UPDATE for Pastor Tom Higgins 07/05/17
And the beat goes on as Pastor Tom's health roller coaster continues to roll! It appears his infection is responding to treatment! Friday he was clearer in his thinking and was able to have some good moments with family from Chicago over the weekend. Today he faded in and out but was much improved over last week. He is able to recall clearly his family gathered a few weeks ago and their intimate celebration of his 50th ordination anniversary. Short term memory is more difficult right now. Basically the past month and a half simply didn't happen for him as he was so ill there was no awareness of time passing. This is not unusual for someone who spends a lengthy time in Intensive Care. Even in this there is blessing as he does not recall the painful or frightening times which happen when one is seriously ill.
The plan for now is continued treatment for the infections and increasing his nutritional support as his weakened body tolerates. There is a long and winding road ahead and Tom is very aware of the multitude of prayers bring offered for him. He asked about the churches today, and about the wedding I was able to perform on his behalf. Several times he said emphatically, "Thank them. Thank them all for me. Thank them." So I bring you thanks from Pastor Tom for every good thought, every prayer, every time you think of him and live in hope for his wholeness. And so we all continue this journey, trusting and hoping and praying to God who so loves Tom and each of us. Be well! Pastor Dianna Niemann-Harris
And the beat goes on as Pastor Tom's health roller coaster continues to roll! It appears his infection is responding to treatment! Friday he was clearer in his thinking and was able to have some good moments with family from Chicago over the weekend. Today he faded in and out but was much improved over last week. He is able to recall clearly his family gathered a few weeks ago and their intimate celebration of his 50th ordination anniversary. Short term memory is more difficult right now. Basically the past month and a half simply didn't happen for him as he was so ill there was no awareness of time passing. This is not unusual for someone who spends a lengthy time in Intensive Care. Even in this there is blessing as he does not recall the painful or frightening times which happen when one is seriously ill.
The plan for now is continued treatment for the infections and increasing his nutritional support as his weakened body tolerates. There is a long and winding road ahead and Tom is very aware of the multitude of prayers bring offered for him. He asked about the churches today, and about the wedding I was able to perform on his behalf. Several times he said emphatically, "Thank them. Thank them all for me. Thank them." So I bring you thanks from Pastor Tom for every good thought, every prayer, every time you think of him and live in hope for his wholeness. And so we all continue this journey, trusting and hoping and praying to God who so loves Tom and each of us. Be well! Pastor Dianna Niemann-Harris