Life Update
Greetings Friends and Family… HOW I’VE MISSED YOU! It’s been nearly 2 months since I’ve been able to write and unfortunately for right now I’m not sure how often I’ll be able to keep up as life has been difficult of late.
In early October I was admitted to Hospital with a common “post-transplant” virus called CMV. It likely appeared as a result of being treated for Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) - another common “post-transplant” disease where treatment involves lowering your immune system dramatically. With the CMV came a host of other issues. After 5 weeks in the hospital I was finally released. For most of those 5 weeks I was bedridden which took a real toll on my already weakened condition. When I left the hospital I could barely walk - no more than 20 feet or less. I was sent home with oxygen and in-home care (Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Nursing Care). As I mentioned, life has been difficult these last 2 months. I’m thankful my condition is improving, it’s just been a very long process. It’s like I’ve been relearning to stand and walk with endurance. I've had good days and some very defeating days. HOWEVER, my doctor Face Timed with me last week and told me he has the utmost confidence that I will recover and beat these things (including Leukemia) and have a “normal” life again. I’m thankful to the Lord for my medical team and the knowledge and wisdom He has given.
Today, I’m making small progress standing and walking. I still can’t stand from lower positions and require a stool, lift chair, or some sort of tall seating. As for walking, that too is slowly processing. I’m walking with a walker for now as I continue to build up strength and endurance. It’s hard to know that 2-3 months ago I was fully mobile, where now I am maybe about 50% mobile. As mentioned, there has been good days and bad days, lots of tear shed and frustration.
I look forward to the day that I will be able to resume normal activity and continue the ministry of “For His Glory” as I stopped taking appointments and have been very slow to engage. I hope it will all restart soon!
Even in the difficulty, God has been faithful. He has truly blessed me and comforted me during this entire time. Sometimes in my flesh it’s difficult to see, but God has given me a great support team who constantly remind me of His goodness and grace. YOU are a part of that team of support and I thank God for you, your prayers, cards, calls, texts, and monetary gifts. I’m blown away by your care and generosity. One other blessing that a come during this period of time is that I’ve been going through the Rejoice Hymnal and singing! I truly fills the heart! I’ve been reminded of wonderful words and promises of God that have been written over 300 years ago to present day. It’s truly been a blessing.
“Praise ye the Lord who with marvelous wisdom hath made thee! Decked thee with health and with loving hand guided and stayed thee; How oft in grief hath He not brought thee relief, spreading His wings for to shade thee.” - Praise Ye the Lord, the Almighty, Joachim Neander, 1680
Well, if you read this far, BLESS YOU! I want to thank you again for all of your love, care, and support. You are the best and I and I am truly blessed to have you in my life and as a support. As you continue to pray, pray for these things specifically…
Strength and Endurance to stand up and walk with ease and good breath support.
Spiritual and Mental Endurance. There’s nothing more the enemy would love to do is to kick me while I’m down and whisper his lies. Pray the Holy Spirit will would speaker louder than the lies of the enemy.
Pray for Rena. I could not ask for a better caregiver. She keeps everything on afloat with the family and takes the best care of me as I recover. She has certainly gone above and beyond and has been faithful and true to our vows “in sickness and health.” Pray for her encouragement, care, and support. She needs it as much as I need it. I love her so!
Thanks again for your continued prayers! I thank God for you! YOU ARE LOVED!
For His Glory,
Pastor Pusch
“Let us then be true and faithful, trusting, serving everyday. Just one glimpse of Him in glory will the toils of life repay.” - When We All Get to Heaven, Eliza E. Hewitt, 1898
