THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL

Here it is November first and we have not written for a while. Bob continues to make improvement in his vision, although slight double vision remains out of the far corner of his left eye. Dr. Whitaker, whom we saw last week, still expects a full recovery of Bob’s vision. Dr. Arkin, the neurologist who treated Bob upon arrival at St. Lukes, June 1, expects healing to occur for up to one year. The stem of the brain stroke affects the eyesight and the left side of the brain affects Bob’s memory. Dr. Arkin will see Bob again in December and Dr. Whitaker in six months.
The fatigue factor is that which most frustrates Bob. He really just began to understand what happened to him when we saw Dr. Arkin last month and he asked questions about himself. He can work long days in the yard and not tire as he does after 8 hours in class each Monday during his training for the chaplaincy at St. Joseph Hospital, Carondelet. Brain stem strokes cause fatigue.
Bob has attended 4 days of classes, written pages of verbatims and sermons. Today he actually went to work at the hospital ministering to two stroke victims and their families. This was a sobering and humbling experience! Was it a coincidence that his first patients were stroke victims? This Saturday he will spend his first night “on call” in the hospital and later this month deliver his first sermon in the hospital chapel which is televised to the patients.
We recently spent a fun couple of days in Boonville, Arrow Rock, Rocheport and Blackwater, MO. We walked on the Katy Trail and took the above symbolic picture. I believe that we are truly seeing the light at the end of the tunnel of our stroke journey. Our lives are forever changed, albeit enriched with your continuous love and support (a reminder of how important friendships are) Bob’s evolving career influenced by the strokes, and our love for each other forever cherished now moment by moment.
We don’t know what lies ahead, but we do know that our Lord and God is in charge of everything and that we can trust Him in that. We thank you for sharing our journey and loving us.
For by him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether they are kings, lords, rulers, or powers. All things have been created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Cor. 12:9