Search This Blog

Thank you for checking out our website/blog. By journaling and updating this website we will attempt to keep friends and family up to date on what is going on inside our lives. Living with a terminal illness (ALS) and demonstrating how God is working in our lives to bring Him glory during this trial. We appreciate your gracious prayers and support during this season of our lives! We Love You All So Much!




My Favorite Music


Monday, January 18, 2010

God answers prayers!

I wanted to quick update you since my last post. I updated on a Thursday night over a week ago around midnight and asked only for prayer for Eric. Most of you probably opened the blog sometime on Friday and started praying. Around 9 at night on Friday, it was like Eric woke up from a two day nap. Since then, he has continued to get better than he was and is basically back to the same point he was in December again. His mom and I were very worried about his state. I believe God heard our prayers and restored Eric and is extending his life because he still has work to do here. I still watch Eric be used by God with our kids, people who come into our home, phone calls and connecting people together to do God's work and am still being reminded of what an impact he has had on so many lives from his walk with the Lord. We are still praying for a miracle of healing, and know that while we wait on the Lord, we still have work to do! His work!
Eric started to tolerate his bi-pap that Friday for 6-8 hours at night. Some would say it was his mindset to do it, but he hadn't worn it for more than 30 minutes at a time without needing to have it taken off prior to that so I again believe it was part of answered prayers. We have been sleeping so much more at night and our friend Stephanie is helping us out with the kids in the morning getting off to school which is so wonderful for all of us. The kids love her and she loves them! I am able to get much needed sleep too. Eric's mom has been around a lot helping out too which is so nice. His brother and family have come up two weekends in a row too to help out. We are really being taken care of and we thank all of you who have had a part in that even if it is just by praying. That is so powerful! Keep praying! God is good all the time!
Other quick updates:
Lori: I went to the doctor today after a couple weeks of pain in my right forearm and found out I have tendonitis so I have an arm splint and ibuprofin to help take care of that. Please pray that the pain will go away and it will get better soon.
Zach: Yesterday was Zach's 13th birthday!!! I can't believe we have a teenager in our house!!! He has been growing like crazy and is now taller than me! We had a special day together and Eric gave Zach a special letter he has been working on for him telling him what a fine young man he is turning out to be. He had some guys sleepover last night since Grandville had no school today. He is still playing basketball and started guitar lessons with our pastor.
Maddie: We found a dentist for her in Byron Center (thanks for all the referrals) and had her front tooth looked at. It has been loose for about two months and ended up sticking out crooked in the middle of her gums while the permanant teeth were making their way in. Maddie cried the whole way to the dentist, he took one look at her, numbed it a bit and attempted to pull it. Unfortunately, the stubborn thing didn't come out so he had to go back in with his "tooth puller tool". Oh... was this rough for mom to watch. After I helped hold her hands down, he got it out. After lots of tears, hugs and a trip to Craig's Cruisers for some fun (her reward for being so brave) she is now happy to have it out. He told us that she is a tough orthodontist case and we should get in soon for a referral for braces! She is only 7but going on 13.
We are blessed to have such a wonderful family and blessed to call you friends!
Have a great week!
Lori

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Lori and Eric and Family, I am lifting you all up in prayer. So glad to hear that you are sleeping better, that is so huge! I am praying for a miracle for Eric. Just wanted to let you know that I am also praying for you,Lori. Stay healthy and strong. You are a lovely person.
Joann

Unknown said...

From :Steve and Sally Langerak
We understand completely. We could not get through our days without the grace of God. One thing I have noticed is that I can go a period of time feeling good then I go through a period of feeling awful. We rejoice during the feeling good times.
We pray for you, and hope the Lord continually gives you good days. I will see you in heaven.

chippy said...

Eric & Lori,
praise God for Eric's turn around! We have been praying everyday for your whole family! Love you guys & the awesome testimony you are to God!
chippy

Anonymous said...

I am glad to hear that Eric is taking a better turn. We are praying everyday for your family. We know God's grace will get you through and give Eric the strengh he needs to get better. Happy Birthday, Eric,also!! We love you!!!
LOVE, Sandy Hocker and Family

Anonymous said...

Praise be to God! We are blessed to call you friend.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! :-)
Adam & Stacey

Anonymous said...

Another prayer answered. I am so glad to hear that your days are going better....it makes it so much easier on everyone. Your support system sounds so wonderful. Boy, am I impressed with your tolorence with your breathing machine....WAY TO GO!!! Now look at all the extra energy you have for during the day. Leanne works with me on mine from airway...& I finally have impressed her with me wearing mine 7 hrs....Take it one day at a time and know we are thinking and praying for you daily
Cec & Barb Harkema

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Eric! I'm so glad to hear you are a little better! Thank God for answered prayer! God is so good! I will continue to keep you all in my prayers.
~Love, Terri Kerkstra

anne said...

Happy Birthday, Eric!!!! Hope you have had a wonderful day! You are an inspiration and we wish we lived closer to help in a more "hands on" way. But instead, we will continue to pray that God overwhelms you with his love and peace on this journey He is walking with you!
Our love,
Steve, Anne & Ryan

Anonymous said...

Praise God!!! We will continue to uplift you guys in our prayers.

You are loved!
Jenni Walters

Anonymous said...

Lori, Eric, Zach, and Mandi, We have been praying for you all. We're here if you need anything.

Joel was told he'll be starting next year already for Northview as a Varsity Line Backer,
heidi also turned 13 on December 26th. lol and prays

Mark & Gloria Wessely

Betsy and Neal said...

So thankful that you are doing better. We keep you in our prayers.

Mb said...

Hello Lori and Eric, I think of you often and check your post when I am in front of the computer and God brings your name across my mind. I read about Job today and compared him to Nebucadnezar because of a speech I am preparing. I loved how you referenced Job and I too am so taken back at his attitude thru it all. Nebucadnezar had it all and didn't realize it too was ALL from God. Lets celebrate Jobs attitude. Check out Psalm 91 - praying that God will be your refuge and he will cover you with his feathers!!!

Family is FOREVER

Family is FOREVER