Wednesday, November 19, 2008

One leg down!

This morning they took Rob to surgery at 8. They anticipated the surgery lasting around 4-6 hours. So, while Rob was in surgery, our friend Ryan took me out to lunch. It was a nice getaway and we had a good talk. Thanks, Ryan!! My mom and Barb also went out to lunch with our friend Diana. Thanks, Diana! Later, General Brown came and visited with us. He is a friend of the parents of some really good friends of Rob's and mine. It was so nice talking to him and helped pass the time while we waited. We got word around 4:30 that Rob was finally out of surgery and back in his room. The doctor said they were able to close his left leg amputation. They are going to take him back to surgery on Friday to do the right leg. I was surprised they did the left leg first since it was the hardest. But he said they wanted to do the hardest one first. They said they have to keep a close eye on it so it does not show signs of infection. If it does show signs of infection, then they will have to open that leg back up on Friday. So lets pray everything heals accordingly! They didn't close the fasciotomy (that's a slit in his thigh that was made in Afghanistan to let all the pressure out) on his left thigh. It's hooked up to wound vacs. This will need skin grafts. I think they may try to do this also on Friday. So, like I said, on Friday they're hoping to close his right leg amputation and also close the fasciotomy on his left outer thigh and right inner thigh using skin grafts. The good news is that his body tolerated the 8 hour surgery well so that he can go back for this other long surgery on Friday. (WHEW! Friday's going to be a busy day for him!) He did receive 4 units of blood and 6 liters of fluid so he was pretty swollen afterwards. When I saw him, he opened his eyes a couple of times but he's pretty exhausted. We didn't stay long so that he could sleep and we'll come back tonight. So, here's what we need to really pray for: his liver, no infections, and his brain. We all know the power of prayer is doing miraculous things!!!!! Also, I keep forgetting to ask this: To all fellow Rangers out there-if any of you are close to a store that has Ranger things and you're wondering what you can send Rob, can you please pick him something up? In the rush to pack and leave our house, I forgot to pack his Ranger t-shirt. I know he'd love any Ranger stuff. Thanks so much!!! You can just send it to the address listed on the right of the blog and I'll make sure he gets it.

68 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dena,
I know Rob from when he was a baby, since we went to the same school and my mom worked at the radio station owned by his grandpa. Please let him know that there are people here in Guatemala praying for his recovery. Remember that God will never let anyone be tested beyond their strength and that He is always there to support you when you feel weak. We're also praying for your family, that had the accident. May God bless you and give you all the strength and faith that you need at this time.

Anonymous said...

Dena: Another positive day! I look so forward to your notes to all of us. Also, thanks for helping us understand some of the medical terminology. "Slow and steady wins the race" and Rob is steadily moving in the right direction. The prayers are working!

Tomorrow I am going to Malcolm after work - I'll give both girls and big hug and kiss.

Love,
Aunt Jo, Uncle Steve, Brooke & Ashley

kkazor said...

Hey Dena! Glad things went well today and I'm glad you got to get out for lunch. We'll be praying for all the things you asked and for another smooth surgery on Friday! I'm here in MD close by if you ever need another luch/dinner date or anything at all. I'm here for you whatever you need.
Love and prayers!
Your old L&D buddy
Katie Kazor

Anonymous said...

Dena,

First of all just want to let you know how much the Girard Family is thinking of you and Rod and your hole family, (Also praying alot). Keep being strong Dena, And no Rob is not a vegetable but a Wonderful Father, Husband, Soldier, and A hero, don't Let that idoit get you down, there are alot of people who love Rod and he is worth every pennie and then some. If you guys ever need any thing done in Osceola please please do not hesitate to ask,
God bless you Rob and Dena

Tim Girard

P.S. Say hi to Beve for me

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that things are looking up for all of you. We will pray that Friday is another great day for Rob.

Brandon, Dawn, Haylee and Nik Grubbs
(Arron's friends)

P.S. I agree with Tim don't listen to the idiot keeps your heads up.

Anonymous said...

Dena,

I can't wait for Rob to wake up and knock the crap out of the anonymous person (who by the way isn't brave enough to sign his own name) who is worried about his tax dollars going towards Rob's recovery!

Love, Aunt Lori

Anonymous said...

Dena,
What wonderfully positive news! I am so excited for you to have this positive news and excited for Rob as this is one more step in the right direction. He is such a strong man and will continue to improve with love and support from his family, and the prayers from all of us. Hang in there!

Heather in Helena, MT

Anonymous said...

Again, you don't know me, but I wanted to say first how proud I am of the Army Medical staff and all they do for our brave soldiers who give their all for us!

Second, I just wanted to say as a husband how much I believe your being there, talking, and touching him is doing in his healing. The touch and support of a loving wife cannot be measured.

Keep the faith!

David Black
Papillion, NE

Long-time RN said...

Hmmm, perhaps annonymous 7:13 should Google Travis Dodson as just one expample of how life goes on after such wounds. Watch the one year anniversary video of Travis for confirmation life moves forward after these injuries, swimmingly at times! Great news Dena. Hope Rob gets some rest, he's sure been through so much with all the surgeries. Thoughts and prayers daily.

Anonymous said...

Dena,
Hang in there!!! I pray that Rob will come back to ALL HIS GIRLS-you, Julia, and Eva.

Anonymous said...

Anonymous-I'll even pray for you-
Remember that life is precious and should always be given a chance.

Tree said...

Dena,

That's so awesome about the bad leg. I'm thanking God that he's brought Rob this far and asking him for more. Being an old Trauma nurse, it's been awesome to hear about his progress. You keep going.. Tell your Mom hello and know all of us that work with her are saying lots and lots of prayers.

Theresa O.

Anonymous said...

Dena and Rob,

I am a poor bleeding taxpayor as well, and I want you to know that I will ***GLADLY*** pay my share so that everything humanly possible can be done medically to ensure that someday your husband and your daughter's Daddy is healed and back in your lives.

Why would anyone write something like that on this site? I am ashamed and embarassed that there are people in this country who do not understand the tremendous debt we owe our our service men and women who are injured while fighting for the freedoms we all enjoy. Enough said about that ingrate!!!

I am so glad that progress is being made and I just know that with faith and time your loved one will recover. Please know that there are millions of us that do believe he is worth everything we might spend to make him whole again.

With tons of respect, concern and faith

Michelle

Anonymous said...

Dear Dena and Family,
WOW,Looks like we need to pray that people who love life and love you and know you take time to send you little messages. When Jesus said choose life so you might live, he chose the most beautiful thing on this earth that he created and said take care of it. I feel sorry for those people who do not cherrish life. Your husbands life is a gift to cherish.

Here is a prayer for you to say with him. Jesus, there are times in my life were I didn't quite cut the mustard in my walk with you. I know that I am just a small part of your great plan, but I'm not ready to leave this earth yet. I want to be your servant. There are so many people in the world who don't know Jesus. OH yes, they know who he is, but the have not experienced his salvation. His forgiveness. The fumble around trying to be good, and follow rules, but have never been humbled enough to fall on their face in shame and say mold me, change me, love me, take care of me. Lord I am at that point. Lord give me life aboundant on earth so that I might be molded into the wittness that can profess your love to everyone I meet. Lord if I can get through this, I can't say that I will never fall down again, but I can say that you will always be my salvation in times of trouble.

That's the prayer I prayed when I was told I may have cancer. I didn't have cancer, and I'll never really know if I was healed or not, but I do know that every day I am given is a gift, some days I don't do so hot, but the days I give to the Lord are wonderful.

It is a bessing to be born into a loving, Christian family, and I'm not just talking about the mom and dad who raised you.

Your dad said he's coming to visit and bringing the Kids. Have your kids pray for their dad. Their young prayers are wonderful.

Have a great day, It's a gift to all of you.

Alane Nelson,
Osceola

Anonymous said...

Great news today. Prayers continuing to go up for Rob. I know that one day soon you will tell us that the surgeries are all a thing of the past and Rob is getting back to life with his family. Can't wait for that day. Until then, hang in there and we'll keep praying. Thanks for the updates. It's the first thing I look for in the morning and the last thing I look for b4 going to bed.

Hang in there Yllescas family.

Carol Dzurenko

Anonymous said...

Dena-

The road your family is on is a long one... I'm so glad you have this blog so that when things feel a little overwhelming, you can look back a few days prior and truly see how far things have come, and how amazing sweet Rob is! We are thinking about you guys around the clock! xox

Julie Noonan said...

Dena, I am still thinking and praying for you daily, and am so excited for you to be able to hold your girls in your arms next week. Love ya,
Julie

Anonymous said...

Great news. Each and every day God answers. Keep your faith no matter what some other say. Prayers are with you and Rob. Tell you mom hi and I thank of all of you. Love Carol

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear it went well again today.
As for the person who felt the need to post their stupidity anonymously,
I am always amazed on a daily basis of the ignorance in this world. These are the types that think about themselves only. God forbid should they do anything for their freedom or their country! Never pay any mind to them (easier said then done). They have to live with themselves everyday. Let God do the judging when their turn comes.
Love y'all,
Nate

Anonymous said...

Dena and Rob,

Thank you for everything you have done for our country. We will continue to pray for you and keep you in our thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Hey Dena, Sounds like things are looking better each day. Great news!! I have been praying for him and your family everyday & will continue to do so. My parents are thinking of you too. All of you keep your head up & stay positive. Take care. Love ya, Court

Liz said...

I will definately be praying tonight. Please let Rob know Joe and I are thinking of him. We know God is working through your family.

Anonymous said...

Dena,

It was so great to be able to talk to you today. I had a line of people waiting for me outside of my office, but I am always thrilled to talk to you and will always make time. :)

I am glad to hear you speak so optimistically about Rob's progress and prognosis. It is also great that you are giving us specific things to pray for...that's helpful! I figure you will probably get swamped with Ranger stuff for Rob, so do you need anything from the Yamaha store? (sorry, due to recent econmic developments a 2009 AR 230 is probably out of the budget) Perhaps stickers, pictures, a poster or a magazine? I would love to send him something to remind him of what awaits for him in his recovery. I remember when we used to meet for breakfast almost every morning when we were deployed in OIF III. No matter how bad things got, no matter how many close calls he had and no matter how tired he was, he would always talk about two things that kept him going: you, Dena (and "Jules") and "The Boat." I know that you and your family will be there to see him through his recovery, which is definitely top on this list of things that will cheer him up and motivate him. For priority #2, how about a Yamaha poster or something to spruce up that hospital room? :)

Anyway, please tell Rob that Tim and I send our love and are constantly thinking of him and praying for you all. This is a team effort centered around Rob, and you all deserve our prayers.

Love,
Kim

Anonymous said...

Dena,

What a fighter Rob is! Praise God that the surgery on his left leg went well today. We will pray for excellent results when Rob has surgery on his right leg on Friday. We also will focus our prayers for his liver function, no infections and normal brain activity. How nice that you and the moms enjoyed lunch out today. Take care of yourself, Dena. There are so many of us who would do anything for Rob, you, Julia and Eva. Just ask. (Thanks for explaining fasciotomy for me.)

Much love,
Aunt Joyce and Uncle Doug

Becky said...

Dena,
We continue to pray that God will bless you with strength for each new day. Our prayers go out for Rob many times each day and we pray specifically for infection free healing of the wounds, increased liver function, and healing of his brain. It makes me smile to think that in just a few days you'll be hugging and loving Julia and Eva. God bless you all.
Love ya, Becky and Charles

Erika said...

Dena,
You won't remember me as we met briefly at Dexter before my family went to Germany. I was talking to a mutual friend the other day who made me aware of what happened and sent me the link to your blog. I just wanted to let you know that since then your family has been in my daily prayers and I think you are amazing. Your faith is awe inspiring and God will uplift and sustain you. I pray God continues to cover your family with His love and mercy!

Anonymous said...

Dena,

Yeah! ~ More positive news - Still checking your blog and praying for the best. Enjoy your girls on Thanksgiving.

Julie and James McGahey

Anonymous said...

Dear Dina and Rob,
I have been following your blogs almost daily and I wanted you both to know that I am thinking of you and praying for Rob's full recovery. Everything will work out, it's just going to be in God's time. The hardest thing is having patience...(something I'm not good at). ....instead I pray for God to give you strentgh and with each day that passes it is just one day closer to Rob's full recovery. Your posting are great. I feel like I'm right there, and I feel your excitement with each positive day that you have with Rob. Remember to take care of yourself and I hope that you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving.....And Rob, THANK YOU for your service and dedication to our country!!!
Lots of Prayers,
Connie Alexander

Anonymous said...

Dena,
Hope you are able to get som rest yourself....sounds like your family is taking good care of YOU. :) Maybe Rob will smell those cinnamon rolls and get inspired :) I cannot believe that anyone would write anything less than positive on the site....they are just seeking attention so lets just ignore them. Keep hanging in there.
Ginny

Marisa said...

Our prayers will continue for Rob's recovery! Continue to be strong for him...he's surely feeling it.

Anonymous said...

Dear Dena and Rob,
I've just gotten back to the Fischer House from visiting with Rob. Our God is so awesome!!! Matthew 21:22 "And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." It is by God's grace and mercy, but Rob has come so far already in his healing process. I am so proud of the both of you. Rob, for his will to live, his integrity and character, the wonderful job he's doing as a husband and father, and the courage he has shown in his career as a soldier. He and other soldiers like him have put their lives on the line even for those who don't understand that it is because of our soldiers we have the right to say and write whatever we please. Dena, you are a testimony to all military wife's. I am so proud of the love, courage, and faith you are displaying not only to Rob, but to the rest of the world, during this very difficult time. You are a very couragous wife and mother and I am proud of the Christian woman you have become. Ignore the nay sayers and keep looking up. We know who is in control, and we cannot be in better hands. Praise God!!! I love you both as well as those 2 beautiful little girls, more than you'll ever know! Love, Mom Bev

Maggie Goff said...

Prayers continuing...... you all are remarkable.

Maggie Goff
Bisbee, Az

Anonymous said...

I declare Rob a no infection zone! Amen?!

Love you Dena!

Bonnie

The Winterbauer family said...

Dena,

I did not read the negative comment you must have received. How dare someone get on this site and place a negative comment. I am thankful for Rob and our other enlisted men who fight for our freedoms. Even the freedom of speech, (even when it is ignorant speech). Myself, and the other thousands of people who access this site everyday to seek good news or something new to pray for, thank you, your family, and Rob for your service. As for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. Remember that Dena. We are always in prayer. Alway in your corner.

Love ya!

Colleen and Sergai

Unknown said...

Glad to hear everything is going so well... We all pray that things continue that way so that everything that is planned for friday will happen. God's Blessings Stay strong and positive! You are doing sooo well!
Heather Sanchez

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Just wanted to say what an awesome person you are. Your strength has inspired me. I've decided to do somethings to contribute something back. I have you to thank. You've shown me the way. Thank you, and know that i'm praying for you all. Everytime God and I talk, i mention you. Like so many others i'm sure. Take care.
lacey c

Marianna said...

I check your site as soon as I come in to work. I hope things continue to improve. Sending you good thoughts & prayers for a successful surgery on Friday!

M~

Laura Clinger said...

Rob, Dena and girls,

My husband, Jared, was a few years ahead of Rob in ROTC. While I don't think we've ever met, the news that Rob had been injured still hit very close to home for our family. Reading your entries every day is heartbreaking and uplifting all at the same time. We will continue to pray for Rob's recovery and for your continued strength as he heals.

Love and prayers,

Jared, Laura, Ellie, Vicky and Alex

Anonymous said...

Dena,
You dont know me but some friends told me about Rob and I have been reading your posts everyday.
Soldiers are the strength of our nation..... You, and wives like you, are the strength of our Military.
God Bless!

Anonymous said...

Rob,
You're doing an awesome job in these early stages of healing. I know you can feel Dena there with you. Your strength and determination is really showing right now. I feel so proud of your service and leadership. God Bless! Dena, you continue to inspire our family. I can't wait til you can give those beautiful girls hugs and kisses!

Anonymous said...

Dena,

This is Pastor Boyer from St John Lutheran Church in Chester, Nebraska, 4 hours NW of KC, to relate to a couple of your recent posts.
Sunday one of our members, Karol Wassom, brought up Rob's name for us to pray for. I forget the connection she has to you -- I think it's something like you're a relative of someone she works with. But we of course did pray for your husband's recovery, and will continue to do so.
Myself, I'm a son of a now-retired US Navy chaplain and am heading into the Nebraska Army National Guard as a chaplain shortly. So the military is never far from my mind.
May I share a verse that I've uncovered recently from my own "quiet time" (personal devotions)? "Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!" (Isaiah 30:18)

Blessings,

Pastor Boyer

jaywalker said...

Dena:

Thanks for your updates. Soldiers' Angels here in Germany is tracking Rob's progress with lots of hopes and prayers. And we can't wait to toast him after his recovery with a great German beer, drunk straight from the stein!

On a personal note, I've dealt with flamers before and I know from experience that it can take a lot out of you - energy that is MUCH better used taking care of Rob! There is a feature on blogger that will allow a moderator to approve comments before they appear - maybe you should have Nancy go through them all and delete the ones that are inappropriate before they even go online - that way all our energy is focused on prayers and good thoughts for Rob's recovery - as opposed to anger and annoyance. :)

Love from Germany,
Jessica

Anonymous said...

Dena, girl you inspire so many (tens of thousands - and many more on the way!)to lift up our prayers to Him and wrap Rob and your families in our thoughts and prayers often. And even more you have encouraged us, through your daily testimonies of His amazing love, to stop and think about what is really important and needed in this fast-paced, chaotic World. You are a true motivator and the World and Rob are much better for knowing your light! You make sure to take some time to keep that light burning brightly! :)
Thank you for being the beautiful wife, mother, friend that you are. We are keeping our prayers constant and directed as you have so lovingly described for us. With Him, Rob, you, your families, and the thousands of your prayers warriors, Rob has and will continue to make miraculous breathroughs!
And know that we will keep you close in thoughts, as we travel East this evening to say our goodbye here on Earth to my Grandmother and will be with you in the next couple weeks! Time for some much needed girl time! So, we can keep that light of yours going strong! We plan to spoil you, as Rob would want!
And again thank you for being so compassionate while you are going through such a hard time, to ask about my family. Oh Dena, words can never express the amazing woman of God you are!
Love you,
Craig and Karen

Anonymous said...

No matter how many citizens of this great country that we live in do not support our troops know that there are many nore that do. We as supporters are the ones that are praying for you, your family,and especially Rob during this trying time. Please continue to keep us informed on his recovery and know that our thought and prayers are with all of you.

Philip Davis

Anonymous said...

We check your blog everyday for an update. We will continue to pray for Rob's liver, that his leg does not have infection, for the surgeries on Friday and of course for his brain. May God Bless you and Rob and your family and the medical staff taking care of him.
The Kruse Family
Lincoln, NE

Anonymous said...

Dena and all,
Want you to know like so many many others we check the blog everyday and keep track of what is happening. We pray daily for all of you and for GOD to restore Rob to health. Phil and Evie are adding their prayers also.
Pidge and Sandy Wright

Chaotic Mom said...

Wow. This was a good update. I'll keep praying. Thank you for posting the updates, and listing specific prayer requests. I'm willing to bet Rob will get that Ranger shirt very soon. ;)

Anonymous said...

Dena,

Great to hear all your positive words and the progress Rob is making. We check this several times a day, and look forward to your words of encouragement for your husband and the continued miracles that happen every day.

We continue to pray for you.
Dave, Cari, Bailee, Sarah, Adam, & Jillian

cary said...

We will continue to pray for Rob and you, and your entire family.

This is great news, and certainly does show the power of prayer!

Anonymous said...

Keep strong, keep praying, keep thanking, and most of all keep loving. We love you and we thank you. Rob paid a big price for freedom for each American...for this we will be ever grateful. A day will never go by in our lifetime, whether in peace time or in war, where we will forget him and others who paid in any way for the personal and colletive freedom we so enjoy and too often many take for granted. Thank you Rob and Dena, may God bless you, protect you and comfort you every day.

Anonymous said...

Hey Dena!
I'm so glad that Rob is doing well!! Keep your outlook positive, and you're in our prayers.
I'm sending two shirts on behalf of Stacy, because he can't order things online. Consider them a gift from one Ranger to another. Hope they fit!
Christy Soutter

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the constant updates on Rob. Our prayers are constant as
well. I am so thankful you are all
there together and the moms are keeping the hospital staff on their toes...our precious patients need
moms to do just that!!!
Joan

Anonymous said...

We are praying for Rob constantly! I know how strong he is Dena and he will come around when it's time. I'm in awe of you Dena! Your family has gone through so much in the last couple years and you have always looked toward the positive. You amaze me in every aspect. You never give up and that is what Rob needs.

We check the blog several times a day. If there is anything you need from Benning let me or Cari know please. I think the Ranger shirts are already done for you!!

Take care girl, and keep that positive attitude.

Ann Brown (Tess and Tatum too!)

Anonymous said...

Rob and Dena, Thought and prayers are coming your way daily! Thinking of you constantly. Hoping your Thanksgiving brings much to be thankful for, like Rob responding even more than he already has.

Sorry Nancy but I have to say this. I haven't actually read the negative comment written but have read the others and I believe Rob is actually going to appreciate the massive support against the one ugly comment. Military members pay for health insurance. It comes out of their pay every month. Military members also pay taxes which also comes out of their pay every month. Military family members pay taxes as well. We are ALL happy to pay to help our injured military members especially with injuries like Robs. To the one person who doesn't want their tax money to go toward military members recovery, let's say yours is going somewhere else.

God Bless

Anonymous said...

WE SEE JESUS - in Dena's love and strength, in all the loving responses here, in all the family helping everyone out, and in all the hope we all have for Rob's recovery and all the love we have for him and his family.

Anonymous said...

I check in on you and Rob everyday. Sending prayers from Omaha, Nebraska from one military wife to another. God speed, Robin

Anonymous said...

Dena and Rob,
Thank you again for the blog to keep everyone up to date with how Rob is doing. And Rob, as we near Thanksgiving, we are so thankful for your devoted service to our country.
May you feel God's angels surrounding you as you go through more needed surgeries. And Dena, you're an "Angel with skin on" - doing all you can for your family. :) Gotta love your determination!
Love ya - Monty & Cheryl

Anonymous said...

Dena...so glad to hear Rob's surgery went smooth, may Friday's go the same way. I pray that his liver will soon return to the normal level and infection stays far far away. That way he can continue on his journey of healing. Rob is so strong and determined...he will do everything he can to return to Julia, Eva and you. Believe in this during your darkest moments.

I'm so excited that you'll have Julia and Eva with you for Thanksgiving. Julia will have so many fun things to share about school. Enjoy...

Love & Prayers
Aunt Julie(Schott)Davidson

Anonymous said...

Dena...some people just "DON'T GET IT" ...and, you just almost have to feel sorry for them because they are definately in worse shape then Rob is! Sweetie, just keep remembering that we serve an awesome God.
Luke 11: 9-12 ”So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
God wants us to bring our petitions to him. He promises to answer our prayers! AND HE IS! With the masses praying for Rob and You and the girls, oh my goodness...Just looking back at the last 3 weeks....The many miracles that have already taken place we KNOW are blessings from the Master Healer! He is the creator of the Universe and everything in it.
He has walked this earth and knows our troubles from the inside out.
So, if you ever have a moments doubt Read Psalm 139 and be reminded that God is with you in every circumstance.
I love you and I will continually lift you all up in prayer!
xoxoxo Aunt Nancy

Anonymous said...

Jody Kerr says, I remember years ago when my husband had his 27th birthday in the ICU of the old St. Elizabeth hospital. He managed one little bite of meat and was exhausted and went right to sleep. I was elated. I understand patience very well as you are learning Dena, God Bless you girl. Prayers do work. I continue to pray for you.

November 20, 2008

David M said...

The Thunder Run has linked to this post in the blog post From the Front: 11/20/2008 News and Personal dispatches from the front and the home front.

Anonymous said...

You guys are always in our thoughts and prayers....I cannot wait for every update....Dena keep staying strong....I hope your girls get to be with you and Rob on Thanksgiving....The McGroarty's

Anonymous said...

Dena,
Though we do not have the pleasure to meet in person, I have been praying for you, Rob and your family since we heard the news about Rob. Rob and I went to school in Guatemala.

I wanted to share the following dream with you as a promise of God for Rob's life: A couple of nights ago, I had a dream where I saw Rob and Chris having a good time in a living room and chatting like if they were long time friends. Rob's cognitive skills were perfect and I could tell both brothers were enjoying each others company. When I woke up I felt I needed to share this dream with you. Some times God speaks to us in dreams to reveal the future.

Today, I stand with you believing Rob's cognitive recovery will be completely normal so God's name will be exalted. My family and I will continue to pray for you guys, as we carry you close to our hearts.

I hope to meet you in person one day.

In Christ's love,
Evelyn Jackson

Anonymous said...

Dena, Our family has treasured the bond we've formed with your family. We desperately wish it was under different circumstances. But we know that none of us will be given more than we, together with God, can handle. Rob has been in my heart so much lately, I've been praying in my sleep! Please know you've always got another understanding shoulder to lean on. I'm picturing us later on down the 'recovery road' having a reunion to celebrate our heroes and their miraculous recoveries! Much Love, Anna and the Edwards Family

Anonymous said...

Great news! We will pray for no infections!

Sorry to hear about that negative comment...just got to remember that their are a lot of naive people out there that have no idea what you and your family are going through. It reminds me of when we were at Walter Reed when a group of protesters held up signs saying "Thank God for IEDs" and "Thank God for dead soldiers." Some people certainly just don't get it.

Anyways, keep up your spirits and look forward to every day you get! God Bless and we will continue with prayers!

Anonymous said...

Dena,

I am sending youa poem that I ran across during a service while I was downrange. It gave me a lot of perspective in the middle of some pretty tough times, particularly when Ryan was hurt and I felt some completel angry and out of control. I don't know if you have read this before, but I know it is a popular poem that really gave me some perspective. I hope it can do the same for you:

THE WEAVER
written by B.M. Franklin
(1882-1965)

My life is just a weaving
Between my Lord and me.
I cannot choose the colors
He weaves so skillfully.

Sometimes He weaveth sorrow
And I in foolish pride
Forget He sees the upper
And I the underside.

Not ‘til the loom is silent
And the shuttles cease to fly
Will God unroll the canvas
And explain the reasons why-

The dark threads are as needful,
In The Weaver’s skillful hands
As the threads of gold and silver
In the pattern He has planned.

Anonymous said...

I ran across this quote this morning:

"In attacking adversity, only a positive attitude, alertness, and regrouping to basics can launch a comeback." Apparently from Pat Riley the former LA Lakers Coach.

Saw that quote then thought of all your blog entries that really show the positive attitude, yet the alertness of both the medical realities and the alertness of the spiritual battle, but the basics of a wife's love for her husband - the songs, the stories, the touch, and the babysteps to recovery.

Continuing to pray.

David Black
Papillion, NE