A wonderful post from Annie from the Easter Weekend
Phi 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
If you are still reading Skips blog site, you are a committed friend. We take such encouragement from each card, call, posting and email. All of us thank you for your love and support!
Before I share of my visits with my dad, I want to take a moment and ask you to lift Carolyn up in your prayers. We all are so concerned for Skip, and we think first of him but for today, I ask that you pray that Carolyn is comforted, strengthened and encouraged. She drives to Santa Cruz each day, eager to work with him and watch his process first hand. And, probably spends time at night, thinking and trying to plan for what's ahead. So, please, keep her in your petitions. It is my desire that her faith and hope is encouraged as much as Skip's through this process of healing. And, that happens by your and my constant prayer. Thank you.
I had the privilege of visiting my dad both on Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. And, since Jason has done such a wonderful job of journaling the various details of each day, I'll simply share of a few moments that touched my heart. As I arrived at Dominican for the first time, I found myself needing to adjust to the different facility. His room at Salinas Valley was so small and quickly was filled with kid art, pictures, flowers and family members. Now, in contrast, he has a large private room, and I was all by myself. But, the warmth of his eyes when I walked in helped me to acclimate.
Within minutes, our routine began. I quickly found his CD player, started the classical music and sat myself down to his right foot. You see, each time I visit, he gets a long and luxurious foot massage. As I wrote in an earlier entry, each family member brings a wonderful and unique gift of his or herself to share with my dad. The guys get him laughing, the children keep him smiling, and the sisters & sister-in-laws keep him talking. My thing turns out to be a time of peacefulness. I know he loves it, because he so quickly pulls aside the sheet and lifts his foot for the sock to be removed! And, as I watch his head go back and eyes close in full relaxation, I think about what an amazing moment it is. I never before have had this opportunity to just serve my dad. Most of you know that Skip is always on the go, and he often is giving more than receiving. And, to be able to just give to him, and to see his peace in being able to enjoy my gift, is something I will always cherish. For this connection, I am so thankful.
Another wonderful detail I can share is something I mentioned above. As I am there with him, it is his warm eyes that truly let you know that he is doing okay. Each time, I come in close, he raises his head for that kiss. His warm eyes are looking at you, and he makes it so clear that he loves you. Really, there are many good things that can come from such a difficult event. And, the love that has poured in, and the love that he pours out is something I will never forget about this time in his life.
Milestone events that I was able to celebrate with him include hearing one of his outbursts of language. I shared with him how easy it was for me to get to the facility from my work in downtown San Jose, and he blurted out, "easier than the other." I was able to fully understand his words! And, the moment was more joyful than you can imagine. Also, I was able to sit with him at his first dinner of feeding himself. The process was all about learning, and I watched as he gingerly (and yet eagerly if those two can go together) dipped into his applesauce and creamed beef. I asked if he would recommend the fine food to any of you friends, and he smiled! But, truly, he gave me the so/so hand sign, so it wasn't horrible!
This brings me to another thought to share with you. Throughout this process, Skip has maintained an amazing peace and gentleness about himself. His patience with all that nurses and doctors do when you are in a hospital seems unwavering. Each day that I have been there, he simply looks up for how he can cooperate, and even help. It truly draws recognition and causes my heart to ponder even more the character of this man. I long for the day to hear of all that he has learned. My heart knows that he has so much to say to us. I know he'll speak to Carolyn of his deep love for her. He'll probably say something tender to each of his eight kids. Actually, he already has done these things through his eyes and timely hand squeezes. And, he need to say anything to his grand kids. He'll just play with them in a whole new way.
To end my visit, I always ask if I can pray for him. Each time, he nods and allows me to lay my hand on his head. Sunday, I was able to even read him a few scriptures from the book of Philippians. The scriptures speak of the Lord's nearness, and His encouragement that we be anxious for nothing. Then, nearing the end of the chapter comes such a wonderful Truth in verse 13:
Phi 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."
I know that if we all keep the faith and believe beyond the limitations of our own experiences, imaginations and skepticism, Skip will recover to the fullness of what God has in store for him. Truly, we can do all things through the Resurrected Lord Jesus! (With that, I hope you all enjoyed a Happy Easter!)
Annie
If you are still reading Skips blog site, you are a committed friend. We take such encouragement from each card, call, posting and email. All of us thank you for your love and support!
Before I share of my visits with my dad, I want to take a moment and ask you to lift Carolyn up in your prayers. We all are so concerned for Skip, and we think first of him but for today, I ask that you pray that Carolyn is comforted, strengthened and encouraged. She drives to Santa Cruz each day, eager to work with him and watch his process first hand. And, probably spends time at night, thinking and trying to plan for what's ahead. So, please, keep her in your petitions. It is my desire that her faith and hope is encouraged as much as Skip's through this process of healing. And, that happens by your and my constant prayer. Thank you.
I had the privilege of visiting my dad both on Friday evening and Sunday afternoon. And, since Jason has done such a wonderful job of journaling the various details of each day, I'll simply share of a few moments that touched my heart. As I arrived at Dominican for the first time, I found myself needing to adjust to the different facility. His room at Salinas Valley was so small and quickly was filled with kid art, pictures, flowers and family members. Now, in contrast, he has a large private room, and I was all by myself. But, the warmth of his eyes when I walked in helped me to acclimate.
Within minutes, our routine began. I quickly found his CD player, started the classical music and sat myself down to his right foot. You see, each time I visit, he gets a long and luxurious foot massage. As I wrote in an earlier entry, each family member brings a wonderful and unique gift of his or herself to share with my dad. The guys get him laughing, the children keep him smiling, and the sisters & sister-in-laws keep him talking. My thing turns out to be a time of peacefulness. I know he loves it, because he so quickly pulls aside the sheet and lifts his foot for the sock to be removed! And, as I watch his head go back and eyes close in full relaxation, I think about what an amazing moment it is. I never before have had this opportunity to just serve my dad. Most of you know that Skip is always on the go, and he often is giving more than receiving. And, to be able to just give to him, and to see his peace in being able to enjoy my gift, is something I will always cherish. For this connection, I am so thankful.
Another wonderful detail I can share is something I mentioned above. As I am there with him, it is his warm eyes that truly let you know that he is doing okay. Each time, I come in close, he raises his head for that kiss. His warm eyes are looking at you, and he makes it so clear that he loves you. Really, there are many good things that can come from such a difficult event. And, the love that has poured in, and the love that he pours out is something I will never forget about this time in his life.
Milestone events that I was able to celebrate with him include hearing one of his outbursts of language. I shared with him how easy it was for me to get to the facility from my work in downtown San Jose, and he blurted out, "easier than the other." I was able to fully understand his words! And, the moment was more joyful than you can imagine. Also, I was able to sit with him at his first dinner of feeding himself. The process was all about learning, and I watched as he gingerly (and yet eagerly if those two can go together) dipped into his applesauce and creamed beef. I asked if he would recommend the fine food to any of you friends, and he smiled! But, truly, he gave me the so/so hand sign, so it wasn't horrible!
This brings me to another thought to share with you. Throughout this process, Skip has maintained an amazing peace and gentleness about himself. His patience with all that nurses and doctors do when you are in a hospital seems unwavering. Each day that I have been there, he simply looks up for how he can cooperate, and even help. It truly draws recognition and causes my heart to ponder even more the character of this man. I long for the day to hear of all that he has learned. My heart knows that he has so much to say to us. I know he'll speak to Carolyn of his deep love for her. He'll probably say something tender to each of his eight kids. Actually, he already has done these things through his eyes and timely hand squeezes. And, he need to say anything to his grand kids. He'll just play with them in a whole new way.
To end my visit, I always ask if I can pray for him. Each time, he nods and allows me to lay my hand on his head. Sunday, I was able to even read him a few scriptures from the book of Philippians. The scriptures speak of the Lord's nearness, and His encouragement that we be anxious for nothing. Then, nearing the end of the chapter comes such a wonderful Truth in verse 13:
Phi 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me."
I know that if we all keep the faith and believe beyond the limitations of our own experiences, imaginations and skepticism, Skip will recover to the fullness of what God has in store for him. Truly, we can do all things through the Resurrected Lord Jesus! (With that, I hope you all enjoyed a Happy Easter!)
Annie
posted by Jason Crist at 10:49 PM
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