Thursday, November 20, 2008

Chuggin right along

Well, today started off has a hard one for me. I was feeling really down and emotional. I went to the hospital to see Rob and brought my laptop. I had downloaded a bunch of songs that reminded me of him and I. I also had a slide show playing with all our pictures. I put it on the bedside table in front of him and turned it on. When the songs started playing, tears began to trickle down his cheeks. He never took his eyes off of me. I couldn't help but cry too. You're mourning the past, present, and unknown of the future. I've never loved my husband more than I did at that exact moment. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind or heart that we will get through this-together. Today Rob was a lot more "aware". He's tracking people in the room. When someone comes in, he looks at them. I think the tracking of the fingers is really hard for him right now because it takes a lot of concentration and he is so tired and, I'm sure, has a pounding headache. When I tell him to look at me, he will. The nurse told me that instead of trying to get him to squeeze my fingers (because this could just be a reflex), to try to get him to do a thumbs up. I asked him to do this and at times you could see he was trying by stiffening up his arm and lifting his whole arm slightly. Tonight he had to get a heparin shot in his stomach to help prevent clots. This is only a small needle but the heparin burns some as it goes in. I was holding his hand and when he got it, he squeezed by hand really hard and lifted up his arm slightly. The doctor came by and said that he is REALLY happy with how Rob is doing. He said today is the first time that Rob has responded to commands from him. He would ask him to open and close his eyes on command and Rob followed all of them! He also said his kidneys are doing what they need to do, his bili continues to go down, his electrolytes (calcium, sodium, etc) are doing much better and today is the first time since this attack happened that Rob went 24 hours without receiving blood because his blood counts have been stable. They also said as of now, the left leg where they closed it looks good. He asked me if I thought I could get him to respond with a one blink for yes and two blink for no to see if he was in pain. With the dr there, I asked Rob if he was in pain and if he was to blink once and twice if not. Rob very intentionally blinked once!!!! The dr said that he had no doubt Rob responded to that command. So, they are going to increase his pain meds some but continue to ask Rob so they can keep him comfortable but not too sedated. I was also telling the dr how Rob moved his arm when I was trying to get him to give me a thumbs up. He said that is how the body works. The bigger muscles will respond before the fine motor muscles. He feels Rob is on the right path. I am SOOO excited!!!!! Also, as I was getting ready to leave Rob tonight, they were taking him to change out his feeding tube so that he can get that nasogastric tube out of his nose! YEAH, no more tubes in the nose. :) So, please continue to pray for this continued progress and for his surgery tomorrow. When they close the legs, they have to take some bone off so that they can get the skin around to cover it. Let's pray that they don't have to take too much bone and he can still keep most of his below the knee. GOD IS GOOD. ALL THE PRAYER WARRIORS ARE OUT IN FULL FORCE!!!!

90 comments:

Household6 said...

Great news Dena!

Greg

Anonymous said...

Wonderful news!! I hope they can keep Rob comfortable. Will continue to pray. Thank you again for your service to our country. I am in awe of your strength.

Unknown said...

Dena, Thanks for keeping all of us up to date with Rob's progress. Tell him to keep up the great work--and the same goes for you too. Will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. :-)

Anonymous said...

I've got goosebumps. I check daily and am so delighted that things seem to be going better every day. Thank you for the dependable updates. Prayers continue for you all.

Anonymous said...

I will pray that God continues to give you both strength and patience. But most of all, in thanks for all the wonderful news!

Anonymous said...

I am so excited for you. Tears rolled down his cheek...my heart cried. My husband (active duty Air Force stationed at Fort Leonard Wood) and I have been following Rob's progress through your timely reports. Thank you for keeping all of the concerned updated! Just keep on keeping on...God won't fail you. He can't! You are in our prayers.

Anonymous said...

Wow! I am so emotional after reading this post. Dena, you are so incredibly strong and your love for Rob is amazing. I am sure he felt the same emotions you were feeling after listening to those songs. Music is a powerful healer so keep the music playing! As for the news of his responding to commands - WAY TO GO ROB!!! Tell him to keep up the good work and he'll be well on his way to playing at the lake and wrestling with his girls. As always, many prayers heading your way. Have a great night!

Heather in Helena, MT

Anonymous said...

The POWER OF PRAYER!!! Everyday is another day of of miracles and it won't be too long when he will be talking to you too! Keep your chin up Dena...I will be praying for the doctors hands being guided in a successful surgery tomorrow, & that each day brings more progress in his healing!
Sweet Dreams Dena!
xoxoLove, Aunt Nancy

Anonymous said...

Super Dena!! Rob is a true warrior. I can just feel him fighting his way back to you and the girls. I can't wait to be with all of you next week.
God bless.
Dad

Jaime Pachta said...

Dena,
The prayers are working!! God is good! :-) We will continue to pray for you. I know this is a "roller coaster ride" of emotions, but just keep remembering that God is along with you on that ride. You have so many people behind you in prayer and that has to be comforting to know that. We are always thinking of you. Hang in there! Love, Dan, Jaime, Ashley, Nicolas, & Mitchell

Anonymous said...

Dear Dena,
All I can continue to think is how proud I am of both you. As another military wife, I feel like your sister in this.

I just want you to know your military family out here is behind you.

My husband is out somewhere in Afghanistan AGAIN, doing field work, I never know when I will hear from him, I have a hard time eating........but I pray. You pray for your husband. Together we pray, and know that God is with us, and our soldiers, and he is big enough to get us all through these trials.

You are not forgotten!!!
Hanging-on-mom

Anonymous said...

Praying hard and thanking God for answering them. Thank you God for bringing Rob back to Dena and his family. Dena, please let him know how much he means to even complete strangers like me. It's gonna be a lot of work and I know you both are so tired, but hang in there and keep fighting.
Carol Dzurenko

Anonymous said...

Dena & Rob--My goodness, my heart is soaring to hear how Rob is responding to you and the doctors--THANKS BE TO GOD!!!!! His tears are shared by all of us and ours are tears of joy! I can't imagine how you are both feeling--I know you're teaching me not to ever take everyday for granted! I thank God daily for our many blessings, and I continue to pray for you and your entire family for healing and for steady progress for Rob. I just know that the girls coming for Thanksgiving will be the extra boost that will help you both so much at just the right time! Thanks over and over to Rob for his service to our great country and to you for being the loving supporting wife that you are! Have a restful night--we'll anxiously await news of his surgery tomorrow. Love and prayers..Jackie & Joe

Anonymous said...

Saying EXTRA prayers until further notice.

What WONDERFUL WONDERFUL news Dena!

Long-time RN said...

Just wonderful news! So good to read the pain meds will be increased and Rob will hopefully be more comfortable. Thanks for updating, and we'll be praying for continued healing and a successful surgery tomorrow.

Unknown said...

That is great news about his responses and more prayers are on their way about more progress and surgery. I can only imagine how hard this morning was listening to music and seeing those pics. Things will get better God is great! Stay strong you are doing sooo great!
Heather Sanchez

Anonymous said...

Dena,
Great news and you have to be on an emotional roller coaster! Thanks so much for the detailed updates. You all are in my prayers and will continue to be tomorrow during Rob's surgery! Stay positive....

XO Sue P.

Anonymous said...

Dena,
We are so glad to hear such great news! We continue to pray each day, especially for a succesful surgery tomorrow.
Love,
Toby, Jeanne, and Ethan Osborn

Maggie Goff said...

Spiritual Warfare continuing from here... Typing through tears.....

Maggie Goff
Bisbee, Az

brittneyjackson said...

As emotional as it was for you to have that moment with Rob earlier today with your music playing, I think it is wonderful. It has to feel good that he was responding to the songs and that you could feel that connection with him, your Rob is coming back to you and that is so exciting Dena. Our prayers are being answered!!! I continue to pray for you all and am thinking of you. Love you

Anonymous said...

Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Our prayers are with you--Osceola friends

Anonymous said...

Dena I understand now more than ever how much you love Rob and how it feels to watch him while he goes through this. Watching Jean now and hoping and praying everything will work out is so hard because I love her so much, I know how you feel. Hang in there Dena and just keep hoping and praying and encouraging and loving him. You can't have the good without the bad and when you have bad days just know there are going to be really good ones. We love you and are always keeping you guys in our thoughts and prayers. love uncle Wes

Unknown said...

Excellent!!! I was so happy to hear how Rob is responding to you. I look forward to reading your updates and seeing how far he has come. It is remarkable the strength that both you and Rob have shown through these times. Continue to stay strong and know that PRAYERS ARE HEADED YOUR WAY!! Hope to see you soon,
Stacy

Tree said...

Dena,

I'm sitting here trying to write through my tears of joy. The love between you and Rob is so strong. It's fantastic about how well he is doing. I'm thrilled he can tell you about his pain and that they will be able to better treat it.

Continued prayers and well wishes. Thanksgiving will take on a new meaning this year. God bless all of you..

Theresa O.

Anonymous said...

Dena,
Rob is communicating! Many other good things are happening as well. We WILL keep praying. May God wrap His arms around all of you!
Hugs and prayers,
Mitch and Vicki :-)

Anonymous said...

Dena, that is WONDERFUL news, I am glad Rob is responding so well, I pray that he keeps improving, I pray that tomorrows surgery is as good as the other. May god be with you and keep your head high, he is doing wonderful.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Dena for letting us know of this increased communication, such a wonderful blessing I've prayed for! How I'm praying for today's surgery with his leg!

Psalm 18:2- The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer,
My God, my strength, in whom I can trust.
My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I will call upon the Lord, Who is worthy to be praised!
Therefore I'll be saved from my enemies!

Satan will not win out over Rob!
You are confidently and boldly
correct, Dena! You two will
triumph through this!

Love,
2 LT Chad Lorenz's mom
(Chad is relying on me to keep him
updated as his OP communication will regretfully not get him your
website. He's for you both)

Mary Dell Lorenz

Anonymous said...

We love you and we are praying for you

Anonymous said...

What a day for you both! Sharing those songs and your emotions with your husband was a powerful thing. I'm so happy he's responding to you. I'm not that good with the medical stuff but responding with physical and emotional feeling has to be good. Thank you Lord for listening. The prayers are still coming.

Anonymous said...

Dena,

I have been keeping u with your posts, but I had no idea he was doing quite as well as you decribed today! I am so incredibly happy for you...it appears he is turning those corners and making that progress you have been waiting for. The tears, while very saddening, are a great indicator that the Rob you know and love is still in there.

I am saddened by the fact that you are now in th phase where you have to start explaining things to Rob that are simply inexplicable, but I am also encouraged by the fact that he is progressing enough to begin to hear these things. Please tell him that Tim and Kim send our love and can't wait to talk to him.

Take care of yourself, Dena. This is the point where your strength, resilience and love will really be visible to Rob and important in his recovery. I continue to be incredibly proud of you and confident that you will continue to be the bearer of strength for the two of you right now. That is exactly what he needs and exactly what you have given him.

Love,
Kim

Anonymous said...

What wonderful and fantastic news!

Anonymous said...

PRAISE THE LORD AND KEEP PRAISING HIM!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for all your hard work in sending daily updates Dena. It does much more than just updating Rob's condition. It is a beautiful testament to your faith in God, an example of a marriage based on the love of the Lord, an uplifting journey through trials, and a loving witness to those needing to know the Lord and His supreme power available to any and all of us by just praying. God bless you and your family.

Jenn said...

Awesome news Dena!! What an amazing gift to know that Rob can see and hear you , that he is responding to you and that he can communicate how much pain he is in!! Rob is truly one of God's great miracles!!! Thank you for taking the time to keep all of us up to date. You have the ability to make us feel as though we were right there in the room next to you. Even though I am not...trust that I am with you in prayer!! Take care of yourself and my prayers continue for Rob's healing

Chaotic Mom said...

Wow. I'm teary eyed right now, but for a good reason. What good news you have to share today. ;)

Anonymous said...

I got teary when I read the post this morning(good tears)...it sounds like Rob is doing all he can to get better and that is because of all the love and support he is getting from you and his family. I'm excited for all of you!!

Liz said...

Sounds like it turned out to be a really good day. You all are such fighters. Praying for his surgery today, hoping it goes as well as the other leg. Thanks so much for keep us updated. Hugs and prayers!!!

Threehourtour said...

You amaze me Dena...to think of bringing in your laptop with the music and slides was such a brilliant thing to do. I'm glad you had that moment of crying together because you're right..you will love yourselves through this. I'm so thrilled Rob is responding so well.Good news all around. I'll be praying for Rob as always, and specifically for his surgery to go well, no infections and continuing progress in the positive direction. You're a beautiful soul Dena..it shows through loud and clear. Keep strong, and keep the faith as always. You're doing great and so is Rob.

God Bless

Julie Morelli

Anonymous said...

That is awesome news. We will be thinking of you today as Rob has his surgery and will be praying as usual.

Please call if you need anything.
Love you
Aaron, Shelly and Megan

Unknown said...

Wohoo!!! Go Rob! We have no doubt that Rob will be chasing his gals around before we know it. Lots of prayers and love.

Margaret and the Mikes.

cary said...

This is great news, Dena!

We will continue our prayers for you, Rob, and your families. Please make sure Rob knows he has a grateful nation rooting for him!

Michael & Hanna Crowder said...

Rob's progressing more and more each day! I am astounded at how much better he is getting! God knows what He's doing! It must be so good to see with your own eyes that Rob is coming through this. Yes, it is a long road, but he is making steps every day towards recovery. I'm so excited for you both that the girls will be able to be there with you for Thanksgiving! I'm sure Rob (and you) will be so thrilled to see them!
Love and prayers,
Michael and Hanna

Anonymous said...

Everyone is reading these incredible words several times a day to see our heros are doing! Please remind Rob that all of NE is rooting for him! You are helping him so much to rest, recover, and build confience in what is going on around him. Dena, please know that you have a very powerful role and from what I read, you are doing absolutely incredible job for your husband and our friend. Thanks! Continue to walk with him now so that you can walk with him later. Please let us know if you need anything specific. Have a great day!!
Jeremy

Anonymous said...

Dena, I'm so glad to hear that Rob is moving in the right direction. I hope Friday is a good day for him.

I hope this is not out of line, but I think you said you're at the Fisher House, and I wanted people to know that the local DC news/talk radio station, WMAL, is doing a fundraising drive for Fisher House.

The DC community has really taken the Fisher House program to heart. If anyone wants to help support the program and families like yours, they can do so here:
http://www.wmal.com/Article.asp?id=977754

If you feel it's appropriate, maybe you could mention this, so it doesn't get lost among the comments.

G-d bless -
Shari

About The Caddo Tribe said...

Thanks for the update. I just know Rob is going to continue to make progress. He's come so far in just a few weeks. We will keep the prayers coming!

Shani and Mike Ginani

Anonymous said...

That is such great news Dana. I couldn't help but shed some tears of Joy myself. May the Lord continue to Bless you and yours.

Unknown said...

God bless and keep you strong, Dena, as you suffer with your remarkable husband. I pray Rob remains strong through his suffering so that you may enjoy a long and happy life together.

Anonymous said...

Oh Dena: Tears of joy - I could hardly finish reading your post! What progress! The closer it gets to Thanksgiving I know all of us reading your blog are thankful for Rob's sacrifice for us. Keep the faith - the prayers keep coming!

Love,
Aunt Jo, Uncle Steve, Brooke & Ashley

Sara Graham said...

My name is Sara Graham; I am a friend of Katie Kazor's. She passed your story onto me and asked me to pray. We are praying for all of you and so glad to see this positive post online from you. I'll keep checking in on Rob and will ask more people to pray. Hold tight to your faith. Yesterday, I was reading in 1Corinthians and it said God will never give us anything that we can't handle without His help. Lean on Him!

Amber Kumpf said...

Great news Dena!! Rob is doing better and better every day. You are such a strong woman, wife & Mother. My thought ands prayers go out to you, Rob and the girls.

Amber from Osceola, NE

Anonymous said...

Dena, I have been reading your blog and praying for Rob, you, the girls and your whole family since I first saw the story in the Omaha World Herald. I just thought it was time today to tell you that there is yet another person holding you up in prayer. I have also shared your story with others. Best wishes.

Anonymous said...

Dena...first time I could not read this without choking up and crying...GREAT TEARS...HAPPY TEARS...The emotional ups and downs that you are going through must be hard....Rob having tears from the music shows how much HE IS FIGHTING to come back to his family and the LOVE that he feels from you and all you are doing...The prayers will never stop......We are in this for the long haul....the McGroarty's

Anonymous said...

I am rejoicing in your good news about Rob today and will continue to pray for him and for you and your girls and for all the Dr's and nurses and staff who have a hand in his care.

Anonymous said...

That is wonderful news Dena! We are so proud of you guys- Keep up the wonderful updates... We're always "checking in on Rob" even from AZ! ;)

Anonymous said...

If appropriate Dena, post any other needs that Rob or you have.

Things that can be done for either of you or sent to you.

So many want to help in whatever ways we can; always second to prayer of course.

XOXOXOXOXO

Anonymous said...

Dena, you write very well. You do an amazing job of updating us on the emotional ups and downs as well as giving us concise well informed medical updates. Thank you, it means so much to us to be able to check in and stay abreast of Rob's progress.

I can only imagine how frustrating it is, you just want Rob to jump out of bed and say I'm fine, what's all the fuss about. Instead his progress is slow but steady, which is great. I guess I too didn't realize how long the recovery would be. It's emotional for us too. We go through the highs and lows with you. Rob is such a good friend of Beau’s. We hate to see him and your families go through this. I just wish we were closer and could visit you and Rob in person. If we can't make it up before Christmas we will definitely come up after Christmas, but before the baby comes. We think and pray for you and Rob constantly.

Love,
Beth and Beau

Anonymous said...

God is indeed Good!! Praise to Him. He is in complete control and Rob is in His hands. We'll continue praying for his full recovery. Thanks God for helping Rob get better every day and for the strength you're giving Dena and her family at this difficult time. You guys are a true example of faithful children of God and a inspiring couple. God has a purpose, and that may be that thru Rob all of us will give Him Glory for what His doing. AMEN! Thank you LORD, thanks for helping this family, and for healing Rob.

Valerie said...

Wow! the power of prayer is pretty amazing.....but we shouldn't be surprised.....all of your family and friends are doing the very best thing to help Rob....praying. It did make me cry......when you played the music for Rob.....I do think music is very powerful for our memories and emotions....very healing. Maybe the girls could sing some songs for Rob.....and maybe there is some collage or needlework that you could while sitting in the hospital......a physical thing of remembrance of this very special time for you, Dena......you and Rob and God.
love from all of your IAS family,
Valerie

Anonymous said...

It is exciting to hear all the positive news each day. I know there are times when it doesn't seem so good, but I've learned that in order to enjoy the great times you have to have rough times to realize what the good times are!

Continue to draw upon the strength of the Holy Spirit and others from afar that are praying for you and your family!

God Bless!
MinDee Sommerla
MK Sales Director

Anonymous said...

When I read your last post about Barb making sure everything was neat and clean, I couldn´t help but laugh. I remember my mom being completely amazed that Barb had little kids and WHITE sofas in her living room!!! In my world, those two things do not exist in the same place and time.
Rob and Dena, we´re praying for you here in Xela, too. Just by reading all the posts you can see how many people God sent to tell you that He loves you.

Anonymous said...

Dear Dena, As I sit with tears in my eyes I pray for you and Rob. God let this be a great day, let the surgery go well. Keep up the good work Dena but take care of yourself. Love and prayers. Fran

Walker Family said...

That's wonderful news Dena. Just reading the first half of your post brought tears to my eyes. I am sooooo HAPPY he's headed in the right direction. We will keep praying for you.

Love,
Donna W

Anonymous said...

Rob is CHUGGIN RIGHT ALONG!!! Oh my gosh, if you think about the progress his body has made in the last three weeks...it is amazing!!! Dena, make sure you are taking care of yourself too. You are the strongest woman I know...but you too can take the time to cry it out. Just know that I'm here anytime you need to pick up the phone and chat. We will pray that everything goes smoothly with Rob's surgery today and he continues quickly down the road to a full recovery!!! Love ya, Annaka, Aaron, Aizlynn and Amarae

Anonymous said...

Awesome progress! If you have access to XM radio, you should try "The Message" (channel 32, I think) - all Christian music and very uplifting!

Julie & James

Pedro and Felis Patlan said...

Dena, This is such a great post. You have helped those of us who don't know you personally, to really capture the kind of woman you are and how blessed Rob is to have you there sticking right beside him and the love between the two of you is so apparent. You are so strong, I often think about how I would handle something like this happening to my husband and I don't think I could come close. Keep up the good work! The Lord has His arms wrapped around both you and Rob and is helping you through this one day at a time. It's wonderful to see Him working. God Bless! Felis Boggs-Patlan

Pedro and Felis Patlan said...

Dena, This is such a great post. You have helped those of us who don't know you personally, to really capture the kind of woman you are and how blessed Rob is to have you there sticking right beside him and the love between the two of you is so apparent. You are so strong, I often think about how I would handle something like this happening to my husband and I don't think I could come close. Keep up the good work! The Lord has His arms wrapped around both you and Rob and is helping you through this one day at a time. It's wonderful to see Him working. God Bless! Felis Boggs-Patlan

Anonymous said...

Whew! Great news! It sounds like Rob is getting out of the deepest fog- what a relief for you to get more response.
The music is a great idea to help draw him into the present, scents are also very helpful... the cinnamon bun scent might make him more alert... to bad you can't bring in boat scent!
;) Trisha

Unknown said...

I cried too when I read your blog today. You two are amazing!! I am so happy to hear of Rob's progress. You guys will come out of the other side of this and be even more of an inspiration to us all. Always thinking and praying for you.

Love & Friends,
Mel, Quinn, Lauren & Meghan

Anonymous said...

Rob is amazing in his spirit and determination. Our prayers are with him on today's surgery. May it be a success. I'm am in "awe" of his progress...god truly is at work here. Patience will continue to be the challenge on this road to recovery. This journey will create for You and Rob a new level of commitment in your marriage. The bonds that have been tested, will be strengthened.

Thank you Dena, so much, for your updates on Rob's daily progress and struggles. Our prayers continue for Rob,you and the family.

Love Aunt Julie(Schott)Davidson

Peg Carlson said...

Deana,

I am so glad that Rob in doing well. I have been following your postings and Mark and Lori keep me updated as well. God is good and Rob is so lucky to have you and all the family close to him. We continue to pray for you daily. Love to you and your family.

Peg, DeVon Carlson and Family

Anonymous said...

Duane Johnson said
Dena, you probably dont remember me,your dad and I are first cousins. We moved from Stromsburg to Washington ST.in 1990, my dad still lives there. Your mom can fill in the missing pieces. Found out about Rob a few days ago from Dad. Started reading your notes a couple of days ago on Robs progress. Frist let me say that you are quite the Woman, Wife and Mother, you come from good stock.
My wife Ruby and I think about Rob and You everyday, know that you are in our prayers. What an honor to have men like Rob and also women watching and guarding our country. It is these kinds of people that risk their lives every day so people like us can enjoy the freedoms we have. We are so happy that Rob is improving each and everyday. Remain strong, you have thousands of people that are thinking and praying for you. Please tell your mom hi.

Duane and Ruby Johnson

Anonymous said...

Dena has Physical Therapy seen him yet? I know he can't do much actively yet, but it's important that that he be positioned properly too, to avoid contractures that can slow rehab. Also, that he be rolled periodically to avoid bed sores. That is understandably difficult if there are lots of tubes etc. However, if he doesn't have it already, you can request a special bed that is designed to undulate and can even roll him to his side. This is critical because bed sores are slow to heal, very uncomfortable (especially when they develop at the most common site-the lower back) and will make his rehab more difficult. I'm hoping this has already been taken care of and you just haven't mentioned it, but sometimes the medical concern is so focused on the lifesaving aspect that other things can happen unintentionally. Can someone get this message to Dena? Remember the bed, Rob can get one even if only for prevention. The ICU bed may already do that, but it can be important later when he is more stable too.

Matt

Anonymous said...

Great news Dena, the progress is very positive and must be such a good feeling for you and your family. Will continue to pray for Rob and his progress.

JihadGene said...

Our prayers are chuggin right along with you, Rob, and the medical staff!

God bless you all,
Gene

Anonymous said...

Wow Dena! That's great news! It brings tears to my eyes! More and more prayers!
~Christy

Anonymous said...

Dena,

I love this blog! Have you ever known so many grown men and women who have had better reason to cry tears of joy! But none of ours are as meaningful right now as those that Rod shed. I simply can't imagine, Dena, the entire gamut of emotions that you feel daily. Those of us who read and post comments share with you our moments of tears of sadness and tears of joy. But then we move on to the activities of our world. Your world, Dena, has been turned upside down. Bless you for your devotion to Rob and your praise to God. The women in my Bible Study group ask frequently about Rob, you, Julia and Eva. And believe me, those women can pray! My daily devotional book had this entry yesterday. "But God knows the hurt you feel. Therefore, keep moving toward Him. You may be able to take only small steps, but know that He waits for you with open arms." Wow! I can just see you and Rob taking those steps together and there's God reaching toward you with open arms.
Here come my tears again.

Much love,
Aunt Joyce and Uncle Doug

David M said...

The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 11/21/2008 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.

Anonymous said...

Rob's cousins in Texas wish him a powerful recovery.

Anonymous said...

Dena,

You are such a wonderful strong women and we are praying for Rob's recovery and your strength. You are a inspiration to us all. Pastor Towers has Rob on the prayer list and the children's Church made something special for Rob and should be there soon.
Love,
Stacey, Shawn and Conner

Sheri A. said...

Dear Dana,
Your story was sent to me from your cousin Dean's wife Nanci. She and I worked together at Navy Federal before she moved to CO. I read your entries every day and I can tell (as I'm sure many others reading can too) that our Heavenly Father is carrying you - holding you and with you every minute of every day. Today I was a mess after reading your entry - please know that our church family here in VA will be praying for you. What a wonderful loving God we serve. Long before this incident happened God knew - He knew and devised and prepared a way of escape - hoping that you would pray and believe Him. We all can see/read the great faith and trust that you have. Contine to trust in Him - He is able and willing!
Prayerfully,
Sheri A.

huskyseehuskydo said...

Woohoo!

Wanted to let you know Dena, that I posted a prayer request on your behalf on a little community project I've been working on with a friend, Project 4:19. You can see the prayer request here:
http://project419.com/?cat=21
So glad Rob continues to improve, we're praying for you guys!

Jennifer (Lacy) Werth

Anonymous said...

Dena,

I finally got away to get on another computer besides work computers.

If you need anything, don't hesitate to let Katie and me know. Katie got me signed up for the updates, so I at least get all your posts.

You're in our thoughts and prayers constantly.

Anonymous said...

I am a friend of Joe and Liz Harrison here in Clarksville, TN and have been following Rob's progress since Liz posted it on her blog at the end of October. I continue to be amazed at the power of prayer for Rob's healing. You and Rob and your families continue to inspire me.

B-Mama said...

What an awesome update! We'll keep the prayers flowing--God bless!!

Anonymous said...

Hey Rob,
I congratulate you for your progress! Stay strong buddy.
Ewald

Anonymous said...

Dear Dena and family,
You don't know me, but I have learned about your situation and have subscribed to receive your emails so I can get an update each day. You have deeply touched my heart. You are an amazing woman and a wonderful witness for our God! May God continue to give you His strength. Please know that you are in my prayers and that I have added you to our prayer chain at church. May God continue to give you His comfort, His peace, His joy, His healing touch, His love, and His hope!
In Christ,
Deanna in Kansas

Anonymous said...

WHAT A WONDERFUL DAY, Dena I was so happy about Robs progress. It sounds like is grainning everyday. I feel it won't be long before he is back.

Kelly said...

I am so happy to hear that Rob continues to make progress. It sounds like you have an incredibly strong marriage and you will make it through this together. Your family continues to be in my prayers.

Anonymous said...

Jody says, God is Great!! I will continue to ask and thank at the same time. Dena, you are definitely a gift from God. What a brave and strong woman you are. I thank God for people like you and Rob. Thank you so much.

rjb3250 said...

Dear Dena,
Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated on Rob's progress. We are praying for you.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Tell Rob we said hi and to keep his spirits up. (You too). You and your family are in our thoughts always. Ron and Jeri Briley