David - Fall 2013

A recent thing Dave went through is the first of two surgeries on his feet.  He had two procedures done that corrected his flat feet (Cotton Osteotomy and Extra-articular Talotarsal Stabilization).  He had his first foot surgery done on September 17 by a podiatrist in the Minneapolis area since nobody local would do the procedure.  One of his foot bones was cut and a metal plate and screws were inserted so his foot would have an arch.  The cotton procedure helped his ankle bone have more structure.  At least that's how I understand it...a little googling would help anybody who wanted to know more about it.  He was unable to put weight on his foot for 6 weeks, which made life a little difficult for both of us during that time.  His right leg was sore from hopping and his knees got callouses from crawling.  His armpits got sore from using crutches.  He did use a special walking boot that allowed him to walk with out his foot touching the ground, which overall was helpful, but big, clunky, and hard to wear for long periods of time because his leg would sweat from the thick plastic thing he had to put on before the brace to help it not slip.  A friend of his from church let him borrow a wheel-cart thing that allowed him to "bike" through the house on one knee. 

He didn't complain through all of it.  He chose to do his best possible in every situation and managed to be helpful with the kids on one foot.  He continued to drive the kids to school in the mornings.  There were times he even cooked me breakfast.  I'm amazed.

The 6 weeks seemed to crawl by moment by moment.  They went by and at his 5 week check up, the doctor said he could try walking on it.  He is putting weight on his left foot now regularly and said it feels great.  There's some tightness that will have to be stretched out when he has full mobility, but overall, he said he's very happy he got it done.  He is appreciating walking more than ever!  The right foot is scheduled to be done on December 17. 

Dave is a busy guy.  He's wearing a lot of hats right now, and manages to keep his wife and kids a priority above it all.  He's recently become a new elder at our church, is the Commander of the Awana program, leads a small group, and he and I help manage the coffee nook at church and keep things clean and stocked.  His work is demanding.  Then there is his relationship with me and all the kids.  He helps clean up the house and empties the dishwasher when he can.  He helps me manage the finances on the computer program we use to keep track of the budget.  He's willing to watch the kids a few evenings a month when I can get out of the house to socialize with friends and family.  Writing all this down makes me realize how much he does.  He keeps the Lord a priority as well by waking up before the family and meets with God.   

Thank you Lord for David!