A Thank You from Erika

I’m usually not one for sharing my life on a blog. I tend to be a very private person and keep my world to myself. But in this situation, I have been extremely blessed by all that Tim has shared with you. I am humbled by the number of people all over the world who have been praying for me, from soldiers in Iraq who are in harms way daily and have bigger things to worry about to children saying their bedtime prayers, and everyone in between. I say a big thank you with a heart full of gratitude. I also want to thank you for all the support you have given to Tim. This has been such an emotional roller coaster for him. For years I have lovingly called him “the most wonderful man in the universe”, and he has certainly lived up to that during these past 2 weeks. He has been by my side every day all day long taking care of me in ways that I never thought I would need. Having someone feed you, brush your teeth, do everything for you … is very humbling.

8 days in Neuro Intensive Care, then 6 additional days in the hospital has been such an incredible experiential journey that is impossible to put into words. Through this entire time I have had a sense of peace and strength that can only come from God and not from myself. God has been so very gracious to me. I realize how incredibly blessed I am to come through this alive and without any ongoing deficits. One thing I do have from it is a new perspective on life. I have had A LOT of time to think, reflect, pray … and gain a new appreciation for each day I am given. As Tim has mentioned, Kari Jobe’s music has been a great comfort to me during my time in the hospital. From her song You Are For Me … “I know that You are for me. I know that you will never forsake me in my weakness. I know that you have come down, even if to write upon my heart, to remind me who You are.” … He has come down, written His love upon my heart, & I have been reminded in a very real and personal way who Jesus is. I pray that the love and grace He has poured out on me will flow through me to others. I told Him He could take me home to Heaven, but I guess He’s not quite ready to put up with me there, or He still has work here for me to do… I’d say it is the latter.

It is so good to be back home again! As my body continues to recover, I am still very weak and get tired so easily, but I can feel improvement as time goes on. As the blood from the subarachnoid hemorrhage continues to be reabsorbed, my headaches continue to lessen. I appreciate your prayers for continued healing and strength. I am taking this next week off. I follow up with the Neurosurgeon at his office next Friday ... I must say I never pictured myself walking into the Neurosurgeon’s office as the patient! The following Monday I plan to start back into clinical rotations to finish medical school on time and graduate May 21, 2010 – God willing.

Thank you again for your outpouring of love, support, and prayers! ... and all the cards and flowers you have sent (I have almost 100 cards!!!)

May the Lord bless you and keep you; May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you: May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. Numbers 6:24-26

Erika