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July 23, 2005
Message Left, July 23, 1 PM
early yesterday evening i checked my voice mail and to my great joy i heard my son's voice say, "hey dad, where are you?" i called back immediately and we had a wonderful little visit before he went to sleep.
apparently, his therapy sessions went well yesterday, and he seemed a lot less stressed than he has for the past few days. i think he is beginning to fall into a routine that is making some sense to him in the midst of a lot that is still confusing. or perhaps, fuzzy, would be a better word.
in one of the recent comments i received i was asked about asher's movement abilities. he is still considered a quadrapelegic, but he is making some good strides at being able to control his left arm. if he continues moving forward the way that he is he will be able to control an electric wheel chair with his left arm and hand before we know it. he still does not have any signs of use with his fingers at this point. fingers are controlled at points below where his other spinal injury occurred, T5.
as far as his legs, or anything below his waist, at this point, he has not shown any signs of voluntary movement, or feeling that we can tell. now he does have involuntary movement in his legs occaisionally. he even has resistence in his right leg sometimes. when i pull it to the outside it will try and close together with the other leg.
i am learning more and more the complexities of both spinal and brain injuries.. in that asher has both it is even more complicated. the shepherd spinal center web site has some wonderful information if you want to learn more about what we are going through, and expectations for recovery (shepherd.org).
the truth is that there is so much that is unknown, just medically, about what to expect, because each injury is different and at this stage, ultimate outcomes are really not predictable, that we are still in a wait and see. it can take up to a year to determine some of the outcomes, and in certain cases it can take even longer.
in many ways it is not so different than when asher was still in a coma and we were waiting to see what would come back. for many weeks we were waiting just to find out if his chest muscles were functional so that he could be able to come off the ventilator. that seems like such a long time ago, but at the time, in addition to our concerns about him continuing to survive, there were also the concerns about whether he would ever wake up, and if he did what would his mental condition be, in addition to worrying about whether he would ever be able to breath on his own.
then, after he was able to breath on his own, one of the next concerns was whether he would ever be able to swallow enough to be able to eat through his mouth rather than through a feeding tube. which, incidentally, he still has a feeding tube and receives supplimental feedings every day.
anyone who has ever tried to restore an old house knows that you have to begin with the foundation. if it is not secure, then no matter what else you do to the house it will eventually be undone, because the house will never be completely stable. in a sense, what is going on with asher right now is dealing with his functional foundations: thinking, eating, breathing, sleeping, moving, digestion, etc. as asher's brain continues to heal and his cognitive abilities improve, we will be able to find out more and more what is working elsewhere.
every day, it seems like, God sends more people, both new as well as old friends and aquaintances to encourage us in such amazing ways. my family and i continue to be blessed beyond measure by such incredible signs of support. we have tried to keep up with all that has been done for us, that we know about, but it seems like more than not has fallen between the cracks. we just want to be able to thank everyone, even though we know that many would not want or expect to receive our thanks. still, we are so thankful, and we know that we could not have, nor could we continue to, make it through all of this without all of your prayers and all the other ways that you have helped as well. may the Lord continue to keep and bless you all.
another day of rejoicing in God's mercy and grace,
andy mendonsa
| By Andy Mendonsa | 01:38 PM
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Comments
the body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. so it is with CHRIST. . . so there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. if one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
(i cor. 12:12, 25, 26)
on either "an up day" or "a down day," news from asher's room makes us feel more connected with
the whole body. the re-mapping illustration has a larger symbolism. the healing process also seems
to have global implications for CHRIST'S BRIDE.
the CHURCH is broken and disconnected in many areas, but GOD is sending healing and wholeness here and there until the BRIDE is complete.
"I am making everything new!" (rev 21:5).
praise HIS NAME forever! ALLELUIA!
Posted by: grace at July 23, 2005 02:19 PM
I deeply appreciate this journal, Mr. Mendonsa. It is truly a humbling and encouraging thing to see God's love in action, and even more for me, to see such faith in Him. Truly humbling. Thank you. Your family is on my nightly prayer list.
I wanted to ask if you are also keeping a journal of Andy's "little" things, like things he says and questions he has. When he is fully recovered, it may be of some value to him to be able to read his own words from this time. You all have done so much and have so much on your plate and I don't want to pry, but the idea came to me as I was reading and I felt the need to mention it quite strongly. Perhaps you or Hadrienne or Gloria could spend three to five minutes every day asking him to complete some sentences, recording them in his journal. Things like "Today I feel..." "Right now I am happy about..." "I'm sometimes scared that..."
If this doesn't apply, just ignore. :o) We will keep you and your family in our prayers!
Posted by: Shari at July 23, 2005 02:25 PM
I am a little surprised that you actually answered my question "is Asher able to move his arms or legs". After I sent it I thought it was silly to ask a question. You are trying to go back and forth between Atlanta and Chatt and your house is in the condition it is in and I really wouldnt expect you to take too much notice to posted replys from your updates. I remember literally living at the hospital when our son had his back and ribs all broken and how tiring it was. I pray for you and your wife and family every single day. And Asher too of course. I am thinking that you are getting your energy and patience and understanding of all that is going on from the Lord. His grace is sufficient. A friend of mine printed off your July newsletter for the Widows ministry. My favorite part of it was where you said the devil tried to turn everyone away from praying and looking to God in this accident with Asher but all it resulted in is prayers from people all over the world!!! How great is that?!
In His love,
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa at July 23, 2005 05:57 PM
Andy,
I sit and read your journal every single day. You are the first website I visit when I turn on the computer.I feel like I'm attending Bible studies daily with all the incredible scriptures and comments made by you and many others. You keep reminding me of a modern day Job, who is never giving up!!! You and others have inspired my faith and made my beliefs ever stronger. Each Wednesday night at Silverdale Bapt., many in the congregation continue to mention your family in prayer. You all are truly a total blessing. You have brought tears to my eyes on many of the journal entries, and basically have blown me away on so many occasions. Keep trusting Andy, because you know in the end who the Victor truly is!!!
Love you brother,
Emily Anderson
Posted by: Emily Anderson at July 23, 2005 11:12 PM
Just wanted to let anyone in the Hixson Area know that there is a donation bucket at the Rib and Loin on Hwy 153. Right by the register is a Bucket with Asher's picture and a short note about him. If you happen to be riding by stop in and drop a little something. My family and I were eating there tonight and noticed it and I wanted everyone to know it is there. As usual Asher and family are in our prayers daily.
Patty
Posted by: Patty at July 23, 2005 11:15 PM
another day of rejoicing in God's mercy and grace,-- How very true! I'm not, 'on the web', so only can get to your updates once or twice per week. I agree with the comments from everywhere, on how all GLORIFY OUR LORD! I learned about your trials, when my daughter called to pass on one of your urgent needs for prayers. One of my Lords comments was impressed on me,( [Math.17:21] Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting ), and I included this with my ernest prayers for that expressed need. With the prayers given all over the World, it is indeed GREAT TO SEE HIS GRACE!
Posted by: LJB at July 25, 2005 12:45 PM
