Graduation

Aug 15, 2024, was Matthew’s second graduation from Schreiber Rehab. What that includes is a round of applause from staff and a painted handprint and name permanently placed on wall. The ceremony was cut short yesterday because we (Joan and Matthew) were anxious to go to the hospital to be with Kari who was in severe pain (more on that in a moment).

This second round of weekly therapy began on May 18, 2021. It was immediately following his discharge from CHOP after his hemispherotomy and the morning of his beloved Grandma’s death. The “bookends” of these three years (plus) of therapy are harsh, but the weekly therapy in between has been amazingly helpful. The effectiveness of their work with our sweet boy cannot be overstated! He went in barely able to walk. Three years later he dances, runs, balances and has forgotten his wheelchair days! I never do this, but because I am so proud of Laurie Panther, PT, and team at Schreiber… In honor of Matthew Denlinger’s graduation from Schreiber, if you would like to send them a small gift, we would so appreciate it! (Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development, 625 Community Way, Lancaster, PA 17603)

As I write this, Kari is in the process of “graduating” from her stay at Lancaster General Hospital. She was admitted yesterday with severe pain that left Ron and I exhausted and very bewildered as she screamed for hours in severe distress. Ron took her to ER while I took Matthew to his therapy. Ron called me to make the switch of kids as Kari’s care was getting more complicated. The initial CT scan of her abdomen showed a “possible” bowel obstruction. The 2nd scan showed a “resolving” bowel obstruction. Head to toe testing also shows severe cornea ulceration, and a UTI / kidney infection. We finally had answers for her distress. So extremely difficult to go through having a child in pain, who cannot communicate the source, and there is nothing we can do to relieve her. But the great treatment she is getting at LGH is relieving her pain (not completely, but you can bet, I am ready to get her out of here, which will also add to her comfort). Loving our medical care available to us here in the USA, causes my heart to always goes out to the disabled worldwide who do not have access to the same level of care. Hence the reason, in honor of Kari Denlinger and on behalf of the least of these, a small gift to Joni and Friends would be so appreciated (www.joniandfriends.org).

PRAYER REQUESTS:

Full resolution of Kari’s present medical issues

Matthew’s upcoming entrance to middle school on Aug 26

Strength, energy and wisdom for Ron and me as we continue to care for our three precious dependents (my dad included).