Yesterday morning as I paused and looked around my office before pressing a very important “send” button, I acknowledged before God that He had helped me complete the very involving book I have been writing since the end of December. Quite to the contrary of what medical personnel told us, Dan is improving, and that thanks to God as well. We have so much to be thankful for.
On Monday Dan underwent his third procedure (during this siege of GBS) under general anesthesia to correct problems in his kidneys. What had looked like stones on the CAT scan last week turned out to be “sand” held together with tissue and bacteria, which we can expect to be an ongoing problem for him and the expectation of ultrasounds every three months to watch for problems. The urologist gave me a list of symptoms to watch for in a few months that would indicate a blockage.
Because of the procedure, Dan’s release date has been pushed forward to May 8. Though we are excited to have him home as soon as possible, we want to make sure that he has the maximum amount of therapy at the rehab hospital as he can possibly have.
Another great even happened Saturday when our daughter in law Kimber gave birth to a beautiful, perfect little girl, Judah Danielle Scott – named after Dan. We praise God for her safe arrival and for Kimber’s safe passage as well through labor and a caesarean.
I was also privileged, while walking around outside the hospital trying to find a cell phone signal after visiting with Judah and Kimber while Dan was still in surgery, to encounter one of the nurses who had so faithfully served Dan in the ICU. “God sent you here today,” she said, telling me about a man presently in the ICU with the same kind of GBS that Dan had, except not as severe. Unfortunately, however, he has contracted a terrible infection in his trach stoma and is very, very ill. The nurse told me that he and his family are desperately worried. They all seemed so encouraged when I told them of Dan’s recovery and assured them that I would pray for them. What a privilege to minister to people as others ministered to me when I was in the ICU. Would you join me please in praying for this man, Pete, that God would be gracious and heal him and restore him to his praying family? Please lift him up in your prayers.
I hate Guillain Barre Syndrome. I hate it.
Also I ask for your prayers for the sale of our house. Though it is handicap accessible, it is much too far out of town for me to feel safe and confident in taking care of Dan and is too large for me to maintain. I ask for your intercession that God’s will be done in this matter, and that He guide us to the right place for us to live during this challenging period of time in our lives. I have always told our children that during times of uncertainty regarding a move, God knows our new address and phone number, and I wait with confidence and anticipation as He begins to reveal such well-known (to Him) details to us.
I must admit, that never before in my life has the future looked as cloudy and uncertain to me in terms of time schedules and details. (But then again, the future looked very well-defined for me on November 30, 2011 — and see how deceptive that was!)
Only the character of God is constant, and in that I take refuge. He has promised to bring blessings out of every situation for a believer, and I hold the shield of my faith, and your faith as you join me, against all that the future could vainly threaten. God will prevail, His purposes will prevail, and we delight to be part of that grand purpose.
We are now praying for Pete and continue to pray for Dan, you, and the rest of your precious family. God is constancy is indeed a refuge. May His answers for your immediate future be evident soon.
Today would have been Grandmother Scott’s 98th birthday. Happy Birthday Grandmother, your baby boy has survived a terrible ordeal but is with us today on your birthday! Tell God thank you for us, in person:)
Latayne you are truly living in complete dependence on God. It seems to me that as many people as you touch that God sort of drew away from us, the people you faithfully encourage and teach, and he brought you nearer to Himself. He didn’t share you with us as he has in the past, He had your time specifically spent with just a few priorities, namely Himself, Dan and your writing commitment. You have walked hand in hand with Him these last few months, unsure of every thing but Him. Girl that IS the abundant life! To really know Him. There is no telling what plans He has for you, but regardless to see your joy in the midst of trial, not happiness, but joy, not dependent on circumstances but in spite of them, joy that comes from knowing what ever God’s will is, that it is perfect and acceptable. What a blessing it is to partner with you in prayer for Danny, and for you and those God brings into your life like Pete. I love you
Praying for Dan, Pete and the sale of your house. You’re Wonder Woman in disguise, Latayne, and we know it’s because of your great faith and the faithfulness of God. xoxox
Praying your clouds will shine with Shekinah glory! God is near. And He is listening and filled with compassion. His love is active! Love you, dearest.
Danny and Latayne,
Congratulations on Judah Danielle!!! God intended rainbows to remind us that even the worst of storms will eventually give way to bright tomorrows. Your little rainbow has arrived. :)
Pete
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Praying for you and praising with you, dear Latayne. You continued to be prayed for in the late-night hours. Sending hugs.
Praise God for the miracle of birth and healing! I’ve grown in my own faith watching you and Dan through this time and KNOW He will provide that perfect new home for you and that your house will sell in His time. I will also be praying for Pete and his family tonight as his family supports him through this trial.
I am sorry you have to sell your beautiful home, but you always make a house a comfortable house.
Hello Latayne, I have been meaning to write and call but I think as you know, days can be consumed with hospital life. I apologize. As I read your blog, I was so engulfed with so many emotions and tears to know that our family is not the only one who has had the thoughts you had/have while Dan is going through this horrible illness. I, like you, hate Guillan Barre. It has completely consumed Pete to feel desperation and a sense of lost hope that I wonder what can I do? What can I do? I pray every day and as I read your story, I realized how little faith I have and how much more I need to gain and learn from the only BEING that can get us through this. I ask, I implore, I am willing to give up anything to have Pete back again, to see him talk, walk and even just breathe! I get scared but realize I have to be strong for him, but I must admit, it is hard! I feel so helpless, but God put you in my path to gain that faith in HIM and with the dreams I’ve had or others have shared about Pete, I know he will be ok…just a long battle to endure. Do you ever ask, why us? Are we not to ask that question? Thank you for praying for Pete. I’m glad to hear Dan is better and TODAY he will be home! I pray for him and your family and the guidance and needs for your family at this time. I know I have found a friend and hope that we can be in touch. God bless you and I Thank God for bringing you to our path…Yvette Saenz