The September, 2005 - UPDATES - Page
September 3, 2005 UPDATE – The Miracle At The Miracle Miles 15K
Jan and I participated in the Miracle Miles 15K road race today. As Jan pointed out throughout the race it was a miracle that we were able to participate. It was just a short time ago, April 6th, when I was one breath from death so to finish a 15K race (9.3 miles) was a miracle from the hand of God.
Psalm 18:1-6 (NLT) I love you, Lord; you are my strength. [2] The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the strength of my salvation, and my stronghold. [3] I will call on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, for he saves me from my enemies. [4] The ropes of death surrounded me; the floods of destruction swept over me. [5] The grave wrapped its ropes around me; death itself stared me in the face. [6] But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry reached his ears.
Mr. Butterfield, Jan, & Bob with the new shirts at the Miracle Miles 15K
We really appreciated the encouragement we received from so many friends along the way, including Mr. Butterfield, who not only wore one of our "One Breath From Death – Look What God Can Do" Team singlets, he also came back after he finished to help us to the finish line.
We are thankful for the great response to our "One Breath From Death – Look What God Can Do Team" as we get out the word of hope from my story which says, "If God can do this for me – think of what He can do for you." See www.powerbreak.org for details on how you can be part of the team and help us spread the word of hope.
My health continues to improve as does my training. Dr. Feibelman and Dr. Worthen are working to lower my medications that cause so many side effects. I am at a point where the side effects seem to be hindering further improvement but thankfully, my body is responding in a positive way as they lower my medication. Hopefully, I’ll pass the testing at the end of the month which will show in detail how my body is responding or whether the disease is holding strong after the medication has been lowered. Meanwhile both doctors encourage me to train as much as possible because of the positive effects on my respiratory system in keeping my airways clear in addition to the cardiovascular benefits.
Thank you for continuing to pray for my healing. God is continuing the process and we believe prayer is quite effectual.
September 23, 2005 UPDATE - Michelin Man rides again...
Here is some news on my recovery from the "one breath from death" experience on April 6, 2005 and the discovery of the respiratory disease, Diffuse Pan-Bronchialitis. I am thankful to be able to train, slowly climbing my way back to the state I was training when I was racing in Ironman Triathlons. I’m about 30 percent back, which is far beyond where I was in ICU back in April when it took assistance to walk around the ICU unit.
Speaking of my "one breath from death" experience; I was referred to as "Michelin Man" when my body filled with air. My friend, Chris Lipscomb from Lake Mary Cycle and Sport, found a Michelin bike jersey with the Michelin Man and brought it to me. How cool is that! Thanks Chris!
Bob as Michelin Man
& Bob's new Michelin bike jersey
Jan and I are increasing our mileage each week as we prepare for the Disney Marathon. It’s a great time we spend together and are enjoying seeing progress each week.
We are still in need of prayer as I am still feeling the bad side effects of the medicines that have been helpful through the healing process. I’m at a point where my continued progress seems to be hindered by the side effects. My doctors are weaning me off the medications, hoping my body takes over and hoping the side effects decrease as the dosage decreases. We appreciate your continued prayers and ask that you pray specifically that the NUTRAFILLS (the first line of defense in the body) would stop being ‘bench sitters’ and, instead, be the FIGHTERS that God intended them to be.
In all, God has been good to us even though the healing process is not as speedy as we would like. God is in control and is working out His plan for which we are grateful.
Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Isaiah 55:8-9 "My thoughts are completely different from yours," says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. [9] For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts."
Our "One Breath From Death – Look What God Can Do" Team continues to grow and spread the word about the message of hope. See www.powerbreak.org for details.
Thank you for praying and for your encouragement.
Bob Brubaker