Cindy had a pretty good day today. She is on a liquid diet and had broth, apple juice, and a protein shake today. Cindy is also still receiving the nutrient IV, so she is gaining strength. She is walking and doing her PT exercises regularly. However, Cindy is showing signs of bloating again, so we need to pray that her bowels are not slowing again.
Tomorrow is a big day. If all goes well and everything is working properly, she may be able to go home to the Scheihings. As you can imagine, Cindy is anxious to leave and so am I.
We said goodbye to Nick today as he drove back to Liberty. It was a tremendous blessing to have all three of the boys here at various times during this ordeal. In their own ways, all four of our children gave special gifts to Cindy in her time of need. Jenna gave Cindy a fleece Panda Bear blanket before the surgery, not knowing that it would be a constant and comforting companion, providing much needed warmth throughout these last two weeks in the hospital. Ryan's drive all the way down from Vermont the weekend after the first surgery was a great surprise for Cindy and the 20 hours of driving in that weekend was no small sacrifice. And of course, only the Lord's timing could have been so perfect as to allow both Matt and Nick here to help in back-to-back weeks. Giving up their spring break to spend sleepless nights and boring days in a hospital to help care for their mom and give their dad much needed breaks went far beyond the call of duty. Their reward was that they were able to witness first hand God's miraculous powers and see the daily changes in their mom as the Lord faithfully answered all of our prayers.
Those sacrificial gifts of love from our children will continue to bless us for the rest of our lives.
-Rick

"The father of a righteous man has great joy; he who has a wise son delights in him." Prov. 23:24

"Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works. They will tell of the power of your awesome works, and I will proclaim your great deeds." Ps. 145:3-6