In April 2014 he was invited to an IWU vs. Taylor University baseball game along with his family. A few friends from the office came to see him and give him a hug. He told them he’d be back to work in a month or so. She shook her head “no” behind him, since he still didn’t understand the extent of his injuries from the stroke. He loved seeing people he knew, and while his communication was still very sketchy, he was gracious and positive and a great encourager of those around him.
Early in May she decided to try an overnight at home with him. It was awkward, he was uncomfortable, she was nervous, but they survived. The next day, the insurance company decided that if he could try a night at home, he must not need to be in the rehab facility any more. Lesson learned: don’t take him home for an overnight stay. The doctor was able to convince the insurance company to let him stay at Colonial Oaks through the duration of the 90 days.
Near the end of May, when he got close to the end of the 90 days at Colonial Oaks, the rehab therapists evaluated the house’s accessibility for his wheelchair, showering, sleeping, and general living for a fully disabled person. The front door had already been widened, wheelchair ramp installed, bedroom door widened, and bathroom reconfigured, so when Physical Therapist Nate walked in, he said, “Are you seeing this?! Look at this bathroom! This is perfect!” She felt pretty good about bringing him home to a place he could live as comfortably as possible.
As June neared, it became glaringly apparent that she wouldn’t be able to care for him and work full time. They’d all prayed that his therapies would teach him to take himself to the bathroom, and how to be alone for more than 30 minutes at a time, but that prayer was answered with a resounding “not now.” She prayed for guidance and clarity for what she should do. Insurance wouldn’t cover local home healthcare companies, and other companies didn’t come to Marion. As the day loomed, she put out a plea on Facebook for help. She asked for leads on anyone who might be able to come to the house while she worked. The very next day a wonderful person they’d known for almost 30 years, Brenda Haecker, called her at work and said, “Call Laura. She’s an awesome home health aide, and her current patient just passed away…but don’t let that scare you. Her patient was elderly, and it was time!” So she called Laura, and she and her parents interviewed Laura at the house. Laura loved the pup and the Colts and Cubs. Could she be that perfect a fit for their situation? Laura was concerned about what she’d do for a job since her patient had passed.
God answered the family’s and Laura’s prayers with a “yes” to this particular request. Laura was hired, and she’d start as soon as possible; a week after he moved home. Thankfully, some offers for “help any time” were real, and Lori Mughmaw stayed with him the first Monday. The next three days she was to be in Indy for work, so their son and her folks said they’d take care of him, and they did. She slept really well in the super-comfy bed at the Hilton Garden Inn, because she knew it was her last chance for a good, hard sleep.
Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
Psalm 91:1 (NIV)
Rush Strokes 