Tuesday, March 20, 2007

"The Longest Day"

We are still basking in the grace of the mysterious, negative, no-sign-of-anything angiogram from earlier this morning. Little did we know what a blessing the news would be to help Dad cope with the incredible pain he's been in today. Seems like after having the dye blasted through his body, being clamped to a bed, and immobile for a few hours he's just having a tough day. Knowing that his brain is, on some level, okay seemed to make the physcial hurt somewhat bearable.

When I asked him what to call the blog tonight, he suggested "The Longest Day." He is still taking plenty of pain medication but discomfort, lack of sleep, and the intensity of the angiogram attributed to feeling low. He said he felt like he took two steps back, which the nurses assured us is normal.

The recovery from a brain anuerysm (which is what we're calling it for simlicity's sake...telling people that his brain just bled and we have no idea why freaks them out a little) is more like a rollercoaster than a steady climb uphill. He should expect to have plenty of great days followed by terrible ones--just the nature of the beast.

Mark should be up here soon to encourage dad and hang out by his side until he falls asleep. He takes pride in being the King of the Night Shift. Kari brought Rylie up earlier & Dad got to squeeze her adorable one year-old hand. True joy.

The thought of God's intervention in such a serious situation still takes our breath away. Our hearts are humbled each time another doctor (many of dad's colleagues in the healthcare field included) write or email to tell us dad has defied conventional medicine. God's grace is enough.

Please pray:
*relief from the pain
*rest for the mind and body
*wisdom for the doctor in determining the next steps

Following is the verse that Dad had been praying for our family regarding the sale of our house. I am far more privileged to share it with you in light of Dad's health.

Ephesians 3:20-21
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!

We hope it is clear, but we'll say it every chance we get: To God be the glory!

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Chris-
The day WILL end. And a new day WILL dawn. The Ephesians verse is so appropriate - God has so obviously done exceedingly and abundantly more than we could ever ask for! And even better...He isn't gone giving from his good gifts. Continue to lean on HIM.
Sleep my friend!
Emma

Kari said...

Dad,

We sure miss you tonight and wish we could be with you and Mark. We are praying God will bless you with a good night and your pain will subside quickly! We love you!

Kari and Rylie

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matt. 11:28

susan said...

Chris - you know how much and how often I immerse myself in my music. This is the chorus to a song by Third Day (get Nicole to put it on your iPod). I cry out to Jesus often. Right now I'm crying out to him for you. I love you brother. Your head will be better, I just know it.


There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary,
and love for the broken hearts.
There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing
He'll meet you wherever you are.

Cry out to Jesus. Cry out to Jesus.

love, susan

Debi said...

Chris, What great news all is clear!

Seems like there is nothing exciting in that noggin' of yours :).

So I pray the pain and discomfort subsides sooner than later and I pray for your rest.

Your Blog is rejoicing to read, You & your family have a wealth of friends and the support is joyous to our God..He is an Awesome God!

Debi Jefferson

gwynne said...

Dear Team Galanos, Great update...and we'll keep praying for heads and houses today! Nicole, trusting that "just right" buyer will get busy and buy! Meanwhile, praying that Chris had a better night, and that today's process will be upward! Here's my verse for the day "Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. --I the LORD thy God will hold thy right hand."

We're still holding up your arms via prayer and looking forward to a great report...Nicole...you are a WRITER...Love Gwynne and Don

Maria said...

Chris,
I am rejoicing at the work God has done and is doing in your body! You are in my prayers and on my mind throughout each day.
Today I read and prayed Psalm 71:14-21 with you in mind. May God continue to heal you completely and give you REST.

But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts O Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone. Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come. Your righteousness reaches to the skies. O God, you who have done great things. Who, O God, is like you? Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up. You will increase my honor and comfort me once again.

Unknown said...

Dear Carla and Chris,
It is amazing to read through these postings and clearly see God throughout the events of your lives. As you are walking this most difficult of paths, you are bringing glory to the Father. Your trust in Him is evident. Your dependence on Him is admirable. And, your complete submission to His will for your lives is a testimony to the faithfulness and complete trustworthiness of the great God we serve and love. I will continue to lift you up in prayer for healing, freedom from pain, and most of all that your love for God continues to be as evident to the world as it is on these pages.

Marcia Furrow

BSF Dick said...

Chris,
What wonderful and blessed news. You family is terrifc in so faithfully updating your many prayer warriors. Just wanted you to know that your BSF prayer guys are praying and following your God-blessed progress.
BSF Dick

William Nickell said...

Hi Chris,
Just wanted you to know we are continuing to pray for you daily. I was reminded in my bible study today what Paul says in 1Th vs. 1:3a troubles are part of Gods plan for his believers. Even though our fleshly reaction is to not like it and even resent it, Jesus promises to be with us and see us through our troubles when we trust in him. And in James 1: vs. 2-3 it builds our patience, character and makes us ready for anything. Jim Boon (who is the only family member who could get away with this) told Doris after she had recovered from her sugary for a brain aneurysm; some of us in the family have thought for a long time that you needed brain surgery. Anyway, may God Bless you and Keep You as we continue to lift you up in prayer.
Yours in Christ Jesus,
Bill and Doris Nickell

Michael S. Boatman said...

Chris:

How is it you are more inspirational from a hospital bed than I have been at any point in my life? Everyone at Fiserv Health has always referred to you as the "A" team when explaining your talents to me. I have to tell you I'm not impressed. I give you one project to help me out on and you go and take a vacation?!?

Of course, I am kidding you. One measure of a man is the quality and quantity of the people who love him.....if that is indeed true, you must be an amazing man. The blog, the prayers, the comments etc. are so spiritually uplifting and moving.

I know you realize there are a buzillion people praying for you and I just wanted you to know that now there is a buzillion and one. Get well soon. It shouldn't be tough with your own "A" team of love and prayers. I look forward to working with you and finishing this project we started.

I also look forward to you giving me some tips on the best Chicago restaurants.

Prayers from all of us in Las Vegas

Rick Benware said...

Chris,
Glad to hear how God is working in /through your family and you in the midst of the trial! We miss Carla and you at CFC in IL!! Wish I still had an account in TX so I could make an excuse to meet you both again for dinner! Jodi & I are continuing to pray for the Lord to completely heal you. I see you have been a part of BSF this year...On page 3 of Lesson 24's notes, referring to Romans 12:1, it states: "...the reason we should give ourselves to God is literally because of God's manifold mercies, because He has been good to us in so many ways. Do you want to worship God with a sincere heart? Do you zealously fear and obey Him? If so, you must properly understand how much you are indebted to His mercy..." God, we praise God for how good He is being to you and your family in the midst of all of this!! With much love, Rick, Jodi & the 3T's

donnan said...

Dear Chris and family,
Our hearts and prayers continue to regularly be lifted heavenward on your behalf ever since last Tuesday, the 13th when Nancy & I heard the news. Praise God for His healing and sustaining hand!
We'll continue our vigilance and pray as you've requested. Your blog information is super.
Chris - don't worry about your running as I've been covering it for you!!
Don Leach