June 15 Thursday

After a few encouraging days, today was a pretty difficult day at the hospital.  The surgery incision is not healing as well as it should, and there was quite a bit of drainage from the site.  This morning when the doctor assessed it, the first layer of the surgical wound re-opened, which was a traumatic and scary experience for Danielle.  There is an interior layer of stitches in the muscle which was still holding the incision together, but you can probably imagine the nightmare scenarios going through her head.  The surgeon re-stitched the incision later today and put in a drain to take out excess fluid so the wound can heal faster.  This setback in healing eradicated the possibility of going home today which was a huge disappointment.  The extra time that the surgeon has been spending caring for Danielle allowed her to get some more questions answered about how the surgery went and the healing process.  We are thankful for an excellent surgeon with a heart for his patients and skill in his hands. 

The wound opening happened before breakfast, which as you can also imagine does not do wonders to the appetite.  She did squeak by with enough calories but eating enough during the day is going to be a daily challenge.  Sometimes when faced with trials, you have a choice to laugh or cry.  In the case of the hospital food trial, I think laughter is probably the best choice.  So Danielle plays with her food.  She even made Carina taste test some of her mashed potato salad today – Carina passed an upper level of the friendship test today, haha.

Playing with the food

Mom made Danielle some PICC line covers, the next fashion rage

This picture was from yesterday, listening to Ava's heartbeat

Martha concentrating hard on making a grocery list at Opa and Oma's house

The regular presence of friends and church family has been a true blessing through this trial.  We are so very, very thankful for dear and true friends who have wrapped around Danielle in all her needs and been there to support her day and night.  The hand of God has certainly been active for many years developing these strong friendships, and each one is using their own special gifts and talents to bring a uniquely beautiful blessing in this storm. 

There is a beautiful bouquet of flower decorating the hospital room from Timothy’s former workplace.  So much love from so many people; it is all so overwhelming sometimes.  The waves of this trial are washed over with even bigger waves of blessings and love. 

Devotions tonight were comforting and again very applicable to the day.

“...fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God;

I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”

Isaiah 41:10

It is so hard to not be afraid – how do we do that?  How do we just “fear not”?  In our deep need, in our weariness, in our battle against the unknown foe, He promises to strengthen us.  God will provide what we need – not what we need for the next month yet, or the next week,  but what we need as we need it.  God will provide, He will strengthen, He will help.  Of this, we can be certain.

Prayer requests:

For the surgery incision to remain free from infection so that it can heal quickly

For all things to be sorted out for discharge from the hospital so continued recovery can happen at home

For freedom from fear of the future – a true resting in the love of our Heavenly Father