A Positive Update!

Richard visited with the local neaurosurgeon this morning and left feeling very encouraged. After spending at least a half hour with Dr. Fox, it was a relief to know that the dr. did his homework and knew much about Rich's medical history and recent injury. He showed Rich all of the MRI pictures and explained them in detail. Ok, here's the deal. Rich injured his back about a month ago, which resulted in a significantly herniated disc in his lower back and a few torn ligaments. The trauma of the injury landed him a week in the hospital where he was treated for pain and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory steroid did wonders for the nerve that was badly injured, so today Rich can tell you that he feels pretty good. Dr. Fox told him to resume normal activity, with mild to moderate lifting, and if he can exist without significant pain, he will not have to have surgery. This is great news! A complete answer to prayer, I believe. On the other hand, if Richard does experience significant pain after several weeks of resuming normal activity, then Dr. Fox will revisit the possibility of fusing his lower spine. Either way, Rich is on his way to living pain free. And to that, I truly say "Thank you, Lord."

Please pray for Richard

Hi all,

Although life in Sioux Falls has been great, we have encountered a little 'hitch' in our adventure. Last Tuesday Rich herniated a disc in his lower back and has been in the hospital since. Lord willing, he will be able to come home on Monday after he receives a cortisone epidural that afternoon. Please pray that his body responds well to the treatments and that the pain he is experiencing subsides and eventually goes away completely. If he does not feel relief, then possible back surgery becomes a reality.

The church here has been such a blessing to our family as they continue to provide meals for us, help unpack the hundreds of boxes in our house and even provide free babysitting so I can visit Rich alone in the hospital. Although this trial has been a difficult one to deal with, the Lord continues to be our strength and holds the victory in our life.

The kids are doing well and they miss having Daddy around. Noah loves Kindergarten and is making lots of friends, Jonah is getting a little used to not having Noah around all the time and Anna and Josiah continue to be the dynamic duo of the house. As for me, well, I'm hanging in there! Although I did not envision having to squeeze a 2500 sq. foot house into a cozy 1300 sq. foot house, having my hubby spend a week in the hospital with a slipped disc and taking care of a Kindergartener with 3 siblings surrounded with boxes from floor to ceiling, it's all okay and just part of the big adventure of life. All I can say to that is "Praise God!" for the many trials in our life that build strong character and produce wonderful godly hope.

Love to all...