Merry Christmas!

I thought I would take some time this quiet Christmas Eve and post an update since it has been a while. Steve and I pray this update finds you having cherished time with family and friends. We are so thankful for the countless gifts we have received this year by so many of you in the form of encouraging notes, uplifting phone calls, quality time together, inspiring and gracious notes on this site, and mostly for the prayers you have lifted up on our behalf to our Abba Father! Thank you.

I have little to report from the medical front which I suppose is good news in and of itself. My previous update from November is still the plan we are on as far as my cardiac issues. We received a copy of the cardiologists' notes from our visit that they had mailed to my other physicians. It was a comprehensive 5 page dictation that essentially outlined what I posted in my last update. They gave me an "official" diagnosis of dysautonomia based on the results of the autonomic testing and their evaluation. Consideration is being given to referring me to one of the few medical centers in the country that specializes in this area. Also because dysautonomia creates such severe cardiac and blood pressure problems, chronic fatigue is quite problematic. The University of Washington Medical Center has a comprehensive Chronic Fatigue Center that could help address better ways to manage and interventions to try to provide more energy. The cardiology team as made a referral for me to this program. We are hopeful some helpful information will come out of this assessment. My muscle biopsy is still being evaluated at labs across the country so we continue to wait and pray for news that will give us better understanding of how much of my symptoms are muscle related versus brainstem compression. I am still struggling with daily headaches. I did learn my health insurance covers massage therapy and I am now utilizing this modality to help relax the muscles of my upper back and neck that often stay tense due to my cervical fusion. This has helped some with the intensity of my headaches. We are very thankful for the wonderful health insurance we have that is covering all of my appointments and treatments! What a blessing!

As I close this update, in the spirit of Christmas I wanted to share a poem I wrote my first Christmas as a Christian. I pray it blesses you and in the often hectic nature of the holidays, I pray it reminds us all what this life is truly about.

**"For Me"**

The child gently stirring Not making a sound

And for me and me alone Will one day bear a crown

It will be made by the hands Of a lonely Roman army man - A crude wreath of thorns

And for me and me alone, this Christ child Will endure the pain and scorn

Christ calls us to be willing to do our part But what can I give Him?

I gave Him the broken pieces Of a wounded heart

As I looked in the manger

At the smile on the Christ child's face

I knew He had given me a complete heart To fill that broken, empty place

As I walked away, I knew in my soul The greatest exchange of gifts

Had marked this day

All to be done through a tiny child Sent to show us the way.

Much love to each of you, Merry Christmas,

Lee and Steve

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Messages

Teresa Smith

December 25, 2009, 1:10 AM

Dear Lee & Steve: How we wish you could be here with us at this holy Christmas time. We miss your presence, especially as our little family circle grows smaller and smaller. It is our prayer that God will bless you both, and that he will guide you in seeking answers for Lee's health problems. I hope all of us can look forward to better health in 2010. Love, Teresa & Earl

Thame Fuller

December 25, 2009, 1:23 AM

Thanks, Lee and Steve. You are a blessing, and I pray you enjoy a very blessed and merry Christmas. Thame

Sandi Henry

December 25, 2009, 1:47 AM

Steve and Lee, We're glad to hear the good report, and we pray that you'll keep feeling better. Have a wonderful and blessed Christmas. We love you! sandi

Jill Shelton

December 25, 2009, 1:58 AM

Hey Steve & Lee, it's good to hear from you and know you are still fighting the battle. I will continue to pray for you and I hope you have a good Christmas! I pray that you will have a good New Year and that it might bring you good health too! May God Bless You and Keep You, Love you guys! Jill, Richard, Jason & Justin Shelton

Dolores Burtnett

December 25, 2009, 5:22 PM

Your poem is such a beautiful message for Christmas. We are all good. Merry Christmas to you and Steve. You both are always in my heart and prayers, May God's blessings surrond you. Love Dolores

D Ward

December 26, 2009, 4:10 AM

Dearest Lee, We were blessed to speak with your dear beautiful Grandmother today! What a joy to talk with her!!! We cherish her and all of you very much. I know that Our Jesus is laughing with joy being with you, her and your entire wonderful family this Christmas. He loves you all so much and you honor Him with your lives. Our family wishs you all a Merry Christmas and send our love to you. We will share this poem with our other Christian friends and our family. Debby and family

Mary Faust

December 26, 2009, 10:35 PM

Thnaks for sharing the poem. I am glad you are finding some relied through massage. I plan to have my first massage since being diagnosed with cancer in a few weeks. I rejoiced to hear you were able to do the decorations for the womens night also. Although I was not up to driving and going myself that night, I enjoyed listening to the teaching afterward. We continue to pray for answers for improved health for you. Thankful you are resting in Him and His everlasting arms! Mary Faust

Bill Kelly

December 27, 2009, 9:30 PM

Thank you for the update, Lee. I am sorry we did not get to see on Christmas Eve, but will find a way soon. I continue to pray for you daily and I am grateful to God having our paths cross. Thanks for the poem. Jane Kelly

Wendi Phillips Bowerman

January 8, 2010, 1:29 AM

Thanks for sharing the poem! I am praying for you Lee. I had no idea that all of this was going on.