Day 273 - September 15th

A visit with Mark M. on September 15th:
I visited James this evening. Wow! What a turnaround. He was just coming back from a shower--his first in a very long time. He was refreshed and energized, even as he had some pain from all the movement.
I gave James some highlights from the Men's retreat...just a synopsis of the messages, and he was pleased to hear the men of Copperhill were being challenged to grow. He wanted to know if we had fun, so I ran down the activities for him. I also told him about the busted hoses near the firepits, and he cracked up that there's always some mishap.
We talked about his recovery, and he knows he still has a huge mountain to climb. Therapy and rehab will be gruelling and difficult work. He is incredibly determined to make rapid progress and be home for the holidays. I could see in his eyes that he wants this badly, for himself and his family. James expressed how he wants to care for himself and have some kind of fitting work. Please pray that James will remain strong and healthy as he retrains his body, and that God will provide him with an occupation after he is released.
James is deeply touched by the love, support, and prayers from the men at Copperhill. I told him that his struggle and example are bringing us together and helping us live out the Gospel. We are determined to love him not only in word, but in deed. James said that if his suffering is having that result, then he would go through it all again. Incredible.
James passes along his love and appreciation for all his brothers at Copperhill.
-Mark