Ivan: Hello Blogging Family, it’s been a while since my last post! I’m here to let you all know that Grace has, once again, had surgery. This procedure was to address a tendon injury in her right wrist. The injury has its roots back in December 2016, at the time of the original accident. When the car ran the red light and hit Grace as she was walking in a crosswalk, Grace was holding her violin case in her right hand. Despite the impact of the crash, Grace did not let go of her violin case but hung on to it; her muscles tightened around the handle of the case. We suspect this is what initially damaged the tendons around her right wrist.

It’s been seven and a half years since then, and Grace has had intermittent pain and weakness in her right hand. This is especially problematic since Grace’s left hand is compromised due to her strokes. Depending on how long you’ve been following this blog, you may remember that Grace has no sensation in her left hand, which is why she can’t play violin anymore. She can move her left hand, but has limited fine motor skills. So she really relies on her right hand as her “only hand.”

Furthermore, as a writer Grace prefers to work by hand rather than typing, although there is no escaping computers and phones these days. Handwriting is especially taxing on her damaged tendon. Household chores and other daily activities are also hindered.

So after various rounds of therapy and injections over the years, it was time to choose the surgical route. Praise God, Grace’s surgery went well! There were some concerns about undergoing general anesthesia, given Grace’s neurological history; but that aspect of the procedure also went smoothly. Now we are in the recovery stage, during which Grace will gradually test out her “new and improved” right hand’s strength and capabilities.

God is good. He has sustained Grace through so many medical hurdles before, and He will continue to strengthen her for the work He has for her. Thank you all for your continued prayers and support, including for all the kind messages we’ve received about Grace’s upcoming book release!

To conclude, let’s be encouraged by Paul’s reminder to the Christians at Philippi:

“But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own, using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.” (Philippians 3:20-21)