This scripture was given to me the other night from some faithful prayer warriors! It came at a time when I needed it most! The words say it all...be not discouraged, be strong, sit back and watch the Lord fight the battle and win the victory of Ben's healing! Yes, sometimes easier said then done but this journey is so much better when I do...go figure!
As I write this Ben is chilling in his chair and we are listening to some calm worship music that is on Pandora! Some people have blessed us with an ipod touch and another group a docking station for it! When a song comes on that I know Ben is familiar with I tell him, "Ben you know this song, can you sing it?" He will start to say the words, then get tired and then quietly mouth them. In church this morning we started out with a hymn and he sang out loud the first line...Take my life, let it be, consecrated Lord to Thee. He went on to mouth the lines that he knew for the remainder of the song! It was good to hear Ben worshipping his Jesus in church! He does sing Jesus Love Me all the way through and I just need to get it recorded so ya'll can hear it!
In spite of Ben constantly saying, "I shouldn't be here", "I don't want to be here", get me out of here", "I feel trapped", "I want to go home" and so on he continues to work SO SUPER HARD! He knows he needs to be here and knows that "surrender" is NOT a Ranger word so he continues to push forward and fight!
Here are a few videos/photos of Ben's latest achievments and hard work! Literally when he is done with his PT sessions he is pooped out and just wants to rest!
{Ben racing his 1st Sgt Williams for 15 min! Ben said he won!}
{Squats out of the pool! His PT was barely holding on!}
{Ben was getting his back stretched which has been painful...we told him to take deep breaths and say Rangers Lead the Way with every push his PT put on his legs!}
{testing out a motorized chair...if he were outside I don't think we could catch him}
{new position to stand today. he did pretty good!}
Prayer Requests:
1. Ben needs prayer for his mood! Please pray against discouragement, wanting to give up, the enemies lies and unbelief is how far he has come! One of the hardest things for Ben is for him to remember how far he has come!
2. Memory, Ben's short term memory is most affected! Pray that he retains things and that then stick!
3. Apraxia, every brain injured enemy, is people who have it find it difficult or impossible to make certain motor movements, even though their muscles are normal. Ben's brain screams DO IT and his body will not! Pray that these connections will be made and that his body will respond to what his brain asks! This goes for his speech as well!
4. Muscle tone! This is another thing that holds Ben back from moving forward in his ability to do things and take care of him self! When he goes to do something, especially with his arms, they tighten up!
5. Speech...still has weak tongue and lip muscles. Also, pray that Ben starts to instigate and involve himself in conversations. Also able to speak and make his needs known!
6. Botox to the neck! Ben gets this done on Tues. Please pray that it will do it't job to relax his neck muscles so that he can hold it straight and upright. Also that it will NOT affect his swallow or speech!
7. Wisdom and direction for both Ben and I to know what our next step in this journey is going to be! May Jesus open the doors that need to be opened and close shut all the others!!
8. 100% healing for Ben!
Well, Ben is resting and then we are going to my room to hang out followed by a homemade dinner by yours truly for Ben and I to enjoy where I stay! I am going to try and do this with him every Sunday for dinner!
We still love all your letters and treats that you send! Keep them coming....they are encouraging and so fun to get in the mail! Contact info on the right ---->
Fast and praying for Ben August 27-29! Specific requests to come!
5 comments:
WOW! WOW! WOW! Ben, I'm amazed at all you go through. You know, I too, am sure you won the race with 1st Sgt Williams!!!!!! Much love to you and your lovely wife, Your Friend, Marion Katie, I am in hard spot right now, myself, and am thankful for the verse you shared. :)
You are definitely on our family's prayer list. I've sent your blog to just about everyone I know...we are here praying and supporting you and Ben!
It's a long road but you guys have come so far. Thanks for sharing all the videos and the updates!
Thanks for the videos. He is doing great. Watching him do those squats makes me feel guilty for not doing squats out of sheer laziness. He is an inspiration. I will keep you guys in my prayers. You are a strong woman. He is fortunate to have a loving, supportive wife like you by his side. It's a long road, but he has come so far, and will continue to progress!
I'm still praying Katie! Ben looks and seems to be doing so much better (according to your posts) since I last checked your blog! Praise God! I think of you both often and pray for you and Ben every time you cross my mind. You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength and I agree with Ben that Rangers Lead the Way!
Amy Adams
You two are so in my prayers!
I did a post about you guys on my blog, hope thats okay! I pray Ben keeps getting better and better!
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