This week was hard!
It started so well on Sunday, May 12, 2024, with a Mother's Day message from Pastor Mary Ann, and then a beautiful Mother's Day lunch date with Dave at Spread by Too Too Moo. Everything we ordered was so perfect and delightful.
2024 Mother's Day date
A Hard Fall on Mother's Day
Then we went home, and had a nice afternoon nap. Shortly after, Dave got up from the nap gingerly, not rushing, not goofing, just walking from the bed toward the door. He noticed something about his shirt, and at that very moment, suddenly both legs collapsed without warning, giving him a hard fall. He made a loud "BOOM". Dave was in such excruciating pain. He gathered his strength to be able to sit down. Taking a deep breath, he took his time - while managing the pain- to get up slowly. It took many attempts. He had to break the steps from being down to finally able to get up with the help of the edge of the bed. I was downstairs making my coffee when this happened. The following hours and days were filled with pains and pain management. Even at this moment of writing (May 16), Dave is still having pains all over his back, toes, and his sides. It's been hard to get up, sit up, move, stand up, walk, and sit down. He has to walk with crutches or a cane very slowly and maneuver some basic movements. Coughing hurts. Sneezing gives a shooting pain. Laughing is painful. Yet, he still tries to continue his independence as much as possible, although he knows he needs to give in to ask for help in some tasks. It's another setback. So discouraging. Dave felt he was getting stronger and better. He was able to go to church and places that don't require much walking. He was even able to visit our cell group out of town last week. With this fall, it feels like starting over. But this is life as a Polio and PPS (Post Polio Syndrome) survivor. We know that Polio survivors, including those with post-polio syndrome, face a higher risk of falls due to symptoms like muscle weakness, joint pain, and fatigue. Key factors contributing to these falls include balance issues, "knee buckling" due to weak leg muscles (in Dave's case, we're praying his knees would learn to lock again), and a fear of falling. We have to again surrender this to God. It doesn't mean we don't trust that the Lord can make Dave well again. He is able to, and we will keep asking. Creating Preventative Measures Since our children Josh and Mei were young, we have taught them to "watch out for Dad". This means they always cleaned up after themselves, never to leave a wet trail on the floor. After shower, they made sure there was no excess water on the bathroom floor. If they spilled their food or drink anywhere, they were quick to wipe it from the floor. We secured our little rugs and carpets to make sure they wouldn't be unevenly folded accidentally. We made sure we had lighting. We did all we could to mitigate the risks of falling or stumbling. Whenever we visit them, we still see them do all these things- watching out for Dad thoughtfully, automatically, and without feeling embarrassed about it. They are such a gift to us. Our office/school also has adapted well by creating a vigilant environment where everyone (our teaching staff, administration staff, even drivers, office boys and security guard) is attuned to potential hazards, ensuring safety measures are in place to support Dave’s mobility and prevent falls. It's a good measure for everyone, in fact. My own mother is a young 81 going 82 years old this year and she loves to visit our school. We have many little kids that come for lessons each day. We wanted to make sure our school is a safe place for everyone as well.
Josh, Mei, Dave and I at our office/school in the summer of 2022.
A Quiet Struggle
Watching Dave deal with this setback, I realize that his sudden fall is a stark reminder of the fragility hidden beneath his resilience. Living with the relentless progression of Post-Polio Syndrome, every day, Dave faces not just physical hurdles but battles of faith and spirit. In these moments, my role stays as an intercessor, holding space for his pain and praying fervently.
At times, words of encouragement fail to reach the depths of such a struggle. All I can offer is prayer, lifting him up to the Lord when his own strength seems to falter. In these prayers, I find solace in the promise of Isaiah 42:3, "A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out." This "He" describes our compassionate and loving Savior, Jesus, as the scripture is repeated in Matthew 12:20. This scripture becomes a whispered rhema to cling on, a plea for endurance and a reminder of God's nearness in our vulnerability.
That verse is an assurance that Jesus understands when sometimes our faith seems weak, fragile, small, or faltering. He still wants to invite us with His gentleness to come to Him and just rest in Him. He will not break our bruised reed or snuff out our little light we're trying to hold for Him. He will give us the rest, the peace, the joy, the strength, and the hope once again.
Would you pray with me for Dave? Lord, in the quiet of our struggle, where words fall short and hearts feel heavy, we ask for Your comforting presence. Protect Dave's spirit, heal his body, and renew his faith. May we both find in Your grace a refuge that restores, and in Your promises, a hope that endures. Amen.
Again, I thank God for the people that I can call to pray during this time of need. You know who you are, and I'm very grateful. And for you all who have become our secret intercessors, or even if you just pray a quick prayer for us from time to time, please know we're so humbled by your kindness and love!
Dave at UGA Stadium (Georgia) when we were visiting Josh in December 2021(before Josh moved to Michigan).
Oh, my brother I had no clue there are complications of this disease. My heart breaks for you and I know from now on I will listen closer when the Lord prompts me to pray for you.
You’ve got this, my Brother. The Lord is using you as a testimony to show others how to be uplifted above the hard times, with His help.
You are His ‘Trojan’. He’s placed you in the middle, surrounded by those who so desperately need Him. God bless you. All my love
Praying with you and for you