About this blog...

This blog was created to help communicate the current situation and needs of the Van Swol family. Please feel free to leave encouraging comments for them under any post. The blog will be updated as often as possible to keep information current. Please click the link to the left to read the story from the beginning.

September 7, 2009

Mobility...and Good News!

Elizabeth did very well yesterday. She was very calm before surgery which was a huge answer to prayer. After yesterday's re-wrap, Elizabeth now has the thumb and first two fingers on her right hand free which means she can hold a cup on her own! She is understandably very tired and emotional today. The doctors have also encouraged her to begin walking which is causing considerable pain.

Joshua began walking yesterday - and while it is painful he is continuing to try to walk more. He will have his bandages changed on Wednesday this week. He is off all pain medication except Motrin. Josh is smiling more today which is a good sign. After beginning to walk, Joshua is much more independent than he has been.

Nights are still rough. Sleep happens in little bursts and the itching is much worse at night.

Mark will return to work on Friday for a half day.

Thank you for praying...they are seeing improvement and prayers are being answered! Praise God for answered prayer!

Please pray:
-for both kids to walk through the pain.
-for both kids to eat well and stay hydrated.
-for Mark and Joanne's stamina - both emotional and physical.
-for Joshua as he has his bandages changed on Wednesday.
-for quick, miraculous and complete healing of all.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Our prayers are with you.

The Bradys

Barbara said...

The Wingards are rejoicing over this good news. What brave kids you have! Our prayers are with you-

Anonymous said...

It encourages me to see that you guys can continue to praise through this time! I love to hear when those who claim to trust God actually do it when it's toughest to do so.

Thanks for your willingness to persevere and I hope that you might be blessed to see how He has brought you one step closer to the "likeness of Christ."

-Logan

The Jacksons said...

"What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer..." You are so dear to us, and we continue to love you and pray for each of these requests. We thank the Lord with you for the good answers to prayer. Thank you to your dear friends who are keeping us up-to-date.

Bob and Margie and family

Anonymous said...

We will continue to pray for our friends! So glad to hear some good news.
The Austins

Anonymous said...

Mark and Joanne,

Please know we have been surrounding your family in prayer. We have been so emotional about Elizabeth and Josh because it reminds us of our not so long ago accident with our children. I have wanted to share scripture with you that ministered to us but I have been afraid to take you away from your children's needs. Here are a few Isaiah 41:10, Colossians 1:17 and Psalm 100. God has taught me so much through our journey--Psalm 100 how to praise him even during a valley in our life. We will continue to pray for all of you! The Hegler family

Tom and Mary said...

Thanks for sending this blog. Tom and I have been praying and praying. We are asking God for COMPLETE healing! We also want to send you our love. It's times like this that we would love to be closer and be able to help out. However, it sounds like God has surrounded you with His family. PTL!
Joshua and Elizabeth, we love you so much and are praying for you big time!
Love, Tom and Mary

Alanna Angel said...

So wonderful to hear that God is answering prayers! We continue to pray for all of you (as do my co-workers- Brian Henry and Karen Leslie).

In God's Love,
Alanna Angel

chuck and emalie harrison said...

Praying for everyone.

Chuck and Emalie Harrison

Anonymous said...

We love you guys so much. We are praying for you, and we're so thankful to hear how God is working.
Michael & Jennifer Deason