[Epley Update] April 23, 2006 Russ update

[Russ and Flossie Epley]

Now that Russ is making good improvement in getting over his pneumonia 
he is increasingly more responsive. His left side is amazingly strong 
for having been on his back for 3 1/2 weeks. He tries hard to change 
positions though he is never quite successful since his right side 
doesn't move with the rest of him. I believe that will come with time.

The disconcerting part is that now that Russ is not in all-encompassing 
pain,  he is more aware of his inability to speak and communicate his 
thoughts to me. Today he had moments of peaceful listening to visitors 
and me speaking to him, but other times was visibly very frustrated as 
he rather frantically gestured trying to get me to understand him. I 
tried to understand but couldn't make it out. He even tried to finger 
spell but it didn't really make sense. It appeared he was hallucinating.

I rejoice over Russ' improved health and am asking the Lord for grace 
for this new stage. We need grace for Russ as his mind is working hard 
to communicate clearly but his brain is not cooperating with him. I 
also need grace as I seek to understand and encourage him. For a man 
who has always had a very keen mind, this challenge will be huge. God's 
grace is always enough. I know I do not need to live through the months 
ahead now, but just receive God's strength one moment at a time. Today 
as I tried to calm Russ in his distress, God's strength was sufficient. 
I believe it will be in the future as well.

We would also appreciate prayer for our daughter Christie who has plans 
to go on a summer missions trip with TEAM this summer. The country she 
planned to go to is currently in political turmoil. Please pray that 
God would clearly guide those making the decisions to proceed or 
redirect her to a different country. My mother heart would prefer a 
safer country but I know that being in the center of God's will is the 
safest place to be. Christie needs to know what God's will is. Please 
pray with her that God will help her know His plan for her summer and 
her life ahead.

In my devotions yesterday I read in Mark 12:41-44 about the widow who 
gave her last two coins in the temple offering. I think it is 
significant that she gave both coins. She could have given just one. 
That would have been half of what she had which would have been a 
significant gift. As I read this passage, I sensed God telling me not 
to hold either my husband or my daughter tightly in my hand. God can 
and will care for them better than I ever could. I choose to open my 
hand and let Jesus heal my husband and guide my daughter as He chooses.

Thank you for your continued prayers,
Flossie