I have been deeply troubled every since Kathy’s therapists dismissed her. Yes, she has shown improvement, but this improvement was just that–improvement–not completion. The deep-rooted issue of language was as stuck as it had been. All else had shown improvement. I’ve written before that the therapists had said Kathy knew what needed to be done to continue improvement, it was now up to her. In school settings, I learned to take a child/student who struggles and give one to one assistance in that area. In so doing completion looks like bringing the student to a level that slightly exceeds the current level in the classroom. This is on purpose so that the transition back to the whole classroom allows for any adjustments back to it. A student who knows what the class is already working on will feel more secure in returning and a learning gap will be less likely to reoccur. 

Applying this to Kathy’s case I hadn’t seen Kathy taking steps to address her need. Something about the stroke has impacted her persistence she’s always had before. When I wrote Monday about seeking friends to call (one a day) and converse with Kathy asking deeper questions she needs to process, I didn’t complete the assignment that day. For whatever reason, that day was not the right one. However, yesterday was the day. The schedule is now built and when I told Kathy last night that the schedule was done and everyone she wanted had said, “YES”, she smiled broadly. 

I love how God takes these issues and makes them about Him. I tear-up writing this. He not only loves Kathy dearly, He loves those that want to help and He uses all of this to grow us, help us, complete us. And in this case, I get to see my wife smile broadly. THANK YOU JESUS!