A few weeks ago, when Håkan was in Gothenburg, a doctor came and looked at Håkan’s ring finger. The finger seemed to be dead, so they were going to cut off a little bit of it.
That evening, Håkan’s brother came to visit Håkan, with his son, and my brother and his wife. As you may well understand, Håkan was preoccupied with the answer he’d received earlier in the day. So, they started to pray to God, that He who is the God of wonders would intervene, and in Jesus name, create new skin on the ring finger.
The next day after breakfast, the staff came and took Håkan to have the operation done. Håkan was both cold and hot, as you might understand. When the doctor looked at the ring finger, she saw new skin. Several doctors had to look at the finger to decide its future. They saw new skin, so decided to schedule a later visit.
Today, Håkan went to Sahlgrenska for the exam. The finger has new skin and doesn’t need to be cut off. Thank you, Lord, for your grace! The surgeons also looked at Håkan’s back. It’s healing so nicely. Håkan was satisfied with the day. Everything went so well, and it felt secure having Mohammed along on the trip. In a few weeks, Håkan will have another appointment…
We want to give all glory to our God for every small wonder and large miracle that we have seen on this journey with Håkan, but also thank the staff for making the right decision and doing such a nice job.
Please pray that the doctors continue to make the right decisions for Håkan!
”My future is in God’s hands. In the dark of night, He turns on the light. He leads me one step at a time, on the way to the land of heaven.”
God bless you all!
Hugs,
Gunilla
Thursday 30 July 2009
Tuesday 28 July 2009
Little Nova
Johanna was on her way up to Håkan when little Nova said that she wanted to go along and visit Grandpa. We sat and read the blog together when little Nova came in, pretty as a little doll, with a bouquet from the garden. You can imagine how happy Grandpa was to see her.
Yesterday we had care planning. Håkan’s training is moving right along. Every day when we come up, something new has happened, in the right direction.
Today we sat and continued with the blog. We started with reading the latest posts, and all the greetings to Håkan. He sends his greetings and thanks. It means so much to him. I have, of course, lived with the blog for months, but now Håkan is receiving from it.
We went back and continued with May. There are small and large gaps for Håkan, which he can fill in by reading the blog, so he’ll be updated on how things were for us and all the greetings that you have sent. We never could have guessed that this blog would be such a blessing, in so many ways.
On Thursday, Håkan will go by ambulance to Sahlgrenska, with our Mohammed. He’ll go to the hand surgeon for an exam, and other doctors will also come and look at other parts of his body – nice for Håkan that they do all the exams in the same trip. Please pray for the trip…
John 15:12-14
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Jesus
Thanks for the love you’ve poured out!
God bless you all!
Many hugs,
Gunilla
Yesterday we had care planning. Håkan’s training is moving right along. Every day when we come up, something new has happened, in the right direction.
Today we sat and continued with the blog. We started with reading the latest posts, and all the greetings to Håkan. He sends his greetings and thanks. It means so much to him. I have, of course, lived with the blog for months, but now Håkan is receiving from it.
We went back and continued with May. There are small and large gaps for Håkan, which he can fill in by reading the blog, so he’ll be updated on how things were for us and all the greetings that you have sent. We never could have guessed that this blog would be such a blessing, in so many ways.
On Thursday, Håkan will go by ambulance to Sahlgrenska, with our Mohammed. He’ll go to the hand surgeon for an exam, and other doctors will also come and look at other parts of his body – nice for Håkan that they do all the exams in the same trip. Please pray for the trip…
John 15:12-14
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”
Jesus
Thanks for the love you’ve poured out!
God bless you all!
Many hugs,
Gunilla
Saturday 25 July 2009
Within walking distance
It only takes a few minutes to walk to Håkan from our new apartment. Today, I’ve gone back and forth twice – what a difference from the long trips to Linköping.
We asked Håkan if there was anything he wanted. “A little smoked mackerel, please…” So, this evening we went up to Håkan with a little mackerel. Oh, how satisfied he was!
Håkan has said for several days that his leg hurts. He’s waited several days for the doctor, but today it was an assistant nurse (LPN) who took him seriously. You who know my husband know that he isn’t the type to make a big deal of things, but now they rushed him down for x-rays, and they discovered that Håkan had a blood clot in his leg.
This is very common, after months in bed. I know that in Linköping, Håkan was given medicine to prevent this, but now Håkan has been so active, so they haven’t taken him seriously when he said that his leg hurt.
We had planned to write something together on the blog, so you would get an extra greeting from Håkan, but after all the excitement, there wasn’t much energy left this evening, so we’ll do it another day.
This week Håkan and I have read through everything on the blog together. We have made it through all of March and April. Håkan cries, and so do I. Imagine that I can sit and read to him about the time he was sedated, and in that way, he can make up the time he’s lost, in a concentrated form.
When Håkan heard all the comments that were written by new and old friends, it was almost too much for him. I don’t know how many tissues we went through.
This week we will read through all of May. Soon we will come to July, so if you have something to say to Håkan, write on the blog!
Please pray for Håkan’s leg. Håkan sends a big THANKS to you all!
Blessings from God!
Hugs
Gunilla
We asked Håkan if there was anything he wanted. “A little smoked mackerel, please…” So, this evening we went up to Håkan with a little mackerel. Oh, how satisfied he was!
Håkan has said for several days that his leg hurts. He’s waited several days for the doctor, but today it was an assistant nurse (LPN) who took him seriously. You who know my husband know that he isn’t the type to make a big deal of things, but now they rushed him down for x-rays, and they discovered that Håkan had a blood clot in his leg.
This is very common, after months in bed. I know that in Linköping, Håkan was given medicine to prevent this, but now Håkan has been so active, so they haven’t taken him seriously when he said that his leg hurt.
We had planned to write something together on the blog, so you would get an extra greeting from Håkan, but after all the excitement, there wasn’t much energy left this evening, so we’ll do it another day.
This week Håkan and I have read through everything on the blog together. We have made it through all of March and April. Håkan cries, and so do I. Imagine that I can sit and read to him about the time he was sedated, and in that way, he can make up the time he’s lost, in a concentrated form.
When Håkan heard all the comments that were written by new and old friends, it was almost too much for him. I don’t know how many tissues we went through.
This week we will read through all of May. Soon we will come to July, so if you have something to say to Håkan, write on the blog!
Please pray for Håkan’s leg. Håkan sends a big THANKS to you all!
Blessings from God!
Hugs
Gunilla
Wednesday 22 July 2009
The grandchildren visited Grandpa!
We asked the doctor when the grandchildren could see Håkan, and she said that they could come when it was healed more under his eyes, and that we should show them a picture first, so they would be prepared.
I asked Håkan if we could take a picture, so the grandchildren could see how he looks now, and that wasn’t any problem.
Rebecca and Johan were here and took Angelina and Alice with them up to Grandpa, and Håkan was really glad to meet his little sweethearts. The girls handled it well. After a little while, they had gotten used to him and discovered that inside it was the same grandpa.
Yesterday when Mohammed was there, he told Håkan that we had eaten shrimp one evening. When I came up later, Håkan asked if I could come up with a little shrimp for him, like today. We saw that as a step in his recovery.
Today Rebecca’s and Johanna’s families, together with Josefina, Gabriella, Mohammed and I, went to Åstol. We ate at a nice restaurant, together with Erika, fished for crab, and drank coffee. We bought fresh shrimp for Håkan.
Daniel, Krister and I went up with the shrimp to Håkan, and when we came in, Håkan sat with Johanna, Daniel and both the girls, Nicole and Nova, out in the dining hall. Now, four of the grandkids have been to see their grandpa. They live, of course, so close to us, so we see each other every other day, so the longing for their grandpa has been so great. One more step is taken, hallelujah!
We went into the room and Håkan reveled in shrimp with egg and good bread. Oh my, how Håkan enjoyed it!
Tomorrow Håkan will get his eyes examined again. Please pray for Håkan’s eyes.
God bless you!
Your friend
Gunilla
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7
I asked Håkan if we could take a picture, so the grandchildren could see how he looks now, and that wasn’t any problem.
Rebecca and Johan were here and took Angelina and Alice with them up to Grandpa, and Håkan was really glad to meet his little sweethearts. The girls handled it well. After a little while, they had gotten used to him and discovered that inside it was the same grandpa.
Yesterday when Mohammed was there, he told Håkan that we had eaten shrimp one evening. When I came up later, Håkan asked if I could come up with a little shrimp for him, like today. We saw that as a step in his recovery.
Today Rebecca’s and Johanna’s families, together with Josefina, Gabriella, Mohammed and I, went to Åstol. We ate at a nice restaurant, together with Erika, fished for crab, and drank coffee. We bought fresh shrimp for Håkan.
Daniel, Krister and I went up with the shrimp to Håkan, and when we came in, Håkan sat with Johanna, Daniel and both the girls, Nicole and Nova, out in the dining hall. Now, four of the grandkids have been to see their grandpa. They live, of course, so close to us, so we see each other every other day, so the longing for their grandpa has been so great. One more step is taken, hallelujah!
We went into the room and Håkan reveled in shrimp with egg and good bread. Oh my, how Håkan enjoyed it!
Tomorrow Håkan will get his eyes examined again. Please pray for Håkan’s eyes.
God bless you!
Your friend
Gunilla
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Phil. 4:6-7
Monday 20 July 2009
One more step and one more step…
That’s Håkan’s everyday life – he takes steps every day, for himself, for us and for the future. In the 70’s, we sang, “I want to take a step of faith with you, I want to walk in the word you’ve spoken to me…”
When I walk beside Håkan in the corridor, that little song rings inside of me. That’s exactly what Håkan is doing – he takes steps of faith the whole time. He dares to stretch himself a little more and a little more, the whole time. It is so amazing – I’m so proud of my husband.
When we sat and talked with the nurse, she said that now it’s time for training, and that as soon as Håkan can walk up and down stairs, he can come home for the day, and in that way train for going home.
I must admit that it took a few days for that to sink in – walk up and down stairs…come home for the day…going home…
As a family, we’ve also taken steps of faith with Håkan, during this time – sometimes small steps, that become a giant step, but without these small steps, no giant step.
Talk about an incentive! Maybe now you understand even more why Håkan walks and walks in the corridor. He can see that if only he can walk up and down stairs, he can come home for the day, to train for going home for good.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Cor. 13:13
Thanks to all of you who have taken steps with us on this journey.
Thanks to all of you who have taken steps of faith with us on this journey.
Thank you, God, for every step forward for Håkan.
Thank you, God, for everyone who has stood and walked with us – bless them, Father, every one of them.
Please continue to pray for Håkan’s next step…
God bless you all!
Many hugs,
Gunilla
When I walk beside Håkan in the corridor, that little song rings inside of me. That’s exactly what Håkan is doing – he takes steps of faith the whole time. He dares to stretch himself a little more and a little more, the whole time. It is so amazing – I’m so proud of my husband.
When we sat and talked with the nurse, she said that now it’s time for training, and that as soon as Håkan can walk up and down stairs, he can come home for the day, and in that way train for going home.
I must admit that it took a few days for that to sink in – walk up and down stairs…come home for the day…going home…
As a family, we’ve also taken steps of faith with Håkan, during this time – sometimes small steps, that become a giant step, but without these small steps, no giant step.
Talk about an incentive! Maybe now you understand even more why Håkan walks and walks in the corridor. He can see that if only he can walk up and down stairs, he can come home for the day, to train for going home for good.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Cor. 13:13
Thanks to all of you who have taken steps with us on this journey.
Thanks to all of you who have taken steps of faith with us on this journey.
Thank you, God, for every step forward for Håkan.
Thank you, God, for everyone who has stood and walked with us – bless them, Father, every one of them.
Please continue to pray for Håkan’s next step…
God bless you all!
Many hugs,
Gunilla
Saturday 18 July 2009
Håkan on home ground
I met Håkan the other day. Every time you see Håkan, you’re struck by the progress of the healing process in his body. He looks a little different, but you can easily recognize Håkan’s good personality and humor. After burn injuries of this extent, the joints are stiff and need to be trained in order to get their function back. That means a lot of training for Håkan every day. It was nice to sit with Håkan and share thoughts about life. Naturally, Håkan wanted to know what’s happening in the church. Håkan had many questions. We expressed how much we appreciated each other and he thought that the experience we’ve had of living close to each other in the Body of Christ is important to pass on to the next generation. We even talked about the fire. One is humbled when one realizes how everything we take for granted can be changed so quickly.
Now, four months have gone by since the fire in the Gnistes’ house. It’s been a special and intense time, for me and Elisabet, to go through this with the church, together with our church leaders. The accident at the Gnistes’ has affected us in many different ways: a family has lost their home, a badly injured father, absence of a workmate, church members who are going through a crisis, situations in the country where Håkan’s wisdom and ability to give advice have been missed, a spiritual father has been put on the sidelines. We have seen a mobilization in prayer, a corporate faith, and prayer for the Body of Christ. In all that, we’ve seen God work, and we’re working to keep “Håkan’s chair warm”.
I was glad when Buck Hudson, who visited us at the Midsummer conference, said that the church wasn’t tired, in spite of what had happened in the spring. I believe that all the extra time we’ve spent with God in prayer, in the middle of all the needs, has also given us new strength. The church hasn’t stood still, but has even moved forward during this time. We have had a good conference this Midsummer, and have four camps during the summer. A new Bible and Discipleship School will start in the fall. We need new facilities, because it’s a little crowded where we have our services on Sundays.
In every crisis there’s a possibility. Paul says in his letter to the Galatians, “Bear one another's burdens, and so you will fulfill the Law of Christ.” The law of Christ is that we love one another. In every crisis the possibility exists to close one’s heart and not let love work. In this situation, we have experienced many open hearts, and a lot of love that has been shared as we, in different ways, have stood around Håkan and the Gniste family.
We are so thankful for everyone who has contacted us and offered support. We see what kind of network Håkan and Gunilla have across Sweden and all over the world. The truth is that what has happened has happened, but also that when we turn to God, he can help change that which was intended for something evil into something good. Dave Richards said in his preaching the first weekend after the fire, “Don’t ask why, ask what for.” To ask the question “Why?” only leads to a dead end.
When I asked if there was anything special Håkan wanted, he looked at my shorts and said that it would be good to have a pair of those. Håkan, who loves the sun, has barely been outside to experience summer this year. But, it’ll be different next summer…
Janne Sääf
Now, four months have gone by since the fire in the Gnistes’ house. It’s been a special and intense time, for me and Elisabet, to go through this with the church, together with our church leaders. The accident at the Gnistes’ has affected us in many different ways: a family has lost their home, a badly injured father, absence of a workmate, church members who are going through a crisis, situations in the country where Håkan’s wisdom and ability to give advice have been missed, a spiritual father has been put on the sidelines. We have seen a mobilization in prayer, a corporate faith, and prayer for the Body of Christ. In all that, we’ve seen God work, and we’re working to keep “Håkan’s chair warm”.
I was glad when Buck Hudson, who visited us at the Midsummer conference, said that the church wasn’t tired, in spite of what had happened in the spring. I believe that all the extra time we’ve spent with God in prayer, in the middle of all the needs, has also given us new strength. The church hasn’t stood still, but has even moved forward during this time. We have had a good conference this Midsummer, and have four camps during the summer. A new Bible and Discipleship School will start in the fall. We need new facilities, because it’s a little crowded where we have our services on Sundays.
In every crisis there’s a possibility. Paul says in his letter to the Galatians, “Bear one another's burdens, and so you will fulfill the Law of Christ.” The law of Christ is that we love one another. In every crisis the possibility exists to close one’s heart and not let love work. In this situation, we have experienced many open hearts, and a lot of love that has been shared as we, in different ways, have stood around Håkan and the Gniste family.
We are so thankful for everyone who has contacted us and offered support. We see what kind of network Håkan and Gunilla have across Sweden and all over the world. The truth is that what has happened has happened, but also that when we turn to God, he can help change that which was intended for something evil into something good. Dave Richards said in his preaching the first weekend after the fire, “Don’t ask why, ask what for.” To ask the question “Why?” only leads to a dead end.
When I asked if there was anything special Håkan wanted, he looked at my shorts and said that it would be good to have a pair of those. Håkan, who loves the sun, has barely been outside to experience summer this year. But, it’ll be different next summer…
Janne Sääf
Friday 17 July 2009
The Lord is my shepherd…
We sat and talked, my husband and I. What was the last thing you thought about before you were sedated, right after the accident?
”The last thing I did was recite Psalm 23, ‘The Lord is my shepherd…’ I had it inside of me when I went to sleep; it was inside of me when I woke up; it was the first thing that came to mind…”
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
I’ve started my day with that Psalm for over 20 years, but that it would carry Håkan through this difficult time, when he had to make a decision to survive several times… Then that Psalm gave him new life, new hope, new trust, new courage, new strength… Håkan read what it said, believed what it said, and received what it said. That is “raw faith” and it bears!
So, ”The Lord is my shepherd” has taken on a deeper meaning for us! Yes, especially “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…” “I wandered literally through the valley of the shadow of death, then…,” Håkan said.
”…he restores my soul…” means to come back to the starting point…you proclaimed that, the last thing you did.
…and then…”all the days of my life”…important to speak life, in the middle of the valley of the shadow of death…
…also, rest in God…”lie down in green pastures…quiet waters…”
Thank you, God, that we can stand on and rest in your word…
God bless you all!
Love!
Gunilla
”The last thing I did was recite Psalm 23, ‘The Lord is my shepherd…’ I had it inside of me when I went to sleep; it was inside of me when I woke up; it was the first thing that came to mind…”
“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
I’ve started my day with that Psalm for over 20 years, but that it would carry Håkan through this difficult time, when he had to make a decision to survive several times… Then that Psalm gave him new life, new hope, new trust, new courage, new strength… Håkan read what it said, believed what it said, and received what it said. That is “raw faith” and it bears!
So, ”The Lord is my shepherd” has taken on a deeper meaning for us! Yes, especially “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…” “I wandered literally through the valley of the shadow of death, then…,” Håkan said.
”…he restores my soul…” means to come back to the starting point…you proclaimed that, the last thing you did.
…and then…”all the days of my life”…important to speak life, in the middle of the valley of the shadow of death…
…also, rest in God…”lie down in green pastures…quiet waters…”
Thank you, God, that we can stand on and rest in your word…
God bless you all!
Love!
Gunilla
Wednesday 15 July 2009
Håkan is a miracle!
Yes, that we’ve almost understood, after everything that has happened, but today when I met the doctor, she said, ”Håkan is a miracle!” I joined in with, “Yes, he is really a miracle.”
Today Håkan has just settled in, in Uddevalla. Johanna was there this evening and they walked back and forth in the hallway, 6 times, with the walker. Janne, our pastor, visited Håkan earlier today and welcomed him home, to our city, Uddevalla.
I was, of course, at Sahlgrenska, and gave the personnel a bag of cookies from the Gothenburg Cookie factory outlet, as a thank you for all they’ve done for Håkan. We had a good conversation with the doctor about eyes, ears, hands and sores, and even cosmetic surgeries in the future. There were many question marks which became exclamation points instead – that was nice.
This has, of course, been our city for the past 34 years. All our friends, Christian brothers and sisters, neighbors, workmates, the kids’ friends and their parents, students, church members, everyone we have helped…yes, the list can be long, but people in our city have really had empathy for Håkan and our whole family.
As Marianne said, ”I meet many people who think about and pray for Håkan who are never seen in church… That’s pretty nice.”
So, we continue to rejoice over the fact that ”Håkan is a miracle!” Tomorrow, Håkan’s brother and his family are coming. We will go to the house first and show them how it’s coming along, before Håkan gets a visit from the family.
When I was little, we sang at the Salvation Army, ”Good to everyone, but most to me, up to this day, good to everyone, but most to me, up to this day.” I feel like that – God is good to everyone, but his love has overwhelmed me…
Thanks for continuing to support us until we have come through this completely!
God bless you all.
Loads of hugs.
Gunilla
Today Håkan has just settled in, in Uddevalla. Johanna was there this evening and they walked back and forth in the hallway, 6 times, with the walker. Janne, our pastor, visited Håkan earlier today and welcomed him home, to our city, Uddevalla.
I was, of course, at Sahlgrenska, and gave the personnel a bag of cookies from the Gothenburg Cookie factory outlet, as a thank you for all they’ve done for Håkan. We had a good conversation with the doctor about eyes, ears, hands and sores, and even cosmetic surgeries in the future. There were many question marks which became exclamation points instead – that was nice.
This has, of course, been our city for the past 34 years. All our friends, Christian brothers and sisters, neighbors, workmates, the kids’ friends and their parents, students, church members, everyone we have helped…yes, the list can be long, but people in our city have really had empathy for Håkan and our whole family.
As Marianne said, ”I meet many people who think about and pray for Håkan who are never seen in church… That’s pretty nice.”
So, we continue to rejoice over the fact that ”Håkan is a miracle!” Tomorrow, Håkan’s brother and his family are coming. We will go to the house first and show them how it’s coming along, before Håkan gets a visit from the family.
When I was little, we sang at the Salvation Army, ”Good to everyone, but most to me, up to this day, good to everyone, but most to me, up to this day.” I feel like that – God is good to everyone, but his love has overwhelmed me…
Thanks for continuing to support us until we have come through this completely!
God bless you all.
Loads of hugs.
Gunilla
Tuesday 14 July 2009
Uddevalla again!!
This afternoon, a doctor called from Sahlgrenska and said that there was an opening on the rehab unit here at the hospital in Uddevalla. If we made a decision, they could move Håkan today. In that case, he had priority since he was coming from Sahlgrenska.
At 4:30 pm, Håkan was informed that everything was decided and he would be moved to Uddevalla after dinner. I sat on the balcony, outside of Håkan’s new unit and waited when the ambulance attendants came in with Håkan on a stretcher. We met the staff and went through the routines.
Håkan wanted me to be there. We put up all the pictures of the family which have followed along with Håkan from Linköping via Sahlgrenska and now to Uddevalla Hospital. It made it a little more personal in the single room Håkan is in.
Mohammed came up and stayed until Håkan went to bed. Håkan was tired, but content. It’s good, of course, for Håkan to be in Uddevalla again, but at the same time it means changing environments, personnel, and routines again. Imagine that Håkan is well enough to be on a rehab unit now.
It’s mind boggling – today it’s been 133 days since Håkan came to Uddevalla Hospital in the morning, severely burned, where a capable doctor decided to try to save Håkan’s life by sending him to the burn unit in Linköping. Now he’s back, walking with a walker, feeding himself, and getting stronger all the time. Today Håkan sat up straight on his bed for a long time, and held his balance.
My eyes fill with tears, my heart pounds, my legs get weak. My beloved husband takes steps the whole time which we couldn’t see so closely a month ago. The doctors think that he’s progressed so quickly. Thank you, Lord, for every step forward for Håkan!!
Håkan is still weak, so he wants me to keep a schedule for his visitors, so he’ll know what’s happening and can influence it based on how much energy he has.
Håkan was so thankful for the help he’d received in Gothenburg. Tomorrow I’ll drive down to meet the doctor and hear about follow-up visits for Håkan, what has happened, how it’s gone, and what to expect in the future.
Hugs to you all!
God bless you!
Thanks for your prayers, for Håkan.
Gunilla
At 4:30 pm, Håkan was informed that everything was decided and he would be moved to Uddevalla after dinner. I sat on the balcony, outside of Håkan’s new unit and waited when the ambulance attendants came in with Håkan on a stretcher. We met the staff and went through the routines.
Håkan wanted me to be there. We put up all the pictures of the family which have followed along with Håkan from Linköping via Sahlgrenska and now to Uddevalla Hospital. It made it a little more personal in the single room Håkan is in.
Mohammed came up and stayed until Håkan went to bed. Håkan was tired, but content. It’s good, of course, for Håkan to be in Uddevalla again, but at the same time it means changing environments, personnel, and routines again. Imagine that Håkan is well enough to be on a rehab unit now.
It’s mind boggling – today it’s been 133 days since Håkan came to Uddevalla Hospital in the morning, severely burned, where a capable doctor decided to try to save Håkan’s life by sending him to the burn unit in Linköping. Now he’s back, walking with a walker, feeding himself, and getting stronger all the time. Today Håkan sat up straight on his bed for a long time, and held his balance.
My eyes fill with tears, my heart pounds, my legs get weak. My beloved husband takes steps the whole time which we couldn’t see so closely a month ago. The doctors think that he’s progressed so quickly. Thank you, Lord, for every step forward for Håkan!!
Håkan is still weak, so he wants me to keep a schedule for his visitors, so he’ll know what’s happening and can influence it based on how much energy he has.
Håkan was so thankful for the help he’d received in Gothenburg. Tomorrow I’ll drive down to meet the doctor and hear about follow-up visits for Håkan, what has happened, how it’s gone, and what to expect in the future.
Hugs to you all!
God bless you!
Thanks for your prayers, for Håkan.
Gunilla
Sunday 12 July 2009
“Overcome evil with good!”
Of course, things happen that aren’t the best for us…
Our whole house – including the basement, 2 floors, and the attic – is drying after being sprayed with something that will keep it from smelling of smoke in the future. It’s guaranteed to be smoke-free! The house is only a shell at this point!
It’s interesting to see how we have managed to handle everything that has happened. Things that we have lost that can’t be replaced – then the thought comes, “You can’t take anything with you where you’re going…”
Then we find something we’re extra fond of and we cheer with delight, like when I found the ring Håkan gave me after 33 years of marriage. Or when I found a small Dalecarlian horse that my dad gave me when I was 6 years old. Or when some of my clothes just happened to be lying in the laundry and didn’t get burned – 4 pieces of clothing from my old life – what a feeling that I can’t describe with words.
All the good people who have donated furniture, books and gifts. All the postcards, greetings on the blog, and flowers… You have had a part in “overcoming evil with good!” It’s been like balm in our situation. Many thanks!
All the churches who have sent money have made it possible for us to make it financially through this difficult time. You have had a part in “overcoming evil with good!” Thank you! It’s been like balm in our situation.
When my computer got stolen from the new apartment, it was a little too much for me. I thought it was enough with everything else we had lost. You who gave me the new computer, you had a part in “overcoming evil with good!” Thanks! It’s been like balm...
When I came out and saw my nice, little, new car damaged – the rear-view mirror crushed, the whole back end damaged – the first thought was, “But Håkan is alive anyway; what’s a car?” After a while, when I understood that it would cost thousands of crowns for the deductible, I prayed to God for help and calmed down. You who have gotten together and promised to pay for the deductible, you’ve had a part in “overcoming evil with good.” Thanks! It’s been like balm...
You who have experienced a fire yourselves and were so blessed that you wanted to give moulding and trim for our “new” house. Thanks! You are “overcoming evil with good!”
So, a big THANKS to everyone who is with us in the struggle to “overcome evil with good.”
Thanks for praying for the whole family! Thanks for praying especially for Håkan!
God bless you all!
Hugs,
Gunilla
Our whole house – including the basement, 2 floors, and the attic – is drying after being sprayed with something that will keep it from smelling of smoke in the future. It’s guaranteed to be smoke-free! The house is only a shell at this point!
It’s interesting to see how we have managed to handle everything that has happened. Things that we have lost that can’t be replaced – then the thought comes, “You can’t take anything with you where you’re going…”
Then we find something we’re extra fond of and we cheer with delight, like when I found the ring Håkan gave me after 33 years of marriage. Or when I found a small Dalecarlian horse that my dad gave me when I was 6 years old. Or when some of my clothes just happened to be lying in the laundry and didn’t get burned – 4 pieces of clothing from my old life – what a feeling that I can’t describe with words.
All the good people who have donated furniture, books and gifts. All the postcards, greetings on the blog, and flowers… You have had a part in “overcoming evil with good!” It’s been like balm in our situation. Many thanks!
All the churches who have sent money have made it possible for us to make it financially through this difficult time. You have had a part in “overcoming evil with good!” Thank you! It’s been like balm in our situation.
When my computer got stolen from the new apartment, it was a little too much for me. I thought it was enough with everything else we had lost. You who gave me the new computer, you had a part in “overcoming evil with good!” Thanks! It’s been like balm...
When I came out and saw my nice, little, new car damaged – the rear-view mirror crushed, the whole back end damaged – the first thought was, “But Håkan is alive anyway; what’s a car?” After a while, when I understood that it would cost thousands of crowns for the deductible, I prayed to God for help and calmed down. You who have gotten together and promised to pay for the deductible, you’ve had a part in “overcoming evil with good.” Thanks! It’s been like balm...
You who have experienced a fire yourselves and were so blessed that you wanted to give moulding and trim for our “new” house. Thanks! You are “overcoming evil with good!”
So, a big THANKS to everyone who is with us in the struggle to “overcome evil with good.”
Thanks for praying for the whole family! Thanks for praying especially for Håkan!
God bless you all!
Hugs,
Gunilla
Thursday 9 July 2009
Our love is deeper than that…
With a big, beautiful, red rose from our garden, I came in to Håkan. Red, the color of love, roses, the flower of love, and that it comes from our garden means that the rose symbolizes our love.
”Love is knowing everything about a person and loving them anyway.”
It’s a big thing to be a part of someone else – that we are one, that we are able to continue to live together, support each other – we won’t take each other for granted. Our gratitude is so great right now, and it will characterize our life together.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God…because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8
We sat there for hours, just being together today. Håkan expressed his love to me, and I expressed my love to him. What difference does it make if Håkan’s outward appearance is a little different?
Håkan is still there – his humor, his way of seeing things positively, his smile, his expressive way of speaking, his strong faith in God that permeates his whole being, his carefulness, his motivation, his will to exercise in order to recover, his love of God, me, the family and all of God’s family, his vision and hope for the future, his depth. That is Håkan, my husband, of whom I am so proud.
Now when the swelling has gone down, we see more of the scars on Håkan’s face, after the accident. The hair follicles remain and that means that his beard is growing and the area around his mouth is healed. His nose has become narrower and his nostrils are different. His cheeks are healing nicely and it’s getting nicer and nicer around his eyes after the operations, but the eyelashes and eyebrows are gone. His eyes have become blue, instead of green, whereupon Håkan said that he must change that in his passport, and laughed. His ears have become smaller, but there’s nothing wrong with his hearing. Håkan is following an exercise program for his face, because the skin feels tight and it needs to be exercised the whole time.
Today, my sister, Ingela, and her husband, Mats, also came to visit Håkan. We drank coffee, talked, laughed, ate strawberries, and prayed together about tomorrow, when Håkan will go to an eye specialist in Mölndal for an examination.
I asked Håkan today if he has seen himself in the mirror. “Yes, a little warily,” was the answer. “Good,” I answered. “You are still the same Håkan inside. Our love is deeper than that…”
Thank you, all you beloved friends, for your love!
Take care of each other, kiss each other – we can do that now – don’t take anything for granted. Be happy for what you have!
Bless!
Hugs!
Gunilla
”Love is knowing everything about a person and loving them anyway.”
It’s a big thing to be a part of someone else – that we are one, that we are able to continue to live together, support each other – we won’t take each other for granted. Our gratitude is so great right now, and it will characterize our life together.
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God…because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8
We sat there for hours, just being together today. Håkan expressed his love to me, and I expressed my love to him. What difference does it make if Håkan’s outward appearance is a little different?
Håkan is still there – his humor, his way of seeing things positively, his smile, his expressive way of speaking, his strong faith in God that permeates his whole being, his carefulness, his motivation, his will to exercise in order to recover, his love of God, me, the family and all of God’s family, his vision and hope for the future, his depth. That is Håkan, my husband, of whom I am so proud.
Now when the swelling has gone down, we see more of the scars on Håkan’s face, after the accident. The hair follicles remain and that means that his beard is growing and the area around his mouth is healed. His nose has become narrower and his nostrils are different. His cheeks are healing nicely and it’s getting nicer and nicer around his eyes after the operations, but the eyelashes and eyebrows are gone. His eyes have become blue, instead of green, whereupon Håkan said that he must change that in his passport, and laughed. His ears have become smaller, but there’s nothing wrong with his hearing. Håkan is following an exercise program for his face, because the skin feels tight and it needs to be exercised the whole time.
Today, my sister, Ingela, and her husband, Mats, also came to visit Håkan. We drank coffee, talked, laughed, ate strawberries, and prayed together about tomorrow, when Håkan will go to an eye specialist in Mölndal for an examination.
I asked Håkan today if he has seen himself in the mirror. “Yes, a little warily,” was the answer. “Good,” I answered. “You are still the same Håkan inside. Our love is deeper than that…”
Thank you, all you beloved friends, for your love!
Take care of each other, kiss each other – we can do that now – don’t take anything for granted. Be happy for what you have!
Bless!
Hugs!
Gunilla
Monday 6 July 2009
The Lord is a hero who can save.
“The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zeph. 3:17
When we were in London, we lived with a couple in their eighties, wonderful people with whom Håkan has stayed several times. When we looked in their guestbook, Håkan had written that Bible verse to them in 1997. Now, 12 years later, we were standing in central London, outside Cafe Wesley, singing for Håkan and quoting that verse for him.
Yesterday Josefina, Gabriella and I drove down to Håkan. When we came, he wasn’t in his room, but was sitting on the balcony eating. We went there, and there he sat, satisfied, in the shade, and there was a nice breeze. After a few hours, the nurses took Håkan in and we continued our conversation in Håkan’s room. Håkan told us it was his third time outdoors. Anna has driven him twice in a wheelchair around Sahlgrenska, in a ”wheelchair rally”, as Håkan put it.
The operation on Håkan’s back went well. The doctors even operated on parts of his head – new skin on the left side. Now Håkan has skin everywhere, but it’s thin in many places. Please continue to pray that “his wounds will heal quickly”.
When we were about to go, we took out a Bible and read the same verse again that we had read for Håkan in London, before praying together.
“The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.”
God bless you all!
Hugs
Gunilla
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.”
Zeph. 3:17
When we were in London, we lived with a couple in their eighties, wonderful people with whom Håkan has stayed several times. When we looked in their guestbook, Håkan had written that Bible verse to them in 1997. Now, 12 years later, we were standing in central London, outside Cafe Wesley, singing for Håkan and quoting that verse for him.
Yesterday Josefina, Gabriella and I drove down to Håkan. When we came, he wasn’t in his room, but was sitting on the balcony eating. We went there, and there he sat, satisfied, in the shade, and there was a nice breeze. After a few hours, the nurses took Håkan in and we continued our conversation in Håkan’s room. Håkan told us it was his third time outdoors. Anna has driven him twice in a wheelchair around Sahlgrenska, in a ”wheelchair rally”, as Håkan put it.
The operation on Håkan’s back went well. The doctors even operated on parts of his head – new skin on the left side. Now Håkan has skin everywhere, but it’s thin in many places. Please continue to pray that “his wounds will heal quickly”.
When we were about to go, we took out a Bible and read the same verse again that we had read for Håkan in London, before praying together.
“The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing.”
God bless you all!
Hugs
Gunilla
Friday 3 July 2009
Håkan then – and now!
From being sedated – to being awake!
From near death – to life!
From 80% burns – to 0%!
From being completely bandaged – to small bandages!
From being swollen – to losing weight!
From drip – to food!
From being fed – to feeding himself!
From being bedridden – to being able to sit, strapped in!
From sitting strapped in – to sitting on his own!
From sitting – to walking on his own with a walker!
From respirator – to breathing on his own!
From speaking valve – to speaking on his own!
From being blind – to now seeing!
From not being able to blink – to being able to blink!
From many, many operations – to being done with operations!
From being medicated – to being clear in the head!
From having nursing care around the clock – to being able to push the call button!
From being unconscious – to consciousness!
I’m sitting here in deep gratitude and full of wonder over the fact that everything has gone so quickly – only 122 days. The doctor said to Håkan today, ”You think it’s going slowly, but we think it’s gone fast.”
When I went down to Sahlgrenska today, together with three of our dear foster kids – Mohammed, Daniel and Amelie – we met a warm and loving dad and husband. Full of humor and memories from the past, we could laugh together about things that had happened. What happiness!
My whole being is just filled with such a sense of thankfulness that tears run down my cheeks as I sing the song:
Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a memory,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!
Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered,
Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure,
Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure,
Thanks for love beyond compare!
Thanks for roses by the wayside,
Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,
Thanks for heavenly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,
Thanks through all eternity!
God bless you also!
Hugs,
Gunilla
From near death – to life!
From 80% burns – to 0%!
From being completely bandaged – to small bandages!
From being swollen – to losing weight!
From drip – to food!
From being fed – to feeding himself!
From being bedridden – to being able to sit, strapped in!
From sitting strapped in – to sitting on his own!
From sitting – to walking on his own with a walker!
From respirator – to breathing on his own!
From speaking valve – to speaking on his own!
From being blind – to now seeing!
From not being able to blink – to being able to blink!
From many, many operations – to being done with operations!
From being medicated – to being clear in the head!
From having nursing care around the clock – to being able to push the call button!
From being unconscious – to consciousness!
I’m sitting here in deep gratitude and full of wonder over the fact that everything has gone so quickly – only 122 days. The doctor said to Håkan today, ”You think it’s going slowly, but we think it’s gone fast.”
When I went down to Sahlgrenska today, together with three of our dear foster kids – Mohammed, Daniel and Amelie – we met a warm and loving dad and husband. Full of humor and memories from the past, we could laugh together about things that had happened. What happiness!
My whole being is just filled with such a sense of thankfulness that tears run down my cheeks as I sing the song:
Thanks to God for my Redeemer,
Thanks for all Thou dost provide!
Thanks for times now but a memory,
Thanks for Jesus by my side!
Thanks for pleasant, balmy springtime,
Thanks for dark and stormy fall!
Thanks for tears by now forgotten,
Thanks for peace within my soul!
Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered,
Thanks for what Thou dost deny!
Thanks for storms that I have weathered,
Thanks for all Thou dost supply!
Thanks for pain, and thanks for pleasure,
Thanks for comfort in despair!
Thanks for grace that none can measure,
Thanks for love beyond compare!
Thanks for roses by the wayside,
Thanks for thorns their stems contain!
Thanks for home and thanks for fireside,
Thanks for hope, that sweet refrain!
Thanks for joy and thanks for sorrow,
Thanks for heavenly peace with Thee!
Thanks for hope in the tomorrow,
Thanks through all eternity!
God bless you also!
Hugs,
Gunilla
Wednesday 1 July 2009
What a party! Strawberries and balloons on Dad’s birthday.
What a fighter!
The first Josefina, Daniel and I caught sight of Dad, when we went to visit him on his birthday, he came walking down the hall with his walker. He wanted to show us his progress. Guess how proud we were! He walked so steadily and at a good pace. Way to go, Dad!
What an honor, joy and thankfulness to get to be with Dad on his birthday – to be able to celebrate life. We have so much to be thankful for. We came with Swedish strawberries, presents, and funny, colorful balloons for Dad. He thought it was fun to have a little extra party. “Balloons are a little anti-hospital, in some way!”, he said.
We read all the birthday cards different people had sent to him, and he was very happy for them. He got some clothes from us, but they were much too big because he has worked out so much recently. What a wonderful problem! With hard exercise and a good diet, he’s lost 22 pounds recently.
The week after the fire, we siblings recorded a CD which was played a lot in Linköping, but now we got to play it for him for the first time when he was “conscious”. The Blessing, Prince Song, and Father-Daughter Harmony are three very special songs for Dad and us, and it was fantastic to be able to share that with him.
Be blessed!
Johanna and Daniel, Josefina
The first Josefina, Daniel and I caught sight of Dad, when we went to visit him on his birthday, he came walking down the hall with his walker. He wanted to show us his progress. Guess how proud we were! He walked so steadily and at a good pace. Way to go, Dad!
What an honor, joy and thankfulness to get to be with Dad on his birthday – to be able to celebrate life. We have so much to be thankful for. We came with Swedish strawberries, presents, and funny, colorful balloons for Dad. He thought it was fun to have a little extra party. “Balloons are a little anti-hospital, in some way!”, he said.
We read all the birthday cards different people had sent to him, and he was very happy for them. He got some clothes from us, but they were much too big because he has worked out so much recently. What a wonderful problem! With hard exercise and a good diet, he’s lost 22 pounds recently.
The week after the fire, we siblings recorded a CD which was played a lot in Linköping, but now we got to play it for him for the first time when he was “conscious”. The Blessing, Prince Song, and Father-Daughter Harmony are three very special songs for Dad and us, and it was fantastic to be able to share that with him.
Be blessed!
Johanna and Daniel, Josefina
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