The problem with the kind of illness Gay is experiencing is that it is not something she will get over quickly. Unlike most illnesses, she did not go to the doctor, get a diagnosis, take the right medicine, and wake up better a few days later. Instead, she was diagnosed with something that had hurt her before – Charcot’s foot. Only it is worse this time. There are two gruesome paths to resolution and a long road to recovery. Through much prayer, we have chosen a path of restoration and healing that will take a total of about 5-6 months.
We don’t get to see things getting a little better each day on this long road. We aren’t encouraged by a little progress each day. There is no sense that life will return to normal soon. Instead, she knows the pain and other symptoms will be with her for a while. Gay has been at this since December 23rd with no relief and a new set of challenges each day. Along the way, there are those who encourage us and hope with us. Unfortunately, there are also those that remind you who remind you that you may never get well. It is easy to believe the doubters on days you are not well, and hope seems like a fool’s pursuit.
Gay is not well today. She has constant pain from Charcot in both feet, and the pain medication has its own set of unpleasant side effects. The IV antibiotics cause nausea and all sorts of gastral destress, which make it hard to look at food, much less eat. And we know we may be on this road for another 2-3 months.
I say all of this to let you know when you ask, “How is Gay today,” I know you are hoping for a good report that will indicate we are almost through this. We are not. Please keep asking. It is Gay’s prayer that she will be healed only when it gives glory to God. Please continue to pray for us as we wait for God because this problem can only be resolved by God himself. We are praying and standing faithful to the promise that God can, and God will.
Praise be to God, in the name of his son, our savior, Jesus Christ.
