Summer Update

Dear Friends,

Sorry for my lack of an update. After much prodding from friends, here it goes!

Back in May we had our GW ALS clinic visit. Thank you so much for your prayers. Once again, we felt them and know they made all the difference. We didn't learn anything new at this visit, however, had a couple of stories to share.
Our day began with a new driver from a new Cab Co. picking us up. I say this because, I liked their cab better and told the woman driver how much I liked it and commented that our whole family would be able to be in the van at the same time, and how nice that would be. Anyway, she then said to our surprise, " Oh, did you know we sell used ones all the time for a very reasonable price?". We then asked her how much she was talking about and she said usually under $5,000.00. We had never really prayed about a van because it seemed like an impossibility ....... real people of faith :), but now this opened up a potential for actually getting a van. We were so encouraged and told our driver how God had arranged for her to drive us that day and how she was being used by God. She then offered to call her boss and find out whats available right now. On Monday she got back to us and said that nothing is for sale right now, but things change quickly, and for sure some will be available in December. Woohoo! We hadn't even begun our drive and were praising God for the prayers of the saints and for God going before us and providing what we need before we even ask. This would change our lives dramatically. As it stands now, we have to pay about $40.00 to attend church using a cab and that makes it difficult to also go on Date Nights, Youth Meetings and other events John would like to attend. So, this would be something we are excited about and now in total faith for and would appreciate you joining us in praying for a van to become available as quickly as possible.
Our first stop is Pulmonary where we check in and pay our co-pay. So, I'm standing there with John next to me and really I don't think John or I had spoken much of anything, maybe I asked him if he had his insurance card. Out of the blue Tawanda, the individual checking us in said "how long you two been married?" I told her 23 years and inquired why she was asking. She then said, "Oh you two just seem comfortable and I can tell you're in love". THEN, she elaborated and said "You asked him a question and he answered". Who would have known that simply not grunting would be such a testimony!

On to present day.

Since that visit, the disease continues to progress, to where John now has a hard time feeding himself. As a result of this progression, it is difficult leaving him alone for long periods of time. Amanda has quit her job in order to stay home with her dad and be available for his needs - from preparing food, to adjusting his chair, picking up things that are dropped and the list goes on.

We are hoping to find some willing volunteers who could assist us on a more regular basis. This could include afternoon visits or stopping by to help with other personal needs. You don't need medical training, just a willing heart! If anyone could serve us in this way, please contact us at jakaspiro@gmail.com

Even if you are not able to do anything regularly, drop in visits are much appreciated - please call John's cell prior to coming over: 301-437-1510.

We will be returning to the GW clinic at the end of August for our quarterly visit. We don't ever expect to learn much from this visit. It is more a monitoring of the progression of the disease. There is no treatment. The hardest part of these visits is the reality of all that is being lost and our "normal" keeps changing.

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body." 2 Corinthians 4:7-10

We continued to be sustained by grace. We are so encouraged and thankful for every prayer, note and gesture of care on our behalf. Thank you.

~Kathy