Miracle number 11

March 5, 2009
Hi Everyone!

I apologize for the delay in sending out another miracle letter. Since I last wrote we have been super busy relishing in MIRACLE NUMBER 11. Read on…

On Monday March 2, 2009, Randy was released from the hospital!!! The doctor’s talked with us on Saturday explaining that Randy was making tremendous strides in his recovery and they were hoping to let him return home on Monday or Tuesday. This was AMAZING! My family quickly came together to turn our very full office into a bedroom in just a few short hours in anticipation of his return home. I’ve always known how blessed I was to be a part of such an amazingly supportive family, but witnessing their complete dedication to helping us make our home comfortable for Randy touched my heart in a very profound way. When I returned home from the hospital on Sunday evening we had a first floor bedroom in place for Randy with access to both computers and even a lounge chair in the living room…WOW! I left for the hospital very early on Monday morning to be able to meet with Randy’s doctors and therapists. On my way I was able to call into our local Christian Radio station to share with those listening how God was healing my husband (I had called in on the morning of his surgery also to thank God for what I knew HE would do during Randy’s surgery). It brought such peace and joy into my heart knowing that in some small way other’s might find encouragement in being reminded that indeed God is so real and is very much at work in our lives.
Randy and I received the okay for his discharge from the hospital on Monday morning. Randy and I were both thrilled to return home and move on with recovery in our normal surroundings. Things moved quickly as we consulted with Physical and Occupational Therapy, ordered and received a shower chair and walker, and celebrated his remarkable progress with Dr. Pieper.
Upon our return home Randy was greeted with hugs and kisses from Joshua and Mocha. They were both thrilled to have their daddy back home and it has been awesome seeing how the comfort of home brings about tremendous healing. We have already established a comfortable routine and are gearing up for a very busy week next week – while at the same time anticipating seeing God’s hand move with more blessings and miracles.
Randy has already started physical therapy to help him in restoring movement in his neck as well as regaining strength in his arms and legs. It is such a blessing that we are able to have a Physical Therapist come to our home to work with Randy so that I can see first hand how to help him continue his exercises throughout the day.
Please continue to pray with us as we look forward to the remainder of this week and the days ahead. We have a jammed packed schedule next week – pray for strength for both of us. Randy will have Physical Therapy in our home on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday – an in home nurse visit on Tuesday – our BIG doctor’s appoint with Dr. Pieper on Wednesday (we are continuing to pray for amazing pathology results…minimal radiation treatment and NO chemotherapy) – a doctor’s appointment with his family doctor on Thursday – and finally, his consultation and simulation for radiation on Friday. We will be sure to keep you posted as we get results and learn more about his continued plan for treatment. Also…I promised many of you that I would let you know when we could use meals etc. – well, as of next week I am sure we will be ready J. The next few weeks will be very hectic for us as we manage daily radiation as well as multiple therapy and doctor’s appointments. If you are interested in helping out with a meal we would be very appreciative to accept your generosity and kindness.
In closing I would like to invite you to check out our new blog site. We will be posting our miracle letters, photo’s, and video clips on this site to make it easier for us to share with others what God is doing in our life. I will try to update it in some way on a weekly basis so be sure to check it out. You can access it by going to http://randyandrachelcripe.blogspot.com . Let us know what you think!
Again, thank you for your support and prayers as we continue on this journey. It is our prayer that through this you will find yourself being encouraged and renewed in your faith of exactly how big and how real God truly is.


Love,

Randy and Rachel