There is so much that went on this past week and I’ve been having a hard time figuring out how to report on it all…some things having to do with Rudy and his care, some things having to do with the life of our family and SO MANY things we are still processing in our minds and hearts. In some ways I feel like we’ve been darting all over the map both physically and emotionally and then it dawned on me yesterday that there is an emerging common thread of “God’s grace” evident in all that is going on and suddenly it all feels very much connected and intertwined!
I think the shock of Rudy’s cath results is starting to subside and the heaviness is settling in…Rolf and I are both having a hard time focusing during the day and daily tasks are taking twice the amount of energy and time to accomplish. Nights are the worst…the hours between 2 and 4am are especially bewitching and restless sleep is the norm these days. My week last week culminated with the need for a root canal which added to the feeling of agony and heartache (not to mention toothache!). And, yet, in the midst of the “pit in my stomach” pain and uncertainty, there is an undeniable, deep-rooted peace. It’s a curious experience…pain and peace coexisting equally in the very same moment. Our good friend Bob describes it as the “miracle of God’s presence” and I have to agree. God’s presence brings with it peace and His sovereignty brings hope and the two are powerful antidotes for fear and despair. The feelings of sadness are very real and yet the penetrating peace and hope of God are just as real and bring comfort to a mother’s (and father’s and sibling’s) tender heart…ah, God’s grace!
The miracle of God’s presence was also demonstrated about 3 weeks ago when a sweet, young family visited our church for the first time. We bonded quickly with this family and found out as we visited after the service that they lost their 4 year old daughter a year ago November. Joele’s condition was different than Rudy’s but she had similar equipment and so the connection took on even more depth. A week later we shared common stories of frustration with insurance battles and medical supply mishaps when the subject of wheelchairs came up…when we shared about our current battle to get Rudy a comfortable and appropriate wheelchair or medical stroller, Kara’s face lit up and with tears in her eyes she explained how she had been praying for direction about whom to pass on their daughter’s medical stroller and believed Rudy was the one. Long story short, I picked up the device the day before Rudy’s cath to try it out for the weekend and it couldn’t have been a more perfect fit! The minute I put Rudy in it he kicked his feet in excitement and clearly felt like a big boy sitting up high and supported in the middle of whatever’s going on. The generosity of Jeff and Kara in the wake of their own deep loss is profoundly moving to us…ah, God’s grace!
(For those of you who inquired about contributing toward Rudy’s wheelchair, we are now transferring our monies and energy toward the purchase of a modified van to accommodate Rudy’s new device. Please know your gifts will be used toward this purchase and benefit both Rudy and our family as we settle into this next phase of Rudy’s mobility!)
After the draining week we had last week, I wasn’t too excited about the full weekend we had ahead of us but “duty” soon turned to “joy” when I realized that the weekend was full of events that represented my big kids’ passions…Wilson’s first drumline performance in the GVJH marching band, Max’s football season finale and Olivia’s ability to combine creativity and fun as she prepared for Halloween. Just a few days earlier Dr. Rick encouraged us to “not worry about Rudy and love all our kids” and here we had a weekend filled with “out of the ordinary fun” that helped me grow in my love and appreciation for our kids, their interests and their heart. This weekend was a helpful reminder that the lives of our older kids are active and colorful and rich and should be freely celebrated with gratitude and love…ah, God’s grace!
Looking ahead, Rudy has two more doctor appointments this week and by the end of Friday, we will have touched base with all of his specialists and updated everyone. So far, no one wants to make any major changes in Rudy’s treatment. I spoke with Dr. Shapiro (UCLA ENT) late last week and she agrees with Dr. Pornchai that our next move should be to wean Rudy from the trach. She feels the scar tissue detected in Rudy’s airway during his bronchoscopy in July could likely prevent him from having a successful sleep test off the trach so she wants to remove that scar tissue before his sleep study. We scheduled that procedure for next Tuesday (November 9th) . Rudy will need to stay the night for observation and we’ll return home on Wednesday if there aren’t any complications. Once he heals, we’ll do the sleep study (hopefully in the next couple of months) and then start weaning him off the trach maybe at the start of the new year. Under different circumstances this would be a real exciting milestone to conquer but, I admit, my heart is heavy over it knowing the only reason we’re moving forward on this is because the Glenn isn’t happening…oh, for more of God’s grace!
Other than that, Rudy is happy, active and none-the-wiser! He thought Halloween was pretty cool but thinks Wilson’s drum set from school is even cooler…
Rudy's Beat 
Oh that drum duo just made me cry….how precious is that! I am so moved at God’s goodness too with the stroller….beauty from the ashes of others…
Oh! and a root canal…..I also went into the dentist expecting one, but just got some reconstruction…you poor dear!!!!
I’m sad for yous tonight….but at the same time knowing like Bob said there will be more and more miracles of God’s grace …
Continued love and prayers from NYC.
I was very thoughtful as I read this entry and felt your closing comment summed up what I was feeling: “Other than that, Rudy is happy, active and none-the-wiser!” As serious as the situation may be, and as unsure as the path may seem, Rudy was no different the moment before the non-cath news then after. He has continued to prove himself stronger and more resilient than any test or prognosis has been. His heart is strong, no matter the shape or physical condition. We see that in his smiles and in the loving looks he has for all his family. I don’t know the next steps of your journey, but I do know you are all surrounded by love and God’s grace on every step.
so sweet to see Rudy and Wilson. What an adorable laugh and joy. So cute. Praying for all things Rudy!
What Jim said – absolutely, what Jim said! Beautifully put – thank you, Jim.
And thank you so much for this lovely post, Trish – for once again sharing with us what life is like for you just now. I do pray for better sleep for both of you. But I also want to say that what you’re experiencing is very normal, it is to be expected – in fact, it is to be encouraged, in a way. There is grief in letting go of an accepted and expected plan – and that’s what you’re doing right now. We don’t know what other plan may take shape in the future. All we have is today – and you all, praise God, are living today to the fullest. Such lovely pieces of grace showering you, even in the midst of this hard stuff. The stroller! The marching drummer! The football hero! The clever costumes. And the drum duet – the best, just the best. May each day forward be marked by such lovely, ordinary, yet so wonderfully light-filled, hope-filled touches of grace. So many blessings to each one of you this warm night.
Hi you guys
We are overjoyed to see how God provided for Rudy and the family…it truly is so humbling and amazing to receive His grace.
And the video at the end – oh my goodness. It put the biggest smiles on mine and Justin’s faces.
We just want you to know, we love you too, and we are here for you, Geyling Family.
We continue to stand behind you in this journey, lifting you up…
Much love,
Justin, Victoria, and Moriah
Praying always and loved the photos, and know you are all in good hands. Hugs.
thinking of you always and praying.
2 drummers in the house ??? What a cheerful face and loving look Rudy gives Wilson. Those moments warm our hearts. Lots of hugs and bussi
Great video. Wow! Wilson on quads. From my band days, only the best got to play those. Way to go Wilson!!!
Praying for all of you!!
Sounds and looks as if you had a fun Halloween. Keep on “keeping on”–all of you are a blessing to Rudy just as he is to you. Love each other and keep the faith..
What a blessing you all are to us! Love you, MORE!
and his Mercy endures forever, amen. You folks have such blessings all over the place, you especially, exhibit a great deal of Faith and Rudy’s job is to strengthen your faith. Good job, Rudy, you are the lion of Zion!! “Rudy Rules” Thanks Rudy for helping me with my resolve in prayer.
Love, Hope, Peace to all
Michael
I’ve never seen such a joyful look on Rudy’s face as he had there playing the drums with Wilson! That is so priceless!! Wow…and he has good rhythm too. What a great, great video!
We continue to pray for all of you. We love you dearly!
That chair is such a blessing. What a beautiful story on how you received it; God is good. I love those photos of the kids and the video is the sweetest thing. Love you all, K
Thanks for all your sharing. Marilyn and I read them all.
Blessings,
Bobby Clinton
Thinking of you guys… know that I am esp thinking of you during those wee hours of the morning 2-4 am… everything does seem more heavy at night but you are never really all alone so it shouldn’t feel that way! LOVED the drumming video! Esp how Rudy starts using his LEFT hand does BOTH hands and then uses his RIGHT hand HARDER on the drum set! He wants to twirl those drumsticks too like his Rocker brother! What a great OT session! Thank you so much for sharing your heart. Much love from here xoxo
Wow! Rudy looks great in his new chair! And how can anyone question that God puts people in our paths for a reason!? Prayers of peace and love for you all. This weekend we will be joining together with other “heart friends” to remember Katie at the Second Annual Kisses from Katie Night to Remember. You will all be in our thoughts as we remember the experiences that have connected us.
God Bless,
Dawn
Thank you for your transparency, Geylings. God’s grace is so rich, and so present. Thanks for the reminder to drink deeply every day!
Hugs and love to you all, can’t wait to see you soon,
Michele & Bob
Grace,grace, God’s grace! What a blessing to have the wheelchair and the
wonderful friendship with the family who gave it! Wilson is awesome on those drums!!! Wish I could see him marching! Max and Olivia looked great
for Halloween! Thank you for being so honest and vulnerable in the midst of this journey…what a blessing you all are to all of us! Don’t you have an
anniversary about now?! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!
simply…awesome. the drum video brought me to tears