Saturday, June 27, 2009

Happy Birthday Jerry the Big 20

I wrote this blog yesterday but had trouble posting the slide show, so here it is a little late....

Jerry had a wonderful birthday yesterday but before I go into the details I want to back up a day to Thursday. I mentioned in an earlier post that we would be attending the camp guest speaker testimonial/sermon on Thursday evening. We went to Dominican Rehab earlier in the day for therapy, Jerry did the FES hand bike. Jerry's arms seem stronger every time he does the FES hand bike. In the evening we went to the tabernacle to hear Joy Griffin and what an incredible testimony she has. Joy had been a Christian since childhood but had struggled with the feeling in her heart and had been doing some soul searching. Joy was going to college and playing softball when her life was changed forever. Joy played center field and made a dive for a ball during a critical part of the game, actually the game winning catch. When Joy landed she ripped all the muscles from her spine and was paralyzed. She was in so much pain the only comfortable place to be was flat on her back on the floor which is where she spent the next year and a half. Joy really did some soul searching and studying her bible as well as being mentored. She met a man that prayed with her and asked her if she believed God could heal her, they prayed for healing and Joy was healed instantly, she jumped up and ran, she was healed miraculously. The doctors could not explain or even fathom how this could be as the damage to her back was not repairable, it truly was a miraculous healing. At the end of the evening Jerry, Dennis, Jessica and I went forward for prayer for healing for Jerry. It was incredible to close your eyes begin to pray and not be aware of what was going on around you. Then to open your eyes and find about 50 people had come forward either laying hands on Jerry or the person next to them if they couldn't reach Jerry and praying for God to heal Jerry, it was incredible. There is no doubt in my mind that God will heal Jerry, it may not be instant like Joy but he gets stronger everyday and I believe he will walk again and we will praise God for his mercy.

Yesterday was Jerry's birthday and we managed to pull off a surprise party. I should say Jessica managed to pull off a surprise party. Dennis had to work and I took Jerry to SCI-FIT in Pleasanton. Jessica made a cake, picked up pizza, decorated the house, and coordinated with Jerry's friends. Jerry had no idea, he was totally surprised. Here are a few pictures of the party:

Push play to view video....




Enjoy,
Katie

10 comments:

Gabi said...

Happy Birthday Jerry!!!!
Much love from The Crowley's

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Jerry!
From the Slavich Family...

Aunt Teresa said...

Happy Birthday Jerry!! So nice to see every one having a good time. What a wonderful sister you have to do that for you. Jessie You're great!! How impressive the story about Joy, what a beautiful thing.

Candace (and family) in La Grange, CA said...

I was with Thursday night, praying for Jerry. We are firmly convinced Jerry will be healed. It was great to see Jerry at camp! And, Happy Birthday Jerry, no longer the teen. :) and thank you Jessica for making it special. We're still agreeing in prayer here.

Anonymous said...

Jessica- what a total sweetheart you must be, an awesome sister!
Thanks for the cool slideshow and the Nickleback soundtrack - nice touch!
Jerry - such a happy face! great smile!
We believe you will walk again. Always in our prayers.
SFerry

Anonymous said...

Jerry fist of all happy birthday . Just wanted to say the picture's of your party really touched my heart you are surrounded by so much love support family and friend's . My god continue to bless you all have a wonderful day today !!!

Anonymous said...

OK Katie,
You promised not to post my picture but I guess I can forgive you as it was an awesome surprise party. Thanks for letting Ed and I join in with the kids.

Jess,
You are the "hostess with the mostess". You pulled off an amazing party and it looked like you had as much fun as we all had. Your'e the sweetest sister anyone could ask for too!

Jer,
What a party weekend, you must be exhausted. First the birthday party Friday then the Land party on Saturday and then Sunday the Transformers, pizza and frozen yogurt.
I bet you slept like a log last night.

Praying for healing and a nausea free day.
Praying for extra energy for Dennis and Katie.
Praying for a safe and fun trip for Jessica. (Slug it out of the park.)

Lot's of love coming your way,
Gretchen

Frank MacCallister Jr said...

Jerry,

Happy "20th" to you big guy it's nice to see you haven't forgotten how to party.

Jessie pat yourself on the back for pulling this surprise birthday party off. I know everyone appreciates everything your doing. I knew you were an amazing girl but how do you pull of a .750 batting average with all that you do?

I see Josh is growing a beard. I wonder if it's a just a phase or if he has had it for awhile like dear old dad?

It's smoking hot up here. I hope it's a little nicer down there.

To Dennis and Katie your my heroes.

Trish said...

Hey Macs,

That was a blast. Sorry to have had to have cut out early with Mary as her ankle was singing to her by the time I dragged her outta there. You guys know haw to have a party!!!

Smiles, laughter, hugs, kisses, pats on the shoulder, ripping good-times- memory-maker to be sure.

Thanks for the memories. Blessings to each and every one of you. And to the young people who live according to, "Love one another as I have loved you!"

Trish

Anonymous said...

I just wanted to thank you for sharing about the womens testimony of her miraculous healing and I want you to know that I am in agreement with you for Jerry's healing, the word of God says that Jesus went about healing all those who had various illnesses and diseases and they were all healed and Jerry is part of all. Your family is continually in my prayers.

Rebecca