Wednesday was “rounds” day (On the previous blog I explained what “rounds” day encompassed). Decisions were made and we are back to our April 16th discharge date…I guess they loved me so much they just wanted to keep me longer…LOL J …even though I wish in my head I would be able to leave on the 8th…in the bigger picture and in my heart I know that is what is best and God has given me peace in my spirit about leaving a little later (on the 16th)…He is always faithful and knows what is best. Last week when they had rounds they went back and forth between the 8th and the 16th and basically they told me the wrong discharge date. Both my physical and occupational therapist asked this past week about my discharge date and I said the 8th and they both thought they had decided the 16th. Anyhow, it was then they we figured out that they had given me the wrong date. So I had a few days to prepare my heart to hear ultimately that I would be leaving a week later (it may not seem like a big deal, but when you have your heart set on something…it can be disappointing when you don’t get what you expected.) I know we can all relate to that. And to be honest, I struggled with that for a little while…and God reminded me (as He always does)…I have a purpose for you being here. That stopped me in my tracks quick. LOL.

I am still expected to leave here and go to the post acute therapy place ( Mentis) and I will still just be there during the day and at home in the evenings. J They mentioned that I was still making great progress in therapy. They have me back in my Pool Therapy group and my PHOENIX group, which I was in the week before last, ( PHOENIX is a group focused on providing me the opportunity to use my cognitive and physical skills which will help me be more independent and prepare me for my discharge when I leave TIRR…so when I go home I can be prepared for the challenges that I may face (e.g. what I need to do to get my driver’s license reinstated and getting back to everyday routines, like cooking and cleaning…practical things).

The next on the agenda was our day pass for Palm Sunday. It was approved! Yay! Thanks to those who prayed for us about that. I am so excited (as I smile from ear to ear). We also talked about medication issues…I won’t really bore you with that.

Lastly we talked about our follow-up appointment with our neurosurgeon. We rescheduled our appointment due to my discharge date changing. On April 20th at 2:30 p.m. we have our appointment with Dr. Comair. I can’t wait to hear what they have to say! We have a follow-up MRI on April 17th at 9 a.m. Please pray that we have a good report and that they don’t find any of the tumor coming back!

Last Saturday was Katie’s birthday party. We began the party at the park near our house, but it was so windy and a little chilly too (at least for us Texans…LOL), that we had to move the party to our house in the front yard. Aaron and I were a little disappointed that we couldn’t have the party at the park…like I said earlier when you have a certain expectation and things don’t necessarily go that way…disappointments happen. I suppose that is just life…God had better plans though (but when doesn’t He?...LOL). We ended up having the party in our front yard, which worked out perfectly…all the wind was blocked by the surrounding homes and our vehicles; therefore, it wasn’t too cold, it was sunny and beautiful outside and the setting with everyone in our front yard made the party very intimate…it was just perfect for Katie’s first birthday!

My roommate left on April 1st to another facility…I wish she had longer here at TIRR. I think that she could have made so much progress; even though she made lots of progress while she was here. God has been so gracious to us…Mary was a wonderful roommate. On Friday, April 3rd, I moved to another room, and received another wonderful roommate…with a strong Christian family. Oh how God is so good to us! He is ever so faithful. My new roommate is Kristin. Please pray for her full recovery here is a little excerpt from her blog about her story:

Kristin is currently at TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. She's been diagnosed with AVM- Arteriovenous Malformation, a congenital defect. Kristin is a freshman at Texas A&M University. Her current major is Biology, but she's planning to switch to nursing during her next semester. She just had a great Christmas break with her family in Houston, including a trip to Orlando Florida. In College Station on Monday night, January 19th, after spending the day with her boyfriend Jeremy, Kristin complained of a headache and dizzyness. Then her speech became slurred. Jeremy took her immediately to the ER where she became unconscious and underwent a CAT scan and later an MRI which revealed the AVM and an aneurism which caused bleeding in her brain. On Tuesday night she was transported by helicopter to Houston.

Kristin has been here at TIRR for about 2 weeks and because of insurance reasons can only stay only for 2 more weeks…they will be having a fundraiser for her and her family. Please pray for God’s financial provisions for them. Here is the fundraiser information…Saturday, May 2 is Kristin's fundraiser event at Cypress Christian School. If you would like more information, or want to donate or help in any way, please visit http://francisfund.com. Please pray about their situation.