Sorry for the delay in posts the last couple weeks. As we walk through each day with Angie, sometimes we forget how all the little steps add up to some major improvements over the course of a couple weeks. Thank you for continuing to pray over Angie and send us texts and notes of encouragement! Even when we’re unable to respond right away, it’s such a comfort and encouragement to hear from friends and family. Please keep those notes coming along as you think of us throughout the day!
Angie has been continuing in her rehab at Sparrow, and she continually blows us away with her strength to push through the exhaustion and physical exertion that each task demands of her. This past week Angie gained a new roommate, which has brought such joy to the whole environment!
Her voice!
The biggest thing we’re thankful for is that Angie has started to find her voice. Initially it started as some groaning and wheezing, but this week was a turning point as she’s pulled out the strength to form words! It is such a blessing to start to hear her tone of voice again even through the strained words. Each word and phrase really takes all of her effort, but it’s been such a relief for her and she sometimes repeats what she’s saying just to hear her voice and practice the movements. While she was just communicating through Sign she expressed how frustrating it was to not be able to produce sound with her voice, so this is a huge answer to prayer.
In addition to her voice finding strength, Angie’s personality is shining through stronger and stronger as her laugh is coming back and she’s often giggly (mostly at Ryne and Alex’s dry sense of humor). This peace is such a tangible answer to prayer for God to protect her from anxiety and continued frustration.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads 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.
Psalm 23:1-4
Through all of this we really can only point to God for the miraculous healing that is happening in Angie’s brain, body, and voice. He truly is the God of restoration and seeing Him work in this way, all we can do is step back and give Him the glory.
We give Him so many thanks:
- We’re thankful for God being good and loving through all of this.
- We’re thankful for God being with Angie even when we aren’t physically present with her in her room.
- We’re thankful that Angie passed her swallow test and has been able to slowly introduce liquid foods into her diet.
- We’re thankful for God having preserved Angie’s life in the accident and His bringing her back to us.
- We’re thankful that we can witness God’s power in the heights and depths and fullness of this story that He’s writing.
- We’re thankful that we can lean into God in the midst of the confusion of emotions and unknown-ness of our situation.
- We’re thankful for the grace that God has given us and that His grace is sufficient.
Help our unbelief
With each improvement we witness, it’s also hard; wondering if each skill gained will be the end of her improvement. Will her speech improve beyond this point? Will her walking improve? Will her full ability to eat improve? These doubts and questions strike the reality of the situation and how long this road will be. Yet despite, and in light of, these doubts we are fully confident in God’s character and goodness. We pray boldly for Him to fully heal Angie, but will give Him the glory no matter what the outcome.
In these moments, we call out to God and ask Him to help us believe. Much like the man that brought his son to Jesus to be healed, this is our prayer:
“I believe; help my unbelief!”
Mark 9:24
Please continue to pray with us for our Angie!
- For continued high and hopeful spirits for her
- For peace for Angie
- To avoid anxiety for Angie and the family
- To cling to God in this time and point all glory to Him
October 3, 2018
Angie and family –
As the weeks drag on please know that Mama (and Mr.) Helmreich continue to remember you and pray for you. The accident is over but the rehab is long. We will not forget you. We will not forget the struggles each of you endure – especially Ang. Like the marathons, 5K’s and training – it’s a slow and steady process. It hurts. There is new pain and fatigue and new injury and dilemmas to overcome along the way. Please don’t be discouraged when new hurdles present themselves that are above and beyond the accident injuries – stuff that happens that seems like it shouldn’t. Ang was strong when she entered this “new” marathon. Her body was strong and more importantly her faith was strong. Her support is strong and our God is strong. So….baby steps. This marathon happens in baby steps. It happens in falls, teeters, wobbles, and
get-back-ups. So get your rest. Drink your fluids. Eat the good food. Read your Bible. Be filled by the love and prayers that still come your way. And know that Mama and Mr Helmreich continue to pray for you all every little step of the way.
With all our love.
October 3, 2018
Thank you for the transparency of your updates. Continuing to lift you up to the Father.
October 3, 2018
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Joy fills our hearts after reading this outstanding report of progress and hard work. Angie you sound like you are an outstanding and remarkable person, who knows what she wants and is giving her all to obtain it. May you be blessed with continued strength during this journey and may you draw strength from deep within your soul and from all who love and support you, family, friends, strangers, doctors, therapists and of course, most of all our loving God, who holds you in the palm of His hand. Prayers continue!
Diane and Jim Storey
October 3, 2018
I live in the Muscle Shoals Alabama area and begin praying for Angie when Kathleen posted it on FB. I had wondered about her. Thanks for the update. I will be praying for theses specifics, as you continue in your journey. May the Lord continue to provide all you need. Philippians 4:19. He is Jehovah Shammach, The Lord is there. The Lord our companion. He never leaves or forsakes is. He is good and He is Faithful! Anna❤️🙏🏻
October 4, 2018
Thank you so much! Ryne is my son and Kathleen is my sister-in-law. How wonderful it is to know that there prayers being sent from all over! ❤️🙏❤️
October 3, 2018
Praise God for giving the family the best perspective.
I too had a traumatic head injury in 1995 and when I woke after 4 days in a coma, I didn’t know my wife, my 3 young children, or even my own name.
within about 3 years, I was almost 100% healed!
I was 27 years old and God restored me to live for Him.
I greatly appreciate your updates and my prayers will continue without ceasing for the amazing work that God is doing through Angie right now.
In His strength!
October 3, 2018
Praise God from whom all Blessings flow!!!
October 3, 2018
Dear Angela, Ryne, Amanda and Alex, thank you from the bottom of my heart for so lovingly devoting yourselves to Angela and taking care of her through all of this. God has placed the three of you there to tend to her needs. I am just sure she feels a deep sense of comfort knowing you are there right by her side. The Lord said, “wherever three or more are gathered, there I will be”. He is right there in every moment of the day. When I think back to August 21st, I know our Lord kept Angela here for some very special purpose. And in time we will know what His plan was. Looking at the pictures of Angela reminds me what an absolute miracle she is. I thank God for keeping her here with us. She is a kind and caring young lady. Please continue to pray for her twin sister Amanda for Amanda’s husband Alex. And for Angela’s husband Ryne. Who I can see truly loves her more than anything in the world. Stay strong Angela! Be kind to yourself and know that not a moment goes by without a prayer for you and love being sent your way. We all only wish we could be with you everyday. But we will be in spirit! We love all of you. Aunt Mary, Rich, Joe, Sophia and Anne😊The Moskal Family
October 3, 2018
Every day my alarm goes off at 8pm to pray along with you all. Every day I grab the hand of whomever is near and lift you all up to the only One that truly knows and understands. Every day I wish I was closer and could help out somehow, and then God reminds me-I AM doing the best I can through agreeing in prayers with you all. I hang on every word that is written in these posts. I update groups of people and they continue to pray too.
God is with you, Angie and Ryne. God is with you,family and friends. He hears your prayers and they move His heart.
This is what love is..this is what love does. You are lifted, held and loved❤️
October 10, 2018
So happy to hear of Angie’s continued improvement! How exciting for her to have a new companion! I can appreciate your ‘help my unbelief’ section. Life can be hard and the unknowns don’t make things any easier. I am sure God is pleased with every ‘small’ accomplishment that is noticed and celebrated! It is at times like these that we really understand what a miracle life truly is! God bless all of you as continue to minister to Angie and her to you!