Relieved

    As we reflect on the meeting we had this afternoon here, I must admit, I'm more than slightly relieved.  The palliative care team came and assessed Jacob.  It was good to hear 'the experts' take on things.  Yes, to some degree it was as I expected - not all clear cut answers. Yet, they clarified some points.  I didn't expect Lisa to come and say 'Jacob has __ many days to live', but I was hoping she would be able to shed some light on the subject.  The consensus of the assessment was that the new developments we've seen with Jacob may begin a new chapter in his life, but, he is NOT actively dying!  Music to my ears.  God's ways are higher than our ways.   

     He has developed irregular breathing.  Oh, how he can pause for far too long!!  It's a matter of how long can he continue to breathe so irregular?!   Yet, as human eyes see, he's not actively dying.  The many MANY prayers which have gone up on High, on our behalf have been answered.  So humbling indeed.  Just because Jacob isn't classified as actively dying doesn't mean Jacob’s a healthy boy.   Yet, God has spared him to this very second.  Praise God from whom all blessings flow.  Just as I stand in amazement at God’s compassion for Jacob, I also see His compassion to Paul and me.  We've had low times - brutally low times, yet, we've been upheld also to this very second.


     Jacob has also developed periodic mild swelling in his feet and face.  Unfortunately, there was no answer for this.  Hopefully this doesn’t develop into a major problem.   Jacob continues to be an extremely difficult one to figure out. 

      As we look into the future, we are extremely uncertain what life will bring our way.  Jacob may plateau at this point.  If that is the case, the cares and demands may be greater.  He may continue to regress, and the needs will escalate from here.  Time will only tell!

     Many tough decisions have been made, and now we also pray that we will have peace with those decisions also.  We’re so thankful for a great team walking this journey with us.  Their input is invaluable! 

     We thank you all for the many words of encouragement, but above all for your prayers.  He hears the needy when they cry.

Opa Boesterd last night with Jacob.  (Jacob's great grandfather)