So, thank you. It's unbelievable.
In keeping with the theme, these days are having both highs and lows. In talking with Katie earlier this evening, that was true for today as well. So, as Katie did in our conversation, I'm going to give you the "harder" aspects first.
The tough part of today was that it was yet another nasty "reality check." As today's meetings went on with his physical and occupational therapists, it became clear that the focus of Jerry's care will be on helping him to become a "functioning quadriplegic." Obviously, the family would like to focus on keeping Jerry's body ready and able to regain movement. So, as they kept on pounding details into Dennis, Katie and Jerry, is was again extremely difficult to accept this angle on Jerry's care.
For example, the therapists will approach Jerry by only exercising the muscles that are "working", instead of exercising out ALL of Jerry, "working" or not. Especially for the next three months, Jerry will be a bit limited by his large neck brace, but beyond the three months of the brace, it did not seem that the plan and angle for his physical therapy would change significantly. This really bothered all three of them, as their personal strategy is to keep Jerry's body in as good of a condition as they can in order to continually improve his chances for a complete and total recovery.
So, we need to pray about this. Pray that Jerry would find a connection with a therapist that sees things differently. Pray that he would be able to keep his mind on what he CAN do, rather then on what he cannot. Pray for Dennis and Katie as they consider and research other options for rehab, pray for their friend Rob as he is madly researching other ideas and angles for Jerry's physical recovery. Overall, pray that Jerry would continue to take things day by day, even minute by minute, as he processes his current reality. Pray that his mind and heart would be protected and that he would continue to hope for more then what he is being presented with.
And as we offer our prayers to God on this day, please also thank Him for the ways that our prayers have so clearly been answered. Because He answered many!
First, Jerry has landed in his OWN room in the Rehab Center! Beyond that, permission has been given for one guest to spend each night with him. This is a huge answer to prayer for everyone, and most certainly all of the MacCallisters are heading into a good night's sleep as I type this update even now.
Second, as Jerry was examined by a large team of doctors from several different hospitals, he was given a short neurological exam. As he was sitting in his wheelchair with his arm at a 45 degree angle, he was able to pull his arm back. He was able to move it about an inch, and Katie, especially, found this to be extremely encouraging. There is some discussion that Jerry may be able to utilize both bicep muscles, and possibly one of his triceps. As part of another test, he was also able to discern some feelings of the vibrations of a hammer type instrument when held against various parts of his body. This, again, seems like something to celebrate!
Next, despite the bizarre circumstance the other day with Jerry's dilated eyes and "fogginess", his MRI has come back completely clear. Whatever it was that caused those symptoms has completely been eliminated, and we are grateful and thanking God for His intervention here.
Last, it seems that Jerry's days in the Rehab Center will be busy, as well as task-oriented, which will help to keep discouragement and boredom somewhat at bay. Some routine will be established in the next few days, and Jerry will begin to be able to have more visitors. Right now, Katie says that his buddies are VERY welcome to swing by. Just call first, and then come over to visit! You all are needed.
Again, thank you to everyone for your comments and posts--every single one is read, most repeatedly and by all six MacCallisters. So, thank you for all of your prayers--they are needed more then ever.
Until tomorrow,
Marci
marci@redwoodchristianpark.com
22 comments:
Thank you for the post, Marci! You have such a way with words - it's like I can hear your voice.
Rob has probably already seen this, but I thought Project Walk out of San Diego looked quite interesting. http://www.projectwalk.org/
I'm continuing to pray for recovery, peace, courage and strength for Jerry and all of the MacCallisters. I apparently had the 3am shift last night... I'm kinda hoping for the 5am or 6am shift tonight, but if I get woken up at 2, then 2 it will be. :)
Tara
Thank you
I am Quinn Rogers' Mom. Quinn has run with Jerry since he was a Freshman at SLV High.
All of these boys could be my own. I feel a special bond with each of the High School runners, as I have given rides, listened to their conversations and know how deeply they can care about each other.
I sing with a group of women who sing bedside to help people who are in extreme places of transition and healing. We are available if this speaks to you.
As a songwriter, this came through, please see it as a prayer for healing:
"Traces of Christmas"
There are traces of Christmas
still in my house
the tattered lace and strands of tinsel
the remnants of ornaments gifted in love
it's gray and it's winter
truly silent are the nights
welcoming a new year
surrendering to a loved one facing the world paralyzed
the memory of joyous sounds of laughter
still haunts my heart
how graciously I receive glimpses
the memory of this season's reunions
past, present commingle and spiral around
a smile breaks through the torn pieces of heart
praying for the mending of this broken young man
who like Icarus dreams to fly;
dreams covered by now melted wax
I cherish these traces of Christmas
still,
in my house,
on this silent night.
Please be steadfast in Knowing Miracles Happen. Do not give up on Seeing Jerry as Whole, fully functional and though doctors give their diagnoses, Miracles Happen through prayer. I have witnessed people in these cases walk again.
In Loving kindness,
Michal Lauren
I was so glad to hear that Jerry can have someone stay with him during the night - did think it was too soon for him to be alone. Is he going to have to stay in the San Jose hospital for the next several months or will he be transferred to a closer hospital or even home (& do his therapy as an outpatient)??
I think the doctors don't want to get Jerry's hopes up & be disapppointed but I truly feel he'll progress much more than any of his doctors think, at this time. They've probably seen too many disappointments but a strong mind & positive attitude can produce some remarkable things. And we have already seen how Jerry's and his families strength has already produced such amazing progress.
Thanks again for keeping us updated Marci. I know so many people who are praying for the MacCallister family and we will all continue for as long as it takes.
Josephine
Dear Maccallister family,In a Bible study I did this summer, I learned that prayer itself is a form of worship to our Heavenly Father,and He delights in our coming to Him,but sometimes ,even though there are specific things mentioned ,its hard to know what to pray for. I have found this verse to be comforting to me in those times. It is Romans 8:26
"And in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Holy Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."
I can rest assured that when I don't know what to pray for ,the Holy Spirit prays for me! That's almost too much for me to comprehend,but I have rested in that promise many times in recent years.
Just know that many prayers have been lifted up to Our Father on your behalf by strangers, friends and the Holy Spirit,and will be continually through this journey.
Prayers are being answered in such visible ways... Jerry, you keep working and we'll keep praying!!
Thank you, Jesus!
That team of doctors doesn't know the MacCallisters very well, do they.
Marci, your posts are marvelous, thank you. How providential that Jerry has his own room and someone can stay with him. IF I am relieved, I can only imagine how Dennis and Katie feel. You two remain in the forefront of our thoughts, prayers and hearts tonight. Sleep well.
While we pray, let us visualize the healing and regeneration of the the damaged vertebra. Let us visualize all the nerve endings knitting together, slowly and steadily. Let us use the knowledge of God's redeeming grace to know He is healing Jerry's body and keeping him safe and secure in mind and body. Let us lay our hands on Jerry to aid his healing- touch is a powerful tool. Shoulder rubs to come for everyone!
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the blessings bestowed on us as a community. You have bonded us to you through this time. May we continue to sing your praise and give thanks for the abundant generosity of friends and strangers alike who are called and compelled to be a part of this amazing roller coaster ride of life. Thank you for Dennis and Katie's example. Amen
Much love to you all,
Trish, Buel and Mary
Praying for all of you.
I woke up at 5:00 this morning, dead bolt, with the impression to pray for you Jerry, that your MIND and HEART would be guarded by our precious Lord. So Lord, RIGHT NOW, GUARD JERRY. Place a sentinel at the foot of his bed and may NOTHING pass through. Grant him the peace that passes understanding. DIRECT him. GUIDE him. Step by step-- day by day. AMEN
Still praying..God has done so much to this point and we are looking forward to even bigger things!! Looking forward to all God has for you Jerry !!
I forgot to thank the Lord for answered prayer-- THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING JERRY A PRIVATE ROOM, THANK YOU, FOR KATIE AND DENNIS, THAT A GUEST CAN STAY OVERNIGHT THERE. What a blessing. Bless Katie. Bless Dennis. Bless Josh. Bless Janae. Bless Jesse. Praise you Jesus, as you guard their minds as well.
You might want to check out Leah Pott's website. She was diagnosed a quadrapalegic after breaking her neck and has been experimenting with stem cell treatments. Whether or not her miraculous improvement can be attributed to this or not, it is another avenue to check out.
Thinking of all of you and remembering you in my prayers. I'll be sending the Avion on to you as soon as they start publishing again this semester, probably next week. May today be a good day, full of blessings, and may it start with the remembrance that just to be is a blessing, just to live is holy.
Chaplain Rust
Embry-Riddle
Praying for JOY for all of you today...
Morning! Is there a specific address for Jerry and Valley Med?
Greeting the morning:
A pessimist gets up, looks out the window and says, "Good Lord, it's morning." An optimist gets up, looks out the window and says, "Good Morning, Lord!"
Blessings on your day!
Trish
Traditional Buddhist Blessing and Healing Chant
Just as the soft rains fill the streams,
pour into the rivers and join together in the oceans,
so may the power of every moment of your goodness
flow forth to awaken and heal all beings,
Those here now, those gone before, those yet to come.
By the power of every moment of your goodness
May your heart's wishes be soon fulfilled
as completely shining as the bright full moon,
as magically as by a wish-fulfilling gem.
By the power of every moment of your goodness
May all dangers be averted and all disease be gone.
May no obstacle come across your way.
May you enjoy fulfillment and long life.
For all in whose heart dwells respect,
who follow the wisdom and compassion, of the Way,
May your life prosper in the four blessings
of old age, beauty, happiness and strength.
Peace,Gabi,Jim and Prisco
You are right to take things day-by-day. God has the future in his hands. Don't be discouraged by today's label from the medical team. That is only for today. God has blessed you mightily in your rapid advancements since your accident. Look in awe and wonder at God has accomplished in less than two weeks!! Praise him for the pizza, your sense of humor, your family both immediate and abroad, Marci's blog, and His grace that is sufficient.
We continue to lift you up in prayer; and anticipate the next outpouring of God's love.
Candace in La Grange
P.S. I love Maui Zowie too! :)
Movement & sensation - wow - sounds like progress to me!
I am a little/alot disgusted to hear that the physical therapy does not include all limbs!! and seems to not be geared towards improvement, let alone staving off atrophy.
I am Thanking God that Jerry, his family, his friends, et. al., ARE JERRY'S #1 TEAM, here to cheer him on, help, believing in His miracles, and believing in Jerry & his strength & determination.
So, Go Jerry Go!!! We'll never stop believing in you.
I echo what Josephine said in her post. Laura's take on the dismal picture the doctor's painted was that it was their job to tell it as THEY see it.... even if they are wrong in our opinions. Doctors are wrong often. (sorry to any doctors reading this, but it is true)
I wish my post here was as uplifting as so many of the posts are. Just know that I continue to quietly pray throughout each day for all that Marci tells us to pray for. Praying for and asking for a miracle - I use my really really loud voice! (attempt at humor here)....
I laughed at Tara's post as she tells of getting the 3 a.m. shift - from the beginning it's been almost automatic, almost instinctive, to wake up in the middle of the night & immediately pray for Jerry, Dennis, Katie.
To Jerry: Laura & Jessie want to visit you tomorrow, Friday - they'll call first - any requests for favorite food? or something? I am sure they would like to visit bearing gifts.
Maybe Marci will be able to answer some of the following questions in her daily update, so here goes:
When can you have a real plant in your room?? We would like to send you a plant for you to watch grow, flower....?
When will you able to receive phone calls from friends? or call them even?
Your room, is there a window? and the walls, need pics, posters,...?
and t.v. - don't suppose there is a dvd player attached to it for you to be able to watch movies?
Continued prayers from all of us here in the Ferry family.
Sharon
I am pretty sure this is the correct address:
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
751 Soulth Bascom Ave.
San Jose, CA 95128(?zip?)
amazing what one remembers after not working somewhere for 20 years!
I used to work there.
Sharon Ferry
Anyone that hasn't clicked on the cluster map on the homepage, should. It is awesome....count how many countries/continents prayers/blog hits there are.
Need hits from African continent lol
Marci-
Thanks for the update, so we know how to pray. We are praying often.
One thing, are Jerry,Katie and Dennis taking communion together?
I pray that you do not let doubt or worry come in. We know doctors do not know all things.But the Lord our God who made Jerry's spine, muscles, tendons, and brain
does. We are waiting patiently for restorative healing. Thank you Lord God for all things, for you love to give your children good gifts, so we await. Come Lord Jesus.
Amen
1 Chronicles 12:18
"Peace to you, and peace to those who help you, for your God will help you."
Zecharariah 3:9
"Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord."
Katie,
You guys probably remember this but remember the story Teresa told you about her co-worker's sister. Teresa said the sister would even be willing to come talk to you and Jerry. She may be able to give you information on resources and how she did it. Teresa's co-worker said, "Don't Give Up".
Stephanie
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