Wednesday, November 14th

Written last night by Paul:

We had a great day today. It was a rough start with both boys home sick,
but once I got to RIM, it radically improved. Joanne preformed
exceptionally during physical therapy. Her strength and balance are
returning quickly. Occupational therapy was not great but okay. Speech
went well and we left there with some techniques to help translate her
thoughts into the right words. It was just before dinner when she was
resting and I was sitting stroking her right hand. She started to wake and
lifted her arm and while she did that she gripped my hand. We both looked
at each other in shock and I asked her to do it again. She did it several
more times and said something like, "finally, it's coming back". I drove
there this morning in tears, stressed and tired. I drove home in tears,
happy and energized.

I was listening to this on the way in today. I played it twice and cried
even harder the second time:

Praise You in This Storm -Casting Crowns
words by Mark Hall/music by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

I was sure by now, God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to You
and raised me up again
my strength is almost gone how can I carry on
if I can't find You
and as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm