Sustain

sus.tain: strengthen or support, physically or mentally

Sunday afternoon, after church, we drove up the Stony Brook University Hospital to visit Michael.  There was a sense of familiarity as we walked throughout the hospital that we got to know and love earlier this year.  However, this time, we rode the elevators up to floor 17, instead of 18.  After dropping the kids off to the waiting room, I had to smile just a little because as we walked to room 108, I realized it was the exact same room Michael had been in at the beginning, just one floor down.

As we walked in, Michael was doing okay.  He was awake and alert while we were there, so we were able to talk with him and give our love and encouragement.  Sally shared that he had been through quite a few rounds of tests as the doctors were working to find out what was causing him the pain and discomfort.

All in all, it’s been a rough few days for Michael and his family.  Being in the hospital is never easy and it’s certainly been hard for Michael to be off his normal schedule and for his family as they’ve worked to help and support and advocate for him.  Tonight Sally shared that as long as things went well tonight, tomorrow he should be able to be discharged and back to the Rehab where he needs to be.  So she asked that we could pray for this specific request.

I’ve always loved the verse in Psalms that talks about how we can cast all of our cares on the Lord because he cares for and will sustain us.  During these past few difficult days, Michael and his family have needed to be sustained.  And I’m so thankful for the many people who have prayed for this very thing.  Even in the tough days, God continues to support and strengthen this wonderful family that He loves so very much.  I don’t even know where Michael would be, were it not for his family supporting him while his friends, family and community support them.  It’s been so beautiful to see the good that has come out of this terrible situation.

Please pray tonight and tomorrow that Michael will be able to get back to Rehab and that he could recover from these past few days of being set back.  Please pray for miracles in his healing and rehab as he works to relearn so much of what was lost.  Please pray especially for his dad Mike and Mom Sally and sisters Katelyn and Sarah as they continue to love and support him in any and every way.  Thank you for continuing to share in Michael’s life and story, trusting that God will continue to do great things in and through him.