Two years ago (16th November 2011) we wrote:
Be encouraged to persist in praying for Andy, for his full recovery, for already he has made amazing progress surprising many who are working with him.
All our lives will never be the same again; despite the pain and anguish Andy and the entire family are experiencing, there is an awesome and overwhelming awareness that God is in total control of everything that is happening.’
Since those awful, terrifying days, Andy and Emma have travelled a difficult journey; a roller-coaster ride of tears and laughter, setbacks and progress, doubt and faith. For Andy there were times of great frustration, depression and fear, as the quality of care and level of therapy given varied tremendously and progress was extremely slow. During the darkest of times Andy would cry inconsolably and desperately seek assurance that he would get better. But through it all Andy, Emma and all the family have been encouraged, reassured and given the strength to carry on through the love, prayers and support of faithful friends and many hundreds of believers around the world who continue to pray to this day, despite not even knowing Andy and Emma personally.
Looking back, it is truly amazing how much recovery Andy has made and continues to make even now. The original diagnosis and prognosis given us the day after his stroke was:
Well Andy did survive and has continued to make amazing progress in regaining what was taken by the stroke and, despite one or two scares, he has been free from any serious illnesses or infections.
Head and facial muscles are working and his speech is improved to the point that he can chat with friends, join in discussions and express his feelings. He has been able to dictate whole chapters of the book he has ‘written’ about his illness and recovery.
His core strength and stability means he is able to sit unsupported in a ‘normal’ wheelchair for more than 10 hours at a time.
He can bite, chew and swallow all types of food, and drink thinner liquids as he regains greater control of the muscles involved.
With good head control and a tiny flicker of movement in his right thumb Andy can use a computer to communicate with family and friends through email and video ‘phone’ calls, also doing research, personal banking and shopping online.
The Baclofen pump fitted last month is working well and Andy is now able to exercise, free from painful spasms and the debilitating side-effects of the oral drug.
Two years of therapy sessions and exercise therapy at home have kept his joints loose with good flexibility ensuring the potential to move when muscle control is regained.
Most importantly Andy has ‘moved on’ from being merely a survivor to take on new challenges. He has begun his theology degree and already completed his first essay achieving an A grade with the whole piece of work composed in his head and dictated for typing.
It is a great testimony to Andy and Emma’s love, faith and determination that he has achieved so much, but an even greater testimony to the wonderful love and grace of God through Christ Jesus. We don’t know why this has happened or what the future holds for Andy and Emma but we know the one who does and we put all our trust in Him.
“For I know the plans I have for you” declares the Lord, “plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, The Bible)
‘And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’ (Romans 8: 28, The Bible)
