Thank you for your kindness in praying for Bernice and Tony so faithfully.
I spoke to them both on Skype this evening as Tony is enjoying being home after 6 months in hospital. Sleep is a challenge as Bernice must help him turn every two hours, but both were laughing and good-natured in their sharing about how they are dealing with the challenges. He mentioned there are frustrations, things he can no longer do, but without self-pity or gloom, thanks be to God’s Spirit in him.
Tony said to thank you. He will have surgery on his right hand and wrist when the wolfarin is reduced. At the nearby hospital Tony will continue to partake in physical therapy, the most encouraging being the pool therapy. He doesn’t have bicep control but he regards as a miracle wrought by prayer that he has made much progress. Tony says Bernice is a rock and he hopes she can have some respite time with us when things are more settled.
Tony and Bernice are proof that even if serious radical life changes occur, you don’t have to be a victim. You can retain your sense of fun and normalcy even in abnormal circumstances.
May God grant that they will encourage others to greater faith and joy because of their own strength. Tony said please keep praying because he intends to walk again even with a frame and has managed a shuffle when immersed in water, way beyond doctor’s expectations. Tony said, that’s because of prayer. He in particular daily asks the intercession of a family saint, St Mary MacKillop, and with a cheeky grin, mentions that in doing so, he always apologizes to St Mary for making life difficult at school for two Josephite Sisters who taught him, members of St Mary’s Order of nuns.
May God bless you for your prayers for my sister and her husband, who will welcome you as family and as old friends when you all meet in heaven. As will I.
