Hope: 4 Weeks

Hope was sitting up in the wheelchair, ready and waiting for us when my cousin Becky and I walked into her room yesterday morning. Brother Dave came down from Sherwood and joined us, and we enjoyed a couple hours of wonderful conversation. I only got one picture with Becky, and it wasn't flattering of Hope (open your eyes, girl!) so I'm not sharing it!

We used to spend a lot of time with Becky's family when we lived in Nebraska. Our mothers, Darlene and Jeannine, were sisters. Becky remembered coming to Oregon for our mother's funeral and crying there as she sat next to Hope. She was surprised that Hope wasn't. She asked Hope why she wasn't crying, and Hope, age 11, said, "Becky, you just need to learn to "emole your controtions"!  (I don't remember where the phrase came from, but we used to use it instead of "control your emotions"!)

It was lunch time soon after our arrival, and though Hope was less than excited about it, we accompanied her to the dining room and helped her get set up to eat. Poor Hope, she patiently put up with me trying to figure out how to get the velcro strap on her  hand and insert the fork in the pocket! We had a better understanding of why she is longing for good home cooked food! She did not eat much. The pain-and-suffering diet is proving quite an effective weight loss tool for her! (It is NOT recommended!)

I look at this picture, and it literally hurts my heart. Think of this picture when you pray for her. Pray that her hands and arms will regain their strength and range of motion, so that she can eat, comb her hair, and perform  the dozens of other daily tasks that we so take for granted. Back in the room, she showed off her new ability to grab the handle of her water cup. Each small slow step of progress is wonderful, but we would so love to see some giant leaps! Pray too that she will not get discouraged if progress continues to be slow.

It was an especially rough week for her family, with all five of her kids at home not feeling well, and with two ending up with ear infections. We had a somewhat emotional prayer time together before we left her with Mom, who had joined us, and she was ready to get back into bed to rest.

I have thought so much about her children, because this has brought back so many of my memories of being a child with a mother who spent time in the hospital and came home different. Hope is scheduled to be released from the hospital this coming Friday, but life will certainly not go back to normal at her home for a long time. She said so many people have told her and her family to let them know if there's anything they can do to help, but she doesn't really know what to tell them. It's hard to be on the receiving end.

But, I know that Hope's friends and family love them and really are happy to do something useful to help. There is so much joy in giving, especially to someone you love! I have given it some thought and asked some discreet questions, so here are some suggestions for friends and family who want to do something:

• Slip a fast food or other restaurant gift certificate into a card for them. The boys are playing basketball, and that could come in handy at other times as well. 
• The family are all big OSU fans, so any OSU gear would be a fun treat!
• If you are a family friend and are taking your family to the coast or OMSI or fishing or OSU game or some other fun outing, invite a couple of the kids to come along! 
• Dutch Brothers gift cards would be a fun treat for the girls!
• Gas cards are always useful.
• If you ask if they need meals and they politely say they already have meals in the freezer, go ahead and schedule a time to drop by with a casserole or dessert or fresh bread, etc. - they can use it at some point and they will be blessed by your visit and your hugs!
• The girls love to shop - I know they like Kohls and JoAnns!
• The family loves to play games...something new is always fun.
• And of course, cards and notes to let them know they're in your thoughts and prayers are always nice.

Again, here's the link to send her an email: Email Hope. Fill in the blanks and under Facility select "Sacred Heart Medical Center University District - Eugene OR". Hope said when the last nurse brought her some email printouts, she said they've never had a patient who got so many of them! Thank you to all who are blessing her with these!

I was just about to post this when I saw that I had a message from Trudy Gregory, the amazing friend who is putting together the benefit auction for Hope. Hope got to leave the hospital for the day to have lunch at Mom's house with all her family, and they eventually ended up visiting Trudy and Gary. She and Brian are so humbled and amazed at all the love and support that is being poured out through the auction, Key Bank account, and wristbands that Trudy has organized. They wanted to come in person to express their appreciation to Gary and Trudy. Trudy sent me a picture she took of Brian, Hope and their daughter Janelle, and I had to call Trudy to get the whole scoop! It is always a delight to talk to her. She is truly doing this for God as well as for the Krabill family.

Our church service was just what I needed this morning. The sermon was on giving, and our pastor provided an opportunity to give by taking an offering for Hope's medical expenses. I thought of Hope when we sang the song, "Blessed be Your Name". I know this is truly her heart. Here are some of the lyrics, and you can listen to the song at the bottom. Keep praying!

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's 'all as it should be'
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say
Lord, blessed be Your name

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name