Arla had many special visitors today. Grandchildren and lifelong friends. There is no doubt in our minds that she is healing in body, mind, and spirit. While we know the Lord will heal her in His time, we can’t help but be impatient. And while we feel so much more at ease knowing Arla is in Van Wert and close to us, we work hard at not becoming complacent. The problem is that, while Arla has made tons of improvement in some respects, she really is still a lot the same as she was weeks ago. It is so easy to just be thankful for what God has already done for Arla and feel discouraged to pray for what can be. Realism sets in. And although that is a good thing, it can also hold us and Arla back. We must pray fervently and honestly for what Arla needs.

Here is a laundry list of where we are at on September 28, 2011. Arla has no use of her right arm. In fact, she is really unaware of it. This is called neglect (failure to orientate, report, or respond to stimuli on side of the body affected by the stroke), and it is common in stroke patients. She can move her right leg. Arla cannot move herself to sit up. She is unable to fully assist the Vancrest staff in moving her from bed to chair. She has full range of motion with her left arm and left leg but is still too weak to stand and support herself with the left leg. Arla cannot speak. She does communication via “yes” and “no” head shakes. Arla can swallow but is not yet eating anything close to a diet that will sustain her nutritional needs. Therefore, Arla receives all her nutrition, hydration, and medications through a feeding tube in her abdominal wall. Arla does fully recognize those who visit her and interacts with them. She is very alert since coming to Van Wert.

Pray that Arla may continue to live her legacy. Pray for vigilance and endurance as the family navigates and advocates for her care, with the network of insurance providers, and with her doctor. Pray for balance and harmony in all aspects of Arla’s and her family’s life. Ask God to richly bless every care provider and therapist who works with Arla. Ask God to give them the wisdom to care for Arla in the best way possible. Pray for companionship and peace for those at Vancrest who do not have a loving, caring family and friends network to lift their spirits. Thank God for his blessings and steadfast love.

Also, please visit Arla. We are now almost two weeks away from the blog we posted asking you to not tarry too long with your visits. Hindsight has shown that Arla had an infection that was tiring her. It was not all the mental stimulation. While she does need rest, she also needs to feel connected. Arla is a people person. You are going to have to do all the talking, but she is waiting for your visit.