April 16

What do you mean I haven't done a very good job keeping you updated lately? You mean you haven't seen all those entries I've been posting? Oh wait - I see the problem - I accidentally typed backwards and left all the posts on the bizarro blog. I'll try to do better.

Don't you just love it when I delve into the weird pop-cultural references? Not a match, the board goes back.

Barbara continues to show modest improvements, fighting the challenge of deep emotional pain, and trying to eat despite her more-extreme-than-ever-pickiness.

The greatest challenge right now is that she may have to come home Thursday. That is both good news and bad news. She is desperate to come home, but also realizes that in her present state, she would be a big handful for me. On Thursday, she will exhaust the days that Medicare will pay 100%. While Medicare will pay 80% for a while thereafter, we can't afford to pick up the rest unless her secondary insurance comes through. Right now, we're getting conflicting reports, but my dear friend, the Grand Poobah of insurance is trying to help us find out what's up. In the meantime, I feel like David swinging an empty sling.

Barbara continues to loose weight on the world's worst diet plan. She's been having difficulty getting food that she likes, and at times, has refused to let me go get her something else to eat. I think it's all a part of wanting to come home.

She did stand up, with assistance today. While she still hasn't taken steps, I keep praying the BIG prayer that this will be the week God miraculously restores her legs, and she dances like Molly Spotted Elk.

A very special friend sent a wonderful, heavily stocked care package to Barbara and she was thrilled. She said it was like having Christmas, which she doesn't really remember. She did tell me that after she comes home, she wants to have a big Thanksgiving dinner, since she missed that as well. She becomes quite emotional when she hears all the things she missed, and all the things she's been through. I thought to tell her today that we had gotten a birthday gift for her mom, and took her out to dinner, and she cried. I'll never forget that day, though, because that was the day that the heart doctor announced that he didn't expect her heart to beat much longer, and that we should consider whether or not to sign a DNR (do not resuscitate).

It's truly amazing how God has healed her. Please join us in praying that our Father will continue to move in unexpected ways.

Pray that her spirits will stay up.

Pray that the food will get better.

Pray that insurance/financial issues will resolve well.

Incidentally, we're very excited that there is a new Medicaid program that will give her a lot of help without touching my income (traditionally, they would have taken everything of value we have and forced us to live on a sub-minimal amount). This looks promising, and could be VERY VERY good news. Pray that the right thing will happen.

Please also keep our finances in your prayers.