Sunday, November 30, 2008

Holding the Faith

Well, Rob made it through the night. The dr's had said that he had a 90% chance that he may not make it during the night. You know it's scary when the crash cart is sitting in his room. But today his vitals signs and ICP's (brain pressure) held steady. You can see him moving his eyes behind his eyelids. I truly believe he can hear us so I just continue to talk to him quietly. I told him I hope he understands why I made the decision I did. If I didn't feel he was such the fighter he was, I wouldn't have done it. But Rob is amazing and has fought all the odds and I've got to hold strong that he can overcome this with God's miracles. When they suctioned his trach today he also coughed and moved his shoulders. When they cleaned out his mouth, he clenched down with his mouth (he hates getting his mouth cleaned) and I even saw him move his head and mouth. All this is good, because to me, I feel that his brain stem is working. The nurses don't like him moving much because it increases his ICP's but they only go up for a few seconds and then back down to where they want him to be. I get so scared though. It's such a balancing act with his body. He can absolutely have nothing more catastrophic happen to him--especially while his brain is still healing. I have to believe that Rob will overcome this. I prayed so hard last night during his surgery that if he was not going to have a quality of life, God please just take him home. And God got him through this surgery. I have to belive in that. I have to hold strong. I can't think about any other option because it absolutely breaks my heart. Rob is such an amazing person. He is my hero. He is our children's hero. Before I left to come to the hospital tonight, I heard Julia say her bedtime prayers. She said "God, please heal my daddy so he can wrestle with me." Oh, Lord, please hear my daughter's prayers. They come from the most innocent of children who's passion and love for her father is unwaivering. Lord, please heal my husband. Make him your miracle man. You are the Master Healer. As I kiss my little girls before I put them to bed, I pray that God will bring their daddy back to them. It's all in God's hands now. We just have to pray.

96 comments:

Support the Troops said...

Amen! We are with you in this task! I am sure the rollercoaster still has a few ups and downs. Faith gets us through.......

Anonymous said...

Dena,
Thanks for the update. Reading about Julia's prayers brought me to tears. The words off the lips of children are truly heard the most by God. Soon, Julia and Dena, Rob will be wrestling with his daughters and loving his wonderful wife. Hang in there!

Heather in Helena, MT

Anonymous said...

Dena, I'm praying for you and the girls as much as I'm praying for Rob.

Someone once told me when I was going through a really bad time, "You are so STRONG!" I didn't want to be strong, and actually felt like I was crumbling to a million pieces inside.

Only by God's grace did He put those pieces back together with his own super glue. I didn't have any strength, but He did.

We will keep praying for you, too. ;)

--K

Liz said...

With tears in my eyes I believe in Rob's strength, your strenght, and God's. He will get your family through this. Your faith is as strong as your husband. Many hugs and prayers tonight.

Anonymous said...

Dear Dena, As I left for church this morning all I could think about was Rob, I truely think the Lord woke me in the middle of the night to read your blog. Several of us stayed after church held hands and prayed for Rob, I am so sure that the Lord here's every prayer being said. He is going to heal Rob to be with you and the girls I just know it. Every time I read your blog I feel the Lord working thru you to help all man kind. Dena you are the strongest woman I know so full of faith it radiates thru your words and actions. Stay strong and keep the faith. Fran





























w

Anonymous said...

You are in the prayers of so many. I pray for your strength, as well.

Anonymous said...

dear Dena.
Keep on keeping the faith with our Lord . He will continue to give you both strengh. You are an inspiration to us all .
mike fletcher

Anonymous said...

Dena: God continues to answer our prayers. Rob has been so amazing to fight through all of this. And you, Dena, amaze me daily with your unending faith and love for Rob. Never stop believing, praying and hoping - for without these things we have nothing. God is good and He is always there for us. God loves the little children and Julia's prayer is also my prayer - that Rob will one day be wrestling with his daughters.

We love you all,
Aunt Jo, Uncle Steve, Brooke & Ashley

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear it was a stable day. All the family is thinking of you all non-stop. Rob would be proud to see how well we are communicating when the news passes through the chain. Our prayers will continue.
Love,
Nate and family

Anonymous said...

Dear Dena, I haven't been able to get Rob off my mind. He has been through so much and yet he continues to fight! I pray especially that Julia's prayer will be answered. Please know that we continue to lift you up.

Anonymous said...

Dena, my heart just breaks for you and the girls. Like I shared with you on the phone...I would do anything if I could...and, I know I can't except pray..and, that is frustrating for me so, I cannot imagine how incredibly difficult & heart wrenching it must be for you. I don't know if this will help you but, over the years of my life...I have learned that TRUST requires us to accept that some questions will be unanswered and to place our TIMES in God's hands-believing that even though we do not know all the answers, GOD does. And, God has a perfect timing for all things. ((We all desire and believe for good things to happen in our lives, NOW!))Through the difficult times may it help you to believe for things in God's perfect timing. Hebrews 11:1 says, “NOW faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” We can always have faith now, but we cannot always have the manifestation now.... and, this is the MOST difficult step!
Trusting God often requires NOT KNOWING how God is going to accomplish what needs to be done and not knowing when He will do it. We always say, “God is never late,” but He is generally not early either. Why? Well I believe it is because He uses those opportunities to stretch our faith in Him, and we grow during times of waiting. As hard as it is!!
I also believe that the MASTER healers HANDS were in that operating room last night, and I believe he will continue to keep his healing hands on Rob! (AS HE HAS THESE PAST 4 WEEKS)
We will just continue in having belief and faith in Gods work... and, continue praying for his plan. As IT WILL be PERFECT!
xoxoxox I love you to pieces and am giving you a GREAT BIG SQUEEZE through the screen...can you FEEL IT!! :))
Love, Aunt Nancy




Jesus is moved with compassion on my behalf. He wants me healed because of His great love for me. (Matt. 14:14)

Anonymous said...

We are praying with you in Chicago and in every prayer network I could pass you on to all over the country. My husband is praying for you at his FOB in Afghanistan.

Lord hear our prayers...we claim the promise of Psalm 91 over Rob - that with long life You will satisfy him and show him Your salvation.

Nancy said...

Your strength and courage is unwavering and inspirational Dena. We are praying right along with you...

BetteJo said...

.... praying ...

Tree said...

Oh Dena,,, From Julia's lips to God's ears. I believe God has brought Rob this far and continues to hold him in the palm of his hands... God is with us at all times and hears our prayers.

You are doing a fantastic job and you know Rob loves you and trusts your decisions.

Saying more prayers...

Theresa O. in Nebraska

Anonymous said...

i'm so sorry about the comment i just read. if that is what that person believes, then i feel sorry for them. and i am sorry that someone wrote that on here for you to read. there is a God, and he is with us all. and i know he is sitting there with you all, watching over you. i will continue to pray for rob, and you. the lord is listening to us and all our prayers. i wish there was some way that i could take some of this from you. God is there with you now. take care dena. hold the lord close.
lacey c

Karen said...

Dena,
You and Rob have been in my prayers constantly today. I also pray for the fine nurses and physicians so that God guides their healing hands as they care for Rob and others.

"Faith is the belief in things hoped for, and being certain of what you do not see." Keep holding on to that Faith, Dena. You are amazing.

Sending love and prayers your way,
Karen M

Long-time RN said...

Amen. Holding steady is wonderful news as is reading of Rob's responses to the nursing interventions. The passing hours must feel like holding your breath while balancing on a tightrope at times.
We'll continue prayers for Rob's healing and no further 'events'. Lifting prayers for wind beneath your wings, Dena. Hang tough and (((Hugs))).

Anonymous said...

Dena,
I thought I had no more tears left until I read your latest. Continuing to pray and hold you and your family in my heart, thoughts and especially prayers. Thank you so much for the updates. I know it is really hard for you to take yourself away from all that is going on at the hospital and write everything down for us all.

I've prayed so many prayers for Rob today. After reading your blog tonight I am reminded that prayer works. Take care Dena.

Love,

Anonymous said...

Dena and Rob--THANKS BE TO GOD for the responses that Rob is making and the healing that He is providing! I don't know Rob at all, but you BOTH are so incredibly strong in so many ways, not the least of which is your FAITH!! It WILL carry you through this situation and make you even stronger! You have the admiration of so many for your faith, strength, and above all your sacrifices!!!! Whatever plan God has for you, He will see you through it! We continue to pray for no more clots, for no more infection, and for continued healing for Rob's brain. Much love and prayers......Jackie & Joe. You guys are so AWESOME!!!!!

Anonymous said...

I glad to hear the good report. So much better then last night! I pray that there are many more good days and little by little he begings to make improvments again. God Bless all of you in the Gissler and Yllescas families.


Philip Davis

Anonymous said...

Dena, I am praying really hard!!! Stay strong.

Michelle Rodriguez

Anonymous said...

Dena,

Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible. This certainly describes your faith, Dena. With Rob in God's hands, 10% was more than enough for Rob to make it through the night. Nothing is impossible! I believe in miracles. I certainly believe in Rob and you. Bless you, Dena, for your incredible advocacy for Rob. God hears all of our prayers, and you know how He loves the little children. Julia's prayer was so precious, and her prayer will be answered! You have given Rob's healing to God, and I hope you can feel His arms pulling Rob, you, Julia and Eva even closer to Him.

Much love,
Aunt Joyce and Uncle Doug

The Morrow Family said...

Dena, when I read your blog the tears would not stop. I marveled at your strength in continuing to keep us informed and your faith. Your faith is being tested and yet you remain steadfast in your belief and it shines through as a beacon to all of us. Your daughter's prayer is a testament to her upbringing and we can all only hope to become more like her in her childlike faith. Our God will bring you and your family through. I pray that Rob will get stronger each day and that this will be just a distant memory soon. We pray for all of you. Keep the faith and know that many are praying for Rob.

Anonymous said...

Dena,

Out of the mouths of babes - Julia has added that special chord to the orchestra of prayers coming from everywhere.

Dot

Maggie Goff said...

Continuing to pray, many times during the day.

Maggie Goff
Bisbee, Az

Meagan Shaw said...

Hang in there. You're in our prayers.
Lots of love,
Meg & OZ Shaw

Household6 said...

This breaks my heart as I know yours is too...

Praying...

Heather

Anonymous said...

Dena you are my hero, your faith in God makes me beleive again. I also feel that God would not let him come this far with out a bigger plan for him.My prayers are with you and Rob and the girls. Love Carol

Anonymous said...

Dena,

Thanks for the update. Your strength is amazing. We will continue to pray for Rob. God does amazing things.

God Bless,
Donna W.

Anonymous said...

Dena,
You, Rob and the girls have been so heavy on my mind through all of this. I have been praying numerous times a day OUT LOUD for all of you to feel the strenghth,love,
comfort and hope of the Lords arms around you. You should know you are an amazing woman. Rob is amazing as well and has wonderful angels at his head. Love you all.~~~Lana~~~

Anonymous said...

Dena, we continue to pray for Rob, You, and your families. We love guys and wish we could do more to help. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. We will continue to pray.

Love,
Beth & Beau

Anonymous said...

A little child shall lead us - thanks for sharing your faith journey with us - Julia's prayers echo the many thousands that are being sent your way, daily! God bless you all, and may healing and comfort continue for Rob and his family. God's blessings to you all.
Don and Linda

Anonymous said...

Dena,
We are praying right along with you. Stay strong, we know Rob is in the Lords hands. Thanks for the continual updates. It helps us all know how to pray more.

Anonymous said...

Myself and my 13 year old daughter pray for you....she prays for her dad fighting the fight in Afghanistan.....and she prays for you and Rob fighting the fight at home........in the end.....it is the same fight........I pray to God hears our childrens prayers...We will NOT stop praying..
Hanging-on-mom

Anonymous said...

Dena,

What an incredible woman, wife, and mother you are! My heart was breaking as I read your last post. Such raw emotion, and yet you have the courage to keep everyone informed.

I do believe in miracles!! I also believe to my toes that God hears every prayer and that HE has a grand plan for each and every one of us. Sometimes it is almost impossible to understand why we have to face such agony, but there is always a lesson, something good that comes from these awful days.
We just can't understand it at the time.

I have been praying for you and your family all day. I hope you are feeling the concern and admiration we all have for you, Rob, your girls, and the rest of your extended family.

I also am CERTAIN that your husband knows you would never do anything that was not in his best interest. Never second guess yourself on that one.

Anonymous said...

Dena,
your faith and strength are incredible and a source of inspiration for us all...we pray for you and Rob everyday and trust God fully and completely...I hope you continue to find the fortitude and courage you have had so far.
Rob,
keep fighting man. Your family needs you and you still have so much to give...
Ewald

Anonymous said...

Dena,
You are in our prayers.
I know that God is with you all.

The Nelson's
Daryl & Alane

Anonymous said...

Dena -

I continue to pray hard for Rob. I have asked everyone I know to pray. Keep hanging in there and believing. I believe. Rob is in there fighting to get back to you.

Carol Dzurenko

Wendell said...

Dena,
We have all of you in our prayers!!

-Uncle Wendell

kkazor said...

Thanks for the update. We are continuing to pray. I wish there was more I could do, but in the end prayer is what will get him through this so we will keep praying all we can...
Katie

Anonymous said...

Rob and Dena, Julia and Eva,
May God wrap all of you in His arms. May you feel His presence. He will protect and strengthen you.
We will continue to pray. We put our trust and faith in the loving Lord who watches out for all of His sheep. God's peace to all of you and to Barb, Otto, your folks, and all of the medical staff.
Hugs and prayers,
Mitch and Vicki Coffin :-)

Anonymous said...

Dena, I truely believe that God has taken Rob this far for a very big reason and he is going to come back to you and the girls. I wish I was there to love on all of you. I am soooo proud of the woman you are. Rob is so lucky to have you. We will keep praying! Love ya, Annaka, Aaron, Aizlynn and Amarae

Danielle said...

Dena-

So glad to hear Rob is doing better today. My family is praying for yours and believes God will pull you'll through this. Keep the faith!

Anonymous said...

I love Josh Groban's song "You Raise Me Up". When I am down and oh, my soul, so weary; when troubles come and my heart burdened be; then I am still and wait here in the silence until you come and sit awhile with me. You Raise Me Up so I can stand on mountains. You Raise Me Up to walk on stormy seas. I am strong when I am on your shoulders. You Raise Me Up to more than I can be.
You are raising Rob up each and every minute that you are there for him; and we, all praying for both of you and loving both of you, are raising both you and Rob up to the Lord. The Lord is always with you in good times and bad. He hears every prayer (especially the ones from youngsters) and will answer. We hope you feel all the hugs from Nebraska! Carita and the Willits clan

Anonymous said...

As always Rob, you and your family is in our thoughts and prayers.

Danielle said...

Praying for your family and believing that God has a wonderful plan for Rob's continued recovery! Stay strong!
D

Danielle said...

Praying for your family and believing that God has a wonderful plan for Rob's continued recovery! Stay strong!
D

Anonymous said...

Dena, we are praying! Please know that we are praying! My husband and I did some Christmas shopping tonight for our little one and I was thinking about you and Rob. How will you have time to Christmas shop this year for the girls? I wanted to offer you... I have a website and if you are interested in anything for the girls, please let me know and I will make sure it is delivered asap. I can even wrap them for you if you want. The website is: www.customsomethingwonderful.com.
If you see anything you like, please email me and I will get started on your order right away!
Blessings!
Amy Spurrier-Kulak
(Went to school with the Yllescas' in Guatemala)

Anonymous said...

Dena,
Thanks for keeping us all up to date with Rob's condition. We're keeping you in our prayers constantly, and know that God holds you in His hands.
Love,
Cheryl & Monty

Threehourtour said...

Holding strong in prayer for Rob. I believe God got him through the surgery and he will hear the prayers of Julia, you, and everyone else who holds vigil. Keep fighting Rob.. keep the faith. Thank you for the update Dena..we are with you and Rob!

Anonymous said...

Julia - Oh how you have grown and matured. Your parents are so proud of you, as are all of us by your compassion and your Faith. Know there are thousands of us on our knees praying for your Daddy too. We call ourselves your Daddy's prayer warriors and his Army now.
We are holding all of you close.

Dena - your ability to share not only your updates, but your prayers made me stop and realize, I mean really realize....God is right there with you. As I read the blog, it jumped out at me and I had a moment where it was surreal....just kept coming to me....God is with her, with her family. I always believed that through Faith, but if anyone reads especially your last entry, you so see and feel, really feel that it is God typing with you too. We love you so much.

Rob - You continue to heal, buddy. We all got each other's back here and will make sure to keep your family close. Love you.

Loving you all,
Karen, Craig, Logan, and Zachary

Kris said...

Dear God,
Please wrap Rob, Dena, and their entire circle of family and friends in your angels' arms. May they be comforted by your love and peace, and may Rob's healing continue with all the miracles you and only you can perform.
Kris Mahurin

Bethany sends her hugs to Julia.

Anonymous said...

Dena;
I keep a grocery list in my back pocket of my Mom jeans....on that list is a space for someone who needs prayer. I will put your family's name on it and pray as hard as I ever have. I will pray for healing for Rob, comfort for you, and for grace. Always for grace. Thank you for sharing your journey.

Anonymous said...

Dena and family
You are on my heart...I am praying for strength and courage and perseverance for you. I am praying for wisdom and insight for your doctors and nurses. And I am praying for Rob's healing.
God bless.
Karen

Unknown said...

Dena,
You guys are in are every thought and every prayer. Your strength is amazing. Julia's prayer brought tears to my eyes, she too is amazing just like her mom. We love you guys!
Thinking of you,
Mel, Quinn, Lauren & Meghan

Anonymous said...

AMEN and AMEN

Prayers continue to flow. We must have faith to put our hopes in.

ARMYMOM

Paul said...

Dena, keep strong, we are all with you in prayer for Rob.
Paul

Anonymous said...

Dena,
I went to bed last night praying for you and your family. My heart just said, Ok, it's time to give Rob to the Lord to do his work. Oh, I don't mean to give up on his life, for God can do anything. I mean it's time for us to realize as man, God's creation, we are not in control. There are times were we think we know what is best, but God knows better.
One day when I was driving to work, I was listening to Christian radio, and a mother and father were reaching out for prayer because their daughter had been crushed by dirt when the sides of a trench had closed in on her. I had just met the young girl at our office. She was in with her dad. They were going to install a pipe from the well to the pivot. My heart swelled with love for this child. I prayed with all my heart that she would live, and she did. I can't remember how long, but one day I remember listening to the struggles she was facing, and I prayed, God you know our strengths and weeknesses, you know our hearts, we want this child to live a life here on earth, but you may have a greater plan. She passed away to be with her heavenly father.
That does not imply he is ready for Rob, I am not God. But it does mean that God knows Robs strenghts and his weakenesses, and he knows yours too. He will provide and be there for you. All he does, he does in love. This blog is a gift of God's grace to all of the world.

Remember the story of the Paralitic, his friends knew Jesus could heal him. The lowered him down through the roof, and Jesus said, your faith has made you well.

Christ's love and blessings

Anonymous said...

{{{{{{{{{Dena and Rob}}}}}}}}}}}Praying praying with faith and love

Anonymous said...

DEna HANG IN THERE. ROB IS A STRONG PERSON!! You are his rock. He will pull through.

Rachelle Jones said...

lifting you all in prayer..

Anonymous said...

Praying and thinking of your family...thank you for your faith and honesty. I am praying for Rob but also thanking him that you are there beside him. Lord hear our prayers.
With love,
Heidi

Anonymous said...

Romans 12:10-13 regarding Love
------------------------------
(10) Honor one another above yourselves.
(11)Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
(12)Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
(13)Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

(10) Dena, this verse reinforces the honor you have for your husband and the words of honor that others have for you on this blog.
(11) Your zeal and spiritual fervor are reflected in every post you have made.
(12)Hope, patient and faithful - again, this verse is reflected in every post you have made.
(13) Just a reminder that if God instructs us to share with those in need, then its implied that those in need can accept the help and hospitality without any guilt or thoughts of repayment - glad to hear that your friends/families/doctors/servicemen-women are rallying behind to help you and the girls.

Continuing to pray.

David Black
Papillion, NE

Unknown said...

Wow. Rob is quite the fighter. There is no doubt that he is thanking God right now that you were his chosen partner in life. It os obvious that God knew that YOU were the one meant to be here with him when He placed you in each others' life. Your faith is so strong.

continuing to pray,
-Kara and Mike Gensert, KY

Anonymous said...

Dena - I've been keeping up with your blog, and really prayed hard last night for Rob and your whole family. I haven't prayed that hard in years, actually. Then I saw your post this morning - it's working. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. - Cara Greene (friend of the Kules)

Anonymous said...

Dena,

Still praying....

Love,

Colleen

Anonymous said...

{{{{{{{{Dena and Rob}}}}}}}}}}}

Have put the call for prayer warriors out to Soldiers' Angels. You have MANY SA praying, and encircling you with wings of love.

I Believe in miracles.

Bless you all..

Anonymous said...

Dena, You and Rob have an ARMY praying for you - keep the Faith strong - you are amazing - God bless you and your sweet family!! Love,
Trish

Anonymous said...

Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Glad to hear that the signs you are seeing with Rob's reactions are positive. Keep the faith. The prayers are working.
The Yeagers - Atlanta, GA

Anonymous said...

Dena,
Although I do not post often, sense I have ALL updates sent to my email, I am kept up to date daily. My heart aches for all of you. I have sent out your last post to my Welcome Home Soldiers group here in the East Texas (Tyler) area asking them to lift Rob up in their prayers as well. By days end he will be on the minds of hundreds in this area.

Prayer is all I have BUT for now that is the one thing all of you need. May the Lord give you Peace and Confort in the coming days as he works HIS mircles in and through Rob.

GOD BLESS, A Soldiers Angel/PGR/Welcome Home Soldiers member, Carla

Faultline USA said...

You, your family, and Rob are in my thoughts and prayers. I can feel the power of so many prayers as I read your blog. God is working through you. May you feel the peace of His love and blessings.

Anonymous said...

God be with Rob and you.
Our prayers continue,
With love,
Joan Krause and family

gemmak said...

I don't have a faith in the traditional sense but I have been reading your blog from the start and I am absolutely amazed by your strength and faith and that of those around you. You and your husband are very lucky to have one another and whilst I can't pray I am wishing for good things for you all and a good recovery with all my heart, and I am thinking of you often. Even without a faith I can't believe that Rob would have got this far for nothing....he is certainly a fighter of admirable courage, as are you, and with baby steps and your joint strength he will get though this.

About The Caddo Tribe said...

We are praying and thinking about you constantly. You are such a strong wife and mother.

Shani Ginani

Anonymous said...

Dena,
I can't even imagine all that you've been through. You have such strength! Rob is a fighter, and will keep fighting through this! We all believe in him! Our prayers go out to you!
Love, Kasey, Kory and Addison

Valerie said...

Dena and Rob and Julia and Eva,
I know that God loves to have us call to him.....and to answer our prayers.....and that He has your family's best in mind at all times.....we continue to pray for all of you here in Guatemala.....
love and many hugs from Xela,
Valerie

cary said...

God is Great!

Continued prayers, and know that even if Rob does Go Home, he will have lived the life of a hero here on earth and will have many, many crowns awaiting him.

Anonymous said...

We are praying so hard for you. Your stregnth is amazing.

Love,

Tyler, Katie, Grace & Jocelyn

Anonymous said...

Reading this blog have me goosebumps and made my eyes watery. We are praying hard in Bowie, MD!

Unknown said...

Dena,
Praying for you, Rob,& the girls, as well as your extended family.
May you feel God's peace and strength every step of the way!
Grace and peace,
Angel hugs and prayers,
Elizabeth
Soldiers' Angel in Texas

Anonymous said...

May god be with you and your family.Our prayers cont. for all of you!

Anonymous said...

Dena,

I continue to think about your family several times a day and pray for God to continue to give you all strength and peace.

Your blog inspires me, Dena, to strengthen my own faith. Your blog also gives me hope in humanity, that despite all the evil in the world there are also many good people who care about each other and are willing to pray for one another, even if they do not personally know each other.

As I have said before and will continue to say often, thank you to Rob, yourself, your girls and your families for your sacrifice to protect me, my family and our country.

God Bless you!

Anonymous said...

Our family is praying for your family. We thank Bob for his service to us and now we are indebted forever. We will never forget.

Thanks for your heroic example of devotion also. Tell your children from a father of seven that their father is a hero. We will never forget. We prayed the rosary for your husband last night and will continue to remember him, you and your family nightly.

Jana said...

I don't know you, but I've been praying for you. My church has special worship houses scattered throughout the world. These temples have special prayer rolls that you can put people on that need EXTRA special prayers. I've added, Rob, you and both of your girls' names to these lists in my hometown in Utah, the one in Omaha, Nebraska and the one there in Washington DC. The names will be on the roll for 2 weeks, and if need be I'll keep adding them until he's recovered. You are being prayed for by literally thousands!
I'm so touched by your family. I heard about you on Blackfive.net I truly believe that our Heavenly Father would not have brought him this far to leave him now. I also believe that Heavenly Father will bless you that you may make the correct choices for Rob. Sometimes, when we pray we pray for what we WANT. Sometimes, this isn't what we need to pray for. Don't hesitate to stop and ask God to let you know what you NEED to pray for!! I know it sounds wierd, but it helps.
Good luck!! My prayers are with you.
Jana, UT

Anonymous said...

To my sweet little niece Dena....

"The Lord thy God holds thy right hand, He is the Lord who says, "Fear not, I will help you." Isaiah 41:13

We love you...xoxoxox
Aunt Nancy and Uncle Steve

Anonymous said...

Dena, Barb and Family

You are all in our thoughts and prayers.


Ryan, Nataly, & Taylin Sanley

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and your family and praying for each of you.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Dena, Julia, & Eva--God is with you--Bless you all. Love and Prayers.........Jackie and Joe

Anonymous said...

Family Yllescas thinking about all of you... God know what he does...

David M said...

The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 12/01/2008 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.

JihadGene said...

We are praying with you all Dena. Praying hard! God bless you all and the medical staff.

Anonymous said...

We are praying with you.

The Boones of Bowie, MD

Anonymous said...

"Beauty From Pain" --Superchick

The lights go out all around me
One last candle to keep out the night
And then the darkness surrounds me
I know i'm alive but i feel like i've died
And all that's left is to accept that it's over
My dreams ran like sand through the fists that i made
I try to keep warm but i just grow colder
I feel like i'm slipping away

After all this has passed, i still will remain
After i've cried my last, there'll be beauty from pain
Though it won't be today,
Someday i'll hope again
And there'll be beauty from pain
You will bring beauty from my pain

My whole world is the pain inside me
The best i can do is just get through the day
When life before is only a memory
I'll wonder why God lets me walk through this place
And though i can't understand why this happened
I know that i will when i look back someday
And see how you've brought beauty from ashes
And made me as gold purified through these flames

After all this has passed, i still will remain
After i've cried my last, there'll be beauty from pain
Though it won't be today,
Someday i'll hope again
And there'll be beauty from pain
You will bring beauty from my pain

Here i am, at the end of me
Tryin to hold to what i can't see
I forgot how to hope
This night's been so long
I cling to Your promise
There will be a dawn

After all this has passed, i still will remain
After i've cried my last, there'll be beauty from pain
Though it won't be today,
Someday i'll hope again
And there'll be beauty from pain
You will bring beauty from my pain

Anonymous said...

Dena, Praying for you and the children as you face this difficult season in your lives. Know that a worldwide army of prayer and God's magnificent hands will sustain you. Thank you for your sacrifice, and rest assured that the life he gave is greatly appreciated.

Anonymous said...

I want to offer you, your children and family my deepest sympathies for your lose. My name is Frank Williams. I am Dena Briley’s dad, 1st Lt. Chris Briley’s father-in-law.
Dena informed me just a few moments ago that Rob had gone to be with the Lord. We will pray for you to be strong during these difficult times. Remember, God promised us that he would not allow anything to happen to us that we would not be able to handle. I hope you will trust in that over the coming days.

You have our eternal gratitude for your sacrifice!