Setting goals

May 6

More steps, more praise, and now a goal. There are others who need this bed we are told and you need to set a goal. So on Friday May 12 there will be a progress evaluation – and the question – where do we go from here?

There are rehabilitation programs available but first Marilyn must qualify for acceptance. This is a scary thought for both of us. It is hard for me to imagine that these baby steps will turn into the mobility required for admittance into a rehab facility. But they must – or Marilyn may miss out on the chance for further help. I don’t want to see her written off and sent off as a bedridden shut in.

How do I encourage progress over pessimism? A little slip and the feeling of helplessness sets in. Yesterday Marilyn couldn’t muster up the energy to manage even one step and after a few tiny knee dips sank back into the bed exhausted. In her mind this was frustration and failure even though John (her physiotherapist) gave the usual positive “well done” comments.

Self-confidence has never been something Marilyn has been over endowed with, and this is what she needs now. And prayer – this has sustained us so far and never have we needed it more. Your prayers, visits, cards and words of encouragement have all been so appreciated. Today I will take all the cards out of her overflowing card bag and display them so she might visualize the many prayers and words of encouragement received so far.

If you have a few minutes please reply to this email with a few words of encouragement and I will print them all off for her to see as a hard copy of hard evidence of those standing behind her in prayer.

Once again thank you for all the concern and prayers.

Bryon

PS Feel free to forward this email to anyone you know who would consider sending Marilyn a quick note of encouragement.