A repost from CaringBridge, April 19, 2019

It’s Good Friday. A day we remember the sacrifice Christ made for us; a day we remember His suffering. What a Lenten season this has been for the entire Horan Clan. Dad’s first stroke was on Ash Wednesday. Almost 40 days later, here we are in our new normal and still often wanting to wake up from this horrible dream. 2 Corinthians 1:5 reminds us, “For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.” We are holding on to this. We are clinging to the comfort that only He can provide. As I posted earlier, today is Friday, but Sunday’s a comin’! For Dad, His Sunday may be in two days or two months or two years, but we trust that whenever it is, it IS coming. In the meantime, we know He feels God’s comfort. He assured me he’s praying, and we know the Holy Spirit is working.

Dad’s been home for a week, and it’s been a big adjustment. Each day he gets a little stronger and a little more verbal. Today he said. “I want oatmeal cookies!” Not surprising for those that know his taste in cookies! He’s also showing that he can engage in watching golf and movies and the news. We believe he’s taking it all in. He’s showing some of his personality with, “Aw, come on!” said in exasperation when we’re trying to make him practice talking or making funny faces to exercise his face muscles. It’s a little frustrating that he fights it, but it’s also encouraging that he’s asserting himself in an outgoing way with a sense of humor. He’s getting out in the sunshine in his wheelchair and eating all the great food Mom’s army of friends are bringing. (He MUCH prefers it to hospital food, so thank you all!)

Mom is there all the time, and the rest of the family is taking turns spending the night and doing some day shifts. We have additional home care from an agency a couple days a week. Therapists and a nurse come to the house as well. There’s been a lot to learn about transferring him and trying to understand what he’s trying to communicate. Through it all there have been some “buckled over” hilarious laugh moments and some weepy, sad moments. We’re coming together as a family, though, and sharing in the responsibilities and challenges. We’re working out the kinks and getting on the same page with “the best way” to help Dad help himself.

This Easter Sunday is going to be so strange. He’s usually on the altar all dressed in his alb and spreading the Good News of the Gospel. This year will be quiet with communion at home. Our prayer is that this journey of suffering has demonstrated that even when times are hard, God is good. Even when we don’t understand the plan, He has one. When we hurt, He cares. When we’re tired, He gives us strength. When we’re hopeless, He assures us that tomorrow is a new day. Perhaps, these 40 days have been a deeper, richer way for Dad to spread the Good News? I sure hope so. Now we look forward to the day when he can talk about his experience with all of you. 

We’re praying for his voice, his leg strength and his emotions. We’re also praying for Mom’s ability (or willingness) to rest when she can. Thank you for joining us in these prayer requests.

Happy Easter weekend everyone! 

A repost from CaringBridge, March 26, 2019

Days are beginning to blur. Dad is working hard at rehab, and we all still feel like this is a bad dream. Rehab is helping him learn the basics all over again… speaking, sitting, standing, walking… the things that we all take for granted. It is gut wrenching to watch our strong, communicative Dad struggle to say “yes” or “no” and work so hard just to balance sitting or take a small step with assistance. How did we get here? How is this possible? In the waiting and praying and begging God for mercy, we are learning to be patient in affliction. If we’re honest, we’re having a hard time “considering it as pure joy as we face this trial” as James encourages us to do in scripture. Perhaps, with time, we will be able to consider it that way. For now, we are looking for the small miracles. We are thanking God for the wonderful therapists. We are allowing the love so many of you have shown us to permeate our souls because we need the support. We honestly couldn’t walk this journey without all of your prayers and encouragement. Again, we are humbled and thankful.

Our prayers now are for patience and improvement. We want to “fix” this and have every detail of our futures worked out, but we have quickly learned we are not in control. We have no idea how much progress he will have made by the time he’s discharged. Our hope, of course, is that he can return home and continue to heal. Please join us in that prayer request.