Praise God that His mercies are new every morning and He gives fresh hope throughout the day. Because of your constant intercession, which we treasure deeply, His grace is at work in us and around us. May the Lord grant you a double portion of the kindness and faithfulness that you have shown to us. I have been reading each and every comment posted on our blog, and they have been a tremendous source of encouragement. It's good to know that so many of you care about my precious wife, especially those of you that have never even met her.
Reality is setting in a little more today for Kate, she was a little discouraged this morning because of her circumstance. However, I brought in a couple of pictures of the boys which are displayed in her room to remind her of what she is working towards. She was so delighted that I brought those.
Kate had an OT/PT consult this morning and they were encouraged with her status (same as the last post), they believe there is a lot there they can work with to restore her left-side function. Most likely, today or within a couple of days she will be transferring to a nearby rehabilitation hospital where she will undergo daily rehab therapy for an undetermined period of time. I'm not sure if this will be days or weeks. Also, she may never be able to restore 100% functionality, but I know with the Lord's help anything is possible. Your faithful prayers are evidence of that.
Kate is going to have to work very hard to restore that left-side function. This is probably going to be the biggest challenge of her life (like having brain cancer, two surgeries, and radiation therapy isn't challenging enough). She has an incredibly determined spirit and tremendous willpower. I believe she is up for the task and will need your continued prayers and practical support along the way. The journey will likely be very long, but we are taking it moment by moment, as the Lord has commanded us to do (do not worry about tomorrow for tomorrow has enough troubles of its own).
Please pray for several specific items:
1. Most obvious, that Kate's left side function would continue to restore, hopefully to 100% or close to it.
2. That she will accepted as an ideal candidate for the rehabiliation hospital program.
3. That the Lord would provide daily encouragement and hope, as well as strength, courage, and determination.
4. That she would get plenty of rest in the hospital (she is still very tired and sleeps most of the day).
5. That I would be able to get needed rest so that I can fully support my wife during the day.
6. That the Lord would provide me with the physical strength to assist my wife with adjusting in the bed, going to the restroom, getting dressed, etc.
7. That Kate's appetite would increase, thereby increasing her strength.
Hopeful and encouraged for the future,
Dave
48 comments:
Thanks so much for the detailed update and for letting us know of the challenge ahead, so that we are reminded to keep those prayers coming! Praising God for partial restoration of her left side function and praying for more (all!).
Amy Darr
I am praying for you and Kate right now Dave. God is faithful and I will pray for continued improvement.
Dave and Kate, it is truly a privilege to pray for you and your family. We as the body are reminded in Corinthians that when one part of the body hurts we all hurt......this is so true! Likewise when you rejoice, we all rejoice with you! We are ONE in the Body of Christ though here on earth we are scattered to the winds!
Your journey may be a long one.....but from a heavenly perspective it is not even as long as a blink of an eye! How comforting that is to know that our time on earth however long it may be is but a glimmer of what is to come......we are all walking this journey of life with you....we lift these requests before the KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS whose birth we celebrate in just a few days!
(We) press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:14
There are many, many here in the Northwest who are praying for you...my CBS core group, personal friends, and a Yahoo Christian women's group that I am a part of.....
We count it such a privilege to join with you on this journey. We love you all more than words can say here!
Dave,
Thank you so much for your faithful postings. What a privilege it has been to be involved in this concert of prayer--and to continue to part of the choir as the days go by. Praising God for all He has done and all He will continue to do to bless you and glorify Himself.
Looking forward to seeing Him work!
LeeAnn
Over the past year we have all seen Kate's (and yours, Dave) emotional and spiritual strength and have all been inspired by it. I have no doubt that now she will display the same perseverance as she works toward restoring her physical strength. For it is the Lord who is working within her. "Who is he, this King of glory? The LORD Almighty- he is the King of glory." Ps. 24:7-10. One more opportunity to display God's glory through your family's trial - He's truly shining in all of you. Praying still...the weinbergs
Thanks for letting us know how we can pray for you, Kate, and your family. We will continue to do so, knowing that the Lord is holding you all in the palm of his hand.
the Bauers
Dave and Kate--your strength, determination and faith are a blessing to those who read (and see) your journey. We are so thankful for your friendship, and we look forward to making many more special memories.
You know there's nothing we wouldn't do for you! Lifting you to the Lord. LOVE YOU!
Dave: Keeping up w/ all of the comments and your posts is almost a full time job in and of itself! I was kind of hoping that one of your posts would get the comments up to three figures--wouldn't THAT be cool (...yet time consuming to read...)? Standing by for the word @ if Kate would like a pedicure, manicure, hand massage, foot massage, blah, blah, blah--the spa treatment in her bed there at St. John's or at a rehab center--whichEVER...send word through Gram if she's wanting any pampering. Kate: 2 out of 3 of your shopping errands are done. Hiccup in the scheduled #3 errand for today: quasi-feverish kid...homebound for now. I'm there hovering over you and talking your EAR off in spirit, though (hope that made you smile)! Hugs to both you and your FAITHFUL husband! What a blessing you have in him, Kate (not like you don't already know...). And for what it's worth, Gram, even moms (me) are sometimes poop poop compared to Pop Pop (my kids prefer playing w/ my dad over me, too, sometimes...don't take it too personally)... Big hug to all. Laura Joback
I will continue to pray for you and keep you and your family in my thoughts.
We continue to pray for miracles as you and Kate serve a miraculous GOD!!
We will continue to lift you up in prayer. Thank you for your honest offering of your heart and sharing how God is meeting you where you need him most.
our love to both of you and your boys,
Kevin and Heather Bauer
Thank you for the update. We will be praying for the specific requests. We have never met but we are all sisters and brothers in Christ.
Blessings to you and your family,
Your friends in Alabama
Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
He gives strength to the weary,
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
the will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31
How incredible that we can trust in God with expectancy! And we are expecting Kate to regain 100% use of her left side! There is no doubt in my mind that God is going to give you and Kate every ounce of strength you need to overcome this challenge. God created Kate's body, and He knows exactly how to restore it. I am praying for you right now, and will continue to do so, that Kate will be quickly and easily admitted to the rehab hospital, and that the rehab is encouraging rather than frustrating. We love you!
Nicole H.
Yes, this may be a long journey but I will NOT stop praying for you (Pray without ceasing). You have touched my heart from miles away. I'm also praying for you sweet little boys. Michele in Ohio
Dave and Kate,
As this long trial unfolds, please know that we are lifting you up throughout the day, and that we would be honored to assist you in any way possible.
God bless you and keep you,
The Byars Family
Dave and Kate, you are continually in our prayers. Even Jordan (age 4 1/2) prays for you every day, today thanking God for answering our prayers for movement on your left side. It's so precious to me to hear her prayers; imagine how precious our prayers are to our heavenly Father.
We will keep lifting you up before the throne of grace. Thanks for the detailed update with a specific list of requests. You know we've all got you covered!
Stacey Preis
Kate -
I was passing by St. John's was raising my hands to pray over you when I was on the highway, and I think somebody was thinking I was waving to them. Oh, well, hopefully they thought I was nice!! God has big plans for you whever you'll be. Even though I have not met you, I can tell through your blogs that you have an awesome way with words and a boldness for Christ - I'm sure during your recovery, you'll touch many, many, many peoples lives for Christ. You hang in there and keep your determination going - I know you've got it. God will do great things through you - watch for them.
Stacey Preusser
Dear Kate, you have no idea how amazing it is to feel the awe of standing before our incredible God, praying for a sister in Christ who is facing a huge challenge and putting another behind her. I know, and believe, that God Almighty is covering you at this very moment with a blanket of healing, strength, renewal, and comfort. Pull that blanket up close to you as you sleep, as you fight off fear or worry, as you begin to feel your strength returning.
You are blessed. Be of good courage. God knew the outcome of the surgery, and He knows the outcome of the road ahead. Continue to trust in Him.
Prayers for healing and restoration are in my heart for you today.
This is my first time posting a comment. I am also a WCA alum and have been following your blog since this summer when Shannon (Patrick) Ward saw you in St. Louis.
Both Shannon and I are lifting you up in prayer each day. We are praying for complete healing that only God can do. We also pray for strength for Dave and comfort for your boys as they miss their Mama.
We will keep the prayers going in South Carolina (Shannon) and Virginia!
Nicole (Hendricks) Duckworth
Praising and praying for all of you.
Dear Dave and Kate, so glad to hear good news of Kate regaining some mobility.
We're praying lots for you guys. You have both been a huge inspiration to me. We pray that you continue to honor our Creator as you battle the effects of a sinful world.
Nicki
I will print off your list of prayer needs as I did the previous list. I feel honered to be part of this process, of seeing our God at work in his family of believers. Thank you for the updates. I have not been able to stray far from the computer in order to be current on Kate and you.
Praying in Sacramento, CA
Prayers will continue to grow out... I shared your story with a small group from my church so I'm sure even more prayers are coming.
As for us, we are in it to pray for the long haul. Praise God for His love and compassion.
Kate and Dave -
Thank you for the detailed prayer requests. This helps so much to know the specific needs day by day. You are both just amazing to me. While I am grieving with you, I am so encouraged by your faith, your love of Jesus and the way the body of Christ is coming together from literally ALL OVER THE WORLD to pray for you.
I praise God for the answered prayers and will continue to pray boldly for the answers to come.
I have asked my Moms In Touch group to pray for you. Kathy Steiner and I prayed together on Wednesday afternoon. It is a blessing and honor to lift you up in prayer.
Love in Christ,
Kim Berndt
Hi Dave & Kate,
I've followed your journey for a little while now. My 27 year-old sister was diagnosed with GBM 3/31/06. She was pregnant at the time, and following her very aggressive surgery at Mayo Clinic in MN, could not move her left side. She spent 3 1/2 weeks in the rehab unit receiving intensive PT and OT. Although she has not gained back as much function as I would have liked, I have to be honest with you and tell you that she has not worked as hard as she could have, and I believe that is half the reason. Please, please, please give those therapies your all and once you're discharged, continue them at home. Elise can walk although her balance is not the best, and I think a lot of that is weakness due to not getting up and moving around, not doing exercises, etc. I have great hope for you if you give it your best!! You can follow my sister's journey at www.carepages.com and once you register, the name of her care page is Elisecarepage. Or you can Email me at eabtzalasky@msn.com. God Bless You both. Dave, you sound like an awesome husband and dad!
Emily in Ames, Iowa
Dave,
I am continuing to pray for restoration of Kate's left side and total healing of her body.
Kate, When CBS starts up again in January, know that I will come to wherever you are and we'll have our own little core group until you once again sit amongst us and share your insights into scripture with all the ladies.
2 Chronicles 20:12 "O our God, . . .we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You."
Judy Keffer
It has been a privilege to pray for Kate (and the family). It is comforting to know that the Lord has heard each and every prayer.
Dave, I pray for your perseverance as you stand by Kate and still continue to keep us updated. I pray for your boys as the are without their mom. I pray for the ones that are caring for the boys, they need strength to keep themselves going as well as not worry in front of them. Your family is going through such trials. God does not give more than one can handle, you must have a very, very strong family. Have peace in knowing that He is taking care of Kate right now.
You are in our prayers,
Judith and Chase
I am continuing to pray!
God bless :)
Dave,
It is so wonderful for you to update so often. I am praying for Kate always. You are right about her strength and spirit as she is such an inspiration.
Kate and Dave, as I read each comment posted I have to say I'm often more moved by those from people who don't even know you! It's cool to realize that these people find themselves drawn to your story (God at work, definitely) and that they are affected to the point that they will pray and even take time to encourage you with their comments.
To Emily in Ames, I have to say that if you knew Kate you would breath a sigh of relief because you would KNOW that THAT girl will defintely give rehab her ALL and then some...just as she does with everything in life! No question, Kate will give 110% of herself to any challenge that faces her!
I'm guessing you're transferring w/in the hospital to rehab there onsite, but am curious where you will be, if you are open to sharing that info. I do know that the rehab there is among the best in the area. Definitely go to a rehab that specializes in brain injury (likely you already know that).
Continuing to pray for both your physical needs as well as your emotional needs, knowing that discouragement would be a normal reaction to this latest hurdle.
You are loved! Tiffani G
Praying for your precious wife Kate...
My son has a brain tumor, he's in remission and doing well.
There is always so much HOPE.
Praying you all through,
Susan
Prayers storming heaven from a wife/mother you've never met. But that's what the "body of Christ" is all about, isn't it? Holding other brothers and sisters up, when they are in need of support? We don't need to have met in order to pray for each other.
:-)
You folks WILL make it through this. Our God is an awesome and powerful God. He will never leave you nor forsake you. He promised!
{{{{{{}}}}}
~CW
I am praying for God to show himself in mighty ways to Kate, Dave and the boys. Your friends from CCS are constantly in prayer for your family.
Kim V.V.
I'm praying for all of your intentions. God bless you. +
Thank you for the updates on Kate's surgery. I haven't spoken to Kate since our days at WHS, but through a friend, was informed that she had a brain tumor and about her blog. I've been following it intently, especially in the past few weeks, and just want you to know that I am praying for all of you.
With all my loving thoughts,
Michelle (Buescher) Ferguson
I am so encouraged by the strength of your hope. That is from the Lord and I love to see what God is working in you throughout this journey. I am reminded of the words to that great praise chorus:
My life is in you Lord
My strength is in you Lord,
My hope is in you, Lord
In you, it's in you.
I will praise you with all of my life.
I will praise you with all of my strength.
With all of my life, all of my strength
All of my hope is in YOU!
God bless you, we're praying.
Jon and Jenn Fromke
"This little Light of mine, I'm gonna let It shine" . . . No one could possibly read your blogs and not realize the power of the Light through, before and behind all of you. The Light will not fail, and neither will you. Prayers through the Light.
From the home front.
Indiana Pop Pop has been brave and ventured out to a near by hill to take the older boys sleigh riding. You have heard of Indiana Jones. Well the boys have their own version of that in Indy Pop Pop. Last night he watched the movie Iron Will with the boys. and I kept the pop corn popping. Dave was able to get home and catch a little sleep in his own bed.
This morning Aunt Jean had the idea of a oatmeal buffet. So we found everything we could in the pantry that goes well with oatmeal including warm cinnamon milk and served up Oatmeal bar for all three generations of Snodgrass men. It's amazing how many things can go on Oatmeal. Breakfast is an adventure here since it is the time of day for Carter to plan his days social calendar. He wanted to go sleigh riding at 6:30 a.m., but Aunt Jeannie and I nixed that.
Did get to talk to Kate this morning while doing breakfast. She was blue and said she can't even dress herself. And she said to tell great grandpa that she dribbles on the left side of her mouth. She said he would understand. I told her to be patient that she would learn a lot in rehab.
I haven't given Christmas a second thought, but I want all you young wives and moms who know Kate and have offered to help me at the house that those offers are the best Christmas gift I could have. It is not unusual for a mom to stop by and hand me homemade something at the door and the comment is always the same. Hi, I know Kate here is something for the family. Thank you all. I love meeting all of you.
Well always time for laundry. If only I could put a dumb waiter from the basement to the upstairs. Just like the one at Turkey Hill Ranch Bible camp kitchen. It's where we send all the supplies from basement to the main kitchen. I could send all the laundry baskets from basement up to the bedrooms. Maybe it could become trendy in two story houses.
Gram over and out.
Hurray for Gram and Indiana Pop Pop! What blessings you are. Praying for your peace, comfort and strength ... all of you.
CHEERS FOR THE GRACIOUS "KEEPERS" (POP POP, GRAM AND AUNT JEAN) AT THE SNODGRASS HOMEFRONT!!
Praying for you kate to rest as God "gets your stronger" and praying you and Dave can rest together on this snowy day at the hospital. Love,
Tom, April and Mimi Curtis
Dave and Kate,
You are, and will be, in my prayers. A year ago today, my 26 yr old son Josh was in the same situation Kate is in now, except his right side was affected and he lost his ability to speak. Today he is walking and talking. Not perfectly, but good enough to return to grad school! His right hand is still uncooperative, but he is able to ride his tricycle and steer with it.
Please feel free to contact me if you need to talk to someone who has been there.
Trueda Gooding
www.caringbridge.org/visit/joshgooding
Kate: thinking about you this snowy day and praying for you still...know this hiccup in post-surgical progress (not that it is minimal to you...I KNOW it's not) is a setback, but you WILL, as some others have already commented, work hard at therapy and rehabilitation. I know you'd rather be at home puttering in your own kitchen in a matter of days with your boy clan all amuk about you... The answer to the "why's" @ this circumstance are beyond our human knowledge to understand, though I know you wish you did...Everyone is rallying around you, praising and whooping it up that you're capable of moving, but--grace to you! It's OK to still feel "blue" (like your mom said) about where you're "at" b/c it's not where you THOUGHT you'd be 3 days post procedure. Isaac told me this morning that he thought you'd move better with crutches and perhaps a band-aid. I told him I'd pass his thoughts along, but we both know Dave's titling of this post as a "long journey ahead" is a more likely picture. Nevertheless, your family and friends ARE in this for the LONG haul, praying for you, cooking for you, cleaning for you, babysitting for you, pampering you, shopping for you, over-supplying you with clementines, blah, blah, blah... We love you even MORE on your "blue" days. From this homefront to you: Laura Joback
Praying for you in North Carolina.
In HIM -
Mindy
Kate, do you remember the determination you had as child to climb that roof, scamper up that tree, RUN, RUN, RUN up those insanely crazy hills of yours??? I do my sweet sister. I remember how it seemed so easy for you. It's just YOU. God has given you that determination from birth because HE KNEW the child and INCREDIBLE WOMAN of STRENGTH HE was creating. WoW, today I am so amazed at the fact that God knew WHY He created you to be this way. He knew that this left-side weakness would come, He knew that because of this Brain Tumor that it would bring PRAYER WARRIORS together From around the WORLD (WOW and AMAZING) to be lifting prayers up to HIM. Today, I am so JOYFUL to be praying CONSTANTLY for you!!!!!!!! I love you so much!!!! YOU ARE A HUGE ROCK of LIGHT for Jesus!!!!!
Dave, I will be continuing to pray for continued peacefullness and clear-headed calmness and strength.
Andy and I will do ANYTHING to be one more support to you.
We love you two so much
The Repperts
Post a Comment