Aftermath

Thank you for the cards, e-mails, calls, food and visits. And most of all the prayers for my recovery. I am getting stronger every day, I think–– and hope to be back at church soon.
The problem is still with two fingers not working properly on my right hand. Plus, I occasionally reach for a word and it's not there.

Because the stroke came on so suddenly, and without warning, Audrey has the natural fear that there might be another. She refuses to let me be alone for more than a few minutes. I appreciate the attention but... please.

Sunday she, John Mark, and Daniela went to church and I stayed home. The two little girls from across the street came to spend the morning with me. I have known them since the day they were each born and have baby-sat them in years past. Now they were returning the favor.

We watched "Scooby -Doo" (and Reed Bernick preaching off to the side), perused some games on their pink Kindles, and played Jenga. At ages 10 and 6, Autumn and Irene are full of life and fun. They sang and danced for me, and we all three acted in some video dramas we took turns filming. They wanted to play Chess, but I had to confess that I never learned how. The girls are smart, mature, and I thoroughly enjoyed their company.

I was exhausted by the time my family got home–– but it was a good feeling. I caught with Reed's excellent sermon a little later.

I am sleeping later than I have in years, and supplementing that with a nap most days. Reading doesn't hold my attention but I do skim the newspaper each morning. We're watching the Olympics in the evenings. The great weather we've been having lately has me out on the deck for meals and later just to sit and gaze into the  night sky. Yesterday we went to Springfield Towne Center and I walked every corridor to get some exercise .

All the literature I received from the hospital warns of the likelihood of depression following a stroke. I can certainly understand why–– but so far I've not experienced any of that.
A Virginia Baptist pastor who I greatly respect, now retired, called the other night to advise and encourage me from his experience with this. He told me to keep a positive attitude and to constantly rehearse how God had blessed and taken care of me. To stay cheerful and hopeful.
I'm going to do it.

"Interrupt anxiety with gratitude," says Sarah Wilson. That's also what Paul says in Philippians 4:6-7– "Do not be anxious for anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving present your requests to God. And the peace of God, that transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
I'm going to do that, too.

12 Comments


Naida - August 3rd, 2021 at 9:11am

Good morning! So glad to hear you are recovering. May God continue to heal every damage to your body and give your soul renewal as you have more time to abide in Him!

Deborah Shields - August 3rd, 2021 at 9:22am

You and Audrey remain in my prayers daily. You have been a source of encouragement for myself and my 92 year old mother who lives with me. She is on Hospice and we find such comfort in your messages and Wednesday night prayer meeting. Praying you are back soon’

Dianne Hollis - August 3rd, 2021 at 9:58am

We love and miss you and are continuing to pray for you and Audrey. How fun to have neighbor children to keep you company so the rest of your family could get to church. May God bless and keep you in the midst of this challenging time.

Joan Layne - August 3rd, 2021 at 10:50am

Thanks for the update! You are in my prayers as you recover.

Linda Ramsey - August 3rd, 2021 at 10:57am

Take it easy, Don; and stay away from reading that newspaper! That would make anyone depressed! 🙏🙏

Margaret Greer - August 3rd, 2021 at 10:59am

I am praying for you as you recover. God will be with you during this time. Also praying for Audrey.

Debra Roach - August 3rd, 2021 at 12:35pm

I am just learning about this. I am so sorry to hear this but I am so glad you are better! Prayers for your continued recovery!🙏💕

Rebecca Lynn Connell - August 3rd, 2021 at 6:07pm

Praying for you Pastor Don! Take it easy and don't read the newspaper, that can depress anyone! Thanks for keeping us up to date on your recovery and as always, your encouraging words. Blessings to you!

Connie Robbins - August 4th, 2021 at 11:42pm

Hi! I just saw this! I am so glad you are on the recovery end! I hate that you had a stroke and will pray for your continued healing. You and Audrey hold a special place in mine and Tim's heart. We love you!

Terry Veazey - August 5th, 2021 at 7:51am

Praying for your healing and your full recovery. My older brother, Gary, had a stroke a month ago. Living alone, he was almost completely incapacitated, stuck in his bedroom, unable to walk, extremely confused, for 5 to 7 days, with no food or water. The police were finally called, and he was found and rescued. He is slowly recovering, but still confused and disoriented. Please pray for him.

Kay Fortinberry Borglum - August 5th, 2021 at 7:04pm

Hello Dearest Don— I smiled reading your words, picturing your Sunday joy with your neighbors’ cheer and dance and hearts of gold. Ripples of blessings…the extra joy that reaches out to all and through all when courage and faith shine so brightly. Thank you for sharing your progress, Don.

Love you 🙏—Kay Fortinberry Borglum

Major Mike Webb - August 8th, 2021 at 12:26pm

Pastor, I just wanted you to know that both you and Audrey are in our prayers and greatly missed. There are several references in the Bible regarding afflictions that prevent us from even attaining our own aspirations and the expectations of others, but there is still a God in Heaven who looks over us, keeps us and loves us; so, each day we pray to Him to let the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in His sight, the Lord, our strength and our redeemer.

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