Monday, June 26, 2006

Updates

Mike’s burns – The spots we were concerned about seen to be healing although Mike has developed a pressure sore on his heel. He has a gel pad under his foot and it is being elevated so we’re hopeful this will clear up quickly.

Mike’s appetite – Though he still feels nauseous during the day, he managed to eat yogurt, a bran muffin, chicken caesar salad, chips, some hospital food, pizza and ice cream today! (It’s obvious that we need to get out more when we start reporting food intake!)

Mike’s physio – Transferred to chair and then to mat, didn’t throw up, did range of motion on legs, didn’t throw up, transferred back to chair, didn’t throw up, worked on arms and hands, DID NOT THROW UP! I am beginning to wonder whether progress is Mike gaining strength and mobility or his ability to keep his food down.

Mike’s rehab – Still no word on the Glenrose. Hopefully this week! As much as Mike is anxious to go, he loves the laid back schedule at the hospital. He’ll miss that afternoon nap time for sure.

Mike’s hair – It keeps getting longer and longer and longer… (I wonder what Mike would look like with his head shaved???)

Mom

17 comments:

Anonymous said...

mike that sounds great that you are not throwing up all the time any more and that you are getting better. and if you shaved you head you would still be hot if not hotter lol . have a great day

sherraz

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike,


It is awesome to read what God is doing in your life and how He has placed each person around you purposefully as well as each situation. I know it is not easy to maintain communication with everyone all the time especially because I must do the same from Costa Rica. But I would like to encourage you and your family with the following.

Since Apryl told me of your accident and asked us here in Costa Rica to pray, I personally have been greatly encouraged to see God's soveriegn hand over everything in my life and ministry. You have inspired many here to pray, believe and rejoice with you in the victories and the joy of the Lord which must be your strength.

Also, as encouragement for you, I met Adrian, a young, blind university student. Not only is he is learning English but plays the guitar and has even learned to make brownies here our campus house. I count it a joy to help him learn English and am amazed at his attitude. In a way, trusting in God for your healing and through your testimonies inspiring new faith I have the God given strength to lead Adrian to Jesus.

Adrian says he unsure if he knows or understands faith, but I believe that both he and yourself show huge amounts of faith as you overcome every day struggles with the joy of the Lord dominating your attitudes. It demonstrates that you are definitely not incapacitated but even at a greater benifit than most to trust the Lord and walk in faith.

All this to say, keep going and keep the updates coming because CCM is praying for you from Costa Rica.

Ephesians 3:14-21,Phillippians 4:4-9

Anonymous said...

Hey, if you shaved his head, maybe his hair would come back curly! My brother had to cut his reeeally short last year when he had his halo (which didn't affect his behavior, unfortunately!) and now it's grown back and is a LOT curlier. So give it a try! (I'm almost considering shaving my head...I‘d love curly hair!)

~Lois

Anonymous said...

Mike
You may consider the consequences of falling asleep with your Mom around! Maybe the nurses could check her for scissors or razors!!!
No matter you're cut, or not cut, you are handsome.
hugs to all and keep on with the good food intake.
Canada Day is coming up so I am off to make sure we have some festivities in Smoky Lake.

Anonymous said...

Hey M Dawg,

Do you think you would be up for some experimental cutting of the hair? I am sure that would add some entertainment; a new hair cut every few days!

Congrats on NOT throwing UP!

Keep lighting it up,
Leanne

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike...it's always good to hear that you're getting stronger and more independent each day. I'm enjoying the beach time with Max, I just wish he would stop rolling in everything. He's having a great time but he doesn't exactly smell the way you remember. You'll be glad to know that his hair is growing back....slowly, but it's coming. Keep smiling, it sounds as though it's working for you...(grin). Love, Cindy P.

Anonymous said...

I wouldn't recummend shaving your hair, my brother just did that last sunday and it looks so funny now because casue his face it all tanned and his head it WHITE.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mike,
Not only are you lucky to have such wonderful caregivers they are very lucky to have met such an "awesome" person. Your outlook on life and its trials must make it so much easier for you as well as them. Keep your chin up, food down and keep smiling.
Ken & Brenda

Anonymous said...

Hey!! Still praying for you here at camp and checking the blog whenever I manage to snag some computer time! It's been absolutely crazy around here! Not much free time at all. The kids are coming on Saturday... so.. I won't be getting much more sleep.
:o) Keep up the work Mike! You're in my prayers!

Apryl

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike! Glad to hear that you're feeling better...I'm sure that has a lot to do with keeping your food down. Food nevers seems as appetizing when it comes up the way it went down! LOL! I heard this song today and thought of you and your ongoing struggle...I hope you find it's lyrics comforting:

Life Ain't Always Beautiful - Gary Allan

Life ain't always beautiful
Sometimes it's just plain hard.
Life can knock you down,
It can break your heart.

Life ain't always beautiful:
You think you're on your way.
And it's just a dead end road,
At the end of the day.

But the struggles make you stronger,
And the changes make you wise.
And happiness has it's own way,
Of takin' it's sweet time.

No, life aint always beautiful.
Tears will fall sometimes.
Life aint always beautiful,
But it's a beautiful ride.

Life aint always beautiful:
Some days, I miss your smile.
I get tired of walkin' all,
These lonely miles.

And I wish for just one minute,
I could see your pretty face.
Guess I can dream,
But life dont work that way.

But the struggles make me stronger,
And the changes make me wise.
And happiness has it's own way,
Of takin' it's sweet time.

No, life aint always beautiful.
But I know I'll be fine.
Hey, life ain't always beautiful,
But it's a beautiful ride.
What a beautiful ride.
-------------------------------
You're in my prayers everyday... and now I pray for a "fun, fun, fun, fun, fun" day. Thanks for being such a great inspiration. Keep up the great work, and the hospital food down!!!
Kathy Berland & Ryan Biollo

Anonymous said...

ha ha ha. Im lovin' the updates. (they're all pretty much amazing)keep on keepin' on. love.
God Bless you all.

Anonymous said...

Just in case you are interested... I had a hot dog, watermelon, orange juice and cake today for lunch.
I need a haircut too. I enjoy your mother's company but I would not be prepared to sit under her scissors.
I am still praying for you all and still interested in your lives even if it is just food (intake or out take) and hair. Life is full of minute details that make up a story.

Anonymous said...

Hey Mike,
When was the last time you had short hair? Can you post a picture? Maybe we could vote on the best style for you. We could come corporately to an appropriate and stylish cut choice for you!!!! Do you trust us?!!!?
I am very interested in all who write to you in this blog. We are not only knowing how you are doing, but we are getting to know each other. It almost seems like if and when we meet, we should recognize each other. It is amazing how the sharing of burdens and joys (and hair choices) for one another can do that. We become related. Bless all who care and pray for Mike and Brenda, Neil, Mathew, Steven, Lori. God be with us and continue to quicken our spirits in this continuing prayer of intercession and action.
We love you Mike and family,
Aunt Mary

Anonymous said...

Hey mike,

About the hair...don't do a STEVE. He just got a buzz cut, but it'll probably be back to a normal length in two weeks (is wonder hair a barker trait?)

Awesome on the physio update!!

In Christ,
Britney
Mich., usa

Anonymous said...

hey mike,
more quotes today..

"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21)


"Feed your faith and your fears will starve to death."

"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him."

“Fight back with the truth. If you are sick today, He is your Jehovah Ropheka, your healer. If you are in financial need today, He is your Jehovah Jireh, your provider. If you are confused and upset today, He is your Jehovah Shalom, your peace. If you don't know the way, He is your Jehovah Shaah, your shepherd who will lead you. Are you feeling alone? He is Jehovah Shammah, the Lord is there. You are not alone. Have you been treated unfairly? He is El Roi, the God who sees. He knows and He cares. He is El Shaddai, the all sufficient one...all that you need. In a battle? He is Jehovah Sabaoth, the Lord of Hosts who will fight your battles for you.”-D. Schultz

In Christ,

Britney
USA

Anonymous said...

Hi Barker fam

Great to see the pictures.
We have been praying earnestly for your nausea to settle and again God has answered! You are being prayed for by so many more than you know!
Thanks for the updates.Praise the Lord for the healing on your foot as well.Are you getting outside much? It has been scortching here on the island, finally summer has begun.
Stay strong,
Love Susan Hawkes

Anonymous said...

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