The last few weeks and days have been quite the whirlwind. It has been a long time since I’ve found the time to write on the blog, but now is a fitting time to give an update on Brad and our family.

Back in mid February, Brad had a third brain surgery to debulk what they could of his tumor. The main goal was to take out what they were able to, to relieve pressure. A portion of the tumor was left behind as it was headed towards the middle of the brain and was too risky to remove.

Brad’s recovery from surgery was great. He was home very shortly after surgery. His incision healed wonderfully, and we had no complications. He was overall doing decently well but did have increased struggles cognitively and it began to get a bit harder for him to get around.

On Sunday, May 12th, Brad had a seizure at home. Over the next few hours he had three more. We were transferred from Silver Cross to Loyola Sunday evening. We did learn the tumor has pushed further towards the middle and is crossing over to the other side of the brain. The pushing is creating a midline shift in the brain. While being monitored for seizure activity he became unresponsive and for a bit there we thought we were losing him. He did stabalize and our goal was to get Brad home so we could all be together as a family.

It was clear the Lord was one step ahead of us orchestrating everything that had to be done. Medical equipment and medicine arrived at our house within hours. Family showed up to move furniture around, set everything up, and clean up the house. By the time I arrived home with Brad, we walked into a house ready to go, and sweet little touches to lift the spirits. No detail went unnoticed and we were once again blessed with such love and support from our family and friends. {I’ve learned people like to bring food when trials come! So grateful!} And the girls have been blessed with so many fun gifts to keep them occupied. {Thank you to our family and friends who have already surrounded us with all the love and support we could need.}

We have had such wonderful support and everything has gone as smoothly as it could. The girls have been able to spend some time with Dad, and are glad to be able to sleep next to me at night. We’ve been rotating shifts at night so everyone can get at least a couple hours of sleep, and I will say the Lord has been sustaining us. I feel an abundance of peace, I believe the girls do too. We’ve had some sweet moments, both alone and with visitors. He has little pockets of time where he opens his eyes and can communicate a bit, and I’ve been so thankful for the moments when he’s been able to communicate with the girls. We are so glad we were able to get home.

In the early hours of the day I’ve been able to sit alone with Brad and we’ve been listening to music together. This has been my favorite time with him. We share a set of headphones, and I look out the window watching the early morning robins eat worms out of our front lawn. Of course all the emotions are happening, but the peace we feel during that time has been such a blessing. I had the thought this morning that I guess this is what our last “dates” will look like.

Brad has had a playlist that he has listened to for a few years now of songs that have brought him hope, kept his eyes looking up, and remind him how good our Father is. I thought I’d share a screenshot of his playlist in case anyone wants to listen along with us. It’s a testament to Brad’s journey with the Lord the last five years. We hope it can bless you as well.

My brother shared this song with me this morning with these words:
{Hope he doesn’t mind me sharing}

“This is one of my favorite songs and I’ve listened to it a few times today and now it just hits extra hard. It would have been easy for Brad to turn away from God with all the trials he has been through the last five years, but I can say with certainty that it has only brought him closer to God. I just wanted to tell you that the love Brad has for his family and the Lord was very evident in his life, no matter what circumstances he faced. I think this song is a great depiction of how Brad lives his life.”

I couldn’t agree more.

I was reading scripture to Brad, and noticed he had his highlighter in this part of his Bible. I’m assuming this is the last thing that Brad highlighted. I think he’d be happy that I’m sharing it.

For two people who consider themselves more introverted, not tech savvy, and not wanting to be in a spotlight, we know the Lord has wanted us to share our story, and that’s the only reason this blog was ever started. Brad wants everyone to know how much Jesus loves them, the gospel is true, and heaven is a real place.

I’m not exactly certain how the next few days will go, and I’m not sure how well I will be able to update. {But I know how the dutch community works, so I know information will be shared!}
Perhaps updating on our Defeating Jericho Facebook page will be my go-to…

Please continue to pray for us. I’m not even going to make a list of requests, just pray how the Holy Spirit leads you to pray.

Thank you for loving on us, thank you for being our prayer warriors, we have already felt incredibly loved.

Continuing to be Strong and Courageous,
Lindsey

James 1:2-4

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.