Maintaining...

Life continues in the Rehab Unit here at Riverside.  We continue to remain positive and encouraged, not only with therapy for Tom but with the cards, food, prayers and love from family and friends.
Our hearts ache for others who's lives are hurting.  People here at the hospital along with friends from church are experiencing the pains of this world.
Yesterday, Tom had a group therapy session with the neuro-psychologist...oh boy, I still can't believe this woman gets paid for sitting and stirring conversation!  Tom kept pointing toward the door and I knew he wanted to leave.  Tom said, "Jesus", looked at me and wanted me to continue his thought...share Christ.  With as much confidence as I could muster I shared that we believed in the God of the Bible, we have an eternal hope and that our life here is short.  We know that nothing has come into our lives without being filtered through the hands of God and He would see us through.  When I stopped to take a breath, Tom said "good bye" and pointed to the door.  I politely excused us and we left the room!  When Tom and I got back to his room he just shook his head!  Later the same evening our family prayed around the dinner table here in the rehab dining room and another patient stated that it was very awkward for him to have to hear us pray like that in public!  Believe you me that we sense Satan is alive and well.  We know our God has already won the victory and our light shines bright in the darkness.

Ephesians 6:12
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Tom and I both are so encouraged to know that the SOS (Serving Our Savior/Serving Our Staff) team at Worthington Christian is hosting a dinner and entertainment, Dave & Dwayne, for the High School staff tonight.  Tom and I just wish we could be there, but that would mean someone else would be here and we don't wish this on anyone.

We are sad knowing that Tom's parents will be flying back to Orlando on Thursday.  There will be a huge void at our home and in our hearts as they leave.  I am thankful that Zac and Sarah will be home on Thursday night so I won't be coming home to an empty house.
The house is moving along...it's amazing to come home each night and see the progress and amazing work that The Jae Company, Gossing Construction, Finish Line Construction, Mann Plumbing, Weakley/Kraynak Painting and the help of physical therapist, Kay Scott, and job foreman...Elden Deskins!  We are so appreciative to all who have been a part of this project.  As soon as the house is finished and the equipment we need in place we will get Tom home.  Each day gets a little closer and Tom's anticipation grows.  Thursday will bring more therapy, a visit from a wheelchair specialist (did you think that Tom, all 6'7" of him, would fit in just any wheelchair?) and we will practice transferring Tom from the wheelchair to car and then car to wheelchair.

Tom & Tom Weipert

Tonight Tom had a visit from a high school friend, Tom Weipert.  Tom lives in Wyoming, Ohio near Cincinnati.  It was fun to hear his stories from their high school days.  He brought well wishes from all the class of 1980, Westwood High School, Unincorporated Fulton County, GA (Atlanta).

Papa, Lauren, Tom, Granny & Tim

Cousins...Braden, Zac & Morgan