Sunday, May 19th [840pm]

For most of the past two weeks I’ve been out of town, and have not made any “posts” or “updates” to this website. I’ve tried to call and ‘facetime’ and keep in contact, but like the rest of you who sign on and look I’ve been thankful that the posts have been handled by those who have been there. And during this time Jeannette has undergone a major and very critical operation, and a team of doctors has worked very hard to make what we all hope is the last great “final repair” on her intestinal system that was damaged so severely during the accident. More than 10 months has now passed since that terrible day, and together, her family and friends have ridden the roller coaster of ups and downs, hope and despair, and fear and joy. Their survival has been a real miracle in so many ways, and without any question both she and Rich have lived through one medical crisis after another. It is a tremendous understatement to say that it has been a very long, very slow, and a very difficult journey, and yet her incredible faith and unbelievable tenacity for life has brought her to this day.

As I write this on this Sunday I have had the pleasure of dropping by Providence Hospital, and seeing her smiling and with Rich at her side was in inspiration to say-the-least. The previous few days have been difficult, and yet for the most part the post-surgical reports have not been unexpected. The big concerns of infection and intestinal blockage have not manifested themselves, and except for the afternoon when her epidermal pain control needle slipped out, she has handled the pain associated with this surgery with ease. I suspect that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been really painful, but rather that when compared to all of the things she has had to deal with during the past near year, the pain associated with this surgery pales in comparison. How she handles it all with a smile is a testament to her inner strength and character and is almost beyond comprehension.

This surgery has been difficult though. It would be difficult for a health robust individual, and for Jeannette it is even more so. Of all of it, I think it’s safe to say that the vomiting and nausea she has had to endure have driven her moods to despair at times, but even so I think that’s to be expected too. But as I write this note today things seem to be going extremely well, and with some serious laxatives (my guess) and a liquid diet, the doctors have achieved another successful milestone. I suppose to say in a post that Jeannette managed to go to the bathroom would be sort of an understatement, but she has. Like tickmarks on a chalkboard, Rich dutifully keeps track of each occurrence, and it appears to me he has about completed his basic nursing degree. And while having a case of diarrhea is never a fun prospect to report, when I heard that it had finally happened I wanted to cheer. Strike up the band, and let the music play! I mean, when your intestinal track has been on vacation for a year, and suddenly it starts doing something exciting, well, that’s good news! From what I hear she’s even had a chance to do some sprinting, doing the 5 yard dash to the bathroom, and from what Rich said it’s a real race when she approaches the finish line. For sure, being able to process food in one end and have it come out the other is big news for all of us. I suspect, as a non medical person, that now that things are flowing, so-to-speak, the real food can follow, and with real food comes more energy, and that in turn leads to getting back to really living and feeling good again.

I’m guessing it will take a while for her gut to settle down and start working like it is supposed to, but who knows? I don’t base that on anything medical, but I would think it would take a little practice before the stomach and intestines are back doing what they are supposed to do after not doing much of anything for a very long while. But the big news is that there is great hope with the great news, and an excitement in the air that is real and palatable.

I’ll end this post with an observation of sorts. At the heart and the soul of their recovery has been their steadfast faith in God. The prayers that each of you have given and continue to give on their behalf have been a key to their recovery, and without any question the survival stories that have defined this experience has been a series of true miracles to witness. I have met their family members and seen friends of theirs that I would never have known, and I’ve come to find out that her team of doctors and nurses have over time become more than professional acquaintances. From the emails, calls, and letters of hope and love that have streamed in from across the planet, it is clear they Rich and Jeannette are two incredible individuals by any measure. Tonight, as I close this post, I salute them, and I also thank each of you for your prayers and hope and support that have got them through. The journey is far from finished, and I’m sure there will still be the ups and downs that define the healing experience, but things seem on track and everything seems to be going in the right direction. --John