I apologize for the long delay in updating this site but everything has been so hectic since Billy was released from the hospital July 3rd (20 days earlier than the doctor’s had hoped he might be ready)! My name is Gina, I am Billy’s wife, and I just wanted to let everyone know how much we appreciate all your prayers during this difficult but AMAZING time! Before I continue we would like to let Joe & Leah know that we appreciate your dedication and hard work in keeping everyone informed for us! We now better understand a little of the sacrifice that you made to help us when we couldn’t think or act for ourselves!! We love you both and pray that God showers His blessings on your family!!!
We have truly experienced an awesome journey with God that we never dreamed possible! We cannot praise Him enough for all that He has continuously done for us!! Billy and I have been on the run almost constantly since his release from the hospital. We have been seeing doctors and therapists almost daily (sometimes 2 or 3 in a day) and I am trying to squeeze in some work here and there! But the Lord has greatly blessed me through all the sick time I had accumulated! I am just now beginning to use vacation time! Billy was supposed to have had surgery on August 8th to replace his skull-flap but as they were shaving his head in preparation of surgery, they discovered a staph infection. Although we were disappointed in the delay, we thank God that it was discovered before they made an incision or it could have been very serious!! His rehabilitation has been stopped until after his surgery because he has gone as far as he can without exposing him to more risk. He is still having problems with his left hand but they are going to work on it more after surgery….he has a stress ball (and a few exercises) to work with some but they will focus more on it after surgery. We also found out last month that he is leaking spinal fluid, which delayed us again. Anyway, we went to see the neurosurgeon this past Wednesday. After discussing options with the doctor, and since Billy is not having any complications with the leakage, we have prayerfully decided not to have surgery for the leakage but to continue with the flap replacement on October 17th. They are going to put a catheter in at that time to let the fluid drain and hopefully seal itself! Billy will have to be flat on his back for about 5 days to let it drain and avoid any complications or infections (to the best of my understanding) so we will be hospitalized longer than we would have been otherwise. We are excited about the surgery and the rehab to follow so that things will be back to normal!
We also thank our dear friends, Mark and Scott, for organizing and participating in the benefit golf tournament for Billy on September 6th! We were able to go, for a while, and Billy had a ball! We were amazed at how many people took the time to participate in this tournament. There were many people working in different areas and we thank you so much! It was a humbling experience to see the love of others at work for us! Billy enjoyed the day (he got to drive a golf cart for a while so we could see everyone in action) but tired well before the tournament ended! From what I’ve heard we were home and Billy was in bed before everyone finished playing!
Please continue to pray for us and the work that God has ahead for us!! We give Him all the glory!!!
We sincerely thank each of you for your continued prayers, cards and support during this amazing journey and pray that God blesses you as you never dreamed!
Love in Christ!
Billy & Gina
