support

Dear all,

Jan is undergoing a massive re-adaptation to reality after a very serious illness. Few people have a brain operation and survive to tell it. I continue to pray that Jan is one of them. Jan's brain and body are struggling with all their strength to get well. This is an incredible battle that includes the effort of every part of her body, her mind and her soul. Sue noted accurately that physically Jan is exhausted after an hour of physiotherapy. The effort is equivalent to a double marathon for Jan. But the effort includes emotions, and this means that Jan is experiencing emotional exhaustion as well as Steve pointed out. Keep this in mind.

The doctor said that this is an expected stage in her recovery. As a matter of fact, the surgeon noted today that Jan is making progress. She still has to be able to swallow, get rid of an infection, and start regaining some of her main functions. Jan will be struggling, sad, angry, depressed, tired, confused, as part of hear healing which could take anywhere between 3 weeks and 4 months or more. There is no calendar because everything depends on Jan's brain ability to heal. Easier said than done, particularly for the family and friends who have to sit on the sidelines unable to help Jan even in a small way.

So, it seems that we all need some form of healing or participation in this process. I invite you to consider creative ways to pull our collective strength together and help each other so we can help Jan. Let us know. Blog your ideas. For example, someone proposed to meet in a group at the chapel of the hospital to pray for Jan and to share feelings or songs. Think and let us know.

We need you in the long haul, in particular in those times when Jan is going though dark valleys.

My gratitude and love to all of you for loving my wife.

-Fede