UPDATE...

Oliver bringing Grandpa flowers!

Hi Everyone,



We are taking a break from our usual format of blogging because we want to post a quick update and to let all of you know what is happening in our lives. The past few weeks have been very busy and challenging for us. Gene's breathing capacity has diminished significantly and to make a long story short, we have decided to have a tracheotomy. We have chosen a surgeon and the surgery is scheduled for tomorrow, December 9th. The trache will allow Gene to be completely supported by the ventilator; he will no longer have to labor for each breath. This will be a good thing, because Gene expends a great amount of energy with every breath, even though he is using non-invasive ventilation 24/7. He will be in the hospital for a few days so that he can be observed and so that I can learn how to care for his trache and vent. We will also be lining up nursing care that will begin helping us in our home. Please pray for us; pray especially that Gene recovers quickly and that he will be protected from infection. Pray that we learn to adjust to this big change in our lives. Gene and I strongly believe in the sovereignty and providence of a loving God and we rejoice in Him, even in the midst of our affliction.



On another note, Gene has been seeing a physical therapist that comes to our home and works with Gene. This has been very beneficial and is helping Gene to maintain what strength he has and to actually see some improvement in the muscles that still function.

This is the day the LORD has made;

let us rejoice and be glad in it!

Psalm 118:22

We will keep you posted!

Gene and Michele