Searching for hope, while walking in despair….

Greetings to all who love/care for Miranda/Rockeys. I will state, I’m writing this post a little differently than the posts we normally write. It is a bit more raw, but real… this journey with Miranda’s health/recovery has not been easy, in the slightest. There are times we see hope and there are times we grasp for that hope. However, there are also many times, we are consumed by the tears and grief that encompass the situation, while still needing to walk forward and fight for Miranda. The navigation of the medical system, searching for what is best for Miranda, all while fighting the grim realities of what an anoxic brain injury can cause…well, it can be a lot! 

That being said, we have come to an impasse that brings many mixed hopes/fears! An impasse that calls for fervent prayer and encouragement. In that, we humbly ask for the larger community’s support and prayers. Miranda needs your prayers, and the family needs your prayers!

Over the past month, Miranda’s progress has often shown more inconsistencies than consistent growth. Things Miranda was demonstrating previously (standing up straight, self-initiative, flexibility and strength…even walking one day) have been less consistent, and even, at times, seemed impossible. Miranda continues to have her loving heart singing forth to many who come by/visit with her. However, the weight of all this on her own emotions has become more evident, as well. In turn, there seem to be many emotional factors impacting Miranda’s own motivation to engage in needed therapies/tasks. 

Through all of this, there have been a number of conversations with physicians and therapists lately. Through these conversations, it was recommended that Miranda be referred to an acute rehab facility, again, to see if they might be able to help. This request has been attempted a couple other times, following different hospital stays. However, each request resulted in possible denial from the rehab facility and always a denial from the insurance. However, given the recent conversations, the requests were made again…this time, BOTH the rehab and insurance have approved a move back to an acute rehab facility, for more intensive rehab!!!

This is HUGE and could mean great things for Miranda. The goal is to, again, engage in up to 3 hours of therapy each day. This approval is SUCH an answer to long lasting prayers, and we are trusting that as the doors are opening, God will work out the rest. 

With this great excitement, though, we also face some real fears and significant needs for prayer! For Miranda to continue the therapy at the rehab facility, as well as her stay, she needs to engage in the therapy and show effort. Additionally, Miranda hasn’t always responded well to different transitions. 

In turn, we are asking the extended community for your fervent prayers in the following ways:

1. Please pray that Miranda responds well to this transition, sees it as a positive move, and is encouraged by the changes! Miranda’s mental health/emotions are critical to her progress, and we believe in the divine intervention needed for this move! 
2. Please pray that Miranda continues to have a positive outlook and the energy needed to engage in the amount of therapy being offered. It takes a lot to engage in 3 hours/therapy per day, especially since Miranda hasn’t engaged in much therapy over the past few weeks. Please pray that Miranda is eager to engage and gives it her all, everyday!
3. Please pray that this stay leads to more options for continued therapy and growth after leaving the acute rehab facility. We have hope that there are avenues of therapy available and that Miranda’s journey will grow continually, following this stay in acute rehab. Please pray for the realities involved with that hope!
4. Please pray for Joel and the family, as they work to encourage Miranda through this move. We are hopeful this is a positive move. However, we wouldn’t be honest if we didn’t admit there are times that the fears surface. This is an emotional move for Miranda, but also for those fighting for her. Please pray for peace and encouragement for the family, as they walk the unknowns while hoping for more.