Greetings from Austin Street

Happy Friday!

Tonight Geni and I went to visit Bruce. He received a "sweet" basket from his brother and sister-in-law.  He took the card and read it to us. He read all of the words correctly. It was a moment of joy for both of us. Bruce has bits and pieces and we give thanks for when they show up and we are given the gift of being able to witness God extraordinary grace. I was also told today that he is a joy with whom to work and that he is the hospital jokester!  (No great surprise!)

Things are going to move rather quickly in the next few days. Two hospitals have picked up paperwork for Bruce's admission to their brain injury rehab programs. He will go for a CT scan in Fort Worth on Monday. We will go for Family training and tour one of the hospitals on Monday also.  I have to believe that these two hospitals believe that they can make serious progress with Bruce's unique situation. His estimated discharge date is Tuesday, July 30. I will keep you posted. Both of the hospitals are in Irving so that is not so terribly far away. Ephesians 1: 18-19 "I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." Courage comes from the French word for "heart." God lives in our hearts and we can and must call on our Lord to help us live with courage when we face the time ahead. Bruce must have courage to face each day and work very hard. I have to have courage and faith to surrender him over to those who can help him best. I pray that God will take pleasure in helping us cope with each new normal that we face as he hope and are assured of God's steadfast and unfailing love. In the words of cousins who live this our every day with their daughter...love wins.  Please keep praying and love you all, Gaylene

Take joy in the journey remembering that hope does not disappoint. Wear comfortable shoes, pray with a heart filled with gratitude, let us cast our cares upon the LORD and get some sleep.  God is awake all night anyway so there is no reason for both of us to be up. Love you all, Bruce and Gayleneappy Friday