Are You Ready to Ruuummmmble?

Tammy's fight is kickin' in! She is initating each breath for the first time since she went on the ventilator! The machine is still giving her a push, doing about 80% of the work, but she is having to work to make each breath happen. That is great news! The next few days, they will begin playing with the settings, switching more of the control back to her.

But here is the best news! She is not under any form of sedation, though she is on pain meds, but nothing to the levels like before. We have gotten our first smiles, our first waves hello and good-bye, and what we call the "stinky face" when I asked her if she wanting to suction her mouth again. She is far from what we would call conversational, nor is she cracking jokes or even consistant in her response. But she may get to that place before long. We are praising God for every lucid moment. We are blessed with every breath.

I have to admit it is hard to express my relieve and thanks for Tammy when my heart is still heavy for Gerald's loss. Our hearts have been on a rollercoaster today. How many places can one's spirit travel in one day? Yet, we know He has known where we would be today since before we were born. So we trust, knowing that all things are truly in His hands.

And we praise Him. Praise Him for giving life. Praise Him for eternal life. Praise Him for people to love. Praise Him for the gift of people who will love us. Praise Him for His sovreignty. Praise Him that He is good. Praise Him that He is not changed by circumstances. Praise Him that He doesn't leave us on our own. Praise Him that He is not far away, but close with us. Praise Him for the Holy Spirit indwelling in us, the Comforter that Christ promised. Praise Him because He always is, always was, and always will be. He is eternal, loving, true, pure, careful, righteous, more than enough, all-knowing, all-powerful, and constant. He is comfort, joy, peace, love, help, and strength. To paraphrase a wise friend of mine, there is nothing that we need that He is not.

I sink into His arms and sigh.