Things Are Moving Along!!

The Trend is in the Right Direction

I haven't updated this blog in a few days, because there isn't really that much that is new. Haley keeps improving slowly. She has had several visits from our music minister, Burress, over the past few months. He would come and play his guitar and sing with and to Haley. On several occasions he brought a JMU music major named Andrew with him. Andrew has an amazing voice, and on one of his earlier visits, he mentioned that he had been cast as the lead in a local production of Les Mis. Haley just about came up out of the bed with eyes wide (this was before her surgery, so she was at risk of fainting--it's a wonder she didn't faint from sitting up so fast!)  She found out that opening night for Andrew (the play was double cast, so he was on every other night) was August 2nd. She decided then and there that she wanted to go. So, we bought tickets for front row seats. She was hoping that she would be strong enough to go, but it was definitely a worthwhile goal.

Beach Getaway

This past Wednesday, Larry and I had a chance to go to Virginia Beach for two days. I so desperately wanted to go to the beach, as I had hardly been outside at all this summer. We had a wonderful time and even got to reconnect with old friends, Dave Nygaard and Mark and Lori Huenerberg. It was very relaxing, and we came home feeling refreshed. Here's a picture of us on the beach.

Our dear older daughter, Paige, agreed to come and stay at our house so Haley wouldn't be alone. She took great care of Haley, including giving her her medication. On Friday she helped her to get ready to see Les Mis. She then drove her down to her house in Staunton, near where we were going to see the show. We arrived at Paige and Peter's house straight from the beach, and when I saw Haley, I nearly cried. She looked so lovely. She had makeup on and was in a new dress. She looked like her old self.

Les Mis

We had a quick bite of dinner and then we were off to see the show.  When we arrived, the first person we saw was a former co-worker of Larry's named Tricia, who has been so very concerned for Haley. She spent some time with Haley before the surgery, and was moved to tears by the way Haley was handling this trial and the strength of her faith. When Tricia saw Haley walk in, she immediately turned her back on us and started to cry. When she turned back around she was still crying. Of course, just looking at her made me start to cry. It was the first time she had seen her since the surgery, and it was so dramatic and moving.  She said, "I can't believe you're walking!" It's so great for us to see people having that reaction because it reminds us that things are so much better than they were. Of course we know that, but it's great
to be reminded again.

The show was great and Andrew was wonderful, as was the rest of the cast. Haley made it through the entire show, but by the end, she was shaking from pain and fatigue. She was able to give Andrew a congratulatory hug, but by the time we were in the car, she was really hurting. We actually had to pull the car over at a gas station so I could give her some pain medication. But it was great to see her up and out doing the things she loves. On Saturday, she was still feeling the effects of her big night out, but it was such an emotional (and somewhat physical) victory. She is slowly taking back her life.

Party With A Purpose

I just want to let you know that plans are underway for a big party/fundraiser to celebrate Haley's recovery and raise funds to help with the hospital bills. The date is Saturday, August 31, which is the day after her 21st birthday! The location will be announced at a later date (they're still working on that), as will the other details, but I just wanted you to know so you could put it on your calendar. It would be great to have as many of our friends there as possible so we can rejoice together in all that God has done in healing Haley.

As always, thanks for your continued prayer and support. So many of you ask how she's doing, and it's such an encouragement to know that so many are thinking about and praying for her and us. Thanks for being the hands and feet of Jesus to us!