In order to appreciate the anticipated miracles, we need you to understand the reality of Rich's physical and emotional challenges.
First, The pallidotomy surgery itself was successful in reducing the dyskinesias (movements) and relaxing Rich's very painful cramping. It also improved the effectiveness of his Parkinsons drugs.
Unfortunately Rich has had some negative (hopefully temporary) side effects from the surgery as well. A second MRI done post surgery revealed some significant swelling of his midbrain which has caused him to be quadriplegic (he does have sensation but no movement). Surgeons said it will take 2-3 weeks to possibly regain use. He is currently at West Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center in Portland recovering and regaining strength for the upcoming spine surgery. The surgery is planned but not scheduled. The spine surgeon wants Rich to be stronger before he can undergo another massive surgery.
The following is from Rich spoken to me, Rachael, at his bedside. I have transcribed it exactly as he said it.
"Note how verbose this writing is as evidence it is my own words. The following is for people who can bear with understanding the hard facts of my situation without losing their good spirit. I'm gonna be blunt...naked honest. First, I am by medical definition a quadriplegic who is within the process of regaining the usage of my limbs. To support this bad, but good news I am highly encouraged that I was today able to flex and retract my hand, which as I stated, had lost function. This is supporting the good expectation of the doctor, who did my surgery, that the loss of my left limb was a side effect of the pallidotomy, specifically from midbrain swelling.
Now I am encouraged because I know who and where the healer is, and I have so many of you roof thatch removers holding me up, to lower me down, to put me in touch with the healing power of God. Please read Mark 2: 1-12.
I have hours of anecdotal medical horror stories to share, e.g. having a hole drilled into your head under local anesthetic. But in all seriousness there is only one true source of healing and I know it lives within me. I can only communicate a jot of the love and support that gave me the strength to endure this and that source is my beloved friend and wife Peggy. Please pray for her. Now, I rest and thank you all for your continued holding me on the ropes. I'm almost there. I will see you back at home and I'll know you by your rope burns. So don't let go of hope for this is real.
Love, Rich
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Dear Rich,
ReplyDeleteIt was so good to hear from you!! I can tell from your "verbose" words that you are in good spirits and that is wonderful. I don't know how you manage to stay so strong through all of this. I can only believe what you say and realize it is the Healer working through you. My prayers continue for your healing and for strength for Peggy and the rest of your family. I don't know if I have any rope burns, but I do believe in miracles (I have seen them in my own life) and I will continue praying that you will be another one.
Here's a story you might like. My daughter, Cara, (who is one of my miracles by being healed of blood clots throughout her body, which changed her life entirely) has a neat story to tell. Last fall her husband Rich, found out that he had diabetes. Right before he went to the dr. that day to be checked out, they and their two sons, Jeffrey and Matthew, all sat down and prayed about it. After they were done, Jeffrey, the 5 year old, said, "Mom, did you see that?" very excitedly. She said no and asked what he saw. He said there were lights falling all around them, like lit up marshmallows. I think he was seeing something heavenly that maybe only children see because they look out of innocent eyes. Anyway, miracles do happen, don't they?
So glad to hear this good news, even though it is laced with difficult stuff.
Lots of love,
Vicki and Family
oh Rich!!!! it IS wonderful to hear your voice. and so strong and firm. and HOPEFUL. and we all looked yesterday at beautiful photos of your visit to Aunt Mert's lake in August'07 and we feel inspired and strengthened and in spirit with you. I hope you could feel our positive thoughts and prayers coming your way!!
ReplyDeleteSo that's it, I am so thankful and overwhelmed by reading your own words for us, I can't even say more! and that's a lot for ME! :)
grace and peace to you and ALL your family,
and tons of love,
Renna, Paul, Amy & Ashley
Dearest Rich...And we will know you by your Love. Bless you little cousin and let God's Love, and our imperfect human love, lift you up above your pain. Thank you so much for giving us this opportunity to share in your suffering.
ReplyDeleteLove you ... Champ!
Honest, when we woke this morning to find an update, your beautiful and inspired words were like manna. Gary (the "non-reader") also commented on the beauty and depth of your analogy.
ReplyDeleteMore prayer-power: Our Sunday School class is praying IN ONE ACCORD for you to once again have use of your arms and legs.
Rachael, we know how busy your life is with two little ones- so, a sincere THANK YOU,THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for your update and the love and support you give to your mom and dad.
Okay,these are Gary's own words,"Peggy isn't simply deserving of Honorable Mention...she is Honorable for all that she continues to do for Rich." So here's to you Peg, "May our loving Heavenly Father Bless you - and we THANK YOU,THANK YOU,THANK YOU. Also, know that no wife could be more LOVED by her husband than you.
Our prayers continue for each one of the Smiths.
Love, Gary and Carol
Rachel- this is actually Rob (Sandy's husband). I was just hoping that you would let your mom and dad know that we all love them both, and are praying for them and for all of you right now. We miss having them in Midland. We have our church community group praying for your family too. We are thankful that you take the time to do this. Please tell your dad I said hi and pass this along. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteRob
Hi Rich - I'm not as good at the kind of writing the other Landis gals do here so instead, I'll focus on a few memories from Midland days that I've thought about during this recent journey of yours. I probably have a slightly different perspective of you from my vantage point as the youngest granddaughter :)
ReplyDeleteWhat I remember more than anything is how good you were to me as a little girl...I really did look up to you as something special, kind of like the older brother I wished I had. I remember going to Albion many times when we still lived in Midland, and having you & your mom come visit us. And how excited Mom was when it was decided that the Smiths were moving to Midland! I was only 5 or 6 but I remember going to look at houses with Mom, she was determined to get her big sister living nearby. And what a different time it was back then that my mother, the most worrisome woman on the planet, actually let me walk to that house on Jefferson all by myself! It was one thing to let me walk to Jane's or Nanine's where she had a straight line of sight down St Andrews to know I arrived safely...but Freda's, well that was a whole other story. I was supposed to walk straight down St Andrews and make a left on Jefferson. but I discovered a short cut that would take me through your mom's backyard. I don't remember where I turned but it was such an adventure! And usually, eventually you would show up, bigger and cooler than ever. I loved being there with you two.
I also remember how beautifully you said grace for the table before we ate. No one could say grace like you! So, I'll close this posting by saying grace, peace & continued strength to you, Peg, Rachael & Jacob on this continuing journey.
xol.