Arla continues to progress. Her facial expressions are becoming more like the Arla we know and love. She is comprehending conversations and knows the names of people and those who visit her. Tonight when Mary Ann said the name of one of Arla’s dear friends and told her that this friend had the name “Arla” posted all over the house as a reminder to pray, Arla became emotional and began to cry. This was a clear sign to Mary Ann that Arla knew exactly what friend we were talking about and was filled with the joy of that friendship. (And, friend, you know who you are.). This is one of several times when we have really known that Arla is “in there”.
A stroke is an odd thing. While it has robbed all of us as it hurt Arla’s body, it is also blesses us daily. The petty things in life are in the background while the relationships and important parts of life have come to the foreground. Arla and Harold’s children are seeing their parents in a new way. Though there is sadness, there is tremendous love being shown by Arla and Harold toward one another. It is a blessing to see our parents love one another so much. A stroke also causes you to slow down and take life as it comes. A slow pace can be a blessing in our hurry-up world. Family members have had time to sit and talk as we visited Arla or waited for a therapy or procedure to be done. And we know there are people who will come to develop a relationship–or strengthen their relationship– with Jesus Christ because they are reading this blog and are seeing the power of our Lord at work in Arla.
We would have preferred the stroke never happened, but God wants us to be blessed…so we must find the blessing. As you walk your daily life, we pray you may find the blessing in what you are facing.
Consider it pure joy! 
thank you for the updates! I can relate with you in finding blessings in a sad time in your life…and I understand completely what you mean. I love hearing the good news of her progress. I pray for her everytime I think of her throughout the day. Your posts are great! Chris Thomas
I know that when bad things happen, God makes good things happen. We just have to wait and listen to Him for His plan. God is Great!! I’m glad Arla and Harold’s love for each other is as strong or stronger than it was before. I praise God for the closeness of your family.
Sometimes something devastating has to happen to a loved one, to open our eyes and make us realize as to how much we take for granted in life. These past few years of going to Van Wert to visit with family and my dear mothers friends has brought my Sister and I closer to the Oechsle side of the family again. I am so glad that we did that and we will contiue to as long as we are able.
I am so proud of my Aunt Arla. She has showed me determination and strenght. What a beautiful and graceful woman she is. Prayers do work and we will keep them coming your way.
1950’s to 60’s Arla’s witness of personal faith in Jesus Christ was brought to my awareness. In our earthly living our broken conditions seem so cruel to the comfortable circumstances to which we grow accustomed. Learning to know and trust God through personal faith relationship with Jesus Christ permits us to respond to our brokeness knowing that God is right there with us through the shadowy valleys. My prayers are with you.