Time for a little praise!

"Well. We’ve been home for 9 days now and I think it’s time for an update. First of all, let me say (as I’ve said again and again) THANK YOU to all of you who have prayed, called, texted, given cash, gift cards, time and in general, generously of yourselves on our behalf.

Although this circumstance wherein we’ve found ourselves is inconvenient and at times, confusing, we’re grateful for its invasion for several reasons but for one in particular: we have been reminded of not only the goodness of God but the gracious willingness of God’s people to “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)

As mentioned in an earlier post, one of the first things we noticed about our home when we learned that Gene Wood would be coming home in a wheelchair (power chair now) was that the only door that would accommodate a chair of that width was the front entry door. The ramp would be built so that Gene could come in through the garage door so, thanks to James Pyles and Ed Burress, we have a new ADA entry door off the ramp into the house. And the ramp? It’s perfect. Thanks to those two guys and their able assistants: Cory Wyatt and Dylan Wyatt and Josh Pressley

And that van I said we'd need (from an earlier post)? Yes, we've got that too. Mark Flatt, a friend from our Stock Creek days had a friend with an "extra" handicap van (who in the world has an extra handicap van??) and she has loaned it to us. There's quite a learning curve on the strapping in and all, but I'm learning and have it down to about 10 minutes. And that's while wearing white pants! ‪#‎iamimpressedwithmyself‬

Since Gene “most likely” would need access to a bathroom, they also removed his original bathroom door; sheet rocked the opening and moved the opening over 8 inches so that he could access his sink, commode and shower. To make it pretty (and make me oh-so-happy!), they installed a beautiful sliding barn door at the new opening! And of course, they had help from Cathy Burress and Mike Miller with that massive project (he and Kim Cooper Miller also did some serious work in the garage!). I’ll paint the bathroom and the bedroom this summer and will then put up a picture so you can see their handiwork. You’re gonna love it!

The bed had to be lowered 5 inches so it’s now off the frame and directly on the floor. No biggee. We’ve moved a couple furniture pieces to the storage unit, which, by the way, is worth every penny since our garage is now a garage instead of a storage space for Gene’s (and Hannah’s!) books!

Gene’s “daily sustenance” items have been moved to accessible shelves and kitchen gadgetry has been pulled closer to the edge so that he can make his own coffee, toast his own bread, microwave his own left-overs, etc. Modifications like those are oh-so-easy. My hat is off to those of you who have been doing this sort of thing forever and who will do it forever more because your loved one WON’T ever get out of their mobility device. My heart hurts for you.

Today was Gene’s first Sunday back in the pulpit and it was (at least for me) a special time. Our brothers and sisters stepped up once again and built a wide and sturdy ramp for Gene to access the stage and we believe that one day he will STAND on that stage to deliver God’s Word. For now, preaching from the chair will suffice. After all, scripture indicates that Jesus sometimes sat to teach.

Luke Wood, Sara Wood, Hannah Wood and Andy have done everything I’ve needed and everything I’ve asked them to do. Our extended families have been amazing and faithful in love and prayers. We simply could not ask for more!

Physical therapy/Occupational therapy hasn’t started yet and we are anxious for it to. Gene will be an outpatient at Patricia Neal and apparently they are backed up so it may be another week before they can get him scheduled. That’s frustrating; in the meantime we plan to go to our gym and use similar equipment there. We’ve been members for 3 years, seems like it may be time to find out what they offer!

Kelli Parker, a young lady you may have seen on TV, has a new show premiering Thursday evening (April 7) at 6:30 on Fox 43 called “The Good Life”. Gene and I will share our story with her (and you if you watch!) in the first episode. Shameless plug: Kelli is a good girl with a good plan and you should give this show a shot! ‪#‎welovekelli‬

As a result of the aforementioned interview, we were again given generous, thoughtful gifts from folks we’ve known for many years. Church members from every church we’ve served in over the last 39 years have contacted us. Literally. I actually had a phone call last night asking about our vacation plans this summer. When I replied that we probably wouldn’t be taking a vacation this year, they said they suspected as much and would like to give us a week at their time-share. Well yeah. We’ll do that! God is so good!

Wow. That’s quite an update. Bottom line: a real bummer of a thing has happened to Gene Wood. But it’s going to be okay. He’s going to be okay. We’re going to be okay. And if things don’t change? We’ll still be okay. Why? Because like my new theme song says: “You’re a good, good Father.” His will for my life, our life, is perfect, even when inconvenient and uncomfortable. He can be trusted. Do you trust Him?"