Gerald's Surgery - One Week Update!

 One week today, Gerald got a new right hip!

We're grateful for a successful surgery and for the excellent care we received at Sunnybrook's Holland Clinic in Toronto.

If you've had this surgery, you'll know what we're about to say:

This first week has been INTENSE!

Yes, they get you up and walking on your new hip right away, but you're still very limited in what you can do.

Gerald is currently walking with a walker.

He'll eventually move to two canes, and then down to one.

He needs to do 3 sets of 6 exercises a day which, at 10 reps of each, comes out to 180 reps a day!!

Plus 5 medications with timed dosing...

Plus walking...

Plus rest ...

Plus ...

Plus ...

Plus ...

He's in great spirits, but recovery is a lot of work!

This photo is from Sunday afternoon - his first time playing guitar in a week!!

The puppies have barely left his side.

(As you can see in the photo!)

Ani insists on giving kisses and cuddles.

Max has claimed the title of "Head Nurse and Protector of the Patient."

I'm grateful to my parents, Helen and Hollis, for their constant care and support.

(Honestly, I don't know how anyone gets through something like this alone.)

We've been told to expect a solid 6-8 weeks for Gerald's main recovery.

Then, he'll be at it again in the New Year for his left hip replacement.

In the meantime, we're taking it day by day, step by step, breath by breath ...

I Won a Word Award!!

EXCITING NEWS:

I WON a Word Award 🥳

My story “The Meal that Made Me Brave” (published by Chicken Soup for the Soul) won in the category “Personal Experience - General Market”.

My story “Celebrate a Blue Christmas.” published by Faith Today, was also nominated for “Personal Experience - Christian Market.”

Thanks to The Word Guild for supporting and celebrating Canadian Christian writers! 

Congratulations to all the winners & nominees 🥳

Surgery Day!

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28

GERALD'S HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY! - I'll be updating all day:

UPDATE 7:20pm

We were chatting with the nurse about visiting hours & how I planned to stay overnight with a friend in the city & she said “Visiting hours are now 24 hours…”

Long story short, I’m spending the night in the hospital with Gerald

They’ve set me up with a sleeping chair, pillow & blankets.

I grabbed my overnight bag from the car & thanks to the parking app, the car is all good til tomorrow evening.

Grateful!!!

Gerald has had a good day!

His pain is under control & he’s in good spirits.

He’s read all your comments & appreciates the love & support.

Tomorrow, they’ll getting him moving & walking.

Tonight, we’re resting & giving thanks for the day.

1:03pm:

Gerald is out of surgery and in his room!

We’ve been given a semi-private with a bed by the window. Right now, he’s the only patient in here.

Because he has some other health issues, they’re keeping him in the Special Care Unit to monitor him.

9:15am:

Gerald’s surgery will be 9:30am

He should be in recovery by 10:50

I’ve been told that can see him by noon.

Please pray now for Gerald & all those caring for him

5:00am:

We're in Toronto today for Gerald's right hip replacement.

(His left will be replaced in the New Year.)

Please keep Gerald & all those caring for him in prayer!

I'll post updates throughout the day...

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29

2:50pm DISCHARGED

We are so grateful to all the staff of Sunnybrook’s Holland Clinic for their wonderful care & expertise!

Gerald passed all the mobility tests with flying colours.

Now comes the day-to-day recovery of rest, exercise & healthy living.

Thank you all for your prayers over the last few days. It means so much to know we’re not facing any of this alone

9:25am Good morning!

Last night brought some pain & discomfort, but overall it was a good night and we’re ready for a full day.

Today, Gerald will meet with physiotherapy & occupational therapy to teach him how to use his new hip.

If he hits all the benchmarks, he should be cleared to go home today.

Please keep us in prayer for a successful day

Writing Awards & Nominations!

I'm thrilled that my writing has been honoured by InScribe Christian Writer's Fellowship and The Word Guild!

Both of these organizations do wonderful things to support Canadian Christian writers of all genres.

My devotional "Lift Your Hands" won FIRST PLACE in the InScribe Fall Contest!

You can find the full list of winners HERE.

And I have TWO pieces nominated for The Word Awards in the categories of Personal Experience (Christian Market) and Personal Experience (General Market).

"Celebrate a Blue Christmas" was published by Faith Today.

"The Meal that Made Me Brave" was published by Chicken Soup for the Soul.

You can find the full list of nominees HERE.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners and nominees!

Gerald's Surgery Update!

Earlier this summer, we let you know that Gerald would be meeting with an orthopaedic surgeon in July to be assessed for his double-hip replacement

Long story short: we now have a surgery date!

His right hip operation will be MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28.

His left will be done in the New Year.

The September date is earlier than expected. It's put us in a bit of a scramble with regards to getting organized, but it also means he should be reasonably recovered in time for Christmas events.

Hip replacements each need 6-8 weeks of recovery before you can partially return to work, which essentially means that Gerald will be unable to work for 4 months out of the next 6.

So, where does that leave Infinitely More?

We have a worship residency this month with Rock on Locke Church in Hamilton.

It ends Sunday, September 27—how’s that for timing??

Gerald will be off work throughout October and November, and again in January and February.

We will be available for events in December.

BUT, THIS STILL MEANS 4 MONTHS WITHOUT INCOME!!!

So, we could use your help!

First, we’d love your prayers as we navigate this challenging season!

Second, we’d love for you to consider booking us for an Advent or Christmas service or concert! 

Please Contact us for dates & availability.

Third, please #ShopCanadian & consider gifting our music this year!

www.InfinitelyMore.ca/Store

FINALLY - HIRE ME 😃😃😃

Caregiving will take up the majority of my time and energy over the next six months.

I have several writing contracts and a special new project we’ll announce in October, but I’m hoping to find other work to generate income.

Please consider hiring me to do some of the following:

Soloist for weddings, funerals, or special events.

Voice Lessons.

Songwriting Lessons for Beginners.

Guest Preaching.

Coaching - Goal Setting.

Coaching - How to Write for Chicken Soup for the Soul.

For soloist work, I’ll be sticking to Southern ON.

Lessons & Coaching can be done in person or online.

We’re so grateful to have a surgery date on the calendar!

We’re already praying for the doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers who will be caring for Gerald.

And we continue to trust in God, whose power, working in us, 

can do Infinitely More than we can ask or imagine!

Blessings,

A+G

Ephesians 3:20

 

WORSHIP RESIDENCY - Rock on Locke, Hamilton

We're excited to announce a Worship Residency at Rock on Locke (St. John the Evangelist Church) in Hamilton, ON.

We'll be leading the Discovery Band for rehearsals and Sunday worship on September 13, 20, and 27.

Please join us for a service!

https://www.rockonlocke.ca/

www.InfinitelyMore.ca/Calendar

The Summer of Creativity UPDATE

 Giving thanks for our SUMMER OF CREATIVITY 🤩

Back in June, we announced our Summer of Creativity:

3 months with fewer public events, but with lots of behind-the-scenes projects.

We can honestly say this has been one of the most intense summers ever!!!

We've been writing, recording, and exploring all kinds of new creative ventures.

We'll start announcing new projects over the next few months, but in the meantime, we thought you'd enjoy this little collage representing just a few of our creative moments.

Stay tuned Sunday for our first announcement 🤩