1-10-01
Today (January 9, 2001) Dan got good
movement in his left bicep, and he stood for 25 minutes! He did bicycling
with his legs and arms for quite awhile, which was good. Below is a letter that Dan
has asked to share with everyone:
To all,
If I could take a piece of my heart and replace it on this website and have it
go directly to you, you surely would feel the enormous gratitude and love that I
have felt from you all. I thank you for your prayers, e-mails, notes, cards, time,
and gifts. I never ever would have
imagined that no matter what the circumstance I would receive the encouragement
that I have by so many. Words
aren't enough.>
When I was on the "rotisserie" bed I had no idea what the future would
hold. I learned about patience
(those of you that have ever been around me know that patience is not one of my
strengths). God brought me through
it. I am still learning patience. May all of you share in the achievements that your prayers have brought
to my body. With 100 to 1 odds of
ever feeling anything below my neck, post surgery, I know without a doubt our
God heard your prayers. I'll never
take for granted the energy it takes to move a pinky finger. I encourage each of you to never take for granted your health. Live life to the fullest... and stay off mountain bikes.
I am so grateful for my family putting together this website. Janet, Jim, and Mark, I don't know how to thank you for all that you are
doing. There is not a single time that Candi reads the e-mails to me
that my eyes don't well up with tears and my body and soul feel renewed
strength. To those of you who have
written that do not know me, may God bless you and bring us together.
Many of you have either offered or graciously given your time to Candi and my
family. I know there is a special
place forever in my heart for you. Know my sincerity when I say, I love you.
Candi has been a rock through all of this. She has shown me what it means to love someone unconditionally. Please continue to pray for her and my two beautiful daughters, Nicole
and Dani. I'm so thankful to be
alive and to share life with them.
On Christmas Eve, I listened as my relatives sang the most beautiful Christmas
carol I have ever heard. It was the
best and worst Christmas Eve I had ever had. As I lay there, I prayed that God would allow me to breathe on my own
again. He answered my prayer. Anything that has happened to my body beyond that I attribute to your
prayers and a daily witnessing of miracles.
He gives me peace in the midst of a storm,
Dan
