Mayo Clinic: Round 4

persevere. 

We titled this Mayo Clinic Round 4 because it feels like we are in a boxing match or some type of fight. The bell has rung and we are pacing around the ring with tired legs, swollen eyes and fat lips. We are still in the fight but we are trusting the Lord to bring the victory! With that said, take a moment and praise the Lord with us as you see pictures of Steve's first time walking in the sand (without a cane_about 20-30 feet) and walking knee deep in the ocean for the first time in 17 months!

praise.

Steve and I have found this transitional place we are in very weird. It is both exciting and challenging as we are re-learning how to be married, how to dream about the future again and mainly live life in somewhat of a normal way. Although we are in a transitional place, we are waiting on the Lord for a lot of things! As I said, this is both exciting and challenging. It is exciting to see the possibilities in the future (Steve going back to school? Possibly given a grant to return to school? Different housing? More consistent income through disability?) but hard as we are in the present and recovery is not an easy road. Steve is working hard, following doctor's orders through small exercises and stretches, seeing a chiropractor weekly and going to other such appointments. This week he will be returning to the Mayo Clinic! This appointment is to track his progress on this new medication, make necessary adjustments and hopefully receive 30 botox shots_ which is a very effective treatment for severe head and neck pain as it paralyzes nerves. 

pray.

Please pray insurance approved this and that he can receive the shot treatment this week! Please pray that Dr Vargas has wisdom and discernment in treating Steve. Please also pray for the detox process that is coming in the hopefully near future to get Steve off of all of the pain medications he has been on for a year and a half_ this will be a painful process. Pray for Dr Barre as he works tirelessly on waking Steve's body up and teaching Steve how to walk again (without a cane). Lastly, please pray that long term disability coverage goes through this week! This will help us pay our bills, co-pays, the trip to the mayo clinic, perscriptions, daily living expenditures and meet immediate needs as well as help us on a monthly basis, giving Steve the time and space needed to fully recover.

Steve and I are excited to watch as the Lord brings victory and uses our story to bless and encourage others! We need to continue to let the joy of the Lord be our strength and His perfect love calm all of our fears as He spurs us on to get on with 'rebuilding the temple' (like Steve's body in recovery!).

"Now I will rescue you and make you both a symbol and a source of blessing. So don’t be afraid. Be strong, and get on with rebuilding the Temple." Zechariah 8:13b 

Peace in Him,

Casey & Steve