Marvellous and a wonder to behold
During my time in the USA, I also visited Matthias Beyer and his family. Matthias is an old, dear friend who, like me, is a coach, but who had a terrible stroke two years ago that brought him to the brink of death - and back to the living - which can probably be described as a miracle without exaggerating - I have described the details in a blog post: The second best Easter ever .
Matthias and Kim and Kim's parents were very happy to see me. I also thought it was really nice to be part of their lives. And to see for myself how Matthias is doing now. On the one hand, it's wonderful that such a huge miracle has happened - and sometimes I'm surprised that the miracle hasn't covered everything and that there's still a lot left to believe, hope and train for.
When I think about the visit now, I feel a mixture of gratitude and sadness. And I pray.
I am grateful
- Matthias is alive. He really lives. Enjoys some things like being outside. Going for a walk. Helping.
- He can play with the children, comes up the stairs to their room (neither of which was the case during the last visit 14 months ago)
- Matthias is already doing better than the doctors ever thought possible given the severity of his aneurysm - he is walking, speaking - in two languages! - and understands many things.
- Kim has taken a 30-hour job in the community, is thriving in it and is able to contribute to the family income with her salary
- When he says something on his own initiative, he can usually speak quite clearly and distinctly.
- He helps a lot around the house (putting the dishwasher in and out, folding laundry, etc.).
I am sad
- Tiredness: The closest support system is exhausted. Kim's wife Matthias and his parents-in-law. They carry a lot of additional emotional, practical and financial burdens due to Matthias' disability. Matthias' family helps with the finances, and friends help with many practical things - such as travelling to therapies. Nevertheless, both Kim and her parents realise that the additional burden is sapping their strength and that they are missing out on rest and recuperation time.
- Perception: Matthias now feels much more than before what he has lost - his ability to move, think and speak. That burdens him and makes me sad. He kept saying „I can't go back!“. It unsettles him that nobody can say when and how his condition will improve.
- Memory: Matthias keeps slipping into linguistic loops - telling the same three or four things over and over again - even in contexts where they don't really fit. Sometimes he scolds himself „STOP. You already know that.“ At the same time, he is helpless.
- Double vision: Matthias still sees everything twice. That's better than seeing everything more than once. But it's still a heavy burden. Imagine having to concentrate on a conversation with someone you constantly see twice. It's really irritating.
I pray
- Recreation: That Matthias and the people who strengthen him will always experience good phases of deep regeneration and encounters with God.
- Finances: The fact that the German pension insurance scheme applies, Kim can get a pay rise, Matthias has a mini-job especially for people with disabilities and the family as a whole is relieved.
- Healing: That God continues to heal step by step or dramatically.
- Encouragement: That Matthias sees concrete progress and draws hope - and strength to continue practising.
I would appreciate it if you would take a few moments after reading the article to wish Matthias and his family well and / or pray to God.
THANK YOU!
