The Nana is how those I love the most refer to me. So to you, those who love my girl the most, you may call me Nana. Nana has brought beautiful Heather home to roost. She is recovering from a long plane ride and enjoying seeing two of the three E’s again (Easton & Eli) & Emma is an ever present force. For those of you who wondered how Emma did on the plane – there is a God! We prayed that Emma would be really good for the five hour plane ride to and from Minnesota and again he answered prayer. She was so good that I asked Papa to pinch me on the way home, I must be dreaming!
Heather has settled in to the “In Law” suite that we built on to our house for my father. My father is visiting his three other children while we get Heather down the road a little farther. We decided to have a cook out on Wednesday when we got home. We all needed something normal considering our last week. The kids played in the pool. Heather laid on the porch swing. Occasionally as I swam with the kids I would look at her and see the happiness in her eyes as she watched her children. Not to brag but she is one great mom and I know she misses being able to talk to them now. Laura came by and it was good to see as a mom how wonderful friends can be – thank you Laura for your support during our latest chapter in “God’s plan for our Life.”
Knowing that the kids would have questions we explained to Eli that mom had to take speech therapy just like he did to get her words back. That made sense to him and off to jump in the pool he went! Easton was very glad to see her mom. My little tom boy has been one tough cookie during this time. She asked me when we were swimming together after everyone had gone inside if Mom was going to be alright. It has been hard not to cry during this time – my job is to be the strong one and keep everyone moving forward – but my blue eyed girl made me cry in the pool – I told her Mom was more than alright – mom was perfect! As we began to clean up from the afternoon, I looked around and realized how blessed we were. Mark’s mom has blessed us by coming from Oklahoma and taking care of Easton & Eli for awhile. Papa loves Emma so much that he keeps her swinging on the tree swing that he built just for her (her favorite activity is swinging.) Mark is constantly caring for Heather and I see the love that they have for each other just with looks – words are not needed. God has truly blessed us.
What is next? Speech therapy, Occupational Therapy, Radiation, Chemotherapy, kissing babies, enjoying all that God has given us.
We will keep blogging as the days pass – It is important that you – all of you – who have blessed us so much with prayers, support and love know how much you mean to us and how grateful we are for all of you! Again, WE ARE BLESSED!
One more story from the Nana – On the way to the airport, it was a quiet moment with scenery that was calming and music that was uplifting. We were listening to a Nicole C Mullins CD and the song “One Touch” came on. Heather, who could not speak a full sentence so far – sang this song. I cried as I listened to my daughters voice singing praises to God. We could not find the video of this song – but please if you can listen to it – it will move you too.
We believe – we believe in prayer, we believe in healing, we believe…..
Amen, amen, amen…. ((hugs)) to you too Nana!
As things here take some unexpected turns, I look to what God is doing in Heather and take hope.
Thank you Nana for a beautiful post, you’ve painted a picture of a happy family who have much love for each other. I’ve been checking several times a day for an update. Heather will certainly heal in this environment.
Keeping this whole wonderful family in my thoughts, Love to your family from ours,
Pam from Ontario
God is so gracious in building our support groups around us. I pray that he will refresh you all as he cares for Heather.
Crying tears of joy just knowing Heather is home! Be confident that prayers continue, througout every day. THANK YOU so much for the update. Please hug that beautiful daughter of yours for us.
Dear Nana,
Thank you so much for the update. Will you please let Heather know how much we love her and how proud we are of her?
We will keep praying….
Nana,
Thank you so much for the update – I have been praying, checking the computer, praying, checking the computer hoping for any information on how Heather is doing. She is so strong, and is surrounded by so much prayer and love that the rest is just a journey to walk. We pray for all of you as you are taking this journey together. May God give you energy, and time to rest. Kathy in Tampa
We love you all. Doesn’t matter that we haven’t met you. Family in Christ. Praying and watching Him work. Thank you so much for taking time to share.
As a fellow mom of older (as well as younger) children, I am praying for all of you. The love we have for our children never diminishes with time. You have obviously done a good job raising that precious mom, and God is faithful.
PS Wish I could have heard her sing. What a touch from God!
Thanks for the update. Im so glad to hear you are all together again. Family is so important, and a perfect medicine. Im praying for you Heather, and your family. Stat strong, encourage each other, love each other, hold onto each other.
Thanks so much for this post Nana! Hug Heather for us!!
Thanks so much for the update, Nana. This post has really touched my heart. You all are in my prayers.
Thank you Nana for the update. God is so good.
Thank you for the update.
I remember, years ago when my aunt had a stroke and lost her ability to speak, she could still sing. Apparently this is common and is because the memory you use for songs comes from a different part of the brain.
Here’s my point: I remember Heather worrying about not being able to speak after surgery, and worrying that she wouldn’t get to SING since she loves that so much.
Maybe you guys can make a point to put on as many CDs as possible that you are sure she knows the words to. Maybe this would give her an outlet when she feels stifled with her speech. Maybe?
Just an idea.
I’m continuing to pray, of course. Many blessings to all of you.
Praising and prayiing.
Nana~ Thanks so very much for letting us know how things are going. We are continuing to pray for her. I do have a question – is Heather able to write to communicate with ya’ll? I sure hope so – it would be So difficult not to be able to at least do that.
Thanks again,
Lisa in Texas = )
Praise God!!
Praying for you all!!
Thankyou Nana for posting an update. What an amazing family you are, your story touched my heart this morning and I am continually inspired by the strengh that you are all showing. I have a friend who is fighting cancer at the moment and I will be directing her to this blog, I pray that she will be as inspired as I am when she reads about your wonderful daughter
Blessings to you all!
praying and believing!!
God bless!
Nana, may I humbly suggest to Heather to sing everything she wants to say? Forget about talking…sing your thoughts.
And you all in the family might help the kids to make a game of it. Sing about the weather “blue skies…smilin’ at me…nothin’ but blue skies do I see.” Sing about God, “God is so good…” Sing about family, “I love you. You love me, we’re a happy family…”
My son has hydrodephalus, cerebral palsy, epilepsy and many other conditions. I sing to him all the time. I make up songs about taking his meds and church day and going bye-bye with Daddy.
The rhythm of music seems to make sense to the brain when mere words just won’t do. I fully believe that God lets music do a work – not just in our souls, but also in our brains.
Heather, God has not given you the gift of music for the first part of your life, for it to be left behind you now. As He so sweetly showed you in the car.
Use His gift – your gift – as a bridge back to where you want your brain to go.
Feel free to visit my blog and read about my little man. He only says about 10 words, but one of them is “hah-aye-ooh-uh”. How’s that for a work of God?!!!!
http://www.xanga.com/akconklin
I hope I have not offended with my presumptiousness to offer advice, when I’m sure you’ve had so much advice lately you don’t need.
Take what you want and just leave the rest.
Continuing in prayer for you,
Alesha Conklin
Of all the post, this one made me cry. Not that the others did not touch me, but there is nothing more precious than a Mama surronded by her family.
Keep hugging!
Keep kissing!
Keep singing!
There are not enough words for the feeling of Gods presence in our life! He has been with Heather though this walk, and I know will continue to be by her side, as well as her whole family – she, and we are truly blessed!
Thank you Nana and God bless you!
Thanks for the update.
I am crying as I read it. I can imagine the joy that Heather feels as she looks at her darling children.
How wonderful it is to read that you are all feeling so blessed.
Prayers will continue in North Carolina.
Again – thank you Nana for the update!
In HIM -
Mindy
Every time I come to visit here, I am reminded of what an awesome God we serve! Thank you, Nana, for this beautiful update. You described so vividly Heather’s arrival home, it’s almost as if we were all there. How blessed Heather is to have such a wonderful family surrounding her and caring for her during this trial!
Heather, I know that God has shown you that there are many ways to speak. Just ask Emma! I will pray for God to help you find your words again…and know that until then, He has given you some beautiful alternatives! Sing away, Heather!
Hugs. Prayers.
Some day, when Heather is a Nana…she will know how to love, from you. God Bless your family, we have never met, and I check this site at least twice a day. I am drawn to it. God’s divine hand has placed you and Heather in our lives, for reasons only he knows. Prayer, sure…Support, absolutly…silent reasurence that everything will be “normal” again.
Dear Heather,
I want to send you my book The Gift of Family Writing and workshop CD. Two years ago I was hurt badly in surgery for a tumor near my spine and I have faced and still face some of the things you are going through. I would love to send my book The Gift of Family Writing to you. I think it will especially be a blessing to you at this time in your life.I, too, see life as a precious gift lived for the Lord, one moment at a time. Please send me your address and I will send The Gift of Family Writing and The Girlhood Home Companion to you. I pray they bless you and your family as you recuperate and heal in the Lord.
A kindred spirit – sharing in the sufferings of Christ.
Jill Novak
Grateful for the update, Nana. Your daughter got her writing talents from you.
Cathy
Thank you, Nana, for sharing with us how everyone is doing. Thank you Heather for sharing your life and your world with us even as you are tested in the fire. You and your family are a powerful testimony proving again that God’s grace is ENOUGH and then some. May God get glory upon glory for what He has done and has yet to do.
Thanks for the update, Nana.
Heather, I’m so glad you’re home and doing so well. I’m a very verbal person and I imagine it must be a struggle to have to keep silent while things don’t comply, but I pray that the Lord would bless you richly in your moments of silence; That you would feel His presence and delight in this gift of His best plan for you.
I was also going to suggest what others have said; some stutterers are able to sing, because it happens with different portions of the brain. Perhaps singing will come more easily at first.
May the Lord bless you with song!
Thanks for the up date and post. I wept as I read your report and we listened to the song. Our prayers continue!!
Praie God!!!!
Thank you for the beautiful update and sharing your wonderful family with us! I will continue praying for everyone. God Bless!
We are holding hard onto our faith as Heather continues her journey.
Praying without ceasing….
Bless you dear nana for the update. Please give Heather big hugs, and much love from me.
Nana, Thanks you so much for the update as I have been checking often to see how Heather is doing. Let her know there is a small Baptist Church in Southern Missouri that will be holding her and your family up in prayer. The LORD bless you NaNa and give you peace and strength daily to care for your daughter on her road to complete recovery!!AMEN!!!….Known as Mamaw Peggy in Southern Missouri
Thank you for the beautiful update on Heather and the family. I don’t personally know any of you, but trust we shall meet in heaven one day. I don’t even know how I came across Heather’s site, but do know God has led me to pray for her. May God give comfort and peace to each of you.
thinking of all of you and so glad you have each other…
Thank you so much for the update. Sending many blessings and prayers for all of you ….
What a precious gift from God. I know, Nana, you cherish that song that came from Heather’s lips.
Heather, keep going, girl! We are still praying for you!
Oh Nana,
I so prayed that your precious Heather would be able to sing praises to the Jesus she loves so much. How wonderful that she can.
My heart is wrapped around your family.
My joy reaches to the Throne of Grace.
Blessings to you all as you create a workable plan and schedule.
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
Nana,
Thank you so much for sharing your heart. It is a beautiful testimony to the kind of mother/grandmother I desire to be. Loving her Lord and her family. I see where Heather gets her love from!
Happy Mother’s Day.
{{{[Hugs to you all}}},
Remaining in prayer for healing,
Linda
An update from the Nana! What wonderful news you bring! Praise the Lord!
Praising God! Thank you, Nana for your post.
Oh, I cried such happy tears when I read “Nana’s” update. You all are such a beautiful, wonderful family and praise God you have each other. Heather, I haven’t forgotten to pray for you, not a single day and I will continue. I’m so happy for you that you’re home and with your babies! Keep moving forward and beat this! You have an awesome, awe inspiring spirit and your positive attitude will aid in your healing. Oh, I’m just so overwhelmed with happiness for you all, God is so good and He has you still in Has hands, always. Keep us all posted, I love to read your encouraging posts and know that you are well. Best wishes to you and your beautiful family!
Molly (:
That was a great post. It brought tears to my eyes. I am so glad everything is going well and that you are together as a family.
I will keep every one of you in my prayers.
I will pray for strength, healing and protection and understanding for the little ones.
As a mother, my heart swells at your discriptions of your baby. I have small children but I know that the feelings of protectiveness I have for my children you must have even if your baby is grown.
Take care and I hope to read more from you.
I have been visiting this blog numerous times a day because that is how much I think about Heather, I person I have never met.
Thank you again.
Thank you so much for the update. Heather remains in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear Nana,
Thank you so much for the update. I keep your entire family in my prayers.
Praying for the return of Heather’s speech, and rejoicing that she is able to sing.
I am so glad that you can all be together right now.
Blessings,
Karen (from Canada)
Thank you, Nana. We so appreciate you all updating us amidst the hectic appointments and travel and recovery.
Father, I ask that You restore Heather’s speech to her. Through therapy, through a miraculous healing, through any means You see fit to use. Thank You for letting her sing praises to You…we want her to sing again, and to be able to tell the wondrous story of what Jesus did for her. To tell her children, her husband and her parents that she loves them. To share her thoughts with them. I thank You that she can communicate with You without words, and that You read her heart like an open book, and that Your word is written there. But give Heather her voice back, Lord, we pray most sincerely. Thank You for all You have done. We so appreciate it all. But we’re greedy children, God. We want to see You do more, because we know You can, and we know You will…and we Love To Watch Our Father Work!!
In Jesus’ name, amen.