Here we are on Sunday night.
Jerry has had a good day in that he has remained completely stable after his two surgeries. He remains intubated this evening in order to ease his breathing so that his body can focus on the other tasks at hand. But once some swelling in his throat goes down, they will remove the breathing tubes and he will resume breathing on his own. This will also allow him to talk and interact again, which is obviously important to everyone. As is stands right now, he is opening his eyes as people come in to see him, and because his movements and efforts need to be extremely minimized, visitors to Jerry are being kept at a minimum.
However, Dennis and Katie are appreciating any visitors, and certainly if they are not able to visit at that moment, they'll tell you so. But PLEASE know that your love and support are SO important to them, and the hope that you are offering to them is exactly what they need to keep moving forward.
Earlier today the MacCallister family sat and read your comments and prayers for them, and truly, they were entirely overwhelmed. As they took turns going to the hospital cafeteria to get internet access, they would see the hit count of the blog climbing by the hour. Consider for a moment how it would feel to learn that people all over the world, many that you have never even met, are praying for your son? Truly, it's stunning to imagine.
For any of you that are following Jerry's story and do not know the MacCallister family personally, I want you to know that you will not find a family that loves each other more fiercely. Both Dennis and Katie have made incredible sacrifices as they have raised their four children, and each of their kids are remarkable. They work hard at all that they do, they are respectful and universally liked. They also know how to have a good time, how to enjoy life and push the limits--achieving and excelling in all that they do. This family will find the good in this situation, they will be hopeful and they will see blessing in this. So as you pray for them, please also thank God for this fantastic family--that they already know how to work as a team, how to take care of each other and how to take impossible circumstances and find the possibilities.
Please know that your hopes and prayers are what they need the most. If you can, we ask that you drop a comment every single day, letting them know that you are still praying for Jerry. As you comment, please note your first name and your city---it's remarkable to see where people are praying.
If you would like to support them tangibly, certainly financial help is needed. For now, you may send donations to the following address, and make checks payable to Dennis MacCallister directly:
Dennis and Katie MacCallister
c/o Redwood Christian Park
15000 Two Bar Rd.
Boulder Creek, CA. 95006
Dennis and Katie will soon be uploading their own messages and posts to this blog, so keep reading and keep commenting and keep praying. The MacCallister Six thank you.
Yours,
Marci
marci@redwoodchristianpark.com
35 comments:
Im glad to hear that the surgeries went good. And that he will soon be breating on his own. My prayers are with you.Meredith from Wisconsin.
We are also paying for Jerry. Mark for Redding, CA
Dennis, I just want you to know that we are praying for you and your family. Our prayer is that you would tangibly know the love and presence of our Lord. We praise God for the two successful surgeries, that Jerry didn't experience any brain damage and that he has such a loving family to stand beside him. Linda Kay in Felton
Our God is a God of miracles. We will hold your whole family up in prayer in this very trying time. Jane and Mike from Centenary Church, Modesto.
We have been praying for Jerry and will continue to do so. Our love and prayers are with all of you, McAllister's! David and Hollie Shorts - Lodi,CA
Jerry, I don't know you, but Shane O'Leary is my brother in law and he, and his mom, sent my family emails and we wanted you to know that we prayed and are praying for you and your family----keep fighting the good fight.
Aaron and Crystal Toews
Jerry, Dennis, Katie and family,
We are praying for you all. May His peace surround you now.
Sara Moore and fam =)
Our hearts are aching for you but at the same time so full of hope. Love and prayer is pouring out of our valley for you. We are but one of the so many on our knees.
Love from Tamrah, Mitchell & Nolan Pfyl
Our prayers are always heard by our Lord. He is the constant peace. He is beside you. As a mother I know how your heart aches as you sit beside your son. Keep an optimistic heart. We will join you in prayer for Jerry and for the skill of his medical staff. I hope when we check in again the news will make our hearts sing out in joy.
I am so glad that the surgeries have gone well. I wish that I could be with you right now to give you a hug. We are praying for your family and will continue to do so.
Frances Allred
Bakersfield
Having gone through this with my brother, I hurt along with you all. Please know I am sending healing thoughts to all of you: Jerry, and your family. Please accept everyone's positive thinking, healing thoughts, and prayers to add to the "stream of consciousness" which surrounds us all and helps everyone to heal.
It is a joy to hear that the surgeries went well. My prayers go out to your family. I continue to pray for a miracle in your sons life as well as in your family.
Bethany, The Ashram, Modesto
As I sit here reading these truly amazing posts, I feel a comfort around my family. Jerry is resting comfortably, my wife is resting, and the rest of my family is well taken care of. I owe this to all of you. It is something I can only hope in my lifetime to repay. I truly cannot express in words what this means to myself and my family. As I get ready to lay down my head tonight, I think of a few versus that have helped me in the past.
Phil 4:6
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God"
And
Math 6:34
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about it's own things. Sufficient for the day is it's own trouble."
With Gods love and the love of all of you, I can truly rest tonight.
Thank you all, each and every one of you,and God bless.
Dennis, Katie and all of the MacCallister family
Dearest Macs, you all continue to be in the forefront of our thoughts and prayers. Lynne Beard will be Jerry's RT again on Monday and Tuesday. You are all in the best place for head and neck trauma! The campus ministry team at Samford University in B'ham, AL will be putting forth your family, beginning tomorrow as they begin their new term. Gracious Father, we are grateful for the moments of improvements, the dedication of the team of doctors and nurses tending to your faithful servants, Katie and Dennis. Through your mercy and grace bless them in this moment. The faithfulness so many are living as they support this family is testimony to your loving presence in our lives. Father, continue to allow us to be your handiwork as we begin this journey with them. Thank you, Lord, for the tiny miracles that abound!
With love, Trish, Buel and Mary
All prayers and hopes are with you and your family. Be strong and faithful and all trusting.... Our God will see you all through.....
Joyce from Lakewood Illinois
We are praying for a total healing for Jerry and strength for the family. Elizabeth from Mississippi.
Dennis, Katie and Family -
We continue to lift Jerry and all of you up in prayer. Every time I check in on the blog it brings me to tears to read the comments. I'm so glad that the surgeries went well and that you were able to rest.
We pray for continued healing, grace, peace and love to surround each of you.
Love, Tara & Mark (Ben Lomond)
Hey guys! Mom has been keeping Sarah (my wife) and I updated on Jerry's condition, and we have been keeping you all in our prayers over the weekend. I'm working as a yoht leader out here in Philly, and last night our youth and I prayed for you as well. I haven't had the opportunity to see you all (my cousins, uncle, and aunt!) since I was in high school, but I remember your kindness and love. I was excited to hear that the surgeries went well, and will continue to pray through Jerry's recovery, that his body heals and that you all find peace through this rough time.
-Kevin (and Sarah) Lester
Philadelphia, PA
Dennis, it's jackson Kunz wanted to let you and the family know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Jerry is a good man that has the strength to pull through anything in my eyes. I wish you all the strength in his recovery. Hope to hear more with love Jackson Kunz
Jerry, Denis and Katie...
Know that you are being lifted up in prayer by your Redwood family at Centenary Church in Modesto. Our God is a God of healing and hope, of strength and sustinance, of courage and comfort. May you feel the power of His presence, protection and provision today and always. He loves you, and He is with you!
With love and blessings,
Mark and Pam Vasche / Modesto
Jerry, Katie and Dennis,
I don't know you but I know many people who do. My daughter is an SLV student. Our families thoughts and prayers are with you all. Please keep the faith.
The Stevenson, Smith, Holtzclaw family.
Our Jeremiah,
We love you so much and have been praying for you and your entire family. We know in our hearts that you will make a full recovery because we need you back here in Daytona to help us with our computer problems. Seamus and Skylar miss you so much. We will be out to see you as soon as we can find a free weekend after school starts. And Mr. MacCallister, don't you worry about Embry-Riddle- tell me what you need me to do and I'll take care of it.
We love you Jermy!
Leah K. Blaine and Caitie G. Blaine
WE LOVE YOU!
Katie and Den, just to let you know, I have a picture of our boys in my office. They are at RLS and the whole team is laughing because Luke just got soup poured all over his head. Jerry has a grin a mile wide and I am reminded to say a prayer for him each time I look up from my keyboard. Prayers work wherever we are and whatever we are doing.God will answer them. I love you all.
Gretch (Ben Lomond,CA)
Katie and Den, just to let you know, I have a picture of our boys in my office. They are at RLS and the whole team is laughing because Luke just got soup poured all over his head. Jerry has a grin a mile wide and I am reminded to say a prayer for him each time I look up from my keyboard. Prayers work wherever we are and whatever we are doing.God will answer them. I love you all.
Gretch (Ben Lomond,CA)
Hi Dennis, Katie and family,
We love you. Our prayers are constant. Jeff and I were with my parents, Walt and Jean Westfall, in Oregon and Bill was kind enough to call my father. We have been praying since he called. We contacted Ryan and he too sends all of you his love. Walt remembers fondly the first time Dennis, you found yourself at RCP. Jean recalled the first time she met Katie and the little ones. I think one keeps RCP in their hearts forever. You are in our hearts and our prayers everyday.
The Westfall/Smith Family
Dennis and Katie,
I've got all of K-LOVE and Air 1 praying for you and for Jerry. And I posted the requests on our network websites. I have heard so many stories of hope regarding these types of injuries where once the trauma and swelling has subsided, so does the paralysis. That's my prayer for Jerry - complete recovery!
I love you,
Laurie, Rocklin/Sacramento
You are all in my heart & prayers! One of the songs we sang in worship yesterday was "You Never Let Go". How amazing our God is and He never, ever let's go of us - especially in truly trying times. May His peace and comfort fill each of you as His amazing healing is at work in Jerry.
Grace, Peace & Love - Tammie, Crosswalk/Sunnyvale
Hi you guys, just wanted to let you know that Henry and I are praying for Jerry, his doctors, and for the whole family. We're asking friends to pray, too. I'm praying that God will give you peace and let you feel that He is close to you at this time. We love you guys and even though we haven't seen each other for a long time, you're my family. I love you all.
Sincerely,
Colleen and Henry Hernandez
Anaheim, California
Mitchell and I just finished reading your updates we are so grateful for them as it somehow makes us feel closer to Jerry. We continue to pray for your family and hope it won't be long before we can come for a visit.
Bless you all
We love you guys and we are praying everyday for Jerry and your family. Much love the berlins
MacCallister's,
I'm having a hard time getting this through this blog thing. I've typed 3-4 messages. We are praying for Jerry, myself, my family and my students at Baymonte Christian School.
Love,
Glenn for Jennifer, Josh, Matt, and Sarah Davis
Dennis, Katie, Jerry, Janae, Josh, and Jessica,
It worked. Jennifer sent me a text message while I was teaching at Baymonte. We stopped our class and immediately prayed for Jerry and you all, as I did with the other 2 classes I teach there. I am so sorry to hear about the accident. We believe in a God who heals. A friend and colleague, Laurie Lee, was healed by God of pancreatic cancer. I felt God's healing power when I had hepatitis A and malaria. He can do anything. May He touch Jerry's body and take away the paralysis. May God comfort and encourage all of you.
Love,
Glenn for Jennifer, Josh, Matt, and Sarah Davis
Hey...
I know I haven't talked to any of you in a while, been keping myself busy with work. I'm glad to hear that the surgeries had gone well. I'm constantly praying for our family and especially Jerry. Don't forget that any of you can call me without any hesitation. I love you guys. I hope to see everyone soon.
Love your cousin,
Erin
My niece shared this devotional with me and it spoke to me of all that you are facing.
The Metamorphosis
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.
—Romans 5:3-5
There is a story of a boy who found a caterpillar and brought it home. Shortly thereafter, the caterpillar began building her cocoon. The boy knew that one day, when the time was right, she would emerge and spread her beautiful wings. The boy couldn’t wait! So each day he checked on his caterpillar until one day he noticed a tiny hole. It was time. But as the boy watched, he could see that the butterfly was struggling. So, with a pair of scissors, he carefully opened the cocoon to free the butterfly. The butterfly emerged, but her wings were small and shriveled and her body swollen. The butterfly ne ver did fly.
What the boy came to learn was that a part of the metamorphosis for the butterfly was the struggle. In order for the butterfly to fly, it needed to work its way through the small hole. That is how it builds its wing and body strength to fly. Even though the boy was trying to help, in the end, he only hurt the butterfly.
A lot of times, if given the option between the difficult path versus the easy path, I readily choose the latter. It is not pleasant to suffer or struggle. But oftentimes, it is a part of the process of growth. It is true: We grow most through experiences which push us to our limits. Yet regularly, we avoid the struggle ourselves, or else as parents, we help our kids avoid the struggle. In the end, like the boy, instead of helping ourselves or others, we only cause long-term hurt.
It seems bizarre to rejoice in our sufferings, but the story of the butterfly illustrates why it is not necessarily a bad thing to go through trying times. This is where growth comes. God uses life’s difficulties to help us grow into stronger and better people. These problems develop perseverance, which in turn deepens our character. This then leads to hope, because it deepens our trust and relationship with God
Hey jerry and the rest of the McAllisters it's Adam Berry. I would like to start off by saying that im glad that jerry has done so well and that miracles have blessed him in so many ways. When I heard of the accedent, it stunned me, because I have never had a friend as good as jerry is, get hurt so badly. It made me stop to think about all the awesome times that we have had and how many hilarious moments we have laughed till we cried. I hope you get better jerry, just keep up the strength and integrity that you have always had. With much love,
Adam Berry
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