God continues to bless me each day with another step in progress toward recovery from the respiratory diseases that afflicted me along with the results of the collapsed lung experience. It’s remarkable to me to think that just 12 weeks ago this past Wednesday I was just one breath from death when my lung collapsed and the air from my lung being forced through my body was pushing so hard against my windpipe that it was cutting it off. Thankfully, Dr. Linderman inserted a chest tube in my side at the last second and saved my life. Of course, God was with me through that ordeal along with Jan and we have recounted those moments and the ones that followed many times and as we do our focus has not been on the event or the darkness but on the faithfulness of God.

Psalm 36:5 (NLT) Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.

God’s faithfulness is one constant you can always count on and we have. He continues to change us, continues to provide for us, and continues to bring new things in our lives we never thought about before – even new challenges but He has remained faithful and we are grateful.

Included in our lives is my Wednesday morning running crew, Bruce Penn and Seth Proctor. Bruce and Seth not only encourage me in my walk/run to run a little faster and farther on each segment, but they hang out as we prepare and enjoy breakfast together. It’s been so gratifying to be on the receiving end of so much encouragement as I make my return. I have to keep in mind that my training is "recovery" not racing but God has given me some "moments" on the bike that has allowed me to feel the "need for speed."

I was returning from a ride to Fort Christmas about 12 miles from home on Tuesday and realized I was running a bit late so I needed to kick it up a notch. I asked God to help me ride fast but stay in my zone (both heart rate and oxygen saturation level so I would be riding safely according to my health) and He provided a slight tailwind – enough, with some extra effort but still in zone that I was able to hold 16 to 18 mph on the way home. My legs were worn out, after all I am still a sick man, but I was mentally charged and spiritually overjoyed. God had answered my prayer and I got home in plenty of time.

I had a great follow up appointment with my doctor, Richard Feibelman this week. He was impressed with my detailed charting of "peek flows" and "oxygen saturation levels" which I take five times a day. He was so impressed with the improvement that he elected to drop the steroid level another third. I was so thankful because the side effects of steroids have taken a toll on my body but as he said, "you are breathing well." As we drop the level, we’ll be praying the good peek flow and saturation levels will continue which means my body is taking over for the steroids. God is so good!

Jan and I are looking forward to a great weekend as we celebrate a FREEDOM DAY at Winter Park Church, our friend Carol-Lynn Petronosi, (You may have read about how Carol-Lynn befriended us at National Jewish Medical Center when we first arrived in Denver and we are looking forward to her visit.) is visiting from New York, and we are going to participate in the Track Shack’s WATERMELON 5K on the July 4^th with a host of friends who are going to "stick" with me. Jon and Betsy Hughes, along with the people at Track Shack, Event Marketing and Management, and the Track Shack Foundation have been so good to us through this challenge and comeback and we are grateful to all.

Of course, I would be remiss if I failed to mention the constant encouragement I receive from the church I serve as pastor, Winter Park Church. They sent a man who was more of a "pestor" to Denver and received a man who was changed by God and is seeking to be a real "pastor." They have been patient with me in my limitations and most accommodating. One person after another continues to bless me with help and things I need, or even changes in my office. I am a blessed man to be their pastor.

Thank you for praying for me. God has blessed me to come a long way in the "healing progress" but I know there is still a long road ahead. With God’s grace along with the prayers and encouragement of people like you – we’ll continue to progress on this journey.

Godspeed,

Bob Brubaker

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