Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Connecting

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this story so far is the far-reaching circle of friends that have surrounded the MacCallisters. People that they have never known or met are praying diligently and passionately for the healing of Jerry's body. Hits to this blog have come from across the nation, as well as from Canada, Malaysia, Europe and the UK.

This is astounding.

As the days go by, those of us that love this family will continue to be connecting. And as of tonight, there are new ways to do so.

For those of you on Facebook, a group has been started. Just sign in and search for "Following Jerry" or click here.   Our hope is that by seeing the faces of those that are supporting this family, we all will be inspired and encouraged to press on.

Please also check out the site for Rider Down, an organization that supports those suffering from injuries sustained while riding. Upon hearing of Jerry's story, this organization has already sent the MacCallisters a care package and monetary donation. So, click the logo to your right and check them out.

Also, for those of you that are local, we will soon be announcing a meeting time and place for those interested in working on some fundraising events. Any of you that know the MacCallisters know that this is a family that knows how to have a good time....so, we are sure going to show them one.

So, stay tuned. Stay hopeful. Stay prayerful. Your love and support MATTER. Even if you have never met Jerry or his family, just knowing that Jerry's story has reached you encourages them. So please comment liberally and often---don't be afraid to leave your kind words here on this site.

Thanks today to all of you who are working so hard "behind the scenes"--Kris, Cheryl, Monica, Caitlin, Jennifer and probably many, many more. May you all be blessed abudantly today.

Good Night to all,
Marci

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

My family and I are still praying for you Jerry.

Anonymous said...

Hey Jerry I'm wishing you the best of luck in your recovery and my family and I are praying for you. I'm hoping to come up from school within the next week or two to try and see you.

Torie

Anonymous said...

Hey Jer,
I loved reading about your determination to get your mom to understand just what you wanted when listening to your ZONE. Marci posted the lyrics and they are right on the money! We're loving on you and helping your folks and sibs.

Watch, O Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight and give Your Angels and Saints charge over those who sleep. Tend Your sick ones, O lord Chris. Rest Your weary ones, soothe Your suffering ones, All for Yours love's sake. Amen

Love ya,

Trish, Buel and Mary

Anonymous said...

Hey Jerry, We love you so much, we continue to pray for you daily and know that with your determination that you will over come this. Katie,Dennis,Josh,Janea and Jessica we also continue to pray for peace and joy for each and everyone of you.

Love Uncle Mark & Aunt Brenda

Anonymous said...

Dennis,

Please know Boulder Creek Community Church is praying for you and your family. I cannot imagine how you must be feeling. As a father I would be overwhelmed.
It is at these times I am grateful God is with us. I pray you will know his presence in a powerful and loving way.

Blessings,

Pastor Mike

Anonymous said...

Hi MacCallisters,

We're thinking of you all the time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You are that family that all families look up to. Your commitment to family and community is amazing. Best of luck to you during this difficult time and speedy recovery, Jerry!

Love, The Harrington's

Anonymous said...

Hi Dennis and Katie,
My name is Melynne Rust, and I am the chaplain at Embry-Riddle. I just received word last night of Jerry's accident, and wanted to let you know we have placed him and your family on our chapel prayer list, which means that all of you will be in the prayers of many of the people in our Embry-Riddle community. If I can be of any assistance to you on this end, please do not hesitate to contact me (rustm@erau.edu, 386-226-6007). As I have read through the posts and comments (and of Jerry's name being short for Jeremiah), I am reminded of the verse in Jeremish 29:11: "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." I really like this verse because it reminds us that God does not wish (and certainly does not cause)harm to come to us, but rather is always at work to bring about good for us, even out of tragic accidents. May you be blessed with hope as you journey this path. Each of you remain in my prayers.

Melynne Rust,
Chaplain, Embry-Riddle University,
Daytona Beach, Florida

Anonymous said...

Dear McCallisters,

I was just reading the story of Lazerus in John. I was impressed how Jesus cared not only for Lazerus but also for his family. He wept over their suffering.

As Jesus loved Lazerus, Mary and Martha may you know that Jesus loves and cares for you.

Linda : )

Anonymous said...

Dear MacCallisters,
We are wanting you to know that we are still praying for a miracle, and for continued strength for all of you. I submitted a prayer request for Jerry to be completely healed to the St. Padre Pio foundation, I can't remember which church (some big one somewhere in USA), but it was an official request! I believe in miracles. I am praying to St. Padre Pio too- even though I'm not Catholic, He still hears us IMO.
Laura, my daughter, and Jessie are already researching the internet for all the latest in high tech that Jerry might benefit from. Laura was very excited to report that Jerry would still be able to play video games! Some really high tech 'hat' it seems! Laura tells me that Jessie has a picture of him, Jerry, & Josh on his 'fridge' that he put there after moving into his tiny apartment a few months ago.
In my book, having your picture on a friend's 'fridge' is an honor!
To Jerry - Jessie & Laura will be there to visit just as soon as your folks give the o.k., meantime know that they are praying & thinking positively.
To Katie, I don't know you but I wake in the middle of the night and think/pray to God, that, well, if I am awake, then please give my sleep to Katie MacCallister who needs it more than I do. Sort of corney sounding I know.
We continue to pray for Jerry & you all.
Sharon Ferry, Laura Ferry, David Ferry and Julie too, Laura's little sister.

Anonymous said...

Hello
Reading this blog and the posts of so many I have been moved to tears. The faith and hope surrounding your family is one of the most moving things i have ever witnessed. The people around you have obviously been so blessed by your presence in their lives, and now you are incredibly blessed by their presence in yours. I grew up in the valley and went to SLV from kindergarten until I graduated in 1988. I too grew up in a very loving and supportive family I could rely on for support. Now I have my own children and your story has reminded me to make a conscious effort to appreciate every moment I spend with them no matter what that moment might bring. I pray that your family stays strong and healthy and that Jerry's recovery is not only complete, but remarkably...miraculously quick. Each night my children and I say the "Prayer for Protection" for the different people in our lives. We will continue to say it for your family as well:
The light of God surrounds you,
The love of God enfolds you,
The power of God protects you,
and the presence of God watches over you,
Wherever you are, God is.

Brooksie Pollack

Anonymous said...

I continue to think of you constantly. I am amazed that your family has become so much a part of my thought and prayer life and I have never even met you! But then, I guess that's what this whole Christian family thing is all about.
I will continue to lift you in prayer and hope that you can rest in our Savior. And rest in the arms of your friends and family. I can tell by these posts and blogs that your family has many, many friends who love you all.

Robin P

Flo said...

I met Jerry, Dennis and Katie for the first time at the hospital this evening. The SCVMC hospital that's all too familiar to me, since I watched my own wife walk out of there after a serious car accident just ten months ago. Jerry looked me in the eyes and seemed bright and alert, but a bit perplexed by the strange man with too much to say who came to visit. Jerry - I hope to let you do all the talking on my next visit. Dennis and Katie both are strong, courageous and very compassionate parents who obviously have tremendous faith. We all want to see the miracle happen here and see this brave young man continue to recover. Take it one day at a time and feel the love from everyone pulling for you.
Be Well!
--Scott;