In college, I minored in Political Science, hard to believe that was 50 years ago. I have always enjoyed discussing current politics and how our government works (or doesn’t). Lately though, with all that is going on, the extreme divisions in our country, the inability for people to even discuss different points of view, and the turmoil overseas, it’s hard trying to keep up.

That same problem exists even in my own household. No, not turmoil or inability to communicate, just trying to keep up with the progress of my wife is sometimes challenging. Like last week when we came home from the UI Dental School, Suzanne had just been fitted for her new prosthetic device that lowers her palette. Her instructions were to eat soft foods for a few days till she got used to it.

It was well after lunchtime when we headed home so I ran through Micky D’s for a bite and ordered her a milkshake as well. Usually, by the time I finish my meal, she’s getting tired of working down that shake and I get dessert! Well, I wasn’t half done with my sandwich, and my future dessert was already gone!

It seems like her new prosthetic has really improved her ability to swallow, something that everyone was hoping would happen. She still has to use her finger to help move food around in her mouth for chewing but I can see a difference in the quantity of food she eats.

Improved speech was another aspect of this prosthesis that she is experiencing. A number of people have commented that they seem to understand her better now. I would say that there are many sounds that she can produce clearer, like the letter ‘D’ for example is clearer, but her prosthesis hasn’t been able to cure my selective hearing.

Overall, this new device seems to be contributing to her quality of life. It has added a few more routines to her daily schedule in terms of maintenance, but so far, she hasn’t seemed to mind. My job though hasn’t changed, my job is to continue to try and keep up with her progress.

Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,

Philippians 1:25