Tuesday, September 13, 2005

New's about our wonderful trip and Luke's great evaluation

Sometimes it's hard for me to know where to begin sharing all the news I have to share after such a long time of not writing. I am thankful that Gordy was able to blog a few times during our vacation.

Thank you for your prayers about our vacation, I don't know how many times I said to Gordy and the kids that this was the best vacation we've ever had. The one and only thing I would of changed is that we would of been chasing Luke around the playground & beach instead of pushing him in his stroller. Praise the Lord, Luke stayed healthy the entire time. He seemed to enjoy all the stimulation that we gave him, taking him to the beach daily to play in the sand, fly kites, walk down the beach, sit and read and relax. I can not even begin to describe how wonderful it was not to have one appointment to go to for two whole weeks. We stayed in a campground right across from the Pacific Ocean and we could walk daily to the beach, it was great.

I knew people were praying for us as we hit the anniversary date of the accident. To be honest Monday the day before the 30th I woke up extremly depressed and crying, thinking back to a year ago, going through the day in my mind, thinking this is the last day I can say at this time last year our life was normal. That morning I just didn't know how I was going to make it through the day, but then I knew someone was praying, because I can't even begin to describe how I felt as the heaviness began to lift and after that I was okay that day and the next. I did shed a few tears on the way home thinking back to the year previous coming home from our long trip just before the accident, remembering how good Luke was in his car seat for such a long trip and then chasing him around the resturant on our way home.

The day after we came home we went to our local state fair, it is a huge fair full of animals, shopping, great food and lots of fun. We took Luke for the first couple hours with us and he seemed to really enjoy himself. On Saturday we were going to spend the day emptying out the trailier and getting it ready for storing away for winter. While Gordy and Daniel worked on that I ended up taking Natalie into the Dr. we thought maybe she had strep throat, but after a culture it came back negative, the Dr. thought maybe it was mono, but we really prayed and she began to feel a little better the next day and continues to feel better each day since. Though please be praying for Luke he seemed to come down with something yesterday, Lily also had a bit of a fever for a few days, so I'm praying that is what Luke has and by tomorrow he will be all better.

On Sunday after sharing a wonderful dinner with Gordy's sister's family in Seattle we headed up north to Anacortes to spend the night. The next morning Luke had his first follow up evaluation with the neurodevelopmentalist. She seemed to be pleased with the progress that Luke has made. He is getting his bobinski reflex back, that is when you tickle the bottom of a foot it should curl the toes, his toes are moving ever so slightly. She was also impressed to see his knees bending more, since at the last one we didn't have any bend at all, she gave us some more exercises to do with him to unlock them even more. She was also happy to see how well he is holding up his head and when we layed him down on his stomach he picked up his head and moved his body to look up at her wondering what she was going to do next. We came home encouraged by his progress with some new exercises to do with him to continue with the program. On the way home we stopped by his PT appt. and Gordy was able to see Luke push the switch button and drive the little car all over the building, I was excited to see him do it with his left hand. We don't see as much movement on his left side, therefore we were told to work with his left side 75% more than his right side when doing his exercises.

This week I'm trying to get a few projects accomplished before we begin school, the YMCA and piano lessons next week. I hope to get the deck painted, it was partially done during our house painting and needs to be finished along wth a few other Fall cleaning chores that really need to be done.

I am planning to schedule Luke's Fundoplication surgery the second week in October after Natalie, Lily and I get home from a trip down to CA to drive back with our good friends Yoli and her son Spencer and daughter Bonnie, they went down there in the middle of August with her husband, Juan, but he was sent to Egypt with his unit in the Army for 8 weeks, so I going to help with the driving home. I'm looking forward to going down there for a few days. Yoli was the faithful friend that has been in the Hospital every night that Luke has been there, so I wanted to wait until she got home to schedule the surgery, but I pray daily that we won't need it and by that time Luke will be healed of his reflux problem.

I will plan to post some pictures soon of our vacation and our home, as was requested by someone a while ago. I know many of you have never blogged or commented, you tell me all the time you read the blog but never comment, a while ago someone mentioned that they thought it would be encouraging for both Gordy and I to see all the people that are still out there praying for Luke's complete healing. I remember shortly after the accident talking to Jodie, who is Josiah's mom, Josiah had a near drowning accident 4 years ago, anyway she told me that people will eventually give up on the miracle of seeing Luke healed after a time of praying. My prayers and hopeful desires is that no one will give up, God is moving and hearing your faithful prayers and He is going to heal Luke in His timing, I'm just praying that it will be soon. It would be so wonderful to see who all is still out there after a year of faithful following along with Luke's progess. You will never even begin to know how much we appreciate all of you, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart, you are all the reason that I can still go one with a song in my heart.

Love in Christ,
Luke's Mommy Sue

42 comments:

Christie said...

Hi! I was introduced to your blog by Teena (from Georgia). Although I haven't commented much I still pray for Luke and your family often. Thank you for sharing and being an encouragement by your example of faith.

Anonymous said...

Hi! Praying for you, Gordy, Luke and the entire family. I was introduce to your site through Loni in Michigan. I check your site frequently to see how Luke is doing, but am one of those who don't post comments. We know that God will heal Luke.
-Kate in Michigan

Anonymous said...

Thankful for the good report! Your blog is my homepage - I check daily for updates! We've been praying from the very beginning (two of my girls are especially good about remembering Luke in their prayers). I have a constant reminder myself - a son Luke's age. Your family is close to my heart always.

- The Colorado Lundquists (all 8 of us!)

Anonymous said...

Hi.
This is Michelle from Houston Texas. I am Barb's sister. I still check the blog daily and continue to pray for Luke's full healing. God Bless you.

Anonymous said...

Have been keeping watch on the blog for the past year on Lukes progress though have never posted before. He is always in my family's prayers.
Samantha in Ireland

Anonymous said...

We never comment, but we check in almost daily. We so look forward to your updates, and we praise God for Luke's continued healing. We're not giving up!

Much love and still praying,
The Thomas Young family

Anonymous said...

We never comment, but we check in almost daily. We so look forward to your updates, and we praise God for Luke's continued healing. We're not giving up!

Much love and still praying,
The Thomas Young family

Anonymous said...

oops, didn't mean to post twice.

Anonymous said...

I heard about Luke from a friend just a couple of days after his accident, and I have been following his recovery and praying ever since! I am a Catholic Christian, and I mention Luke in my prayers at Mass and during the week whenever I think of him!

Tara in Ohio

Anonymous said...

I am your most devoted fan. I check your blog 20-30 times a day.
Love you all and can't wait until the next time I see you all.

Love, Aunt (Sister) Lori and Lonnie too

Jenni said...

Still here praying and believing that God IS healing Luke in His timing! Continue to be encouraged by your faith in a powerful God who is a loving and merciful and gracious God.

Bless you guys! So glad to hear you had a wonderful vacation :) Blessings!

Anonymous said...

Hi Gordy, Sue and family,
Want you to know that we continue to pray for all of you.....we are thrilled at the progress Luke is making. God hears and answers prayer.....and the verse comes to mind again "the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous avails much...." (Our friends at YPCC, Yelm are praying also.....)! We are believing the Lord for a complete miracle in Luke's body....the miracle has begun on the inside and one day we will see the miraculous on the outside. :-)! We LOVE you all soooo much....hope to see you soon. Will be praying for Sue, Natalie and Lily as you travel to CA and back....Yoli and children also. In the meantime....we keep trusting and believing!! :-)! Auntie 'n Uncle (Lamentations 3:22 and 23)!!

Anonymous said...

Hi all.
I am also praying for your family all the time. i don't post much but I am a friend of chuck and shirly Blanford, here in Yelm.
I would love to meet you guy's some day.
Cindy.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue, Gordy and Family -

I look for your posts everyday, as it seems many of your friends and family do. So glad to hear about your wonderful two weeks at the ocean.

I keep praying for healing for Luke and the whole family. Sue, you are such a wonderful Mommy, I am truly amazed at your energy and faith.

I ran across our graduation pictures that we took together way back in 1982, such good memories.

Love to read your updates, and you have a lot of people still praying for you.

Anonymous said...

We still check in regulary, and send our thoughts and prayers daly.

Thanks for sharing the news of your vacation - it's terrific to hear that you all enjoyed some time away just for fun!

-Sherry & Family

Anonymous said...

We check daily on Lukes progress, know he is being prayed for here in Hawaii! We are friends of Tiffany and Ray.

much love and prayers your way,
The Odas

Anonymous said...

We check often on Luke's progress. We are so greatful to our Lord for His faithfulness to your family. I pray each time I pass your house and we won't give up. Most important, our God, who created your Luke AND the universe and all that is in it, won't forget or give up. love, The Olson's

Anonymous said...

Hello! I check your blog almost daily, too. I read about you from momys, and have been following from the beginning.

I have been praying for your family and Luke, and I definitely believe in his healing; that's why I keep checking!! I am waiting for the ultimate praise report!

Glad you enjoyed your camping trip.
Lisa in Wisconsin

Anonymous said...

Our Family is blessed as we pray for Luke and your family. We don't post but do check the blog and pray for Luke's complete healing. God tells us that He will never leave us or forsake us. We wait for His perfect timing and are thankful for the miracles he has shown us in Luke's amazing progress. ALL Glory to God. May He continue to heal you all.
Love, Caroline, Tom, Katey, Joseph, Matthew, Zachary, Ryan (and Alexander, who is in heaven following his drowning 5-03)

Anonymous said...

I have been following this blog since the first posting, and have been praying for Luke all along; I heard about your family from a woman whose husband works with Gordy, she used to post to an on-line parenting group i'm part of.

I will continue to follow your story and share your joys as Luke's healing continues.

Christine in PA

Anonymous said...

Gordy, Sue and Family,
I check your site and pray for your family daily. I know God has BIG plans for Luke and one day soon we will see his healing.
The Kane Family- Centralia, WA

Anonymous said...

We continue to read your blogs to get an update on Luke and your family. You are continually in our prayers.
In Christ's Love,
The Ledford Family
San Diego, CA

Anonymous said...

We are also one of the many who check Luke's blog and don't comment. We love you and pray for you all everyday.
Pastor Dwayne, Melisa, Max & Sami

Anonymous said...

Hello,
A friend that i rode horses with told me about luke Last August, i have been following your blog ever since. Your family is in my prayers daily.

Caitlyn Boultinghouse
Aloha Oregon

Anonymous said...

I have been following your story since the first day of Luke's accident. I heard of your incredible family through a message board for individuals with large families. My husband and I have 5 children, and our youngest son, Ryan, is near the same age and looks so similar to Luke that it is a little scary. Your family's story has truly been an inspiration to mine. I have shared your story with many more people, and I love pulling up your page and seeing Luke's smiling face.
Luke's accident has also been an eye-opening event for our family. I was a lifeguard in high school, and my family has always loved water, indeed, we still do. However, I have never been more aware of the dangers of children near water since your story. If a tragedy like what happened to Luke can happen to someone that I "know", it could so easily happen to one of my children.
I have admired your family's faith, been excited for your family's new baby, and shared Luke's heartbreaks and triumphs.
Thank you for letting all of us be a part of your life. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers every day!
- Leslie, Kris, Kaitlyn, Dalton, Ryan, Maegan and Kelly Johnson in TX

Anonymous said...

So happy to read such a good report on your trip and especially Luke! I have checked your blog several times a week for that past year and always keep Luke in my prayers but it never occured to me to post a comment until now.
Cari in WY

Anonymous said...

We are still praying for your precious family! We love you! The Boisen family

Anonymous said...

It has been wonderful to see how many people are reading and stay in touch, and praying for little Luke. I saw a familiar name, the Boisen family, and I was hoping to get in contact with them. My e-mail is Bindress@comcast.net
Sincerely, Cindy Moreno.

Anonymous said...

Your blog has truely been and inspiration to me over the last year. I so look forward to hearing the news of how Luke and your family are doing. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily and I don't think that will change until you stop blogging.

Love,
Colleen, Trevor, Celeste and Joe
Des Moines, WA
(I am Laureen Rogers Sister)

Anonymous said...

Hi. You can put me in the
hardly-post-pray-often catagory.
-Debbie from Lake City Communtiy Church.

Anonymous said...

What a blessing to see all of the people who are continuing to pray for a miracle for Luke. We too, will continue to pray and not give up! We rejoice when you rejoice and cry when you cry. Your family is a testiment to what the Lord can do! Bless you guys,

The DeBord Family: Phil, Kim & Matthew

Anonymous said...

Sweet Luke, LOTS of people all around the world are STILL praying for you, Little Buddy! We love you.
YOU have touched our life and we are seeing God's mighty hand heal you. Your Mom & Dad's faith touches me more then words can say.
Wesley and Wyatt will see your picture and they will call out your name and we will pray! Our Michael at college... knows about LUKE! Mrs. Christie, from church has been reading for a long time and praying for you. She posted!
We are so thrilled that you had a great time on your trip, Luke. I know you loved it and your family too. HUGS, we love you, Luke!

we have founded since the very first.... I am also on qf list and I read it there I think on the 3rd of Sept. I would check and cry... and pray....

Our Wes is close to Luke's age and I think of all of you so much.

YOU will forever be a part of our life. I continue to tell others about Luke... telling them to pray and check the blog.

God is good. Sue, I thank you for your friendship.

your Georgia friends,
Billy, Teena, Michael, Mandi, Dakota, Alyssa, Wyatt & Wesley

Anonymous said...

Dear Luke, I posted a comment and then it erased it!

YOU have touched our life and will forever be a part of our lives.

The faith all of you have had is such an encouragement and example.

So many are praying all over the world.

God's mighty hand is healing Luke.

so thankful you had a great time on your trip! Praying for all of you and will continue.

I first saw the post on qf digest around the 3rd of Sept. 04. I sat here crying. For days I just would check, check check. I wanted so to be able to do something. Thank you for sharing your heart with so many and allowing us to see God's miracle...

we love all of you~
your Georgia Friends,
Billy, Teena, Michael, Mandi, Dakota, Alyssa, Wyatt & Wesley

Anonymous said...

We pray for you all (still) and know that our God will heal little Luke. We hope to meet you this side of heaven too :-).
Love, the Meltons (Columbus, GA)

Anonymous said...

Hi There,
Since last year, we have been praying here in Sewell, NJ, for Luke and your family. We were introduced to your blog by a thread started on a Natural Family Planning discussion board online. We have followed your progress ever since. Your strength is amazing, and a true testimony to what faith in God brings

Jim and Bethann Lee

Anonymous said...

Dear Searles family,
I am blessed to interact with your family weekly. I check the blog frequently for updates on your lives, but rarely comment.

Praying for the miraculous, however long it takes.
-Laura from Tacoma

Anonymous said...

each time we drive past your beautifully painted home we thank God for the miracle of healing that He has provided. I check out the blog every week and know, that I know, that I know...He is able to do ALL..not just some...but ALL things. He is the same today, yesterday and forever.

Marge Ray

Anonymous said...

We are still praying for all of you.
The Kelly's in Maple Valley

Anonymous said...

I am also one who checks your blog almost daily but don't comment. You all have been in my thoughts and prayers from the very beginning. Gordy, I often think of you when you were Luke's age and know,with God's help,Luke will become the same energetic, active little boy you were.

Susan said...

God IS the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. He NEVER changes. He is always faithful. He IS a God of miracles and miracles are for today and tomorrow. I believe in that God, the only God who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. If you have faith like a mustard seed (very tiny seed) you can move mountains.
I think that I have more faith than a mustard seed, but even if I didn't....I have faith to believe in my awesome God to do miracles in Luke's body, brain, etc.
I believe and trust that God will heal Luke.
We will continue to pray for Luke until his healing is complete, and when he is restored. God is able and that's who we put our trust in.
Faithful bloggers....continue to be faithful in prayer. Let us continue to press in in our prayers for Luke's healing!

Anonymous said...

Hi!, Just wanted to let you know that I'm still checking the blog and praying for your family, and Luke regularly. Love you all, you're such an inspiration, even when you have down days, your honesty and openess is wonderful, you are such an example of a faithful walk with the Lord, thankyou for sharing your faith with so many. Love Leslie Davis

Anonymous said...

Hi Sue,
We were so glad to meet all of you at the picnic on Saturday after reading about your family and praying for you this last year. My girls thought your girls were very sweet. May the Lord cross our paths again soon.
Andrea Rowland