Difficult Setback

In my last post, I said to stay tuned because the next post would be about Steve. He was scheduled to have his four wisdom teeth surgically removed and I was sure we would get a great picture or two and if lucky, maybe a funny video with him on pain meds! Our week last week took an unexpected turn and this week I have just been trying to rest and recover from a 5 day hospital stay.

Our apologies to our loyal followers and faithful prayer warriors that you are just now getting this post. Most of the hospital stay, the Post Hope server was down and Steve couldn't get a post out. It was a pretty intense hospital stay and Steve was either trying to keep our families, the Fire District, or doctors supplied with pertinent information. He was a rock through the whole experience but we both want to express our greatest thanks to everyone who made sure he was taken care of. The first night in the ER, our Chief Officers took 4 hour shifts to stay with him and and make sure he was fed and hydrated. I vaguely remember opening my eyes the next day (still in the ER) and realizing there were over

a dozen people in the room - crews, friends, Chaplains. I was having trouble processing what

had happened because I had been feeling great since our December trip to Mayo except for the incident the week before when I was intubated because of suspected pneumonia. I had felt run down that week was all, but the morning of this incident I wasn't feeling well and was struggling with a really low blood pressure from my beta blocker medicine that I take for my aortic aneurysm. I remember heading to the bedroom to lay down and that's it. Through a complicated process of divine intervention, Steve and several fire and EMS crews eventually arrived at my home to find me in the floor, semi-conscious, having trouble breathing, and bleeding from where I had smashed my eye glasses on my face when I apparently lost consciousness. I want to thank all the crews for their superb care and I feel so blessed to live in Lacey Fire District 3's response area. I'll leave out most of the medical "mumbo-jumbo" because we, and the doctors, are still trying to put the pieces together. We know I have had some airway problems, I suffered several seizures over the 5 days, and because they put me on a heart monitor, we discovered I was having some very concerning rhythm and rate problems that I haven't had since before my last brain surgery in 2013. I promise as we know more, I will share. Currently we are coordinating and making arrangements between some new area specialists, our Mayo Clinic team in Phoenix, and my neurosurgery team in New York. This coordination is no easy task so we would ask your prayers for communication between everyone.

Well, I was going to end there but my heart just won't let me. If you just wanted the medical facts, you can carry on with your day. If you want to read a little about how we are emotionally and spiritually, then join me as I try to explain what this latest

set-back in suffering is teaching us. I've always vowed to make this blog about honesty, humility, and authenticity. Does that mean that the tears always flow in pubic? No. But it does mean when all the visitors were gone for the evening at the hospital and it was just me and the faint sounds of beeping machines, the tears flowed - a lot of tears. I share this private moment because I believe there is value in inviting others into our struggles and hurts. Doing real life with each other, we find the heart of one another. Life isn't the perfect Facebook update or perfect Instagram picture that took you four hours to make look just right. We learn in this type of honesty that we need each other. We need to make intentional relationships. Let's fill our lives with those we love and those who need our love.

"We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you have become dear to us." 1 Thessalonians 2:8

I believe suffering presents opportunities to serve and celebrate one another. It opens the door for that conversation that might not have happened. It presents the opportunity to let pride go and accept that meal or car ride that is needed. (I cant drive for at least several months because of the seizures) It presents the opportunity to just sit and be with that person who is hurting. These intentional friendships encourage the best of who we are. These friends witness the muddy moments of our lives and the woundedness of our souls. They become Jesus in the flesh to us as their companionship reminds us we're not alone. They clothe us with hope and truth when we lose our way in the chaos and disappointment found in suffering. They are Jesus' arms wrapped around our brokenness. We write today and say we are exhausted and feel quite fragile but know we stand on a solid foundation that will not fail us. Our circle of friends have loved us so well and in them, we see God's grace, love, peace, and power on display.

"You are better having a friend than to be all alone, because then you will get more enjoyment out of what you earn. If you fall, your friend can help you up. But if you fall without having a friend nearby, you are really in trouble." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 CEV

So, while it has been a difficult time, we have been blessed beyond measure by those in our lives. It's ironic but there is a peculiar, powerful, and poignant joy that seems to come to us only through and in suffering. And those tears ... They flow again now but are tears of thankfulness.

Thank you for continuing to check in on us and we are forever grateful for your prayers.

May grace and peace be multiplied to you,

Lee (and Steve)

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Comments

Tom and Linda Hamilton:

❤ Thank you Lee. No words here - just prayer.

Jane Levin:

Thank you for your post that shares your heart so well. We are with you in prayer and our hearts are knit to yours. We are here for you in any capacity....we can "Drive Miss Daisy" or sit with her anytime! Jane and Andy

Ginger Smith:

Praying for healing and comfort for you Lee and Steve! You have such a wonderful outlook and such a talent for putting your words on paper. Truly amazing!

Tony Grande:

Lee, Thank you for sharing in the midst of suffering. It would be so easy to be angry and bitter, but we know God is receiving glory through your life. We are praying for you and Steve daily.

Teresa J Brooks:

Lee and Steve: I'm so sorry for Lee's latest setback, but glad there were good people surrounding you both with love and assistance. Continuing to send loving prayers to you for healing and recovery. Love, Teresa

sandra henry:

Lee and Steve, my heart is breaking that you've had another setback, but it's also full because of your faith and your wonderful Lacey support system. Thank you for always sharing your deepest feelings. Praying for your healing. Love you both very much.

Sandy Temple:

Much love, and continued prayers for you both❤

Lisa Currall:

Oh Miss Lee, I am available anytime for rides. I am right near you and have an empty nest and feeling useless. I will be praying very hard for everything in the post. Much, much love and gentle hugs..... Lisa

Steve Braden:

We are continuing to pray for you guys. Especially, for the communication between doctors. I showed Uncle Steve your picture. He said you were still beautiful. Love you guys

James Broman:

Lee and Steve... words fail, but know that our prayers go up to our Heavenly Father... praying for mercy, grace, relief and healing. Our love (and tears) persist.

Ellen Bunch :

Your mom and dad just left my house and we were just talking about you. I saw the picture of your face...looked like you were in a boxing match...and you lost. Your post are always a blessing to read. Wished I lived closer so I could be some help to you. Praying for answers. Love you Lee Bob and Steve

Matt Conklikn:

I've been praying for you Lee! I was off during your hospital stay and was caught up by your post....wow! That's a beautiful shiner!! We (LFD3) are always there for you and Steve!!

Amy Moore:

I can't comprehend all that you are having to go through. Praying for you both & your many doctors. Thank you for sharing honestly about all you are going through & the grace you always show to all of us. We love you.