[Epley Update] April 14, 2006 Russ update

[Russ and Flossie Epley]

Today is Good Friday. I have a new understanding of what it is to watch 
a person you love suffer.

Yesterday was so thrilling with Russ being moved out of ICU into a 
regular room. As is often the case with stroke patients, today the 
roller coaster took a downward slide.

When I entered Russ' room today he was unable to connect with me with 
his eyes and writhed in pain. The doctor found me and told me the news 
that now Russ has developed a gastric ulcer.

Please pray with me that:
• the ulcer will not bleed new blood and that it will heal quickly
• the pneumonia will heal
• God would relieve Russ' extreme pain and help him to deal with yet 
another challenge
•  Russ will be able to get the nutrition he needs (he was on both an 
IV for food and a tube through his nose into his stomach for medicines 
but they have to stop using the tube because of the ulcer now)

One bright spot in the day was a visit by a dear friend and her 
cheerful 6-year-old daughter. Russ used all his strength to respond to 
her with a partial smile.

We also appreciate continued prayer for Christie who has returned to 
Bethel College and Joel who continues at LeTourneau.

Upheld by Jesus,
Flossie Epley