Craig.....strange happenings here!

Well, once the girls were feeling better, Craig started noticing his tongue was numb. It was either Christmas Eve or Christmas, I can't remember which. It was really strange, but he had just had an MRI in August because of some strange vision things going on. The MRI was clear and that was attributed to migraines, so we thought maybe it was bleach? He had cleaned the bathroom with bleach earlier and it was really strong. Or maybe an allergy?

Then on Wednesday, he was driving home from Lowe's and the entire left side of his face went completely numb. It has progressively gotten worse and he now has almost no control of the left side of his face. I remember hearing of this as a teenager and looked it up online. It's called Bells Palsy. We went to the doctor to confirm, and it was confirmed!

WOW....for some reason, we are a magnet for strange illnesses! We are so grateful though that it is reversible (and not something more serious) and pray his recovery will be quick! There is a large range of recovery times for Bells Palsy. Right now he is in quite a bit of pain. He's had a constant headache since it started and pains that shoot through his head on occassion. I would think since it's paralyzed he wouldn't be able to feel, but I guess the nerves are still connecting? The other major issue is his eye. His eye doesn't blink as well or stay closed at night and dries out easily. We have to tape it shut at night and put drops in to keep it from being too irritated. Add to that, the fact that he looks at a computer screen all day, and this can cause problems!

His friends at work have been great! I'm so grateful that he works with people that really care for him and take care of him when I'm not there. Charlie and Becky gave him a sweet card and baked him brownies, and Kathleen printed out information from the web on Bell's Palsy and accupuncture and gave him a referral and vouchers to get started there. The've all shown him care and I am grateful for that (Thank you guys, if you're reading!)

All this is a reminder that our life here is short and we don't know what our future holds. Only God holds our lives in His hands, and can use all situations to bring us closer to him.

"And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance, and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:3-5

Craig is doing well and looking at this as an opportunity to grow in character. It will be challenging, but I know God will bring us through this stronger and full of faith. He has so far!

We covet your prayers! Specifically for quick healing, wise doctors and what paths to follow.