Update (3/8/09 - 11:30pm)

This turned out to be a very exhausting day and a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. Tired and weary sums it up for me. Cindy on the other hand looks frail and weak, but has an inner strength that amazes me and everyone else around her. She has been through so much, and yet keeps fighting such a good fight. She's like the boxer that gets battered and knocked down, but keeps getting back up to fight on. Rocky would be proud.
Cindy was doing so well in many ways throughout the day - she was up and moving; out of bed for most of the day; feeling well; alert and full of personality with a sense of humor; made some phone calls; even walked from one end of the room and back with a son on each arm (Matt and Nick).
But throughout the day, she continued to become more and more uncomfortable with the abdominal bloating. She literally looks about 8 months pregnant (I know I'll hear it for that one). The tube insertion was an emotional setback. I keep trying to remind Cindy that the worst is behind her. Two steps forward and one step back makes for slow and tiring progress, but we know the Lord is in control and has a reason for all trials and suffering he allows his children to go through. We have to trust Him, trust Him, trust Him.
Cindy is sleeping soundly now. Good night sweetheart.
-Rick

"Do you not know? have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." Isa. 40:28-29

Update (3/8/09 - 7:30pm)

Cindy's abdomen has continued to fill with air without relief. As a result, the doctor ordered an air tube to be inserted. The insertion was not pleasant for Cindy. She now cannot talk, eat or drink for 24 hours while the air is sucked out of her stomach. Please pray that this works and gives Cindy the relief she needs.
Lord, how much more must she endure?
-Rick

"But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction." Job 36:15

Update (3/8/09 - 1:30pm)

Cindy and I started our morning off by joining our home church service on line (fbcw.org). What a blessing technology can be (at times).
Cindy had a pretty good night again last night. She has been up and out of bed since about 8am today. She even walked across the room. The nurse wants to take her out walking the hall later today. We'll work on dancing after that.
Cindy's bowels are still not functioning properly, so that is our #1 prayer request at this time. She is extremely bloated with air and cannot eat solid food without creating further discomfort. As a result, her body is lacking nutrition and she has lost weight.
Thanks for the constant words of encouragement. Know that I read all emails and blog comments to Cindy. You all are being the body of Christ to us and are a great blessing.
-Rick

"Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."
I Thes. 5:11