Please pray for Ian’s clarity of thought. Pray that God would help him to place all of the memories of his life into the correct timeframe and that he be able to recall his life accurately.
“God knows and controls the outcome of Ian’s situation, and somehow it’s good, though I don’t understand how. When I look up to Him through my sadness wondering how things went so wrong for Ian and Larissa and I recognize that He is compassionately and confidently rejoicing despite Ian’s circumstances, I can draw strength from that.The Lord’s joy is my strength.”
Still isn’t real that he can’t write on this blog anymore.
Ian has been showing us good signs of progress. In seemingly small ways (but big ways to us) he has been initiating much more than he used to. He continues to work hard in therapy five days a week and is really trying to get better.
Please continue to pray for Ian’s memory and initiation.
It occurred to me that focusing only on the next step or the next thing is how the Lord wants me to live. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps 119:105). An oil lamp (the only kind available when this was written) only lit enough of a dark road for the next step. I’ve walked on deserted roads at night where there is no light except the light of a flashlight (usually one with most of the juice gone); it’s not the most comfortable stroll. That’s what this experience feels like – a walk along a dark windy deserted road surrounded by woods (where animals live) with only a dim flashlight to light the next step. Living life this way forces me to put my confidence where it belongs: in His Word which declares his kindness and faithfulness and power. I’m learning that patience is about taking just the next step trusting that God is leading me and caring for me and protecting me.
Before Ian’s accident, he and David began building a business, Vinegar Hill Picture Works. Since then, David and Mike Hartnett have been working together on different projects, waiting for the day when Ian can join them at work.
This weekend, they filmed a comedic short here in Indiana. Ian was able to be on the set for most of the weekend, calling action and offering suggestions. The newspaper came and took some photos, including this one.
I found this blog post that Steve wrote on April 1, 2007. It seemed pretty appropriate.
“This experience with Ian has reminded me again of how fleeting life is. I don’t belong here on this earth and neither does Ian. Christ died for our sins. He made us new creatures. He promised homes for us in heaven. He made us for heaven. Like the moon doesn’t seem to belong in the sky when it’s still light out, I don’t belong here. Things that I desire and pursue will one day not be there to pursue, because I’ll shed this life and all it’s pursuits like a worn-out pair of jeans. I once made a comment to a friend about how pointless it seemed to spend so much time fixing our houses: “it’s all going to burn anyway.” He wisely pointed out that we have to have somewhere to live while we’re here. True, but I want to hold things loosely. After all, I don’t belong here.”
Lydia Hartnett, a beautiful friend and photographer, took some photos of Ian and I just a few days before Steve passed away. They are such a gift and blessing to have. To see them all, go to http://www.lydiajane.com
