Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
We sang this hymn in church today and while singing the words, I looked at Cale and smiled. God asks us to trust Him and be obedient. He doesn’t say that it’s all going to be easy or perfect and He never tells us that everything will be ok, but He does ask for people that in the midst of every day life-whether that’s a life changing situation, or normal hubbub, to trust that He is God who is under control of whatever is going on, and to be obedient to His commands, and continue to glorify His name and seek Him more and more.
I was talking to Mama about how blessed I’ve been feeling. What’s happened in our life isn’t exactly something I would have volunteered for, but, I feel like we are already seeing so much of the reward! It’s been amazing to me, since we’ve been here, all the people that have encouraged and blessed us with telling us about how our story has helped changed their lives. So many have shared with me that God has used us to encourage them and bring them out of pits. I love that! I love so much that the Lord is using us-blessing us. He doesn’t have to. There’s nothing written in stone that said He was going to do this list of stuff for us while we go through it.
He trusted us to use us in this way-and He’s blessed us more than I could have ever thought.
Amazing.
Cale is a happy man right now. He’s currently sleeping next to me with Mc Donalds in his tummy. After church we went to lunch with some friends and Cale ordered a lot of food, and ate almost every bite. He had a few fries left, but the rest was devoured. We didn’t sleep too great last night, so even now I’m having a hard time keeping my eyes open. It was the first night that we’ve been on our own-completely. We’ve been at the hospital and then at peoples houses, and last night it was just us at a hotel. We watched America’s Funniest Videos and some hockey. Cale went to bed after 9, and I stayed wound up until a lot later! Coffee…
I was speaking this morning at church and Cale wasn’t too fond of all my talking! He was rubbing his head like crazy. It was fun to speak with him right next to me because he gave his input a couple times. ;) He’s doing so well. I’m continuing to see progress and again am so blessed that God allowed this progress to happen. Mandy was sharing about how the trauma team really thought that my hopes were unrealistic and not because they were trying to be mean, but because the condition Cale was in. Tomorrow they will get to see him, and see how far Cale has come. Please be praying that God’s hand would be so obvious and that there would be nothing else to grasp on to!
When I was talking to Mama yesterday, she shared with me a little about the house for us. She moves in today! Yay! It’s all starting and happens so soon. I’m so thankful for all of you that stopped by and helped with getting the house ready or helped in some way. It means so much to us. I still don’t think I fully get it, but I know the time will come that I can walk through the front door, and we’re going to finally be home!
Answers to some questions I’ve been getting…
Q: Is Cale walking by himself?
A: With a walker, yes. Over the last week, he started walking at Ty and Nikki’s more with out the walker though! He holds onto everything and moves slowly, but he was doing it! Since we’ve been here in the hotel, he’s gone back to not wanting to walk with out the walker, so I’m being a little pushy in that department! ;)
Q: Is Cale sad about what’s happened?
A: He doesn’t understand. He still doesn’t realize that we were in a car accident and that he was hurt. He’s heard me talk about the accident so much that he will answer (usually) appropriately when asked what happened. He doesn’t understand he has brain injury because he can’t see it. To him, nothing is different until he goes to try it.
Q: How is his memory?
A: Long term memory is still not great, but things are starting to come back. He is getting better at short term stuff too! It’s very in and out, and for a lot of things he needs to hear it several times before it sticks. Cale had a really hard time remembering Caesar’s (Ty’s dog) name. I feel like every couple days, I see progress, even if small, it’s still progress. His mind changes on things a lot like, his favorite color, food, snack, weather, and other stuff like that, but his favorite team is always the Detroit Red Wings! :)
Q: Does Cale realize how long it’s been since we’ve been home?
A: No. He doesn’t understand the journey we’ve been on, and that’s ok.
Q: Are you guys planning for babies?
A: I’ve been asked this a lot, so I thought I would add this to the other questions… :) Yes! We both still really want to have a family, but it’s not time yet. We’re done with the hospital which is great, but Cale still needs me to invest fully in him right now. If we were to add on the family at this point, it would take away what Cale deserves of my time and energy. Hopefully it won’t be too much longer though! ;) Heehee!
Q: Do you guys need anything for going home?
A: I’m not sure! Haha! Everyone back home is taking care of all of our needs, so I’m not even sure what our needs are. From what I know, everything is going great and getting ready for us to have a smooth transition. If you would like to contact September, she will be able to answer better than me! septembert76@gmail.com
509-531-9573
Q: Are you scared about going home?
A: Uhhh…I would say no. It’s going to be new and different, but I know we’re ready. I do feel tired and I know it’s going to be a lot of work, but we are so blessed with wonderful people back home that I know I’ll be able to call and ask for help. Girl time is much needed…however that can happen!
Q: Will therapy continue?
A: With me. As of right now, Cale will not be getting therapy every week in a setting like he was. Things are still being set up at home, but for the most part, it’s going to be…us. There’s a new SGT Darling in the house-and she has blonde hair! ;)
Praises!
* Cale has not had a single anger fit since we’ve left Seattle
* Cale has been continent since we left Palo Alto
* Cale’s crazy humor is coming back
* Progress is still happening after all of this time
There's a lot more to share, but thought I'd share a couple for now! :)
Oh, my Friend, How I rejoice with you. I know you are right where Father wants you. He has so many things in store. You walk in wisdom, about starting your family, as well as your care of Cale. I am so proud of you. I love you and am proud to be a small part of your life. Thank you for sharing it with me. Hugs, Marion
ReplyDeleteYeah for the praise report!!! God is so very good. Love you guys,
ReplyDeleteGreg & Julie H.
Praise God, to Him be all the glory! Progress (walking, memory, initiation in speech and thought)still coming in is huge and that is huge! Continence, independent walking, anger-free -- more progress!! It is so amazing to be able to see (even if through your words), all that is going on. To a new home soon... to a new future... to family one day... sounds to me like prayers are being answered!
ReplyDeleteWe will continue to pray for many more joyful moments before you return, and safe travel for the trip home. Thank you, Cale and Kathleen, for showing us that hope is answered.
Terri
Greetings from Wordwise Hymns. It was your title, and brief quotation of John Sammis's gospel song that caught my eye today, as I'd just posted an article on the hymn. But I read your comments, and greatly admire your faith and courage. I took a moment to pray for you both. God bless.
ReplyDeleteAmazing... I am sure you were told that after a year there wouldn't be progress... so amazing to see it still happening! I am praying for more! ~ heather
ReplyDeleteKathleen I just read the article in the Tri-City Herald about your new home. I am so happy for you and Cale and we are excited to have you guys home! *after your vacation of course!*
ReplyDeleteHere's the link:
http://www.tri-cityherald.com/2011/03/28/1425849/a-darling-house-to-call-home-young.html?mi_email=Tri-City%20Herald_AM+Newsletter
Yes we moved mom & All you & Cales belongings hehehe. Chocolates in the freezer! Can't wait for you to be home, the house is almost finished. I'd like to say thanks to everyone that has prayed for my sister & her hubby. God has been the main inspiration but my Leena Bean has inspired me too. It takes a strong person to go thru the things she has & still be able to smile. I feel very blessed to call you, Kathleen my sister. We love you very much
ReplyDeleteBig Sis Carla