Food, Glorious Food! Day 26

Nate has officially moved past the broth and jello phase of his diet! He's tolerated "drinking" his food reasonably well, so he was bumped up to a regular diet this morning! He even got to skip the full liquid diet...he's kind of an over achiever like that. It's been twelve days since his last solid food, and I think his stomach must be the size of an egg. It only took a few bites of rice and a cooked carrot to fill him up. But hey, he's moving in the right direction!

We have a great view from our new room on the 7th floor...of the State Mental Hospital. It looks just like what you would imagine it to. Long and tall, red brick building. Right next to the Mental Hospital, high up on a hill, is the old "Insane Asylum". They seriously call it that. I'll post a picture of it tomorrow...it's kind of funny. Nancy commented that if Nate has to stay here much longer, we'll all have to spend some time there. Umm...can I check in tomorrow?

Today I was able to go to church. One of the speakers talked about finding peace in adversity. A number of years ago, five of his children were in a car accident as they were driving home from a church youth activity. Two of his sons were badly injured, and became quadriplegics. He told one specific story where the trial became almost too heavy to bear. As the mother of the family struggled to find some peace in the situation, one thought kept coming to mind, "Count your blessings". She thought it pretty ironic that this is what came to her in her moment of complete meltdown, but it just kept coming, "Count your blessings". She finally relented, and began to realize all the small, yet positive details that kept the situation from escalating to a disaster. As she did this, she realized that she was finally feeling the peace that she'd longed for all day. He testified that as he's put this "process to find peace" into action, he's felt the peace he yearned for 100% of the time. He pointed out that it's very difficult to feel gratitude and fear at the same time.

I share that story with you because it really struck a cord with me. I think back over the last 5 1/2 months, and even though we haven't had a ton of 'good news' regarding Nate's illness and treatment, I can clearly see all the little blessings that have kept Nate safe, and helped us endure this trial. Many of you have actually pointed them out to us..."Can you imagine what would've happened if you were in the middle of the ocean on a cruise when Nate got sick?", ""It's a good thing that surgeon was on call", "It's amazing that your surgeon would pray with you before surgery", "Good thing a bed opened up on the 7th floor just in time for you to get discharged from the ICU", At least you were still at UMASS and not on your way home when Nate's bowel ruptured", "How lucky that your friend was heading to Idaho, and could take your kids to your sister's house", "How crazy that your surgeon shares your faith", "It was great timing for your friends to come visit you when they did". The list goes on and on.

Through this experience, I've learned so much. But above all, I've learned that we are loved by our Father in heaven, and that He knows us. He's aware of our struggles, and he sends angels to bear us up when the burden is too heavy.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

                                                                                                           -John 14:27

 

Nate asked that I thank you all once again for the love and support you've shared with us. We are ever grateful.