 |
 |
|
|
|
"Is 'Pied' a Noun or an Adjective?" |
|
|
Dear all,
This pretty much sums up the quality of the conversations Dad and I are sharing these days, now three weeks alone with the kids. It happened as we were walking with Else and Karl on the way to our apartment, and Else saw one of Vogtareuth's 8,297 cats. I don't like cats. I said to Dad, "Dad, we need the Pied Piper to rid Vogtareuth of its cats. No, wait a minute. The Pied Piper called all of the mice out of the city." "No," said Dad, "the children." "Oh," I said. "Why was he called the 'Pied' Piper? Was the town called 'Pied'?" Silence. "No, Hamlin, I think." "Oh," I said. "Then 'Pied' has to be an adjective. What do you suppose 'Pied' means then?" And Dad turned to me, looking somewhat like Munch's "The Scream," and said, with a bit of a raving edge to it, "I don't know. Just get me home!!!!"
Which is exactly what we are doing. On Wednesday, we are flying home, thank you Jesus. We can't wait, and are so thankful for all those who sent in suggestions for our trip, and miles, and prayers. One dear friend wrote, "Please let us know when you are flying back to Sioux Falls. We'll stop praying, so that the prayers don't get in the way of your plane!" Very nice thought, but we'll take the prayers, and assume they will keep the flight afloat!
Karl is medically stable, and yet thanks to Children's Miracle Network, a nurse from Sioux Valley Hospital, where Karl will be in Rehab, is flying here on Tuesday, just to turn around and accompany us on Wednesday. We are thankful for her for the "just in case" calming presence of an intensive care nurse.
Karl is otherwise continuing to do wonders. The words which the doctors and therapists use to describe him are telling; "Gewaltig," meaning violent, and "Brutal," both used to categorize his progress, even in the last two weeks. This morning, he started to click his tongue on the back of his front teeth (and hasn't stopped), and he grins the whole while. As of last night he began to make a "FFFFF" noise with his front teeth on his lower teeth, and is pretty darn pleased with himself for it, thank you very much. Last week, the morning after Dad stayed with him overnight, Karl was bountiful with bodily noises. After the last large explosion, Dad said, "Oh MAN Karl, are you noisy today!" And Karl grinned and said, slowly but clearly, "Oh man."
They have reduced the medication to ease the stiffness in his body; we will see whether he can be entirely off of it or whether he needs some measure of it yet?his right side is still more affected than his left, and when he is stressed, his right arm and leg become even stiffer, though much better than before. He could even, with help, lift his hand up to touch his hair this morning.
We have many prayer requests.
First, prayers of thankfulness that Prairie Land is almost in sight, and prayers of thankfulness for all those who have helped us get home. Prayers also for smooth flights and quiet children (and not just ours!).
Prayers for safe travel for Althea, the nurse from Sioux Falls.
Prayers of thanksgiving for Karl's continuing progress and abundant smiles.
Prayers of bidding for continued progress, and, of course, complete and extravagant healing. God is working wonders through Karl and with his healing, and we are so confident that this will only continue.
Prayers of joy for little girl Else, who gives Karl such glee, and her Mama and Opa too.
Prayers for Dad that he will hold out for just a few more days!!!! (God bless Dad.)
Prayers for little Vera, a 3 ½ year-old who is also here, but since April, and also with severe head injuries. Prayers for her good family who are devastated by the accident, but hopeful nonetheless.
Prayers for each of you, for the strength you give me, and the comfort, and the peace.
God bless you all, and an update once we arrive!
God is good.
Anna
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
