July 11,2013

This is July 11, 2013. 

I have said there were basically 4 things that sent me to the ICU last year. Each individually could be fatal, but I had a storm brewing with all 4.  

1. low potassium
2. post eclampsia
3. cardiomyopathy 
4. long QT syndrome

This is the day they figured out number 4, Long QT Syndrome. It is basically a disorder of the heart’s electrical activity, mostly likely genetic. 

They removed my feeding tube and scheduled me for surgery the next day. They would insert an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) in my chest. The ICD continually monitors my heart and if it detects a bad rhythm it will correct it. 

Bryce wrote this on the night of the 11th: 

In the last few days we have seen dramatic improvements in Spesh’s condition. She is fully responsive and alert now, she recognizes all of her family and friends who have been at her side for the last week. She carries on conversations with humor and smiles while showing deep comprehension of what has and is happening. Some blank spots in her memory are returning daily. Last night she suddenly said,"Oh, I remember when Tuolumne was born." I would like to know what kind of prayers were going up just then!

Today she walked with assistance to get a shower and then to a sun room to sit with family for awhile. What a treat. 

She is back to eating three + meals a day and her favorite is still Strawberry Milkshakes! Physically and Neurologically she is a miracle by the power of Christ through your prayers. Praise and Honor to God. 

She has a long way to go, but I keep reminding myself of the an analogy I gave her just yesterday. When we have run ultra-marathons in the past of 30 - 50 miles we didn't just show up at the start and take off. There were months of training to build up to our goal. We started off running 5 miles at a time and step by step built up our training, endurance, and strength until we could toe the line at the start of 50 mile race through the mountains. Even then we were unsure of the outcome but our souls craved the adventure that lay ahead. The 50 mile trail race I mentioned, Spesh placed second and beat me by 20 minutes!

"She is clothed with strength and dignity and laughs at the days to come." (Proverbs 31)