The theme for today is: Protection.
As noted in the blog, Zach has fallen out of bed a couple of times. The care team has now placed black mats on each side of his bed to protect him in case he falls again.
Last week’s theme of daily bread reminded us about God’s provision. His amazing provision. We’re also amazed at God’s protection. Zach is vulnerable and requires care and protection. So, we’re thankful for the efforts of Zach’s care team to protect Zach and keep him safe. We thank God for these blessings.
God is our provider. God is also our protector. He is our powerful protector. He doesn’t promise us a pain-free life. We all have our falls both physically and spiritually. But He does promise to never leave us or forsake us. We and Zach can run in and believe in the truth that God is with us, cares about us deeply, and desires good for us.
When we put God first and run the race He sets before us, we run under His provision, power, presence, and protection.
Today’s Updates:
Zach had a busy week! It started off with a bit of a scare on Sunday when Zach’s heart rate was high despite him appearing relaxed. The team did lots of tests to rule out any serious causes of the high heart rate, but all the results were unconcerning. Praise God! Before this happened, the doctors had just reduced one of Zach’s medications (propanolol). The team thinks this change might be a reason why Zach’s heart rate was so high, so they went back up to the former dose of this med for now.
In more exciting news, Zach had a swallowing test Friday afternoon and did great! He’s now cleared to eat minced food (soft solid food chopped up). Since Zach is eating enough calories, he is no longer is receiving the tube feed! We are SO excited that Zach is able to enjoy food again! Praise God for his continued blessings in Zach’s life. Please also pray that Zach will continue to enjoy his food and tolerate his diet.
The speech therapists are continuing practice vocalizing, which is a struggle for Zach. Please pray with us that Zach may persevere and be able to vocalize words again one day.
Zach appeared pretty withdrawn in his other therapies on Friday. Zach indicated that he was in a lot of pain, but struggled to pinpoint where the pain was. They gave Zach a break from therapies for the rest of the day. The doctors may adjust his pain meds (he’s not receiving much), and the team is trying to figure out a more effective way for Zach to communicate when he’s in pain.
Zach has been resisting nursing care more often now and appears very defensive, swinging his limbs when healthcare providers try to touch him. Zach also has been getting upset quicker when things that he is enjoying (like watching hockey) end without him expecting it. Please pray that Zach may feel calm and that he will accept more nursing care in the future.
Zach got a Botox injection in left wrist on Wednesday to loosen up his muscles and hopefully help him to flex his wrist up. The specialists say it will take a couple weeks for the Botox to take full effect. Please pray with us that this injection will have positive results for Zach, that he may one day regain full function of his left hand.
We continue to hope and pray that Zach will be accepted to the brain injury rehabilitation centre at Ponoka. We ask that you pray for strength for Zach in therapies, and that Zach may experience the peace and joy that comes from God. Praise God who promised to be with us always, to the very end of the age!
“If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent.
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him.
With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
(Psalm 91:9-16)
