So Grateful for You...

People who love the Bakers enough to spend time in prayer for them, spend time with them at the hospital, spend time waiting with them in spirit for David's full recovery.

We have some good news this afternoon!

This morning, Dr. Chen visited David again and is encouraged with his recovery, and referred to this process as a swinging pendulum - a long process of going back and forth - some really good days and then possibly a swing to some hard days while David's brain heals.

Please pray that God would continue to orchestrate the inner workings of David's brain to adjust to the changes well and fully heal - that little by little all of David will be all back, all in His time.

That David would respond well as the process of healing continues - that he would respond well to even swallowing, eating, taking pills, etc.

And that the Bakers would rest in what they know to be true - that God is good, His timing is good, so good it's worth waiting for, even when the pendulums of life swing.

What a praise, that Dr. Chen is pleased with David's progress, so pleased in fact, that he said David's progress is far ahead of most who have had such invasive brain surgery.

Words and visits from Dr. Chen are comforting, enlightening and encouraging to the Bakers, so we thank God that he was able to stop by David's room this morning!

God has given Dr. Chen (obviously) a mind that is oh so smart, and a talent that is oh so unmatched, but He has also given him incredible insight into how to communicate effectively and understandably to the Bakers...you could not ask for more in a doctor, and we thank God for how he created Dr. Chen.

Hopefully this afternoon David will have a nice, comfy (well at least I hope) chair brought to his room that he will get to sit in and exercise...he is so ready to get out of that bed!! So yay! He's getting to, at least for a little while, today!

...So grateful for you.

No News is Good News!

The meeting with Dr. Chen last week went well and all present were encouraged to move forward with getting back into the normal flow of life.

A few additions to the normal flow of life are weekly physical therapy sessions as well as half days of school and of course, lots of rest!

Yes, that's right! David actually went to a half day of school today! Awesome!

As of right now it looks like surgery on the second, smaller of the two original aneurysms, will be in mid to late February...

So for the next month we need to pray that David's rest is adequate, that he can adjust with little to no stress back into "normal" life, that his physical therapy would be effective, that he would be diligent to work out his right side at home, and that he just overall feels more and more like himself.

It's a long road ahead and this journey is not over. Your prayers are still needed and appreciated, so thank you for remembering all of the Bakers! Please know that no news on the blog is good news! And I will try to keep you as up to date as possible!

Meeting with the Doctor!

David meets with Dr. Chen today for the first time since he left the hospital!

He also met with physical therapists yesterday to get scheduled for his weekly therapy sessions!

Things are moving right along...aside from a headache scare right after Christmas (too much Christmas?! haha), David's recovery continues to go well.

Pray for the meeting today - that there would be no surprises and that all would feel encouraged to press on towards full recovery. Also, for protection from worrisome, anxious and fearful thoughts as I'm sure the second aneurysm will be discussed.

"Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things."

Philippians 4:4-8

"It's beautiful. It was a miracle!" Dr. Chen

The procedure is over and it was a miracle!!!!!!!

Dr. Chen came immediately out into the waiting room and told us:

"It was beautiful. It was a miracle."

Praise the Lord with us!! We are witnessing a miracle!! The coils worked!!

IS THIS NOT THE BEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE?!?!

Dr. Chen loved the way David's blood was flowing and he said it was the best scenario. He said he thinks David may be "complete"...we don't know what that means for right side, but it sure sounds encouraging.

I hope to tell you more about how amazing this moment was, but for now join us in praising the Lord for the mighty work He has done here at Memorial Hermann Hospital today with the hands of Dr. Chen and in the brain of our David.

Happy Birthday, Big Dave...

Oh Come All Ye Faithful
Joyful and triumphant,
Oh come ye, Oh come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

Oh Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing all that hear in heaven God's holy word.
Give to our Father glory in the Highest;
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
All Hail Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
Oh Jesus for evermore be Thy name adored.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Oh come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

P.S. IT IS SNOWING IN HOUSTON!! Just got this photo from the Brown's...pretty awesome. David prayed for two things last night. 1) a miracle. 2) snow. Are you kidding me?!?!

Random Facts About Dr. Chen

When Kathe asked Dr. Chen how he was able to persevere through 22 hours of surgery, he answered:

"My wife and I train every year to run the Grand Canyon Rim to Rim (50 miles...with elevations ranging from 2,000 to 9,000 feet!)"

THE MAN IS A MACHINE! WE ARE IN AWE!

The party is drawing near...and we are getting ready for a fun night of celebrating David!