed that he didn't get more therapy today.  But once the pain and everything else is adjusted, and his pelvis is a little better healed he may be begging for mercy.  RIC has a reputation for working patients hard.  He needed some laundry done, and the nurse assured me that he could do it himself right on the floor if he wished, or they would do it for him this time considering his pain levels.

The hospital address and directions below have been changed to the RIC info.

Mom ran down to RIC in the morning and spent most of the rest of the day trying to deal with a house and food issues that have been up for grabs for for the past nearly 3 weeks.  Many many thanks to Nelson Santiago, Matt Buchanan, David Thonney, and our boys, Steve, David and John for watering plants, tending cats and other "urgent" needs.  Matt Buchanan and David Thonney are moving out of our home and into an apartment this weekend, Lord Willing.  We wish them well as they "get on their own", a fun and enlightening stage of life. :-)

Also a huge thank you to Phil and Joanna Buchanan who drove us to Jim Thomson's funeral in Nashville.  I arrived home from Milwaukee at 4 am Tuesday morning and we left at 6 am.  No way would I have had the energy to go otherwise after five full night's sleep lost over the past 2 weeks, and John needed a nighttime driver to go with him.  But it was calming and uplifting to experience the comfort and encouragement of reflection on Jimmy's quiet but exemplary Christian life, his joy now in the presence of his Lord, and to share fellowship with many others who know and understand "like precious faith".  Of course everyone asked about Danny. 

Thank you all for your continued prayers.  Satan is busy getting his licks in, so it's helps to remember that :

"Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world."  I John 4:4

Hide: August 21, 2008 Thursday

Dan has been moved to another room, 702.  This time he has a view of Lake Michigan which is a LOT nicer than the other room, which had no view at all to speak of. 

I spoke to him briefly this morning and tonight.  He had a normal day, with a rehab schedule and visitors this evening.  His pain had settled some this morning when I called around breakfast, but that was before he got in the wheelchair.   Sitting in the wheelchair is apparently pretty difficult for long periods of time on this new med schedule.

To clarify a comment that came up on the guestbook today.  There have been a couple of times over the past two weeks when an almost imperceptible twitch (not a wiggle, a tiny twitch on command) has been detected in the toes of Dan's right foot (the unbroken leg).  It is usually not there, and we haven't mentioned it on this update page because it was so very slight and otherwise has not been not repeatable.  But since it came up we can all rejoice together that this has happened at all.

Thank you Lord for this gift, small, but it offers hope for the future. 

And thanks to all of you out there who have encouraged and supported Dan and our family in so many ways.  Your guestbook messages, cards, calls, gifts and visits are exceptionally uplifting and cheering.

We hope (trust) in a living God, who is the Preserver of all men, specially of those that believe.       1 Timothy 4:10

Hide: August 22, 2008 Friday

John and I visited Dan early this morning on the way to Grand Rapids for our dear sister Doris Patten's funeral.  Dan has moved to Room 702.  It is a very nice corner room with large continuous windows on the east and south sides, with a 7th floor view of Lake Michigan.  A real gift of sunshine.  He has a roommate whom we have not yet met.

Danny's therapy is in the morning and so far his afternoons and evenings are free.   This may partly be because he is not weight bearing yet due to his pelvic injuries and broken leg.

The best part of the visit was that Dan showed us he can now move the toes of his right foot a little!  More than what I mentioned yesterday.  He can't always do it, but it is pretty exciting to see such obvious progress. 

²Have mercy on me and be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am weak; O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled.  Psalm 6:2

I am the LORD that heals you.  Exodus 15:26

Hide: August 23, 2008 Saturday

Dan did not have therapy today due to the weekend, and enjoyed visits with several good friends.  They took him out in the wheelchair to Lake Shore Drive.  Unfortunately, it is hard for him to be in the wheelchair too long.  Pain skyrockets after a time.  He still experiences pain levels around 8 on a 1-10 scale when he is up in the chair and 5-6 at other times.

Dan is also having trouble sleeping.  The staff put him on his side and it doesn't seem possible to get him perfectly aligned so he can rest comfortably.  Eventually he goes back flat and manages to get an hour or so but nowhere near a good night's sleep.

On the positive side we are still cheering the new "real" toe wiggles in his right foot.

On this Lord's Day, the day Jesus asked us to specially remember Him, we recall His incredible invitation, “Come to Me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you.  Learn of Me, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Hide: August 24, 2008 Sunday

Dan had a normal day.  Therapy in the morning included some exercises and they taught him how to get in and out of a car and on and off couches, etc.  He also got a new wheelchair that should ease some of his discomfort, but by the time he got it today he was already hurting and couldn't assess the difference. 

Danny also mentioned that last night he got a much better sleep.  They staff got him in a good position on his side and he had several hours of rest.  He says to tell everyone who was praying for him that "It worked!"  Thank you again for today's visitors, comments on his guestbook, cards and faithful prayers of so many to a faithful, reliable God, Who numbers the hairs on our heads and knows when a sparrow falls.

“What is the price of five sparrows—two copper coins? Yet God does not forget a single one of them.  And the very hairs on your head are all numbered.  Luke 12:7

Hide: August 25, 2008 Monday

Here is a link to a picture of Danny's spinal prosthesis (spacer) that replaces his L4 vertebrae.  Su found it online and a number of his hospital visitors were interested to see it.  Those of you with back problems unfortunately are all too familiar with these contraptions.  We can be very grateful to the hard work of many caring medical professionals who have designed these devices.

Dan spent time sitting balancing on a table today, leaning various ways etc.  He had another decent night's rest last night.  He has skipped some doses of the pain meds, but not when he is in his wheelchair.  That still really hurts and he still rates pain about the same as before, 8 in the chair, and 5-6 out of the chair, but skipping the doses means progress. 

"Is it well with the lad? And she answered, It is well."  2 Chronicles 4:26 The mom in this Bible story had every natural reason NOT to speak the above words.  But she spoke them trusting that from God's point of view they were true.  And they were.

Hide: August 26, 2008 Tuesday

Dan had visitors Wednesday and typical stretching therapy, which hurts.  Unfortunately a poor night, Wednesday night, with little sleep.  

Since his days are getting pretty similar, just with therapy time variations, we will post updates every other evening on even numbered nights.  If there is major news in between then we'll put that up too as it comes up.

Since Mom did not post last night, (I was out of town for the day until late) this post is as of early afternoon Thursday.  I'll add to it tonight, and then post again Saturday night unless something noteworthy comes up.  Some members of our family plan to go to a Bible conference in Kentucky tomorrow through Labor Day, but we should still be able to post using a remote connection.  (Thanks, Steve, our in house computer whiz!).

Evening

A typical day today for Dan.  Su dropped in to bring him some items, and a visit.  Pain levels and movement are about the same.  A better night's sleep after a very uncomfortable night last night would be a blessing.

I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep.  Psalm 4:8 (Not quite as simple as it used to be), but :

My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth...your Protector will not slumber.  Psalm 121:2,3

    Hide: August 28, 2008 Thursday with update schedule change

In our phone conversation tonight, Dan says everything is pretty much the same.  Therapy schedules change each day and he gets the schedule for the next day in the evening.  Movement is unchanged, pain levels similar and poor sleep often.  He has to be moved to positions on his side that often aren't comfortable.

Dan has expressed that this will likely be the pattern for a while. In a few weeks he probably will leave the rehab hospital to heal more completely before further rehab requiring weight bearing activities can begin.

I am writing this in the lobby of a motel in Mayfield, Kentucky.  The Bible meetings are over for the day. Dan attended many similar conferences with us in past years.  There are five teenage girls hanging out together surfing the net, near me.  Some of them have been keeping up with Dan's progress online. So I asked them to suggest a verse for Dan.  Here is the one they chose.

""For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome."  Jeremiah 29:11

Hide: August 30, 2008, Saturday

Dan reports that he has gained a little more movement in his foot (I assume this is the right foot.) since that leg is unbroken.   Since we have been in Kentucky and Missouri we've not seen this new development. 

Thank you all of you who faithfully visited Dan and cheered him in other ways over the busy Labor Day weekend.

Endurance is hard and even a little hope gives courage to ...endure. Here are some nice comments in Romans 5 about endurance and hope.  (Note: "hope" in this context is a definite promise.)

We have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us... We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. ⁴ And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. ⁵ And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love...

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners. ⁷  For since our friendship with God was restored by the death of His Son while we were still His enemies, we will certainly be saved through His life.... ¹¹ So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.

Hide: September 2, 2008, Tuesday

A couple of new items to report here.  Yesterday the dr examined Dan's left leg, (the broken femur, which was pinned a month ago tomorrow) and his pelvis, and healing has progressed sufficiently to okay weight bearing therapy.  Dan tried standing on that leg on the parallel bars today.  It hurt a lot, naturally, and since he has little sensation in his left foot, he says it didn't feel like he was standing.  But hey it's a start.  Dr. also says some bone tissue is starting to grow in his pinned knee which shouldn't be there.  It is important for therapy to proceed and hopefully curb this inappropriate growth before it turns into hard bone, which would need surgery, which then would hold up further therapy until that surgery healed.  (Vicious cycle to avoid.)

More good news is that the dr has given a 2 week extension of Dan's current stint in the rehab hospital.  At some point he may need to leave rehab in order to heal for weeks or months and then return for more aggressive therapy.  If healing could stay ahead of the therapy schedule all along he could avoid the necessity to leave.

Everything else is the same, pain levels around 5-6 unless he is in his wheelchair, in therapy, or during his  bad nights.  Then they range to to around 8. 

So, more on patience, the watchword these days.  "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof:  And the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.  Ecclesiastes 7:8

"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised...We have thought of Your loving kindness, O God..., According to Your Name, O God, so is Your praise to the ends of the earth...This God is our God for ever, and ever:  He will be our Guide even unto death.  Psalm 48: 1,9,10,14

Hide: September 4, 2008, Thursday

Dan had therapy and visitors this morning and then went out for the day with friends.  This is not his first excursion outside the hospital. Friends have taken him on "walks" in his wheelchair near the hospital/ Lake Shore Drive area, and also out for a meal.  Today he visited them in their high rise condo on the lakeshore which is close to the hospital.  He sounded chipper when I called just now, so likely getting out was good for his spirits.

I visited him on Friday and got to see his new foot movement.  He can flex his right ankle up and down about 10 or 20 degrees and from side to side (circling) about the same either way.  He just noticed a few days ago that he could do this when a friend was visiting him.  He also can transfer himself from wheelchair to bed like a pro now and is moving much more normally in general. 

However, the staff increased his meds back up to close to the levels he needed in Milwaukee the first 2 weeks after the accident and he is still in a lot of pain.  Movement is important for healing and he definitely can move better when the pain is controlled.

Our "dear" old friend and former boss at Bible Truth Publishers in the 1970's, Clem Dear, age 93, went HOME to be with the Lord Jesus last night...surely the happiest event in Clem's life so far.  He got his first glimpse of Jesus, face to face for the first time, after a devoted life of tireless service to his Savior!!!   Psalm 17:15 talks about that moment  "As for me, I will behold Your Face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Your likeness."  All our defects and non working parts are going to be fine when this happens, which is really good news, but on top of that, to resemble Jesus Himself, the Creator of the Universe, too, is pretty awesome.

NOTE: John and I plan Lord Willing, to attend Clem Dear's funeral in the St. Louis area, meaning we will be out of town Monday night, when I would usually post the next update.  If I can't get the remote internet connection to work I will go onto Dan's guestbook and post an update there.

Hide: September 6, 2008, Saturday  

September 08, 2008, Monday

I was unable to remote connect to our home computer while in St. Louis for Clem Dear's funeral, so I posted on Dan's guestbook.  Here is a copy of the post.

Hi folks, We are in St. Louis at my Dad and stepmother's home.

Dan says everything is about the same. Therapy, visitors, a lot of free time.

John, Billie (my stepmother), Bob Thonney, Nelson Santiago, and LeMoine Smith
are singing around the piano. LeMoine is playing "The Way of the Cross Leads Home."

Here's a verse from Bob Thonney. Hebrews 12:3

"For consider HIM (Jesus) that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself, lest you be wearied and faint in your minds."

September 10, 2008, Wednesday

More good news!!  Dan's right foot is moving more than before, and now his left foot is moving a little (the broken leg!)  This is a first for left leg movement.  God is answering prayer.  Thanks God!!

Dan spent time in the pool in rehab practicing "walking" although he still can't feel when his left foot is touching the bottom of the pool. 

They that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

Hide: September 08 and 10, 2008, Monday and Wednesday

Not much change.  Dan visited friends on Saturday and stayed at the hospital on Sunday.  Everything is about the same otherwise. 

Thank you again for your prayers as the time slowly stretches on.

As your day, so shall your strength, your rest and security, be.   Deuteronomy 33:25

I am the Lord Who heals you.  Exodus 15:27

Hide: September 14, 2008, Sunday

Dan is able to stay in his wheelchair longer now, still on about the same high doses of meds.  Of course he is in and out for therapy and other activities.  Before, he was "done in" by 3 pm or so, but now he lasts until 6 or so before he returns to bed. 

He got going on a walker today, mainly using his upper body.  Naturally he is not alone for this activity.  He says his right foot movement is about 75% returned, but his pelvis isn't healed enough to bear normal weight.

The Lord is the everlasting God,
      the Creator of all the earth.
   He never grows weak or weary.
      No one can measure the depths of His understanding.
    He gives power to the weak
      and strength to the powerless.
    Even youths will become weak and tired,
      and young men will fall in exhaustion.
    But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
      They will soar high on wings like eagles.
   They will run and not grow weary.
      They will walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:28-31

Hide: September 16, 2008, Tuesday

Danny is doing more rehab in the pool and on the walker using his upper body a lot, and mainly on the left leg.  Su visited him and was surprised how much movement he has in his feet. Everything else is about the same.

You wilt keep in perfect peace the mind stayed [on You], for he confideth in You.  Isaiah 26:3

Hide:  September 18, 2008, Thursday

I apologize for the delayed posting.  We had an extra full weekend with late nights. 

Dan went out visiting friends parts of both Saturday and Sunday. He says everything is about the same. 

He wil