February 6, 2009
Daniel 11:32 ” .…. the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” And so it is. Two-and-half years since the diagnosis, and so it is!
Donny is home! He hasn’t been home for almost a year and today he is home! Terrible pain, but he is pushing through and hanging on. “Lord, with careful consideration, we consider this: Your ways are perfect and we trust you. In all of life, there is really nothing more. You are a Faithful Friend, our Dread Companion and Holy King in this journey. You feel Donny’s It has been hard and continues to be so, but thanks for never leaving. pain and our hope that tries to fade as we endeavor to reach out to you in the cold of the night. Then it comes to us all… there is no reaching, you are there and all that remains in abiding. You are there, for you never left.” Blow wind blow………. God Almighty is here!
February 18, 2009
Isaiah 43:1-3 “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One, your Savior.”
Donny is still home and continues to face daily challenges. Some days he vomits all day and deals with nose bleeds that are like something you’ve never seen and can last 10 hours. Other times he enjoys the company of those who stop by. Sometimes he will go for a day and a night with no sleep, other days, he sleeps 18 hours! Sometimes he will go a week at a time barely moving. We massage him almost continually and encourage him. Your notes and love have meant so much to him and to us all. Amy continues to be the best cheerleader he could ever hope for as we all push forward together. I suppose he is getting a “rhythm” down. But, it is hard. The bone marrow anti-rejection drugs are difficult on his system and when he is late or misses a dose, it throws his system into a “tailspin” which can be very hard to recover from. He continues to need oxygen 100% of the time and we have an IV pump here at the house for his fluids. The insurance isn’t paying for some of the stuff, so that is an extra element of fun for Martin and me as we try to keep this part away from him. I thank you for your prayers and great joy upon us. This would be very hard without you, too hard. Donny is climbing out, that is for sure. We see it, ever so slowly. Like watching a flower bloom… how do you measure that? We believe, and so we wait! Thanks for waiting with us. May the fragrance of this flower touch your life as you give God all the glory for this miracle that we have the pleasure of watching unfold.
February 22, 2009
Listen to an audio message where Sandi shares her heart:
February 26, 2009
There we were at 1:00 am, Donny and I. He had a bloody nose that had lasted 36 hours, a fever, and a regular routine of vomit. He hadn’t been able to eat much for a couple weeks. His headache was raging out of control and there seemed to be no help for it. Everything hurt. Then it happened… they came: The Angels of the Lord; five of them. They stayed until 3:00 am and when they left, his bloody nose was gone and so were his headache and his nausea. He slept and when he woke up he was hungry, really hungry. It is his story and so I don’t tell it here, he shall tell it someday. What a powerful thing to see! How shall we ever recover? Each of us is the walking, living glory of a glorious God.
Donny continues to gain strength each and every day, thank you for your prayers and support, they matter so very much.
March 4, 2009
Please continue to pray for Donny as his body endeavors to catch up to what God is doing!
March 13, 2009
1 Peter 5:10-11 “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
Today Donny turns 28 years old. As we rehearse everyday, “God has given him a beautiful life.” He is doing better and better each and every day and is stable. But, reaching for breath and destroying pain appears to be his current occupation as he waits for Jesus to finish the “good work that He has begun in him.” He is doing so much better and we have no emergencies anymore, but we must abide in this place and trust Jesus.
May you be perfected in our Lord, established, strengthened and settled today and always, my son.
March 18th
We will be going to the doctor tomorrow for a check up. It has been about a month. Donny cannot move or breathe very well. Getting him out of the bed and into the car is going to be a huge challenge. His lungs are in terrible pain… we are hoping that the blood clots there have not called for friends. All in all he is amazingly settled and at peace, but in terrible pain. He says, “This is just my body working it out with the Lord, the devil is not going to blaspheme God with my body. I know what God has called me to do and I am going to do it.” We wait for the breath to do it. Thanks for praying and holding the line with us. It is very hard over here right now.
March 19, 2009
We were up literally all night. Donny had lots of pain and trouble breathing, so we had to cancel the doctor appointment. A nurse will come to the house to draw his blood on Monday and we will shoot for his check-up next week. Good news is, he is asleep as I write this.
Friday March 20, 2009
Proverbs 30:5 “The Lord is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.”
After two nights of constant vigil over Donny, I had to call the ambulance to get him to the ER this morning at 5:00. The ambulance call is always stressful, but the Kingsburg team did a beautiful job. Donny cannot breathe and can barely move. The GvH Disease from the transplant is cannibalizing his lung tissue and breathing becomes harder each day. He is almost 100% immobile now. They say his lungs are shrinking and will soon stop functioning all together. “They” have been wrong before. My heart aches at his pain and trouble, but I know whom we have believed. This is the Lord’s business and we can’t tell Him how to run it. We know “what” God is doing, but we aren’t sure of the “how.” So, we wait and we pray. We have this assurance that Jesus holds our hand and His angels surely walk with us! God is faithful… this is truth.
Peace to you and may Jesus sprinkle His abundant favor on your heart today.
1 Peter 4:12-13 “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
March 23, 2009
The devil is a fighter, but the Lord is a Winner. Donny is stable; we will know more tomorrow. They think it is a secondary disease, infection or blood clot in his lungs.
Isaiah 33:5-6
“…The Lord is exalted for he dwells on high; He has filled Zion with Justice and Righteousness. He will be the stability of our times…”
March 24, 2009
Donny’s lung has collapsed, but the Anchor holds!
Wednesday, March 25
Bronchiactasis (chronic infection of the bronchi and swelling of the lung lining) of the lower left lobe of his lung has been diagnosed, which is the exact thing in the exact place that I had it. Mine was due to Cystic Fibrosis, his seems to be due to complications from the Graft Versus Host Disease from the Bone Marrow Transplant. It appears that his is Stage One, which is Cylindroid (the easiest to remedy) and will be able to be treated with deep breathing treatments along with getting the collapse and fold out of his lung. He is undergoing more tests this week. He is holding strong and trusting the Lord.
March 26, 2009
I am at the hospital with Donny and won’t be able to post for a few days, but as of today, Donny’s oxygen levels continue to rise and he continues to be stable. Enduring, persevering!
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 “Blessed be the God of all comfort; who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble…”
March 30, 2009
Donny’s breathing continues to get better. He has Pneumonia but it is on the run. He is in a tremendous amount of pain as he attempts to use his muscles again to stand and move.
March 31, 2009
EMERGENCY PRAYER REQUEST
The Bronchiactasis is under control and on the way out. The Pneumonia is gone. The Blood Clots are gone. BUT he cannot walk and is in immense pain when he tries to move very much. I believe pain is your body’s way of allowing God to be your strength in a time of weakness. However, his pain is so great it’s causing him to be largely immobile. The prayer request is this: He needs to be admitted to a rehab unit where he will have continual physical therapy and care, but he can’t be admitted unless he can endure three hours of therapy. Right now, he can’t endure therapy for more than three minutes. THEY ARE TESTING HIM TODAY for admission to the rehab unit. We are asking the Lord to let them see that he is lionhearted and will soon be able to do the work and htey will admit him. If he does not qualify for the rehab unit, they will discharge him from the hospital and send him home. Thank you for continuing with us. I’ll post again when we get the results from the rehab unit.
1st John 1:1-3
“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us; That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.”
April 1, 2009, 8:00 AM
With much excruciating pain and tremendous effort, Donny endured over one hour of physical therapy and passed the rehab entrance. The nerve endings in his feet are exposed and atrophied due to his condition, so this was a painful process, but as always the Lord was in control. Continued prayers are needed as we wait for the insurance approval process to be completed. Another report will come after we find out about the insurance. We are half-way there! Thanks for pushing through.
April 1, 2009, 1:00 pm
The Lord did it! Donny enters the physical therapy rehab unit at 7pm tonight. He will remain there until the adverse effects of the bone marrow transplant have been eliminated and he can walk and fully function. They say this could take about 2-4 weeks. Thanks for fighting the good fight with us. We appreciate you. Love Sandi and Martin
April 6, 2009
Donny needs new lungs! The Bible says that “The enemy has devised a michievous plan but he will not be able to perform it.” We hold to that! There is a war in the heavenlies over Donny’s lungs right now. He is muscling his way through the physical therapy at great pain. However, he is unable to do everything he is supposed to in order to be fully functioning because he cannot breathe correctly. We must collect ALL the gold after the war has been won, just as in Jehosophat’s day and leave none behind. He was issued and promised new lungs and now is the time for them to come!
We must not be distracted by birth or death or impending doom and heartbreak. It is a trick of the enemy that Donny is having so much trouble breathing. His lungs have been cannibalized by the bone marrow, but this is nothing for God to fix, absolutely nothing! The angels feed this man! What is bound in heaven is surely bound here on earth! We must not, none of us, for any cause, accept half of the promise that is guaranteeed, but instead, we must contend for the faith and whole promise with perfect completion upon us as the Shunamite did in 2 Kings 4.
We take authority and control dominions with the power of Jesus. Love to you all with many thanks and great love. Here we go and here they come…” Martin and Sandi
April 8, 2009 (from yesterday at 9:00 pm)
Up all night with respiration problems then this afternoon… Donny took 12 steps in his walker and sat up in his wheelchair for 3 hours. Keep praying, we are being heard. Thank you.
April 9, 2009
Set a record! Donny walked 18 feet with his walker!
2 Samuel 22:30 “…by my God I have leaped over a wall.”
April 10, 2009
Donny continues to gain strength and is making great progress. Keep praying. He may be released from physical therapy rehab on Wednesday.
April 15, 2009 (reporting on yesterday)
Donny walked 33 feet this morning and 36 feet this afternoon. His body is still in pain. His breathing is slowly, but surely getting better.
April 16, 2009
Donny continues to gain strength. Please pray that his appetite returns.
April 17, 2009
Donny’s progress is slow, but sure, steady, and full of hope. This morning he went on three walks with his walker: 40, 50, and 55 feet! Please continue to pray for his strength as he is only able to take a couple of steps without his walker. He will be on the physical therapy rehabilitation floor until next Wednesday, then coming home.
Jeremiah 30:17 “I will give you back your health and heal your wounds, says the Lord.”
April 20, 2009
Donny walked 30 feet with no assistance! He plans to go 35 tonight. With the walker he can go 65 feet.
April 22, 2009
Donny walked 190 feet on his walker and 40 feet unassisted! He is coming home today. He looks great and feels great. Our hearts are full as both of our children, their spouses, and our grandbaby are all living with us now. Rejoice in the goodness of the Lord! There is still a long road ahead but look how far we have come!
April 28, 2009
Donny is slowly but surely gaining strength. He walked 55 feet yesterday and continues to push the limits of his current physical capabilities. Pray as the rehabilitation team will be visiting the house this week and we need to figure out what they can do and what they can’t do and what the insurance will pay for and what they won’t. As always, we know this……… the Lord goes before us!
May 11, 2009
Hebrews 6:19
“We have a hope that is the anchor of our soul, both sure and stedfast ……”
The challenges of Donny’s condition continue to give him reasons to push forward and trust the Lord. Great trials do bring great triumphs! He is quickly going from the wheelchair to the walker. It has been a very busy and stressful time, but the Lord ……….. well, He’s the Lord! So, it’s all okay. Thank you, thank you for all the prayer and continued support; it is appreciated. We go from here…..”
May 26, 2009
Last week Donny had a very tough time and started vomiting again. It was uncontrollable and became right next to an emergency situation. I was in Indiana preaching while Martin and Amy were here with Donny. That was tough on this old Mother! But, when God has a thing…. He’s got a thing. So, Donny muscled his way through with the Lord’s help and after a couple days of vigil over him, Amy said he broke through. Started eating again and has been fine ever since. This child… what a wonder to behold. And the Lord keeps walking us forward. Thank you for your prayers, fasting and support. I know many of you stayed up all night to pray when he became ill last week. I am humbled at your tenacity for the righteousness and promises of God to abound
June 1, 2009
Donny continues to gain strength and is in his wheelchair more than his bed now. We are waiting for the day when he will be in his walker more than the wheelchair…. and so on! He is still in pain, but it subsides quicker now and he is able to push forward a bit easier. The other day he was in the kitchen rummaging through the refrigerator from his wheelchair! I cried for joy.
This Saturday in Kingsburg from 7-2 there is a carwash to help with his expenses at the SaveMart parking lot, for those locals who can come!
Every week presents a forward motion instead of a set-back, like we had become used to. Thank you Jesus for corners that get to be turned.
June 8, 2009
Went to the Dr. a few days ago, here’s what he says… “Last time I saw you, your lungs were full of sounds and tightness. Today they sound like normal lungs!” He was, as we are, overjoyed!
June 9, 2009
Cynthia and Omar bought a house just a few blocks away! Grandbaby is becoming HUGE. Donny continues to make progress….. Slow but sure and speeding up! Doctor meetings are just once a month now. It has been almost three years since we began the journey with our God…… over Donny. Faithful is God to complete the task He has set us to. Here are the most recent photos for you. Donny in Rehab. Donny relearning to walk at home. Donny working on the Pilates Reformer machine at the house building his air capacity and muscles.
June 25, 2009
Almost a year since the Transplant. Almost three years since the diagnosis. Almost time for everything to be completed that the Lord has begun! Donny continues to gain strength through difficult trials each and every day. He is not deterred or discouraged as he waits on the Lord for new breath and new life. Lionhearted man of God that he is. We are so proud of him and so grateful to you for your help and prayers. What an amazing journey we are privileged to walk together!
July 3, 2009
Today is one year since the Transplant and this last week was more than a trial. Donny was in terrible pain and then last night, it all turned around and he felt better. Thanks for praying. We continue to joy in the waiting. Tired but joyful! thank you for everything.
July 19, 2009
Martin, Sandi and Donny getting ready to attend Amy’s surprise 30th birthday party. Donny gains strength everyday, but the pain is beginning to wear on him. Please continue to pray. Thanks so much.
July 27, 2009
Donny walked 74 feet in his walker this last week wihout having a respiratory emergency. He hasn’t done that since October, 2008. He says he will go at it “unassisted” by the end of the week. He keeps having dreams that he is running races and competing in sports. He wakes up exhausted from it, but also ready to tackle the challenge in front of him. The Lord is surely preparing him to start training his new lungs. A few days ago we went out to his truck that is finally running after seven years and polished things up under the hood; thought you’d enjoy seeing that! (See above for the photos!)
August 4, 2009
Doctor’s report this week: Everything looks beyond impressive. The doctor is very pleased and he is overjoyed at Donny’s blood work and progress. This comes after a week-long battle with constant nose bleeds and fever. All is well today!
August 7, 2009
Donny has been spitting up about 3-4 cups of blood per day for the last two days. The Doctors don’t know what to do. We don’t know what to do, but Jesus knows. We wait and stand hopeful in prayer. Still true: “The Lord your God in the midst of thee is mighty!” Zephaniah 3:17
August 10, 2009
Donny’s blood is staying in his body now and the coughing has subsided, the worst of the episode seems to be over. Thank you for praying. We continue to hold for the arrival of what God has promised. With pleasure we enjoy His amazing comfort during this time.
August 12, 2009
Donny continues to gain strength. Sitting up in his wheelchair and feeling much better.
August 13, 2009
Donny heading out for his 100 foot walk! It was a glorious success!
August 26,2009:
Yesterday we went to the Lung Specialist and he says that Donny’s lungs sound fine! So, he will run through some tests in the next couple weeks for us to find out why he cannot breathe. Amy brought Donny to the doctor yesterday as I had appointments all day and met them there. I will be taking Donny to the other doctor to check his blood in a couple days. The reason I mention this is because last night coming home, my tire blew out and my cell phone was dead, charger quit working… I just couldn’t stop praising the Lord that Donny was with Amy. He could have been with me and it would have been so very hard on him in this heat. The Lord is faithful in all the small and large; easy and tough things … while continuing to give us opportunities to Praise Him in the middle of the Anyway! Our hearts our full. Thanks for checking in.
September 2, 2009
Amy took some video of Donny on the stairs. We are trying to upload it here. Check back!
September 21, 2009
The results of the most recent tests are in and the lung specialist gives this report:
“His lungs look and sound perfect. The lower left lobe is full of what looks like scar tissue and is more than likely causing him considerable pain and discomfort along with a difficulty to breathe. But, the main problem seems to be his right sinus is impacted and compacted with infectious secretions that will need to be suctioned out. Once the sinuses are cleared up, he should begin to gain a lot of progress over the GVH disease, begin to breathe more freely and start to feel a lot better, at least that is my assumption while dealing with a disease that few know much about.”
So the appointment with the Sinus Specialist is set for October 15th. It has been very difficult for the last two weeks. He has not been up out of bed much and the coughing fits throw his heart rate through the roof and drop his oxygen levels down through the basement. In all of this though, as we get through “each episode” with the help of the Lord, Donny is very sure and careful to pray for everyone who is praying for him. It is the most passionate and courageous thing I think I have ever seen. Love to you as we hold the line together and endeavor to go to the next place with our glorious Lord.
September 29, 2009
Donny had to be intubated with a breathing machine. He has pneumonia and a secondary infection that they are still defining. He is in the intensive care unit at Fresno Community. He spent the day in the emergency room, then transfered to the ICU. All of the tests have been completed and tomorrow we will know the results. Pneumonia is confirmed, blood clots are assumed, and a secondary infection is confirmed. They thought Graft vs. Host (GVH) had taken over his lungs, but after a complete series of tests, they said that it is not GVH at all! There are several other issues they will address. They are considering him an extremely complicated case. There are a lot of things to review and carefully discover. The Chief of Fresno Community Hospital is on our case. He is being very thorough, consulting with UC San Francisco, and determined to get to the bottom of it. We are standing vigil over his bed and we appreciate you standing at the throne of God for us.
September 30, 2009
Donny had a hard night. The breathing machine is having trouble coinciding with Donny’s breathing. It is a very stressful situation and the doctors are hoping to get the problem resolved soon. They have discovered that there is an agressive form of yeast in Donny’s blood. The family is expecting to get more news regarding the other issues later today.
The biggest issue, PAIN: The doctors are having difficulty keeping Donny sedated through this ordeal and any more medication could throw him into a coma that they think he might not come out of. Donny is only able to sleep for minutes at a time. He wakes up with a tube down his throat while he is strapped to the bed and tears running down his face unable to withstand the horrific pain. His body is continually on fire and he has had no relief. The doctors are doing the best that they can. But…the leukemia is still gone and God is still on the throne!
September 30, 2009
The infectious disease team came by with all the known and unknown problems, the worst thing that could happen, has happened. There is a yeast infection in his blood. He has no immune system whatever to fight it. Due to the state of his lungs, his lungs are unable to help. There is no cure, the doctors do not give him much time.
October 1, 2009
Donny is being treated for Swine Flu and TB. The TB virus is causing problems with his respiratory system. The fever is gone and his heart rate is coming down.
October 2, 2009 at 6:10 am
They have had to put him on medication to stabilize blood pressure. It kept dropping so low there was a risk of a coma, which they thought would be irreversible. He is now off of the medication and his blood pressure is stabilizing on its own. He is having blood work done every two hours and x-rays three times a day to keep on top of progress on the chosen course of prescriptions. It was extremely grim this week, not much hope. As of today, they think they’ve got it on the run. He will probably be in ICU for three to four weeks. There is a bronchoscopy scheduled for 1:00 today. This is a very painful procedure, looking for progress in the results.
October 2, 2009 at 10:00 am
They found mold growing on his lungs. We are asking for specific prayer today that the ventilator be removed today.
October 2, 2009 at noon
The doctor said the tube will be out by 4:00 today! Last night they were saying a week. Your prayers are being heard!
October 3, 2009 (posted on October 5)
“Jesus wept.” John 11:35
The prayers of the saints have availed much. The promises of God are rich and true for He is faithful. This is not about the prayers of the promises anymore. It is about seeking specific requests from our specific friend Jesus. Now we trust on the One who is bringing the promises and has heard our prayers. Truly, Jesus wept when was on the earth, and He weeps now. It’s true for you in your pain. Jesus is not looking at you from afar. He is holding your hand and weeping as you go through all your trouble.
The promises of God are true. Yes. The prayers of a righteous man avail much. Yes. Prayers and promises are important and it is important that you continue to speak them. At this point it is important to remember and know that Jesus is going through your pain. What hurts us hurts Him. When He hurts, we should hurt. He weeps with Donny and Donny understands that Jesus has a hurt lung, too. And a hurt throat, and everything that hurts on Donny’s body hurts Jesus too. Jesus never leaves you.
You already know the breathing tube was removed. Today he came off pressurized oxygen and went on a regular oxygen machine. They are starting to move his body. This is very, very painful. Almost all of the infections are on the run. Every test they took came back positive, except for the Swine Flu. That one was negative. There are a few other infections that they are searching out. They are testing for GVH on his skin. On Tuesday we will know if the TB and yeast infection medications are working. They have not yet dealt with the sinus impactions. He has been in isolation in the most intense part of the ICU. He has been moved to the regular ICU. He was in the heart unit because they have people there who are the most skilled with handling tubes. The doctor said he is “well pleased and quited amazed that he has survived and made such great progress.”
Other than immediate family, no visitors are allowed. Please send emails to him at sandi@abbasheart.com. I will collect them and read them to him. I am also printing them for the scrapbook of all the notes of encouragement for him to look through. Your responses to the email updates have been received and appreciated.
10/3/09 – (from Amy, posted on 10/5)
We were moved to a step down floor…. still ICU (ish) and visitors still super limited, but it IS a “step “up” towards leaving and being totally healed!
Well, I am staying strong- totally rejoicing in all God has done…
*off ventilator to bipap
*off bipap to opti-flow
*reduced pain meds back to our normal
*he is stabilizing his BP on his own
*my dad and brother are here which is a huge relief and blessing to me- just to have a family and see them relaxes me and makes me feel full of joy and laughter and optimism for this work I’m called to do.
Now we are basically on the same breathing support and pain meds as when we came in….
I feel that this is a time to press through and really see the “once and for all” happen. He is still being treated for all the complications that have been found (TB, yeast, etc) but his breathing and pain control are back to our “normal.” I feel like God is asking us- “do you want to be healed?” I am not sure what my expectations are for Donny’s prognosis but I know it will be awesome!
Donny has been much more sedated today even though he is on less meds…. which is weird but could be because he is healing so much. Not sure where his mind is and I have a sense that he needs to have a clear mind and clear focus for this time right now.
Also, he really needs to have a BM….. like major!
amy
10/4 (from Amy, posted on 10/5)
Well, unexpectedly we got a visit from the speech therapist today and Donny was approved to EAT- finally ! yay! well, for now, he is only allowed to eat puree textured items.
Then…. ta-dah!…. he finally had his bowel movement. Some of you know I am tempted here to give you every detail, but alas, I will spare you:)
Also, he has backed down (surprisingly with no big resistance) on some of his pain/anxiety meds!
Tonight when he had to say goodnight to my dad and brother, he was awake and alert. That was a huge blessing too.
Many more hills to climb: PT comes by tomorrow to do an assessment, our goal is to get off of the continuous pain med cycle and just have pain meds as needed, eating, and personal hygiene activities will be a challenge to start doing my himself again.
Thanks for all of your prayers
Amy
October 6, 2009
I spoke with the doctor last night at midnight, he stopped by to check on Donny’s progress. We have encountered a huge group of caring healthcare professionals here at Fresno Community Hospital, for which we are grateful. He tells me that Donny’s progress is nothing short of amazing and that they feel like they have the infections on the run. Only trouble is that it is hard to clinically prove because of the long lab growth rate for these types of infections and funguses. Donny and Amy had a conversation today about the Lord taking Donny through this final lap of Victory….. It is beautiful to see them join with one heart and mind with such looming pain. I told Donny to hold on to the bottom of the cross and just keep pulling himself up; The Cross will hold. It is sweet to hear his voice after him not being able to talk for those few days. Cynthia comes to cheer him on and says “DONNY! I love you and the whole world is calling out your name to Jesus, you can do this!” He smiles at his little cheerleader sister. This is very difficult for him because of the huge levels of pain that he is encountering and his body refusing to come with him on the journey. But, today, he decided none of that mattered. The devil and his pain would have to take a back seat while he pushes forward to the Cross. He is resting comfortably right now. Seems like every State in the Nation has contacted us along with several international destinations………. thank you so very much. Many of you have taken time off of work to beseech God for our Donny and churches are holding prayer vigil for him. Just a little more push and he’s there.
There are no words that can be found to express our deep appreciation for your care and concern over Donny. To God be the Glory……..
October 7, 2009
Physical Therapy Session today – he sat on the edge of the bed for 70 seconds.
October 12, 2009
The goal today is to stand up! He can eat soft food and is taking very small and slow bites. The strain of TB as it appears, isn’t TB at all… but a weird and strange infection that they are still trying to define… however, it seems to be responding well to the TB medication… go figure!
Sprinkle your glory on this man who waits for you Lord…
October 12; 2:00 pm
….. the feeding tube just came out….. one more step closer to feeling “normal.”
October 12, 2009, 6:00 pm
Donny stood up today for over a minute. Breathing and feeding tubes are out.