Article in today's advance and blessings from God

We were blessed to be interviewed by Cathy Runyon at the Advance Newspaper for an article that was printed in today's Advance. She did a wonderful job portraying our life with ALS, but ultimately our hope in Jesus Christ, especially as Christmas approaches this year. If you are local, check it out, if you are not, here is a link to the article on line
http://www.mlive.com/grandvalleyadvance/index.ssf/2009/12/christmas_offers_local_family.html

Eric has been struggling with a cough for some time now and we have not been getting much rest. God has lifted our spirits on Sunday as we were doubly blessed to hear our good friend, Daniel Groves perform at GR First on Sunday with some incredible music to our Lord that drew us closer to Him and then Sunday night when we were again feeling the enemy attack as this disease has become so difficult to bear at times, a bunch of families from our new church came to our house singing Christmas carols with huge smiles on their faces (especially the beautiful children singing loudly in front) Eric was not able to come to the door at that time, but I stood and listened to their beautiful voices and Eric listened from the other room as we both shed tears knowing how much we are loved by so many of you, but most of all knowing that we are loved by God. He sees us when we are hurting and He lifts us up out of the pit and wraps his arms around us in such tangible ways. I had prayed specifically just an hour before that God would show himself to me and He truly did!

This Christmas, lift someone up and show the love of Christ as you celebrate his birth and the true meaning of Christmas!!
Love,
Lori and Eric

I am attaching some photos of us spending some time cuddling with Eric in his hospital bed. He may not be able to sleep in it, but this was the first time Eric was able to put his arms around the kids and me to hold us for a while. Of course, our beloved dog, Prince had to get in there too!

three steps forward...two steps back

Eric has been adjusting to having the feeding tube put in. We were so focused on getting it put in safely, we hadn't thought much about what comes next. While we are still so grateful that the procedure went so well and God's hand of protection was on Eric, it has been hard for Eric to adjust at home. He has not slept in his hospital bed since the surgery and can no longer wear his bi-pap overnight or for very long periods. His feet have swollen up again from sleeping in his chair. He has also started a tickle cough that comes and goes daily and sometimes causes choking. We have started supplementing Eric's meals by feeding tube once or twice a day and we are getting used to that. He continues to eat a softer diet as well. Eric has been very frustrated with this disease lately and his spirit has been very down. I tend to follow suit when he gets this way because we are both again very tired most days. I understand that Eric can't be happy all the time when he suffers through this disease. I often try to imagine how I would feel in his shoes and I don't even know how I would respond. I don't know what we would do if we didn't have Christ's love and His grace in our lives. Eric's dad has returned to the hospital again this week and is now home awaiting surgery in Ann Arbor to be scheduled. My sister had her lymph nodes checked because she felt a lump and although she had a "clean" petscan, the doctor says he is pretty sure it is cancer so it will be removed and biopsied. My grandpa had surgery for his cancer last Friday and they believe they got it all (Praise God) and he is now at a nursing home recovering, but he is very down as well. Life can just be so hard sometimes. You sometimes wonder how much one family can take. The snow has hit hard in Michigan and we have been cooped up inside. We have been enjoying being here all together as family. My kids actually slept with their PJ's backwards, spoons under their pillows and flushed ice cubes down the toilet last night (those of you not from Michigan, these are "supposed to" help school to be cancelled) We actually stayed up very late last night assuming there would be no school and were so glad to be right. My bible study leader checks in with me every week even though I am no longer able to leave for Bible Study for the last month or so, and she shared verses from the study last week in Psalm 73:23-28
It was very encouraging to me and Eric and I wanted to share it with you:
Yet I am always with you;
you hold me by my right hand.

You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.

Whom have I in heaven but you?
And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Those who are far from you will perish;
you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.

But as for me, it is good to be near God.
I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge;
I will tell of all your deeds.

Sometimes it is so hard to keep our focus on God, but He is the author and perfector of our souls and the One who sustains us through trials. Please pray we keep our eyes on Jesus and for Eric to fight the latest things he is struggling with. It is really hard to see Eric go through this when there is sometimes nothing I can do to help him. I hope you are all staying safe, healthy and warm and are blessed this Christmas season.
Love,
Lori

The surgery was a success and we are home!

Just a quick note to let you know that the surgery went very well. Eric used his bi-pap during the surgery which took about 1 hour including prep time once he was on the table. I was able to help get his mask on after they inserted the tube down his nose and then they let me sit right outside of the room he was in. I was praying and reading the book of John while I waited and felt at peace. I was praising God when they came out and told me it went well and I could go in. We had to stay in recovey for 4 hours so they could monitor him and irrigate his tube and we were able to head home about 5 tonight. Eric said he was hungry when he came out of surgery so we are now finally home eating some food. We will be trained on how to use the tube for the first time tomorrow. Eric is in a lot of pain in the tube area and he was given some vicodin which helped a little. Thank you for your prayers!!! We felt them and are so grateful. Please pray for pain tolerance, rest and no infections.
Thanks prayer warriors!
Love,
Lori and Eric