Please note: Please click the link to “Redeeming Moments” for updates.
Second update 9-16
After I came back in the room, Adam was again feeling his hair, I think the two layers and the shaving of part of his head has him perplexed. He was getting sleepy, he had 3 people in this morning and now me. I was massaging his hands and arm on the stiff side, and did his range of motion on his arms with him. He really is seeming to start to recognize certain words, although there is a delay in following them. Especially ‘relax’ when I’m trying to open up his tight left arm. I came around to do his other hand, and I laid my head on his chest and said, “I got my hair cut a few weeks ago, how does it feel to you?” He moved his arm off his own head, onto the back of my hair and began to rub and stroke it and feel it with his fingertips. Instantly the tears flowed and it made me silently weep. One of the shortest and most poignant verses in the Bible (although there are many who move me greatly) is John 11:34. Today I know He understands this mothers sorrowful, yet trusting heart. Here is the verse.
JESUS WEPT.
Adam is resting now, so when he wakes we’ll finish his leg exercises, I don’t want to overtire him. Later I’ll have dinner with my mom and Jason, and catch up on what is going on with my both of them, she’s doing her own paces with my dad.
We finished Adam’s exercises, he seems more limber and less resistant to being stretched, and that makes me happy. 🙂
Update 9-16
Last night I spoke with Dr. Ibrahim about some of the things I’d like. Great bedside manner, thank You Lord, I could use more of those. They are going to do the nebulizer on a regular basis for now, and also keep his sodium levels up into the high 140’s. That makes me happy, it helps keep swelling down in the brain, plus shows this doctor is very aware of how to treat brain traumas.
Our friend Jane went this morning, she was there for his PT session and took a short video. They are working on him sitting up and also moving his legs. We only got one session in the cadillac/cardiac chair at the hospital the whole time he was there, so he is not able to sit up at all yet. Please pray for his strength and balance and continued improvement each day. I had to take leave of his room for a moment so they can do the moving and changing, came to listen to the aid play the piano. Sitting listening, and listening to the buzz and whirring of the floor cleaning machine, and the squeaky footprints of the nurse who tracks across the damp floor. I watch the slow circular motions of the machine, and watch the gentleman push it with ease. I imagine the movements of her fingers as she plays the piano, I do not watch, just pondering, wondering, and silently praying that Adam will be able to do these things some day. But God…
We’re trying to take pictures and videos each and every day and notate changes. He had a day full of women yesterday, and he will today too, although Jason will come in this afternoon. Jason (by the way) is from my Dear John letter of yesterday. Jason also now knows where He will spend eternity. My hope and prayer, as would be Adam’s, is that you too know where you will be. He loves each and every one of you and want you to be with us when we pass from this earth. This again is not about religion (as I saw one of you say, you’d rather just not have to deal with the religious stuff), Jesus and I would both agree. He stood against the religious people of His day, and instead turned to love and teach and eat with the tax collectors, the uneducated, the fisherman, the drunks, the prostitutes — healing the lepers, the blind, the deaf, the lame, the ones that the religious walked by in the story of the Good Samaritan.
This is about a God who loves you and gave Himself for you. You can do nothing to save yourself, and nothing to earn this free gift of eternal life. Please feel free to email or call me if you want to know more. If you’re tired of the churches who advocate stopping sinning, or turning from sin, or being sorry enough, or any of the things religion teaches to be saved, then please consider the Word of God. ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved’. We are sinners in need of a Savior who cannot fix ourselves. I am still very much human as those of you who know me in person can attest. I am a saved person though, and one the Lord is helping all the time as I cooperate with Him. Not because of any good I have done, and not because I myself am good, but because God alone is good, and has done all the work for me, He is the Savior and Redeemer, no one else. Come to Him all of you who are weary, tired, exhausted (with toil or burdens or grief), burdens and loads too hard for you. He says, He will give you rest. (my narrative of Matt 11:28-30)
Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. John 14:1-3
Update 9-15
Yesterday was a pretty good day although Adam is stilling having trouble with his oxygen levels, so appreciate the prayers for that. If he can’t cooperate for therapy we will be delayed there too, so pray that he will ‘hear’ and respond to commands at the appropriate times. By the time I left last night, it was dark and cloudy all around, I had no idea that it was storming. What a downpour last night, and a nice sunny day today. We have some paperwork, one form alone is 32 pages. Another is on it’s way certified mail. Notarizing and filing other paperwork, my body doesn’t seem to want to obey my mind ❤ But then I think Adam is dealing with much worse issues. He’s heavy to move, so pray that we can get him enough range of motion in. My daughter is with him now, and his friend Wendy should show up soon. Tierney said he was not real cooperative with speech therapy, so really praying that will change quickly.
I received a beautiful bouquet of peach roses (love those and the lavender ones too. My other daughter is going to see Adam shortly, and my newest daughter, Amber, will be there with him this evening. Pray for us to rest in His guidance, yet accomplish what we need to do as the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. One consolation we have through this, is the Lord has not forsaken us. I know Adam knew where he would be if he died, not of himself, but because of what Jesus Christ had done for him, and freely given to him. This link below contains a “Dear John” letter I wrote to an agnostic friend before a serious surgery. Please consider reading it will you? Love in Jesus Christ to each one of you. I love and appreciate you. Holly (Mom).
Update 9-13
Today Adam is pretty wakeful. His dad covered this morning, and then I came and did some of his exercises. We took them slow as to not let his heart beat go up too fast. My mom came around 2, and she stayed for a couple of hours. We did some washing of his hands and feet, just massaging with the warm cloths and doing each knuckle and cuticle. He seemed to relax quite a bit and let me do some more stretches. Took off his boots and gave him a nice foot massage and adjusted his feet so his knees were bent a little. He’s been awake most of the time I’ve been with him. I held his hand, and he mimicked everything I did, rubbing each knuckle and squeezing and almost rolling my fingers. I told him I loved him and then I prayed for him out loud. Tears welled up, but I consciously kept them from flowing (at least from where he could see). I want him to see a cheerful mom. I prayed a prayer, mostly from His Word for a friend today, I think I’ll share it here, as I know so many are having hard times. They are changing positions for Adam so I’m out of the room. This is basically just all from God’s Word, just put together as a prayer. God bless you all, hug you, comfort you, give you peace.
Lord, you are the greatest Deliverer, there is none like You. You are so full of mercy and grace, and such love for us. We know these trials are here to make us strong, and we know that You use these things and work them together for good. We also know the enemy is active out there, so I am praying for You to raise that standard against Him and rebuke him on our behalf. We submit ourselves to you and are resisting the enemy with Your Word.
You are our help, and when our feet slip, Your mercy holds us up Lord, in the multitude of our anxious thoughts, Your comforts delight our soul. Our soul clings to the dust, but Your Word revives us. Our soul melts from heaviness, yet again Your Word strengthens us. You wrote these things ahead of time, that through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope.
Oh God, You are our God, early we seek You…our soul clings to You and Your right hand upholds us. Let our enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled. Let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly. Let us use sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that they might be ashamed and have nothing evil to say of us. We will call upon You, for You are worthy to be praised.
Your lovingkindness is commanded each day, Your song is over us at night. Soon we will shed these corruptible bodies and be with You face to face. What a day that will be, to be rid of this flesh where evil still dwells. We long to do better, and to please You with our faith. I know I’ll never be a hall of famer like my brothers and sisters before me (Heb 11), but Lord help us to acknowledge You in more of our ways. WE need You, we cry out to You to deliver us from our troubles. We pour out our hearts before You. We know this light affliction is but for a moment, and we ask that it will work a far more exceeding weight of glory as we look to those things which are eternal.
Help us in our weakness, and work in us through these things. Help us to bless those that curse us. To be patient with those who are inpatient, and to be kind to the unkind. To be considerate to the inconsiderate, and loving to those who are unloving. All I can say Lord is we need you to hedge us in before and behind us, lay Your hand upon us. Surround us with Your protection. And give us courage and boldness to speak of You to others. We love You Lord. Thank You for Your salvation, for coming to give Your life for us… Help us to get through today with thankfulness in our hearts, and praise on our lips.
In Jesus name, Amen
Update 9-12
Adam is mainly settled in, we have still to await the Physical and OT therapy. Respiratory therapy has met with him, and spent a lot of time with him today and tonight. He is called ‘productive’ so praying they stay on top of that overnight. Thank you all for your prayers for strength, wisdom, gentleness, kindness, patience, etc.
As I watch my son, and see what he cannot do, I realize more each moment how we need to be thankful for each thing the Lord has given to us and pray that these things will be restored to Adam.
Update 9-11/12-2015
ps 126-5-6Yesterday and the day before, we’ve been viewing and re-viewing the facilities. Two different friends went to look at two different facilities at separate times, along with Jason, and I of course had to go see them also. Adam’s dad went to the one in Scottsdale, so did Jason, and we were fine with that facility. We also met with the representative a few days ago for Q & A. But, they denied him, they felt he was not medically stable enough although he did not give that as a reason to the social worker, they just denied him.
I made a final run with a friend last night to two places. The first was one my dad had been in years ago for a short time, still really no better. When I had my tour he pointed out a bunch of respiratory staff, about 5 of them standing around, I saw no one but patients in rooms and most of them dark and it was only about 6:30. Most of the nurses and CNA’s were standing in the hallways. I forced myself to continue, but kept looking for a nurse in a room, didn’t seen one nurse in one room, poor things, I wanted to go in and talk to them all. But I couldn’t wait to get out of there! But, I didn’t want to have any guilt about leaving one stone unturned.
I was pretty much already settled on the one facility due to Jason’s report which was detailed, along with the email report my other friend had sent the day before. All of us spoke to different staff members on our tours. It seemed we covered a speech therapist, a respiratory therapist, an administrator, and a pulmonologist — along with a friendly staff member who had worked there 15 years. It has changed quite a bit since I saw it last, it looks great, but more than that, everyone looked busy. And happy and pleasant too. I realize there can always be good staff with personality conflicts, or good people that have bad days, or sometimes — just plain poor staffing, but it looks like this place has some very good standards in place. Hands down, this facility wins out of all my limited choices.
The other TBI rehabs out of town he is not quite ready for. I was looking at Atlanta, Shepherd Center, and a couple others. Barrows Neurological says he is not quite ready for them yet either, however Adam is making strides now that some of his morphine has been changed, I feel like we can reach him more, he is more alert, and is making more purposeful movements.
We’ve had a lot of challenges, Jason has been a huge help each day, and in the midst of all chaos, he is getting ready to start his chemo (which will be daily), so I appreciate your prayers for him also. He just patiently lugs around my stuff, drives me to the closest entrance, parks, does paperwork, listens to me when I am upset, makes sure I’m fed, etc. May the Lord really bless him for his servanthood towards me and my family.
I also have neglected my father with taking care of these things with Adam, my mind is in a flurry of trying to remember every thing I need to do, and that is one thing I don’t think some people comprehend in their daily job, is that the family is in shock, no matter what they may appear to look like from the outside. And of course, they also want the best care for their family. But I think the Lord has helped here as the two facilities won’t be too far from each others, so we’ll be able to see both of them with more ease, thank You Lord for Your goodness to us.
I highly encourage all of you to be sure you have someone who has a power of attorney for you, none of us are immune from having something happen in a moment. We are not promised tomorrow. The maze of paperwork and courts and banking, and paying bills, etc. is multiplied exponentially without one. Adam said he had done one, but his roommates look, and unfortunately it is nowhere to be found. Please consider a trusted friend or family member. I’m only saying this to save any of you from the same hardship should something like this happen to you or a loved one.
I went over his discharge papers yesterday, they had made a few simple mistakes and left out a few things that she and I made notations on, I think we have it all situated, I appreciated Eileen’s help.
Here is something that is really neat. The doctor who is going to be taken care of him, the one that is recommended, IS from Barrow’s neurological institute, the one I have asked for, and the social worker kind of had a twinkle in her eye and a smile on her lips, when she asked if it bothered me if that was where he was going. I thought he’d have to only go to JC Lincoln, but she said they worked with Barrows too. I wanted to jump up and down for joy. I am not saying I did not have some good doctors and nurses at Scottsdale Osborn, I surely did, but I do not want the one neurologist again, ever. He may be able to save lives, I am sure of that, but he can sure steal joy.
Right now we are asking for people to comment here if they want to visit or help with any of the therapies. Give us an email so we can arrange times with you. We will let you all know when visiting will be allowed again and will do a group email. This is just to give time for him to be assessed and given his therapies and to know his schedule and how much stimulation he can take. This place encourages interaction, and I am getting organized with my team of volunteers 🙂 Adam is leaving the hospital now, and will be in his new rehab shortly. Thank you all for your goodness to us and your prayers.
We have probably had 25,000 views (is my guess), since the accident, so I know many of you are coming to check in. I also have seen those of you who have been copying and pasting and sharing my posts in groups, and those do not show up as views here, so who even knows how many have been reading and praying with us? I have been told by countless of you that your church, your prayer group, your Bible study are out there praying. For that, I shed tears of gratefulness. I can’t tell you how much each of you have meant to me, my son has loved many people, he has such a kind heart as you all know, and it’s been a pleasure to meet you all, from all walks of life, all ages, just overwhelming.
Red Robin has been supportive too, I urge you all to visit your local Red Robin, and tell them why. You can visit their website and tell them you are patronizing Red Robin on Adam Hixson’s behalf. 🙂
As for Chris and Cristine, yesterday Cristine says she has also seen changes including Chris puckering up his lips to give her a kiss. Made me tear up. Bless them with a miracle Lord.
If you like, here you can read up on the man who is to be Adam’s neurologist, fondly known as Dr. Rocky Marciano.
Update 9-10-15
Yesterday was another long day, my body stopped doing too well, lots of charlie horses in my legs and feet. Thank the Lord for boys who would help me by massaging them, and some potassium, magnesium and heating pads. Made me think of how necessary it is to really continue Adam’s range of motion exercises. I started collecting things I thought might help for some brain work, some different shaped and colored balls, and a brush for his senses, and a plastic pill container and a few other things. We need to keep him limber. I had help yesterday so we got his exercises done, and a few of his friends also stopped by, along with his father who usually comes in the morning time, so he has a good support system. We’re going to try to get that organized for visits once we know where we are. Thank you all for understanding when I put you off for now. We do not know where he will be one day to the next, both in health or location. He had a rough day yesterday with lots of drops in oxygen and the necessity for deep suctioning of his lungs. They are supposed to order a nebulizer, I don’t know if that has been done yet.
I called also to ask a doctor to fill out the paperwork needed for the judge for temporary guardianship. The Nurse Practitioner of yesterday handed it back to us and said she wasn’t going to fill it out, to get it done at the facility wherever he went. So in the meantime it has been delayed even further due to her refusal to do this. I put in a call to the social workers and explained my frustration at this delay. They are the ones who have been taking care of him for three weeks, they are the ones that have told me he’ll be incapacitated for the rest of his life (Dr. Hu), but they cannot help me by filling out the paperwork I need to take care of his affairs? Please pray for someone to actually help vs. make excuses. Yesterday I mentioned to the one social worker, that she was supposed to be Adam’s advocate. I had told her the facility had mentioned his instability and she said, “no, they did not say that, they gave no reason”. I had to explain to her that they did indeed say that they felt he was too unstable to be moved yet, and that they did not like that he was neuro storming (according to NP) and that he hadn’t been cultured since 8-26. That it was traumatic for patients to be moved back and forth. And I explained there was a witness to that. So she listened at that point. It seems once a particular doctor decides to take a negative attitude, they must all follow suit and either stay quiet or disagree with something that is said. I really am doing my best to be kind and gentle, so please keep praying. Again, there are most definitely some good caregivers there, and you can see some are very compassionate.
Today there is supposed to be another option for a skilled nursing facility, so I am waiting for a call. The other one which we had pretty much settled upon denied him. We believe we have already settled on another. The gentleman who came from the first facility made a comment about not knowing if he was stable enough to move. Since the NP said he was still storming and that is why they were administering so much morphine, he didn’t seem very confident, and I guess I read that one right. On one hand it’s frustrating, yet it also can be the Lord opening and shutting doors.
I did receive a call at 12:48 pm today from the social worker, they are working still on the one facility, they are looking at a 24 to 48 hour discharge from the hospital, and I told her that was fine assuming he is doing well. We talked about the NP handing the paperwork back to me and not filling it out, she said she would advocate for me to get that done. I have to confess, that the ‘feelings’ of trust are not always there, although I do trust God implicitly, sometimes it is scary as we advocate for our loved ones, not wanting to make any errors, and yet feeling as if in a fog. And then to have adversaries who you feel are supposed to help, it is overwhelming at times. I go by what I know, and that is the Lord is good, and has always been good and faithful to me, even when I was or am not faithful. I am so thankful that it is not how good I am, but how good He is to us. I am leaning on His everlasting arms ❤
May we remember this today.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;
and lean not unto thine own understanding.
In all thy ways acknowledge him,
and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Update 9-9-15
I couldn’t bring myself to post any more of my day yesterday, it was one of the most difficult for me. Talk about brain neuro storming, it feels like it’s what happens with me too, information overload and upset caregivers. It makes it especially difficult when you have a hostile or calloused doctor/nurse practitioner. My nurse practitioner yesterday was a beautiful, thin blonde, with unfortunately a not very understanding or listening personality, at least when it comes to me. It’s hard to describe to these people what they are doing to those who are the walking wounded. The patient’s family is in trauma and instead of treating them with understanding and gentleness. (don’t get me wrong, there are several who were excellent), some feel they are doing you a service by pronouncing a death sentence or in your face ‘bluntness’. Worse, they ignore your health concerns because it seems as if they have written him off.
Yesterday and the night before, Adam had alarmed in the late 80s and early 90s he was staying at for his O2 levels. He also did get some time in the ‘cadillac’ chair and had some more events of tachycardia after about 45 minutes. It didn’t set off the alarm, so they must have raised the number again, but I looked over to see 138 bpm. His nurse was right on it, we got him out of the chair and laying back down, the last couple days of nurses were a pleasure.
The nurse practitioner said none of it was concerning for her, that was pretty normal, but I told her it was a change we hadn’t seen plus his breathing was shallow and that was one of the side effects of mixing the new medicines with morphine. She just said I wasn’t recognizing his condition and this is just him having his good days and bad days. Maybe she was having one of hers, because she told me she was frustrated with me, and didn’t understand what I didn’t understand and had to go back into the notes with Dr. Doom to see what I hadn’t been able to grasp (I mean Dr. Hu).
She told me she had already told me he was discharged and I told her I didn’t have anyone tell me at anytime that he was discharged (as in past tense). She came back hard with, “Yes, I most certainly did tell you last Thursday or Friday”. I said I had seen no papers and she said they didn’t do them? I wish they might understand that if they really had said that, to maybe consider saying something like, “maybe you don’t remember, but let me refresh you with what we spoke about, and let me make sure your friend here with you understands as well”. (I took notes that day and every day, and what she said was he was getting ready to be discharged soon, and I should be looking for a place — which I have). My friend also said he did not hear her say he was discharged, only that he should be soon and we should be looking for a SNF.
I also mentioned my concern with his liver damage from the accident, and how in the hospital they monitor that daily, but in the facility, will they? And the medicines with how over medicated he’s been, I’m concerned with that. She basically told me she thought I was ‘inhumane’ to withhold his medicine when someone is in pain. I was in shock, it felt like I was in a dog shelter with those kinds of answers. She repeated inhumane twice and told me she was NOT going to change his medicines. I told her that the respiratory person (I thought that is who Sara was with) had said she would do a hold order so that if he was in too much of a stupor, they could hold off on the morphine. This is how the ‘inhumane’ came into the picture, and she told me respiratory has NOTHING to do with his medicines. I told her Sara was the name, but didn’t know the dept. Adam has not appeared in pain, and as a matter of fact he has appeared to be overdosed at times and so how can he be responsive if he is totally drugged? It’s almost as if it is dangerous it seems to ask the wrong questions, she told me I could start paying if I wanted to stay. She then went out to the nurse’s station and gestured dramatically as she told her story of what she had to deal with me about. (A friend stood by and watched and listened).
I repented. That was the sign I was looking for to change my mind regarding staying there. How could Adam get the care he needed there when there were people as negative and hostile as she and Dr. Hu have been, including speaking in front of Adam? Please still pray for them both. No unkind words were exchanged by me, but I did have a difficult time trying to be Adam’s advocate as the NP insisted upon being heard and not really wanting to answer my concerns. Again, I repented. I changed my mind, we will look for another place, as we actually also really have no choice that I know of ❤
Today I’m trying to compare the two facilities we’ve seen, and going to go back to one to check out the particular room they are considering for him. Talked to both and getting the questions answered. Pray for the right decision for Adam and all concerned. Pray for no more of these events from the staff, it wears me out and is like another knife in the wound. The Lord knows what these times feel like, as I said, I know He is storing my tears in a bottle. It’s as if I’m unable to cry, I’m walking in a dream that I cannot wake up from. Even though we walk through the Valley of the Shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for He is with us.
Back to Adam, I have a friend doing his range of motion exercises now (1:15 pm), she has been with him since this morning, doing some quiet reading of the Bible while allowing him to rest. His blood pressure has been low for days too, now they are giving him a saline drip to help it go up, I feel if they would slow down the morphine and baclofen, one or the other, he would not be so low, and not need his o2 upped, and his saline upped. It’s like they depress him on one hand, then mask the side effects by treating them vs. the underlying issue. Which to me is slow down on these things and maybe back off a little. But what do I know? I’m just watching and talking to those families who have already been through this. I’m hearing so many similar stories. But again the Lord knows, appreciate all your help and prayers.
Update 9-8-15
We stayed with him through the night, his friend stayed overnight, we didn’t really want to leave him alone, he was too low in oxygen. His friend stayed through to the morning shift until about 8:30 to be sure he was good. Adam has had some good support. My daughters are going to do some of the physical therapy after lunchtime, and then I’ll be with him after that, we do it all again. Each day we hope for new tender mercies. Yesterday was his eye blinking for yes or no. Pray for Adam’s encouragement, he seemed a lot discouraged yesterday. One of Adam’s friends is going to come in the morning to read the Word to him too, we continue to do that, knowing the Word gives wisdom and understanding and knowledge of the One who gave His life for Adam and the rest of us too. Pray for all of us in our weakness in fatigue, yet knowing we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.
Update on Monday, Labor Day, 9-7-15
Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt 11:28-30
ps 56-8-11Cindy his nurse said Adam was ‘messing’ with his trach this morning, so she talked to him, and asked him if he could blink once for yes, and she said he did it. Then she asked him to blink twice for no, and Adam also did that. She then asked him if he was in pain, and he blinked once for yes, so she gave him some pain medicine. She has been good, swabbing his mouth every other hour for the thrush. My daughter Baylie comes in about half and hour or so, and if PT hasn’t been in to do his range of motion exercises, she’ll do them today for me. Physically, he is a little strong and heavy for me, although I’m learning how to use leaning and body weight with leverage to move things. Wish I had a pulley system 🙂 So, training more of the young ones to do this, maybe I’ll get a few therapists out of this ❤
In a little while they are going to set him up in one of those ‘cadillac’ chairs, this is very good, as he needs to be able to sit up for at least one hour without ‘storming’ (can cause tachycardia or blood pressure to spike, as well as fevers), so hoping that session also goes well. I’m going to talk to them about light arm and ankle weights for the stretching to help also with the rigidity, and do a little of my own research too, in order to be sure that is the right thing. The Lord is putting my tears away in a bottle ❤
UPDATE 9-6-2015
Adam’s sister and brother-in-law from Colorado visited again and said goodbye to had on the way home. Gifford, Jessup and Koby also spent time with him, then Tierney and her friend John came down also to be with Adam and say goodbye to Greer and Joel.
Today Adam actually opened his mouth, he also yawned a few times, we hadn’t seen that before. He also reached up and scratched his forehead when I turned to wet a rag. Made it bleed it multiple places by yanking off scabs. They’re removing the stitches from his trach, and it should stay in place now. Not sure how long trach’s stay in, however his oxygen levels are good as well as his breathing. He’s doing a lot more coughing, which is good to stay off pneumonia.
He is also doing a lot more movement, they are trying a couple new drugs, one for the central nervous system to see if they can regulate his fevers and help loosen up the muscles. Poor thing, it’s like one thing or another, right now, he has multiple wounds in his mouth and he has some sort of thrush too on his tongue. So they also have one medicine for him.
My daughter Tierney helped me with the range of motion exercises, actually did more than I did because he’s resisting some, so it makes it difficult for me because one side is pretty strong. But these are good signs that he is regaining movement and some motor functions.
I am only looking at today, trying not to worry about tomorrow; sufficient for today is the trouble therein…
UPDATE 9-5-2015
At the end of the day. Bodies ache, hurts surface, emotions ebb and flow, and yet there is so much to be grateful for. Adam is more wakeful and more purposeful today, and they acknowledged it (nurse and doctors). He was irritated and tossed them off his arm. We can see there is a long road ahead, but I only can handle looking down at my path directly ahead. I’ll look to the Lord and His Word for my strength (Ps 119:25, 28).
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Ps 119:105
UPDATE 9-4-2015
Adam has had a busy day. And he is resting now, and we’re listening to some pleasant light music while he rests. Today is the first time we’ve seen him get his right arm higher than his misting tube on his trach. He reached up and scratched his forehead, then he scratched his eyelid on the right side. He opened up his eyes wider than we’d seen also, and he seemed more focused, not just blank staring. His friend, asked him to squeeze her hand, and he yanked away his hand, it made her laugh. We video taped the one where he moved his arm up that high, and also asked the nurse to chart it, and she said she would, so I hope she does.
The doctors still come in and say basically the same thing, “no change”, but we continue to hope in the Lord, and keep our eyes on Him. He cares for the sparrow, He loves the world, He gave His life for all. I trust His goodness, and although I appreciate the way that medicine can help, their report is not the final one. I am sure they see me as one who is in denial, and that is O.K. I was doing his passive Range of Motion exercises, because I asked and physical therapy had not shown up. One of the staff came in and said, “he’s had enough stimulation, he needs to rest now”. I said, “o.k., he hasn’t had physical therapy yet, and since he’s awake and I’ve already started, I’ll just finish this and then let him rest.” Her response was to whip around and storm out of the room. Please pray for the staff to be also considerate of not just the trauma the patient has been in, but the trauma and pain the family suffers, not just of us, but of others. Touch their hearts to be gentle Lord…
I want what is best for my son too. When he is in his ‘sleep’ mode, I shut the blinds, and I make sure it is quiet, and that he gets a good long nap. We have cared for his basic needs that they will not do, such as fingernail clipping and such, so that he does not scratch himself. We keep his hands and feet massaged, and cool cloths on his head to help keep his temp regulated. And we pray. And we wait on the Lord. Great is His faithfulness. Love you all so much.
UPDATE NIGHT 9-3-2015
Today was like a brick wall that I ran into, where my mind almost stopped functioning. It was like information overload and my brain wasn’t complying. I have a good support system, pray for them too. I don’t even know what to ask for, but He knows.
Shepherd Center says he is not ready, and so did Barrows. I agree, he is just in a drugged state right now. Pray for progress and the right decisions. Love you all in Him, Holly
UPDATE 9-3-2015
There was some progress as Adam started to wake again (after I cleaned his eyes with a warm, damp rag) and he got a little annoyed I believe. 🙂 The nurse came in and did some pinching and he did react on the left side (he has not before), by shrugging to move. His left side is weaker, and she says the movement on his feet mean nothing as she was stroking them, but to us it is something, as he really hasn’t been responding at all to touch. We have to do some more research on storming as they have him on morphine and he seems way too drugged up. He is getting an IVC filter put in right now, it is to supposedly prevent pulmonary embolisms from getting to the heart. They had talked about doing that when they did another surgery last week, I do not know why it did not get done, because they asked for my permission, I can only assume it is because they forgot. No one ever told me until today that it had not been done last week. Just floored me.
Things we need prayer for. The right place that specializes in brain injury vs. just being sent to skilled nursing where he won’t be treated right. Wisdom to be firm in areas we should. We are asking all who visit to document changes or even issues with symptoms in writing and also video tape. We were advised to do this by others who have been through the system and have not received the help they need. The comments we get are ‘no change’, even as we see and notify them of changes, they pooh pooh them. Thank you for prayers for all who take care of him and those who are there helping. There have been many offers and we will be taking people up on their offers to visit and help in the future.
I just spoke with the social worker and asked them to fax a referral to Shepherd Center in Atlanta and she said she would do that today.
I am reminded that it was prophesied in Isaiah 53, that Jesus was a Man of Sorrows who is acquainted with grief. Furthermore, it says, He has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. He loves Adam, and He loves me, and He gave His life for you too. If you don’t know Him, please do not wait. I would never have imagined this for Adam ever as he didn’t ride motorcycles. I could be gone in an instant, our life is but a vapor. Any one of you reading, your life could be over in a flash. Please do not wait. This is not about religion, but about life. Jesus came that you might have life.
Love in Christ, Holly
UPDATE 9-2-2015
We made lots of calls today. Adam is very close to the same status, unresponsive, and more out of it. I have asked him to look into other alternatives to the morphine since it seems that this may be the timing of his change in alertness. He was just starting to come awake, and now he doesn’t even open his eyes or move. We have called other hospitals, and legal help. We have contacted the insurance and human resources for Red Robin and asked for patient advocacy. We wait upon the Lord now, we’ve done much more than that, but won’t bore you with all the details. We continue to look for what the Lord might do, and continue to call upon the One who made Adam’s body. Adam was fearfully and wonderfully made, marvelous are His works, and that my soul knows very well (Psalm 139).
Please continue to pray for my dear son, Chris and his wife Cristina and those taking care of him.
UPDATE 8-31-2015
Evidently my update from last night didn’t ‘take’. The meeting was not good, they offered us no hope. Basically what I said is that Dr. Hu may not know Who made the universe, and Who is judge of all the earth, and Who it is that we pray to. We understand it is serious, but while there is life there is hope, and my hope is in the Lord. I told them of the miracles with my dad, my mom, my husband given seven more years. They said my experiences were ‘valid’. I told them I trusted God no matter what the outcome, but I was not going to just accept that prognosis after such a short period of time. After all my questions, Hu looked past me to Adam’s father and asked him if he had questions, and his father said no. Hu left at that point, I imagine he felt he was doing us a favor with his grim prognosis. The chaplain and nurse stayed and he asked me about our beliefs, so I was able to tell them both that my son had believed upon the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior, and that because of that if he died, I knew where he would be, and that was of the utmost importance. How many other people in the hospital have that expectation to look forward to? Have they heard the good news? Have you? Please listen here.
My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.
Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him:
God is a refuge for us. Selah. Psalm 62:5-8
UPDATE 8-30-2015 NIGHT
Meeting with the trauma team in the morning. Have a list of questions that I’ll be posing to them. Listened to the series on Severe Brain Trauma injuries with the Shepherd institute. Trying to do my part to be an informed advocate. Pulled off a lecture from Georgetown on Cognitive therapy, and did some range of motion exercises with Adam today. He has had no physical therapy or OT or cognitive therapy, so I’ll find out why tomorrow. Pray that the insurance will cover an acute care facility that specializes in severe brain trauma injury. My body is tired, but I have good support, and am blessed. His friend Amber is there, I read to the middle of John 10 and she’s continuing with the Bible reading and prayer and music and going to do some range of motion movement with his legs and arms too. Thank you all for your many prayers on our behalf. May the Lord bless you for it.
UPDATE 8-30-2015
When I came in, he was sitting up in a medical chair. He was dripping feeding fluid, evidently he had pulled out the line. I told his nurse and she re-attached it and went next door. His heart rate when I looked was over 145-150, so I went looking for her, finally found a nurse to tell. They changed him back to his bed, and his heart rate finally went under 100.
Respiratory just took him off his cpap ventilation, he has a vaporizer hooked up to his trach and breathing on his own right now. That is one good report from the Lord. We take each thing and thank Him. Please continue in prayers for Chris and Christine.
UPDATE 8-29-2015
AFTERNOON
The news is not what we would wish to hear regarding his brain injury. I know the Lord will help, no matter the outcome, and I also know He only has to say the word, so I continue to wait upon the Lord’s report. Please pray that I might only hear what is necessary to take care of him, but also to continue in hope. I stopped and spoke to Christine, gave her a hug, and talked to their business partner. I read some more from the book of John to Adam, and we’ll just keep going, and let the Word do the work, as the Lord wills. The positive news, is that he is breathing somewhat on his own, he is on assisted breathing with the ventilator but initiating more of his own breaths. He is getting oral meds and food already through his tube. I will continue to keep my eyes on the Lord and when my feet slip, I know who will uphold me. I posted this before, but it bears repeating from Eph 3, specifically regarding the breadth, and length, and depth, and height of the love of Christ which passes understanding (or knowledge), and He is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us…(see vs. 14 on)
We wait in hope.
MORNING
Not much news yet. The feeding tube was placed later than they thought. His temperature is still up, they continue with the antibiotics, although they stopped one. This is a long road that only the Lord knows the ending to, and He is good in all things. The good news is, He walks with me and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own… (In the Garden – the song Alan Harkrader sang at Gilbert’s funeral).
Please continue to pray for comfort and provision for Chris and Cristina in this time. One patient did wake up yesterday. That is hope for the whole floor. Pray for hurting hearts, and for people that are burdened to come to the One who gave Himself for them out of great love.
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matt 11:28-30
UPDATE 8-28-2015 – NIGHT
They will take him in shortly (they say) for the feeding tube. His blood pressure and heart rate is stable for the moment. Temp is not going up. Once the tube is in 24 hours they will be able to manage these things better. He was moving his one arm more, which meant I stood a lot more to keep him from grabbing for things (wanted to leave his arm untied). I am tired, and ready to rest. Thank you all ❤
UPDATE 8-28-2015 – AFTERNOON
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. Psalm 139:17-18
SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUEST: Right now he is ‘storming’ they think, which means his blood pressure and pulse along with temperature are not reacting well. Please pray for those three things. Feeding tube is delayed.
UPDATE 8-27-2015 – NIGHT
Adam is done with surgery for today, he is back in his room and resting for tomorrow’s PEG tube. This will at least be a respite for all the tubes in his mouth. Thank you all for your continued prayers for all concerned ❤
UPDATE 8-27-2015 AFTERNOON
I was looking through Adam’s texts for the pictures he sent me when they went to visit my dad for Father’s day breakfast (boys only). We had been talking about good books to read in, he had been reading Psalms and John. I didn’t remember this past text conversation.
Last night I asked Amber if she would read to him from John, and she did, all the way through chapter 5. When I read this text, I had to smile, thinking on him thinking what he had told me in his text, “Amber, my grandpa made me memorize chapters 1-4, so you can just start with chapter 5”. ❤
Then he said this: “I just want you know, I’ve always felt God. Even before it was taught to me who He was” (I taught him, from the time he was in the womb, and sang Jesus loves me to him, and told him stories, so he was taught even if he didn’t remember – so always teach them). He continued, “He will always rule my life and speak wisdom and joy into my ear. I can’t even tell you my first encounter with God because it’s as far back as 2 years old… He always guides me, sometimes I stray but he NEVER lets me go.” (As I mentioned, Jesus is faithful when we are not, and He never denies us).
The next text, I can’t put into words what it does to this mother’s heart. Please everyone, tell someone you love, how much they mean to you now. Adam said, “I love you mom. You are the best woman I’ve ever met.” (I told him I was taking a screen shot and laminating it on a card to hold up in front of him if he was being naughty to me). He told me, “You go ahead, I would expect no less lol!”
Let your children, your friends, your loved ones know that you love them. Tell them in sincerity and at unexpected times and often.
Adam goes in for his oral surgery at around 5, as always, being put under is a risk, so please pray for him and for the one’s who are working on him.
Love you all.
UPDATE 8-27-2015 NOON
Daily I see these religious or philosophical quotes on FB float by on my page. A few minutes ago, I saw this one, ‘he lived to make Christ known’. The question was would our biography read like that. And I don’t know if it’s just me, but I don’t hope for those things to be said about me. It actually made me feel a little sick. I do most certainly want others to know Him as their Savior, don’t misunderstand me please. But instantly what came to mind about what my biography might be, is what I had just shared with someone a moment ago. Mine might read something more like this.
He is faithful, when she was not. Jesus never denied her. (2 Tim 2:13)
It’s not about us, it’s all about Him. He has done it all. The apostle Paul said this about himself. “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”
That’s me.
I’m not here to hold myself up as anything other than a mother who needs to cling to the Lord at all times, because I am weak. But He is strong and will help us through this.
12:45 pm – Spoke to his nurse, the tracheostomy went well, they just got him all cleaned up, and settled in. No visitors today. Better on these days of in and out. He will go in for another surgery around 4-5 pm today on his mouth. Pray for his blood pressure and pain which has been reactive to any pain and other stimuli. The peg tube will happen sometime tomorrow.
Right now (around 10:45 am), they are doing the tracheostomy, I will update underneath this during the day as I am able. They should do also the peg feeding tube and the mouth and oral surgery later if he does well.
UPDATE 8-26-2015
Adam was up and down with fever last night, over 103, they cultured him to see if they can find out the cause of the underlying infection. He is to go in to surgery tomorrow for the damage to his inner lip and tongue, please continue to pray for wisdom for the doctors. Please also remember always Chris and Cristina in your prayers.
Thank you all for upholding us in prayer. Having walked this journey more than once, I am of course sad, sometimes afraid, weak, but I’m at peace. I really do think on how when I cry, He stores my tears (Ps 56:8), or when I am afraid, I can trust Him (Ps 56:3), and my strength means nothing, His grace is sufficient for me. Any strength or peace is because of Him and His saints who are praying for us. Not because I am anything at all, Not because I am strong, I am weak. If anything, all I have learned that is the most important for anyone to remember, is when you take your eyes off of Jesus, turn them back as soon as you realize. And endure in that. Remain in His Word. When you get distracted, go back again. We don’t have enough strength to get through these times. But He is our strength. I can do this because I know how good the Lord is. How good He always has been. And how good He will be in the future. I am no Job, but the Word shows us even Job had his breaking points with his friends.
I will continue to ask Him for both these boys to be healed with the knowledge that He hears and He cares, and those of you who are His? The effectual, fervent prayers of a righteous man avails much (and we are righteous because of Christ).
And no matter the result, I also will trust that He knows the best for everyone considered. The Lord loves my son more than I do.
One of my friends said it was o.k. to ask why and I agree with that. But I don’t know why I have not, I just don’t ask “Why Lord”? I guess it’s because He has always shown me good things in all the bad. And the picture above with His Word on it has been true of His deliverance in my life more than once, and I am in the best place possible. I have the Lord with me.
I cannot imagine those in these situations, that do not have a friend to cry with when they are alone, someone to talk to. When I hold my son’s hand, the Lord upholds me with His righteous right hand.
Please pray for more to come to know Him, so they will never be alone again. So that they might live with Him eternally, for this life is but a vapor. The grass withers and the flower fades, but the Word of the Lord endures forever. Eternity is forever. Please be sure you have believed upon Him, and not upon your own goodness, or something you have done, but upon what He has done in your place.
Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. Thank you all for your support.
I just spoke to the head of the trauma team, they will do the tracheostomy in the morning and peg (feeding tube) sometime tomorrow as well as the mouth surgery. Don’t need to overload with info, the Lord knows all, but please continue to pray for the right timing, and the right staff to care for them both (Chris and Adam).
His friend Amber read to him last night from the book of John. She read five chapters. My Bible is in there on the back window, so if anyone comes in, read from John a little. The are just under 1000 words in the book of John, I feel like that will be a good place to get him started with a basic foundation.
Love in Christ to you all.
UPDATE 8-25 AFTERNOON
I received an update from the MRI. He has lots of brain bleeds. The types they saw are not good, they are called ‘shear’ injuries where tissue shears other tissue. It’s very common and also very devastating, so it is hard for this mother to hear about her first baby. I have learned that man’s report is not always God’s report, so I wait upon the Lord. I thank you all for your prayers, your FB comments. I appreciate if people will think about their comments before they are written, as some I have seen are distressing. I know you mean well, but please save opinions on his prognosis, and be in prayer asking our Savior to heal him. I know, God’s will be done. God bless you all.
UPDATE 8-25 MORNING
They have been waiting to take him in for MRI, to see if they can remove the cervical collar, that would be nice. Temperature is still kind of high, but manageable so far, they think it’s just his brain’s inability to regulate itself right now. They took out his ventricular i.v. from brain yesterday and cleaned up his head and nose again, much abrasions there. He is still not breathing on his own, and the trach is still an option, but they haven’t made a decision yet on that. His spinal fluid did come back clear, so that is good news. Each day things change. Many of you have asked about Chris and Cristina, of course I can’t update there for obvious reasons more than to share, keep praying for their comfort, for their peace, and for Chris to heal and grow stronger. For her little ones too. When it is your husband (having been there myself), and you have little ones at home, it is very difficult. My youngest, Koby was just a baby when Gilbert was first in ICU at Mayo. And Jessup was a 3 year old, along with all the other little ones I had at home, 5 more ranging 5,7,8,9 & 10. Pray for supportive people to continue to surround our families, and anyone disruptive to be kept away, including all nursing or doctors. We’ve been fortunate a majority of the time.
We know there are tender new mercies each morning from the Lord, I actually made that Bible verse picture below thinking on Cristina, who looks quite a bit like that, with beautiful long hair, and sweet, kind face. It’s surreal how one would have to meet in these circumstances, but the Lord knows and cares, and stores all our tears (Psalm 56:8).
Love in Christ to all who are reading.
_______________________________________________________
I just received an e-mail from Holly that her son Adam was involved in a serious motorcycle accident last night.
Following is the full text of Holly’s e-mail:
I don’t know where it’d be appropriate to ask for prayer, but my son Adam was in a serious motorcycle accident last night, he has severe head injuries and is not responding to any commands. I don’t know what happened with the guy who was driving, I know they took him into surgery. They’re not acting as if they are holding much hope out, just appreciate whatever prayers.
Please join me in praying for Adam, Holly and her family, as well as the other person involved in the accident.
Notes From A Retired Preacher 
I appreciate it John, I know we are just laborers, and so I trust Him in the outcome, it is the gospel that has the power. Ecclesiastes 11 reminds me if my eyes are on the wind or clouds (which I take as circumstances), I’ll never sow, and then I’ll never reap. I thank the Lord that this circumstance gives opportunity, may I take advantage of it.
Holly, thank you for the update. I have prayed for you and Adam, your family, and Adam’s caregivers. I have also prayed for Adam’s father and his family, as well as those who read your update.
Thank you for sharing the picture of Adam and your granddaughter. And, thank you for your heartfelt words inviting everyone to read and consider the truth of the gospel.
Thank you for praying for Adam everyone. I’d like to also ask you to pray for those who do not know Jesus that silently read. Many of his friends do not. Many of his family (on his father’s side) are Mormons. So please if you would, pray for them even if you don’t read the new update. Thank you!
https://redeemingmoments.com/2017/10/01/autumn-and-adam-2017/
Holly, thanks for sharing. I have prayed for the family of the gentleman who passed away, and for the new roommate to come, and for the other people there that you encounter.
I don’t know if you all had caught up this last week. We did get a new roommate but he was an elderly veteran that didn’t have long to live. He passed away. There’s not much I can say as per the facility following my blog, and so I’ll share here that we’re getting another one, and I’m wondering what condition he’ll be in. We share the gospel in the hearing of those we can’t officially speak to. We are in the same room after all. One of the caregivers was careful to share and we have hopes that he may be with the Lord today. That’s about all I can share, and won’t share that on my page, but please do pray always for the roommates and other people there, so many close to death.
Holly, I am still praying for God to deliver Adam from this terrible situation and that the people with whom you are interacting at the facility would be compassionate and do the right thing.
The social worker emailed me, she said as per my ‘social media blog’ that I had recorded that she had spoken to me. She removed my husband and the two care giving friends from the email and added another person. She said if we wanted to pay additional money for Adam to have his own room we could meet with the financial department. I wonder why if they have single rooms they can’t move a patient who is a danger to others? The nurse told Amber that she had been reported for ‘yelling at the other patient who has rights too’. Evidently in frustration when this man yells and curses and is yelling why she isn’t helping him, she said ‘Quiet, mind your business’. She is not a loud person. I just marvel that they are grasping at straws like this to not do the right thing and to try to turn it around on us. May the Lord help us resolve this in the right way yet not compromise so that somehow someone else in the future is hurt.
Thank you all. No news, but even as it’s quiet, the Lord knows, He is there, and so I will keep advocating hopefully with wisdom for my son.
praying Holly
On Tue, Aug 1, 2017, 7:08 AM Notes From A Retired Preacher wrote:
> jasonc65 commented: “I am sad at what I am reading. It sounds like > injustice. I don’t understand it.” >
I am sad at what I am reading. It sounds like injustice. I don’t understand it.
Holly, thank you for the link to the update.
I am praying for you, Adam, Amber, Doreen, and Karen. I am praying for the Lord to deliver each of you through this. I am praying that the ombudsman will be able and willing to help you, and that the Lord will intervene for Adam’s sake.
Here is the newest link, we have an urgent update today.
https://redeemingmoments.com/2017/07/20/adams-story-summer-2017/
Thank you both, it’s a hard balance wanting to watch out for my son and also keep the big picture for all people in mind. Pray for wisdom and proper timing and decision making.
praying as John said as well
Holly, I will pray for the social workers and insurance people to show kindness and consideration, and for Adam to be able to bear the frustration that he is encountering.
Thank you for remembering us John. The hardness in some of these facilities requires prayers. The ‘social’ worker is not so ‘social’ 😦 The insurance tried to set up a meeting, she called and left a message that there was nothing available on the day we requested, with no alternative time suggested. But the Lord knows, I pray mostly for Adam’s sanity in the nighttime. While we are there we can take him out. Sadly we even have to tell the CNA’s not to ‘share wipes’ (yes, they even took Adam’s open wipes off his shelf to clean the other man). We have to ask them to remove the soiled diapers from the room (The other facilities have always taken them out, not so here or with certain people). It’s very tiring, and hard on me as a mom to see my child suffer. I just keep remembering He knows.
Please read Holly’s update from today (July 20, 2017).
https://redeemingmoments.com/2017/07/20/adams-story-summer-2017/
Holly I am praying for Adam – for his roommate situation, his infections in his toes, for his weight, his therapy and opthalmology needs. Also, praying for Amber, Jason, you and all of those who are helping with Adam.
Thank you John for that. Thanks also Jason. One thing I reminded of is those in other countries who have nothing in these situations. So I am thankful we have this much, and I pray for more, and for strength for those who help us. Everyone is weary and somewhat discouraged, so we need to be refreshed and revived, and appreciate the prayers of the saints.
I’m sick and tired of the rigged game that is called health insurance. As we go from one bad policy to another, everything that is broken about the system stays the same or gets worse.
Holly gave an update yesterday:
https://redeemingmoments.com/2017/04/09/adam-new-update/
Adam has stopped receiving therapy, and the only thing that the family is being told is that it has to do with insurance. Holly said that Adam is regressing physically and that her family is spent in more ways than one.
Please pray for Holly, Adam, the rest of her family, and for this insurance matter to be resolved favorably.
Holly, I am continuing to pray that Adam will be well cared for, that his caretakers will be loving and diligent, and that God would continue to heal him.
Also praying for you and your family.
If anyone wishes to read today’s update, it is here:
https://redeemingmoments.com/2017/04/09/adam-new-update/
Thank you John.
This was my first update since moving in to the new facility.
Yesterday Adam moved into his new facility. We have much hope as we continue to walk forward trusting in Him. Today was another Lucy episode. I guess I’ll just be real honest so you can get the picture.
When I arrived I found Adam in the sitting room across from the nurse’s station. Two nurses introduced me, both very pleasant. I asked where his room was and they directed me to the end of the hallway. We went in for awhile, and we chatted. I looked around at his room and noticed we had gotten a dresser (Jason said they hadn’t gotten one in his room yet). Anyhow, I can’t believe it, and I don’t hold my breath for how long we’ll be allowed to stay in a single, but we have a single room — WITH a mini refrigerator AND microwave!!! The refrigerator was empty and I opened the nightstand drawers which were still empty. I thought it might be time to check Adam’s bathroom.
WOW! His very own toilet and sink. UNREAL! I was ecstatic. It was a bit dirty though, and so I figured while we waited for lunch I’d clean it. The toilet, well, I have to say I was a little dismayed. But I had brought clorox wipes with me, so in Lucy-fashion, I began to plunge in, quickly pulling them out of the container, holding my breath, hot water running (so I could wash my hands in-between clorox flushes). It took several to clean the inside of the bowl, the water was low so I could clean (no, there was no toilet brush — note to self, buy one)… And so I would clean, wipe, gag, and wash hands in between. Last was the base and toilet seat top and bottom, sparkling clean! (Yikes). So all that was left was to do the floor. There were some ‘spots’ let’s just say on the floor.
I had the door propped because Adam was there, but I know the next thing that’s going to happen if I’m not smart is I’m going to fall on my behind. So I hold onto the door, throw some Clorox wipes on the ground and begin skating — back and forth, all around until I felt some pressure and some knocking and someone pulling on the door. She peeked in and said “What are you doing”? (Obviously she worked there), so I explained that I was Adam’s mom and I wanted to clean up the bathroom (following that remark up quickly with the fact I didn’t want to bother anyone).
She didn’t seem terribly impressed as she informed me, “This is not Adam’s Room”. I about died on the spot, but covered it up by saying, “WHAT???? Why didn’t you stop me before I cleaned the whole restroom?” (She was not amused, she just pointed out his room, and we went over there). Another person came in and she had already heard and thought it was hysterical, in fact I had done such a good job, she told housekeeping they didn’t have to clean it that day lol! I am pretty sure I heard chuckles as I left today 🙂
Thank you for all your prayers, seriously, we sure need support at all times and are thankful for you all. Adam is extremely tired, he is probably adjusting and so we are looking forward to what is ahead. His one caregiver (my good friend) is out of the hospital, thank you for praying for her, for her strength and peace while she is down. God bless and keep you all.
Holly, I have prayed for you and Adam, and for Adam to receive the care he needs in a facility that is just right for him.
Also, I have prayed for the couple that you mentioned, the people that are helping you with Adam, and all of Adam’s caregivers.
Thank you John, I appreciate it very much. So does Adam. Here is our new update, although upsetting, I believe as always that it will work together for good.
https://redeemingmoments.com/2017/04/09/adam-new-update/
Holly, thanks for your latest update (3/8/2017).
I have prayed for you and Adam, and your friend and her son Terry, and Brenda, and Martin, and Amber, Dori, Karen, Jason, YongYi, Cheryl, David and the unnamed others.
I have also prayed for the families of those you mentioned who have taken their own lives, and for those who may be contemplating taking their lives.
Me too John! I also think of Gen 3:15, certainly a natural enmity in my case… kill the serpent…
I’ll never forget moving into my last house, desert property, and my husband bringing a snake (which he had by the head and the mid body stretched out with another 3-4 feet hanging down). He wanted me to get an ice cooler so he could save the snake. I wanted him to hold on while I got the keys to my Suburban so he could throw it out to the road and I could Kill it! 🙂
Holly, that is amazing. I am grateful that no one was heard.
And, it reminds me of Genesis 3:15!
Thank you in much appreciation John for your faithful prayers (and so many here). Yesterday, we bought some Lowes outdoor furniture, so I moved out my rocker and Jason’s old rocker and moved in the new stuff. I then looked down and was amazed. Right underneath where my rocker was, evidently I smooshed this baby rattler. Horn faced. A straight flat spot where the leg of the rocker flattened the rattler. I never rock on that rocker either, so who knows how the Lord worked that out because baby rattler’s can be very poisonous. The Lord, the Lord…I don’t know sometimes, it makes you wonder how many times angels have intervened for each and every one of us and we are unaware. The head had enough room to bite me when I rocked on it, but evidently it just died (or maybe). I still marvel… The prayers of the saints…
Please see the latest update from Holly, linked below:
https://redeemingmoments.com/2016/07/08/prayer-request-for-adam-cont/
Holly, we are continuing to pray for you, your family, and your ministry.
Thank you John for that. Shortly after his brother died, my brother-in-law ended up in the hospital, and so they are suffering.
Adam has regressed in many areas. The place he is in is no better or worse than all of them I am sure. We trudge on as we just do not know what tomorrow holds, but the Lord sure does.
Thank you so much for your prayers. I pray for you and Jane and all who visit here.
Holly posted an update on January 8, which has some specific prayer requests, as follows:
1. Pray that if they need to move Adam, regardless of travel time, that they will find the right place.
2. Thank the Lord for those who continue to faithfully help.
3. Pray for Holly’s family. Her sister’s brother in law, who was young, died suddenly from a stroke. Pray for his widow. Her sister’s husband also was hospitalized.
4. Pray for those who faithfully come to help.
Holly also posted a couple of Bible passages that I thought I would share here:
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Rom 5:6-8
Please see link to Holly’s update, below:
https://redeemingmoments.com/2016/07/08/prayer-request-for-adam-cont/
For those who haven’t seen Holly’s latest update, please visit her Redeeming Moments website.
Holly and her family have had a lot going on, including:
Her recent marriage to Jason
The death of her father
Her surgery, from which she is recovering
Adam’s continued recovery
Please keep Holly and her family in your prayers.
Thank you John, for His name’s sake… that others may know Him.
Holly, I am praying for you to be strong and gentle, and have the right words in bringing the good news to the people who will be there.
Thank you all. Please pray for the people who will be there, pray for me for a clear gospel. There is opposition there, and also with the church itself which is my childhood church so appreciate prayer for those who may not kow him and that the Lord might give me the right words.
praying for you Holly
Holly’s father passed away early yesterday morning. Please keep her and her family in your prayers.
Thank you John, William, Phil, Curtis. I sure appreciate it, and know that it matters. God bless you all. I pray for everyone here and for the Word to get out.
Read your update Holly , Praying for you Holly , Adam , Amber and a friend
The word teaches us to be patient and wait on the Lord’s unfailing help. I too will keep you and Adam my prayers.
Holly, Praying for you and Adam every morning.
Holly, I am continuing to pray for you and Adam. I have prayed for Amber as well.
Please see Holly’s latest update, from 9/10/2016, linked below:
https://redeemingmoments.com/2016/07/08/prayer-request-for-adam-cont/
Holly, I saw your update, and I am praying for your health.
Thank you so much John, I appreciate that. There has been a new development since then, seems like the Lord had a side trip for me 🙂
It was a year ago that Adam was involved in the motorcycle accident.
Holly and Adam have been through so much and still need our prayers.
Please see Holly’s latest update (from 8/16), linked below. Her specific prayer requests:
1. Adam fell in the bathroom and hit his head.
2. He has a noisy neighbor, who is resistant to pleas to close her door. This is causing Adam some sleeplessness.
3. Adam is no longer receiving physical therapy, so Holly is trying to manage to provide that for him twice a day.
4. There are many patients on the hall who are fighting for their lives, and may not realize how close they are to death. Please pray for eyes to be opened to see how simple it is to be saved and to be attentive to opportunities to share the good news with others.
https://redeemingmoments.com/2016/07/08/prayer-request-for-adam-cont/
Thank you very much for that John, I am looking for a pedaler now for the room, and will be speaking to them soon to find out what is the issue.
Please read today’s update and pray for Holly and Adam.
They need encouragement, as they are making a fourth attempt to get an MRI for Adam, and the doctors involved keep botching the orders.
Also, Holly is facing bureaucratic impediments for Adam’s physical therapy and even his use of gym equipment.
Please see the “Reedeeming Moments” site for today’s update.
Please read the latest update from Holly. She has some very specific prayer needs.
Thank you John!
Holly, that’s great news regarding extended physical therapy for Adam. I have prayed for his roommate John as well.
Thank you John. They have decided to extend his Physical therapy for 5 more weeks at five times a day, so it is an answer to prayer. He does have a new roommate who most definitely needs our prayers, his name is John.
Holly, I am continuing to pray for you and your family.
John, thank you. Seems we are going to be carried somewhere else, they want to discharge him shortly, so pray that we can be faithful where we are somehow, that we might make a difference while we are there.
Holly, thanks for your update today.
I am praying for Adam, and for you. Specifically that you would have wisdom in dealing with Adam’s noisy neighbor, that Adam would have relief from his sore throat, that his eye tracking would improve, that he would make progress with his swallowing, that he would be able to be or stay in the best place to heal and thrive, and that he would not be frustrated with all of the things that are going on with his care.
I loved this part of your post:
But the body is not who we are. It only is the vessel that carries us where we are going, and sometimes God carries us to places we don’t anticipate.
Gracious words to Christina Hooly! Praying that she will read the WORD to Chris and that their faith will grow and that they will believe! A crown for both you and Adam… ☺ Bless you Sister
Thank you. I also heard back from Cristina who shared that Chris does not have much left of memories, he doesn’t remember the accident. She told him that he had a passenger with him and that Adam was hurt very badly and not doing as well as him. He asked her to tell me that he is sorry and that he hopes one day to meet us both in person. I told her that he was forgiven a long time ago, and that we love them and are praying for them.
Please consider reading Holly’s update from today (4/21/2016). It is very touching.
Holly, I have prayed for the families of those who have lost love ones. I am continuing to pray for Chris and Christina, for you, Adam, Amber, Jason, your parents, and your other children.
Thank you all. It wasn’t as bad of a room as we were offered in the last place which I truly believe he wouldn’t have been able to make it there as far from the nurses as possible and the hottest room by far (as per staff too) based on the location and the exposure, and the older gentleman who liked it hot in there and had control of the AC on his wall. Likely was 90-95 degrees in there I believe with no exaggeration. This is not quite as far as we were traveling, although not right by us,, it’s not over 30 miles either (with a freeway with construction, the fastest way was almost 1 hour one way, so we are grateful for that. Would really appreciate prayer for approved therapies.
Holly, Praying for God’s intervention despite the unfair treatment from the medical staff towards Adam. Medical staff can be unfair, cold, and insensitive. I’ve experienced it myself when my mother was dying of cancer years ago.
Praying for you and Adam
Holly
I too pray God will deliver you and get Adam the right help. Phil
Holly, I am praying for God to deliver you through this ordeal, that He will step in and find the right place for Adam, and that He will strengthen and encourage you.
URGENT – PLEASE SHARE FOR ALL WHO HAVE LOVED ONES IN THESE PLACES (even ones with good reputations, depends I guess on how it works with insurance)
Please pray about the forced move today. They (Barrows) were unreal in their responses, they can and will force the move. The case manager tried to say I turned down the two places; the place by me (I did not, I informed her that they turned him down due to safety issues and the fact that he was still needing ‘acute rehab’.) I told her that I had that in writing from them.
I brought up another SNF being upset at not being correctly informed as to his situation (they turned him down, and let one of our friends/caregivers know of their unhappiness regarding the misinformation) . When I brought up the last facility being wrongly informed about seat belt restraints (he fell out of the wheelchair there with someone in the room) and the bed against the wall, (with railings up), Tammy, the case manager for Barrows said it was a ‘moot point’, she didn’t even attempt to deny it or explain it.
When I asked for her supervisor to call, I asked her to conference in Jason since my throat was sore (from anesthesia and camera down my throat yesterday late afternoon) and I had already been talking to several. She refused to conference him in, I tried to talk to her and she said right away, “If this is about the restraints….” so I tried to explain of the four types of restraints they are currently using on the wheel chair with him (tilt back, chest strap, seat belt and belt alarm), she wouldn’t hear. I told her of the bed by the wall, rail up, wheelchair in front of the side with locks on (placed there by staff) but she talked over me. I asked if she would mind hearing me out, and she said there was no purpose to listen, the decision had been made and he WOULD be moved between 2-3 pm today.
(cont reading here).
http://redeemingmoments.com/2015/08/20/prayer-request-for-hollys-son-adam/
John – thank you. I have needed it all along, sometimes it seems more than others. Today I had a doctor’s appointment of my own. I will just say that it was wonderful in that I got to share quite a bit, and was able to tell the P.A. Noelle that I would be praying for her. She hugged me and said she would likewise. God is good. The place that is available nearby is not very encouraging, but it is nearby. Praying always for His wisdom here, sometimes the choices are taken away from us it seems, but still the Lord is there directing our steps. It’s very reassuring to know my brethren are holding me up in prayer. Thank you. And I pray with you for so many others.
Holly, I have prayed that Adam will get the care that he needs, and that God will keep him safe from any mistakes or neglect from those who are supposed to be caring for him.
Also, I have continued to pray for some of the others you met just after Adam’s motorcycle accident.
Holly has a link on her “Redeeming Moments” website for the latest information on her son Adam’s recovery.
I have added that link at the top of this article, and below:
http://redeemingmoments.com/2015/08/20/prayer-request-for-hollys-son-adam/
________________________________________________
Holly, we continue to pray for you, Adam, your father, and your mother.
Holly, I am continuing to pray for all of you.
I am so thankful that your mother did not show any signs of cancer in her petscan.
It sounds like things are off to a good start with Adam at Barrows. I know he is glad to have his trach downsized, and is looking forward to having it removed altogether.
You might like to read Holly’s update from yesterday.
http://redeemingmoments.com/2015/08/20/prayer-request-for-hollys-son-adam/
There is a lot going on in her life, and she has also found time to write a great new article on fruit inspection. See link below:
http://redeemingmoments.com/2016/01/14/dear-fruit-inspectors/
Let us all be thankful that we have the privilege and opportunity to share the good news of the gospel.
Romans 10:15: And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
Mark 16:15: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
Thank you Holly
My wife and I are very happy . This holiday season was the best for Her not having to endure with customers and granite countertops .
we still have a lot to work through , But God .
and Yes , driving Truck again this past year and this time listening to sound biblical doctrine is growing me nearer to Jesus then the passed 20 years under the spell of false gospel’s .
Curtis, hope all is well with you and your wife, your business. Seems like times are hard in different ways for each of us, but the Lord is gracious and loving. Praying we all grow nearer to Him and into His knowledge each day.
Amen John and Holly
Thank you John. There are many nights I have trouble going to sleep, and it’s nice to come and read of Biblical things from friends. I was just thinking how I can react just out of reflex, and forget to call upon Him for the little things. I had two accidents yesterday with my car. Little ones, but it had me in remembrance for a number of reasons. May I constantly be reminded of (as you said) the privilege of being able to come boldly to His throne.
Holly, your response to Sandy from December 31 reminded me of what a great privilege it is for us to be able to call upon God as his children. I will post it below, for those who haven’t read it:
The prayers of the saints are stored in golden bowls/censers (Rev 5:8, 8:3), that’s how much I know our prayers matter and make a difference. I don’t thoroughly understand it, but we know the fervent prayers of the righteous, avail much. We know He is our righteousness, so we keep praying and trusting Him. Love you Sandy!
I also read your update from December 31 and I am thankful that Adam has not shown signs of any serious setbacks from his fall from bed.
Please know that you, Adam, and the rest of your family continue to be in our prayers.
Holly, I just read your update from yesterday.
I am continuing to pray for you, Adam, your parents, your other children and their families, Winston, Gloria, Matthew, Amber, Jason, Chris and Christina, and the respective care teams.
Thank you John, it is so sweet. Dealing with my son and healthcare now in general seems difficult, yet the Lord is with us, whom shall we fear?
Holly, such joyful news about your expected grandchildren.
And, how awesome it is that the Lord made sure Amber was present and given the courage to protect Adam from such incompetent treatment.
I have prayed that the Lord will continue to protect Adam from inappropriate decisions from his medical care team.
Thank you, sure appreciate that John. Just wanted to share that there is an even newer update today. Please read, good news, and shocking news (to me anyways).
Holly, I am glad you are with your daughter. I am continuing to pray for her, her child, you, Adam, your parents, Jason, Gloria, Matthew, Winston, Chris and Christina, Adam’s father, and your other children.
I haven’t had time to catch up on my blog, I am up in Colorado with my oldest daughter, awaiting the birth of my first grandchild. I don’t know why yet, but the doctor who has been so good to us, has been removed as our doctor. I hope it was not for his defense of us. Please pray for him, Adam, and for my daughter and new granddaughter to come shortly. Love in Christ to you.
Thank you John. Whatever is happening, I know the Lord is working. It’s not fun being dragged places you don’t want to go (thinking of Peter), however, I know God is always good to us, so I thank Him for His tender mercies, no matter what.
Please read today’s update from Holly. God is using her in a powerful way to reach hurting people, as she is continuing to go through a very difficult personal experience.
Thanks for update Holly
sure am Thankful Jesus didn’t give up on me . Remember the doctors have been indoctrinated into evolution.
Holly, thanks for the update, particularly Winston’s interest in the gospel.
I have prayed for Winston, and those who don’t have visitors. Also, for Chris and Christina, Adam, you, and your father.
Holly, thansks for your update from 11/6.
I have prayed for wisdom and patience for Adam’s caregivers. Also, praying for Gloria and for the man with the gun injury, and for Dr. Hu.
Continuing to pray for Adam, you, Jason, your father and mother, Adam’s father, your children, and Chris and Christina and their families.
Thank you always. The spirit is willing, the flesh is weak. I was thinking back on when this first all began for me with my husband in 2002 getting sick with our last baby. He is now 13 and it seems it has been fairly non-stop since then.
Yesterday, the kidney doctor told my mom ‘she needed to let him go’ and when asked why, his comment was ‘because he’s 88’. When I got in there, he was having a little difficulty breathing. I told him I was going to give him a shave, and asked if he’d like to listen to a sermon. So we put on “Who will be left behind” by Tom Cucuzza. We didn’t get more than half way when occupational therapy came in, and started working with him. He complied and cracked some jokes. Here is a man who walks, talks, thinks, has a sense of humor, and ‘we need to let him go’.
I was mad as I was driving down the road, realizing the spiritual battle that was going on. I prayed about it, and a friend came in with me. I valet parked and she told me I didn’t need to do that for her. I told her was going to use the tip as an opportunity when we came back. So we did the rounds of the floors again on the way up to see my dad. We got out to the valet, he got the car, I held out the booklet with his tip and asked him if he’d do me a favor. (I had to make it quick, he had a car waiting). And I explained my son was not much older than him, and was across the street in trauma care from a bad accident, that my dad was upstairs, in renal failure, and no matter how old we are, we never know what’s going to happen. He seemed sincere when he took the book and said he absolutely would read it. I told him I’d be back 🙂
So I know that there is going to be ugliness in this battle, and just life in general. May the Lord strengthen us and guide and direct us to where we need to be to reach others for Him.
Holly, I have prayed for Roxy, Gloria, Maria and Kelly. Also, that all of the tracts will get into peoples’ hands who need to know the gospel.
I am thankful for your witness to each of these people.
And still praying for you, Adam, your father and mother, your other children, and family.
I went to see my dad in between Adam and coming back to Adam. He had a visitor around 3 so I was in the middle of doing his exercises and then asked if he wanted to continue the leg ones and he said he’d be happy to. I got over to the hospital just in time to see my dad climbing or attempting to climb out of bed. I was able to order his dinner (the nurse said it hadn’t been done), talked to her about please making sure he drank and had his drinks within reaching distance. I was also able to talk to his new doctor (hospitalist) since switching floors, and then my dad and I chatted awhile. He prayed (although it wasn’t very coherent in some spots, I trust the Holy Spirit made intercession for him) and I stayed until about 4:15 and went back over to Adam’s. The Lord worked it out really well so I had perfect parking spots.
Then the neighbor’s daughter Roxy was there, and we did some of the essential oils with both Adam and her dad Larry. She helped me adjust Adam, and I helped her with Larry. Then we sat up Larry and I massaged his back. We talked about doing that for both Adam and Larry. Larry is starting to wake up, and he has basically been ignored unfortunately as far as any therapy in this facility. I gave her some notes for helping her to get the doctors going on some things. She said she felt like God had put us together (even though she’s talking about us both being ‘Capricorns’ – she was born on the 25th, and me on the 27th). Any how, when I left, the older neighbor Gloria was out in the hallway, and she looked forlorn when I asked how she was doing. She told me she had read most of my book and was going to finish it (Tom Cucuzza’s ‘how to go to heaven’ booklet) and then she told me she felt like no one in the world cared about her. I told her that I did and she started to cry. I asked her if she had a phone in her room. She said she used to but it was broke. I told her to get it fixed, and I’d give her my phone and she could call me when she was lonely.
I stopped off at the other neighbor (across from Adam), I also gave him Tom’s booklet last week. Bob was not happy because he was supposed to leave already and now they say he has to wait until Monday. I told him I was sorry, but I would be glad to see him anyways until then.
Maria is way down the hall, I met her daughter Kelly as she was walking down the hallway. I was able to give them some brownies with Tom’s tract on how to go to heaven which they received gratefully and said they believed. Please pray for the harvest here.
Also when I was at the hospital, it was the top floor. I thought to put some of the booklets there, got in the elevator and pressed floor 5. Got out, put some on one side of the waiting rooms, and went to the other side, and put some there along with the tracts. Got back in and did the same on floor 4. Stopped at 3 and realized I was out of tracts, so reloading 🙂 Pray that the right people pick them up and that they might take heed to the things that are written.
Praying
Holly, I also pray for your dad and Adam.
Holly, I have prayed for both your dad and Adam.
I am also praying for you and your mom.
My dad started dialysis today, tomorrow is Adam’s evaluation from Barrows, so I appreciate prayers for that too.
Thank you John. I did get the doctor to lower the muscle relaxant by one pill a day. From 20 mg. daily to 15, so instead of every six hours, it will be spaced out 8. We’re looking at steroids for his lungs, he has some allergies at this time of year and seems like he is having some bronchial spasms. No one really knows my dad here, so I can say he went into ER, then into ICU Thurs. afternoon. Thankfully it’s straight across the street from Adam. He has an infection and the antibiotic was causing some delusions (cipro is not good for the elderly) and so they have him on IV antibiotics and he was severely dehydrated. My mom had not eaten all day, and had chemo in the morning for four hours. So I took her to the cafeteria, then I made her go home and stayed until about 9. They transferred him up shortly after.
They called in the morning and told me that right now he is in renal failure, they’re giving him fluids and we’re waiting to see if there is output, or next is dialysis. I’m not sure if I’m coming or going, but I know this… He is with me.
My daughter and son-in-law surprised us with a visit yesterday afternoon, so they got to go see him, Adam and bring my mother dinner. We had a late night dinner as a family and they took my two younger ones to the zoo this morning. I am taking time off for the moment to enjoy catching up.
Holly, I prayed, specifically, that Adam’s appointment would go well, and that they would determine whether he was receiving an excessive amount of muscle relaxer.
Also, praying for your other children, your parents, you, Chris and Christina and their children, Jason, and the respective medical care teams.
Finally, that if there are those who are following the updates who don’t know Jesus as Savior, that they would hear and understand the gospel.
Thank you John, we had a friend bring in her dogs (he rents a room in her house). He petted the dog for awhile, and waved goodbye. Now I am back home and he probably is painting or drawing with his friend.
Holly, what joyful news!
I am continuing to pray for each of you, and saying prayers of thankfulness as well.
John, thank you, and please read today’s update!
http://redeemingmoments.com/2015/08/20/prayer-request-for-hollys-son-adam/
Holly, I was thrilled to read your update today. How heartwarming!
I am continuing to pray for all of you.
I thought about Adam’s doctor today when I saw that the movie “Somebody Up There Likes Me” was being shown tonight on TCM.
Thank you John, the appointment is the 6th. I appreciate the prayers for us all ❤
Holly, I have prayed for you to be encouraged as you await the results of Adam’s CT scan.
Also, praying for your other children and your parents.
Thank you, if you get a chance to look at his video with the puppy, that is my newest update 🙂
Holly, thanks for the update.
I have prayed for Adam’s friend who was beaten, and for his mother.
Also, continuing to pray for your parents, you, Adam, Chris and Christine, and Adam’s extended care team.
We see little progress every day, we also see setbacks as things are done like giving him morphine and saying they have not, and it takes four or five times or more, to get an answer on when the last time it was given, and they will ‘get right back to you’, or they will ‘call you back after this one patient’, or ‘the charge nurse will return your call’, or ‘I will write it down and bring it back in a moment’, or ‘the computer isn’t working’ (all yesterday and finally I just stated that his friend in the morning who was going to school to be a pharmacist recognized the morphine and said it was given at around 11 am. After all those times to the front desk, the nurse practitioner and medical records, it finally was admitted that she had administered morphine at 10:43 am (15 minutes before his therapies — which made him unable to cooperate). You don’t dare complain, you want to work with them, you know they are overwhelmed, but they need watched over 24 hours. It is so hard. And so the frustrations abound as I pray I will be kind, yet a firm advocate for my son. I am thankful I have some help, as it is taking it’s toll on me, and others too I am afraid. And we have to be so careful about what help we may accept as they aren’t really receptive to so many people asking questions (which I understand), so it’s a fine balance who and when you introduce more personalities. I sure appreciate your continued prayers. I never thought I’d be living a day, where I was going to be teaching my grown son how to throw me a ball (he did) and wait again for him to speak or nod, or smile… Pray for our continued courage and peace. Thank you, in Him. Holly
Holly, I am thankful for Adam’s progress, and still praying for all of you.
Thank you all, today we saw some progress, we know we have a very long road ahead, and have no idea where it will turn, but he does. Love in Christ to you all.
The prayer as I am sure you recognized John was all just repeating His Word, it will not return void. I am tired, but I am not forsaken. He is with us, and it is discouraging and yet I know He has a purpose in everything. Nothing is wasted.
Holly, thank you for the update and the beautiful prayer.
Thank you John for all your support and monitoring of my site, it does not go unnoticed, and I know how much you have to do, and I tearfully and gratefully appreciate it.
Holly, thanks for the update.
I am thankful for every bit of encouragement and help for you, Adam, and for all of your family.
Good advice regarding the power of attorney.
Brand new praise the Lord update today. Thank you all.
http://redeemingmoments.com/2015/08/20/prayer-request-for-hollys-son-adam/
Holly, I have prayed for rest, healing, and wisdom for you, as well as healing for Adam and Chris. Also, continuing to pray for the rest of your family, and the families of Chris and Christine.
Holly, I’m still praying for son Adam.
was listening to Sundays sermon from Duluth and was impressed to send this verse of scripture to you Holly while praying for you and Adam
Rom 15:13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=96151219544
Holly, I am so thankful that Adam had a nurse working with him today who was caring and attentive.
I have prayed that Adam’s heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature would be in a safe range, and that he would have relief from the pain that he is suffering.
I didn’t see Curtis, praying the Lord will continue to help you.
Curtis,I have prayed for you and your wife as well.
Thank you both, today he actually opened his mouth, he also yawned a few times, we hadn’t seen that before. He also reached up and scratched his forehead when I turned to wet a rag. Made it bleed it multiple places. They’re removing the stitches from his trach, and it should stay in place now. He is doing a lot more movement, they are trying a couple new drugs, one for the central nervous system to see if they can regulate his fevers and help loosen up the muscles. I am only looking at today, trying not to worry about tomorrow; sufficient for today is the trouble therein…
Thank you for update Holly
We are having auction tomorrow for a partial lot of our granite remnants at an off site auction location . appreciate prayer support
Holly, Adam is BEYOND blessed to have a Mom like you. Praying for you and family and so glad to hear your report.
Holly, thank you for the update.
I am continuing to pray for you, and for Adam’s comfort and healing.
Adam’s update: At the end of the day. Bodies ache, hurts surface, emotions ebb and flow, and yet there is so much to be grateful for. Adam is more wakeful and more purposeful today, and they acknowledged it (nurse and doctors). He was irritated and tossed them off his arm. We can see there is a long road ahead, but I only can handle looking down at my path directly ahead. I’ll look to the Lord and His Word for my strength (Ps 119:25, 28).
Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Ps 119:105
Chapter 6
Hebrews 10:26
“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins…”
I obviously know that Bible verse well, having been a smoker (see chapter 1), searching whole heartedly for the truth and what is really the gospel. By looking at it alone, it is a very condemning verse. It causes much panic. I know. It caused me to panic early in my walk. It seems like one can lose his or her salvation by sinning (see eternal security chapter). However, when one looks at the context of what is being said in Hebrews, it turns panic into security. CONTEXT: what is being discussed in this area? It is a letter written to Jewish people that had believed the gospel and were saved. The writer called them “Holy brethren” (Heb 3:1). What was happening? They were going BACK to the Levitical Law. This includes the sacrificing of animals. How does one know this?
But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of GOATS and CALVES, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for US. For if the blood of BULLS and GOATS, and the ashes of an heifer sprinkling the unclean, sanctifieth to the purifying of the flesh, how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered HIMSELF without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works TO SERVE the living God? (Hebrews 9:11-13)
We get a lot from these verses of scripture. First, we don’t get atonement by the shedding of blood from bulls and goats (Old Testament). Second, the writer said, “Obtaining eternal redemption for US”. This means he was writing to saved people. Third, we see that “dead works” don’t save (also see Heb 6). We are not saved by works (Rom 11:6). So QUIT trying to earn salvation by working; they are DEAD works! We are saved by the precious blood of Jesus Christ shed at the cross (1 Cor 15:1-4). However, we do works “TO SERVE” the living God. Salvation is FREE without works (Eph 2:8,9). We serve the Lord because we are ALREADY saved. Salvation and service, always keep them the separate. Hebrews 9 and 10, within the context of the book, we see that these SAVED Jewish brethren were being convinced to go BACK under the Levitical law and the animal, sacrificial system of the Old Testament. The writer is trying to convince them that JESUS was the eternal sacrifice for sin. Go back to Hebrews 1:3.
“Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had BY HIMSELF purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
This is the theme of the book of Hebrews and the issue the writer was attempting to address. Let’s keep going in chapter 9. Later in the chapter, it speaks of Jesus being the sacrifice ONCE FOR ALL. In the Old Testament, the priest entered into the temple every year, but no more. For Jesus has entered into the Holy place to put away sin… AMEN.
For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God FOR US, nor yet that he should offer HIMSELF often, as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with blood of others; For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world: but NOW once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of HIMSELF. And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: So Christ was ONCE offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. (Heb 9:24-28)
In Hebrews 10, you get the same theme.
But in those sacrifices there is a remembrance again made of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins. Above when he said, Sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offering for sin thou wouldest not, neither hadst pleasure therein; which are offered by the law; Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ ONCE for ALL. But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins FOREVER, sat down on the right hand of God. For by ONE offering he hath perfected FOREVER them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:3,4,8-10, 12, 14)
Isn’t this one of the most uplifting books in the Bible? I mean, look how many times does it tells us that JESUS was the sacrifice of God, the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. How many times do we see ONCE for ALL? How about verse 14 “perfected forever”? YES, I know the other versions read “being sanctified”. I am KJV1611 PREFERRED for many reasons; it reads “are sanctified”. As if this wasn’t enough, the writer, talking to saved people who were leaving Jesus and grace, wants to give assurance to these believers. It does this by saying “for he is faithful that promised”. Salvation IS about Jesus’s promise to us!
Let us draw near with a true heart in FULL assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (FOR HE IS FAITHFUL THAT PROMISED) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works. (Heb 10:22-24)
HERE IS THE VERSE: “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.” If you read 1 John 3:6 carefully (later in the book), you will see that we are all practicing sinners. Many of the sins Christians commit are willful. Let us now review Romans 7:15-25 to see Paul’s current battle with sin. What I mean by “current” is this—when he wrote Romans, he was currently sinning. Look at the verbs. They are all present tense.
For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I DO. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (Romans 7:15-20)
The Greek word for DO in verse 19 is prassw. It means “to practice, to habitually commit”. YES, Paul practiced sin. Sin is sin; whether willful or not. Most sin is willful. What was the willful sin going on here? It was rejecting Jesus’s sacrifice and sacrificing animals in His place. Either way, if we sin after we hear the knowledge of truth, whether willfully or not, there REMAINS NO SACRIFICE FOR SINS. What a TRUE STATEMENT THIS IS. Today, there is NO goat, NO lamb, NO animal sacrifice that REMAINS that can take away sin. Today, there REMAINS no more sacrifice for sin. WHY? The ONCE for ALL sacrifice happened 2,000 years ago by Jesus. This is the CONTEXT of the book! We must look at who the book is written to, what is going on, and the solution. The purpose was convincing saved people who had gone BACK to sacrificing animals that no more animal sacrifices are needed. QUIT doing it! There REMAINS no sacrifice for sin. Their actions were pretty much saying, “Jesus’s sacrifice was NOT good enough.” This belief trods under foot the Son of God (verse 29).
PERSONAL QUESTION: How many professing Christians do you know who say, “Jesus’s sacrifice was not good enough” by adding to the gospel?
Many religious people use this passage to say a person can lose his or her salvation. Hog wash! In verse 14 it reads “perfected forever”. If a born again believer is perfected forever, how can he or she lose that salvation?! The religious will always take scripture out of context! Again, He was telling these Jewish brethren who were sacrificing animals, “There remains no sacrifice for sins!” If we continue reading in Hebrews we read that these people believed the gospel and did some things for the kingdom (verses 32-35). Verse 35 is another assurance of salvation verse.
“Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of REWARD.” Then verse 36 continues, “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.”
What is the will of God?
“…and this is the WILL OF HIM that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day (John 6:40).
What are the promises of God? Salvation is promised to those who believe on the completed work of Jesus at the cross (that’s FREE a GIFT of God; Eph 2:8,9). REWARDS are promised to those who abide in the faith and bear fruit worthy of repentance (change of mind).
Have you believed (trusted) in the ONCE FOR ALL sacrifice of Jesus or do you believe (trusting) in something else? Maybe you are trusting in what Hebrews calls “dead works”. If you have trusted in this sacrifice of Jesus alone, you are perfected forever (Heb 10:14)
Curtis, your comment that goes, “A soul can trust Jesus as their savior and go and live a life of debauchery and never never show any evidence of the New nature even go on to curse God and die and immediately go to heaven were Jesus is .
another soul can go to church do good all their lives recognize Jesus is lord
die and go right straight to hell because they Never Trusted Jesus as their savior.”
Your above 2 comments is so true. My half brother is a classic example of one who trusted Jesus as his savior at a young age, but when he immigrated to the US he became too preoccupied with the “pleasures of life” and lived for decades as a hedonist up to the very day of his death. He certainly did not show any evidence of the new nature, but he’s eternally saved. He was definitely a Luke 8:14 Christian that most Calvinists/Lordship Salvationists would easily dismiss as “unsaved”.
Then we have people like Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Calvinists/Loadship Damnationists, Arminianists, and Roman Catholics that are devout church attenders all their life, sanctimonious, and obsessive compulsive when it comes to “good works”, BUT only to land in hell. These are the Matthew 7:22 people.
J.m. ask your friend if the thief on the cross followed Christ to be saved
Thank you Curtis for your prayers dear friend. Also, Journalistic, It’s funny, if I was dealing with these people now, I’d be dealing with them questioning my son’s faith for willfully sinning. I wonder if they just have ‘oops’ when they sin.
Heb 10 is a contrast between the two sacrifices, the one that was still going on in the Jewish temple, and that the Hebrew believers were considering re-continuing in order to avoid perseverance, it was also why many were forbidding assembling together, so that the Jews wouldn’t know who they were. There remained no more sacrifice for sin, they could willfully sin, and return to that sacrifice, but it would do no good, and in fact, it would harm them and others along with blaspheme the way of truth and this would be counting His blood unholy, trampling Him underfoot, and insulting the Spirit of Grace. Quite a willful sin.
When people use that one on me, I simply ask if they only accidentally sin. Because plenty of us make choices we know are sins when we do them. Of course there are also thing we do we do not want to do because of the flesh. But people need to look at the whole book of Hebrews for context.
JM – there is faith. We either believe UPON Jesus Christ as our Savior, or we do not. These are all subtle deceptions by the enemy, a way of qualifying how big our faith is. It doesn’t take a certain ‘type’ to believe something that is true. If I say to someone the earth is round because it is, are we going to qualify it by head faith or heart faith?
JM,
Take heart.
I got accused yesterday by another long-time believer of constantly “telling everybody they’re wrong” because I called out Francis Chan, John MacArthur, etc as false preachers on two occasions to him. This same believer would then go on to tell me that I couldn’t possibly know more than what a man of John MacArthur’s education had to say about the Bible, and that that we are not to “judge” anyone else’s message, but leave that up to God(!). That is, of course, while he and the many other false preachers condemn people to hell for all of eternity in the meantime with their damnable doctrines.
Truth is not relative and it is frustrating indeed. Seems like these folks have a vested interest in protecting everyone else’s word but the Lord’s. I get the impression that when we speak the truth into their life that we ruin their religious buzz.
To me, the Heb. 10:26 passage is simply saying that a person cannot do as he did under the law of Moses and keep getting more forgiveness. Christ’s one sacrifice has completed our forgiveness forever and the sacrifices of the law are not there. This is the same message in all of Hebrews. Also, I think that Hebrews 6:4-6 is saying the same thing as Hebrews 10:26 only in a different way. Since Christ has perfected us there is nothing beyond his ultimate sacrifice we can turn to.
JM the head /heart faith is Tommy Rot there is no such thing ,
yes yes head and heart are used in scripture they both mean the same and are interchangeable .
A soul can trust Jesus as their savior and go and live a life of debauchery and never never show any evidence of the New nature even go on to curse God and die and immediately go to heaven were Jesus is .
another soul can go to church do good all their lives recognize Jesus is lord
die and go right straight to hell because they Never Trusted Jesus as their savior.
Just because we cant see the new nature / New man does not mean the new birth is not in a soul .
we become spiritual in our thinking not our doing
you don’t get better to get saved you need to get saved to get better and you cant get better until you are saved .
Thanks, John. Not having much impact, unfortunately. I just explained the Gospel in full. Now I’m being accused of jamming it down his throat, so I think it’s time to stop and turn to prayer. Frustrating.
Thoughts and prayer toward you Holly for rest and healing for you and Adam
JM, people frequently misuse that passage to try to prove that people who sin on purpose (or do so beyond some arbitrary, non-defined standard) must not be saved.
This passage has a couple of interpretations that are consistent with grace, eternal security, and assurance.
One is what you described – temporal judgment or loss of eternal rewards.
The other is that different people are being addressed – believers (even if they willfully sin) and non-believers (God’s adversaries). The second interpretation would mean that in verse 29, when it says “…wherewith he was sanctified” refers to Jesus, and not a defecting believer in Christ. Jesus does say, in John 17:19, that He sanctified Himself.
Fantastic. Thank you.
I am currently having a conversation over FB with a work colleague who believes in Lordship salvation without realising it. He has just sent me Hebrews 10:24-27 as proof that my idea that a Christian doesn’t have/won’t automatically follow Christ is false.
My take on this passage is that it speaks of Jewish Christians who are being pressured to go back under the law. They are perfected by the sacrifice of Christ forever, but if they put themselves back under the law they tread on the Son of God and are worth sorer punishment (in this life or at the bema – I don’t know?) than someone sinning against the law of Moses.
Just checking with you on this before I actually post it to him.
JM, the “head faith/heart faith” is a red flag. If someone is using that false dichotomy, I would avoid them like the plague.
You are right that one must realize he ia a sinner in need of a Savior. However, there are people who know they are sinners, in need of a Savior, who haven’t believed in Jesus alone as Savior. Such people would include those who are trusting in Christ plus something else to get to heaven. These people have not repented (changed their minds) from their false way of salvation, to accepting Christ alone as Savior.
Confessing Christ is not required for eternal life. Nor is confessing Christ the way to eternal life. One can confess Christ, without having believed in Him.
If someone who has never believed in Jesus as Savior is misled to think that he must confess Christ in order to have eternal life, than he may be trusting, in part, on his act of confession, which is a work.
I just read a book by a man named Cary Schmidt. It’s called “done”. In the back he says there is head belief and heart belief. Someone can believe Jesus is the way to salvation but not confess him (not accept Him). He uses Romans 10, as per usual. He says you must believe + confess. I don’t agree, naturally, but is this a damnable error to which keeps people from receiving salvation?
Personally, I don’t know how one can repent (see themself as a sinner who needs to be saved) without then coming to Christ to save them.
Thank you both Phil and John. It seems in the dark times that it can’t get worse, sometimes it does, however, today was a much more encouraging day. The staff (for the most part) also more encouraging. My daughter and son-in-law are on their way from Colorado, so praying for safe travels for them, and a nice time with them. The doctor was the best I’ve had to date as far as bedside manner and patience, very thankful for that, comforting. God Bless you all. Love in Christ.
Holly,I have prayed that you would receive rest and I have prayed that God would sustain and strengthen your support system as well.
Holly, I too pray for you and Adam,
Today was like a brick wall that I ran into, where my mind almost stopped functioning. I have a good support system, pray for them too. I don’t even know what to ask for, but He knows. Love you all in Him, Holly
Holly, thank you for letting us know. We are praying for you and Adam.
The news today was disheartening. I don’t know how to word it, but through a nice person, I was given nothing but negative news with no hope. I finally had to say we would cross that bridge when we came to it. I know the Lord is able and I know the Lord is good. And even with the worse report, the good news is still that Adam believes upon the Lord and is His. After that, everything is a bonus. I would rather not look to the worse scenario (as the news was today, basically no hope), and look to the Lord, and leave the outcome to Him, and as a widow, I will continue to pester Him ❤
Me too Holly.
Holly, I am thankful that God has restored him to a stable state. I will continue to pray for you, Adam, Chris, Christine, and families.
praying rest for holly , healing touch for Adam
He did become stable, I appreciate it. I am ready to rest for the evening. God bless everyone.
Holly, I have prayed that God will restore the stability to Adam’s blood pressure, pulse, and temperature.
SPECIFIC PRAYER REQUEST: Right now he is ‘storming’ they think, which means his blood pressure and pulse along with temperature are not reacting well. Please pray for those three things. Feeding tube is delayed.
Thanks John, just talked to the surgeon, he’s headed in for the second one, should be in about an hour.
Holly, thanks for the update. I will continue to pray for Adam and you.
Adam’s tracheostomy was successful, so if he should be more comfortable with that out of his hurting mouth. They will do oral surgery later today, depending on everything, then tomorrow the PEG tube.
Thank you all. I should be getting some antibiotics soon, and am being still and resting with a steamer on, keeping things loose. Several surgeries are slated for tomorrow, God willing. A tracheostomy to remove the tube from his mouth, then they will operate on his mouth and tongue and teeth. He has a flap, and several loose teeth, along with losing one, don’t know what will stay and what will need to be pulled. They should also put in a feeding tube, directly to the stomach. I talked to the head of the trauma team a little while ago, he filled me in on all these things. Thank you all for your continued prayers, verses of encouragement, for Adam and Chris and his wife Christine, and their two little ones.
Holly, thank you for the update.
We love you, and have continued to pray for each of you.
The MRI news was not a good report, but man’s report is not always the report of the Lord. A friend texted to remind me, we do not walk by sight, but by faith. Appreciate all the continued prayers, for healing, for God’s will to be done, for salvation for those who don’t know Him. We cannot know what the Lord’s will is in this, but there is never anything wrong in asking for Him to heal. I trust in the Lord.
Thank you, there is a new update today which you can feel free to post here if you want, not going in right now, but keeping in contact via phone.
So thankful, appreciative and touched by the prayers of the saints. Most of all, please pray for the salvation of those who do not know Him. That they might hear and consider the gospel and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to be saved. Pray for influences otherwise to be kept out of their lives, and that the difference between the light and darkness to be made apparent. Please pray I will not stay sick long so that I might be able to be there, to pray, and Lord willing to shine a light before men. Love you all.
Holly, I suggest that you take in a lot of antioxidants like blueberries, pomegranate juice, and broccoli for your cold.
Holly, I will pray for your strength and quick recovery.
I am afraid I am sick. I am home early, have taken nyquil, and slathered up with Vicks 🙂 Pray please for a speedy recovery. My lungs and throat feel like they are on fire.
John, knowing to some little degree, the battle you deal with, and just life in general, I pray all will take it seriously to keep you in prayer always.
Preston, I have prayed for you also.
1 Timothy 5:17: Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
Preston, praying for you my friend.
Thank you, greater is He that is in us, than he that is in the world. Keep your armor on William and Preston.
❤ 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. 1 Pet 4:12-13
Dear Holly, Hang in there and be strong! Still praying for you and Adam.
Thanks John!
2 Timothy 3:12 – Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Adam, Thank you! It appears that Satan has been attacking me and my family because of my contending for the faith and refuting false doctrine on YouTube. Brother Preston has also suffered attacks from Satan because of his contending for the faith. Please pray for him also.
2 Timothy 3:12 – Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
Keep fighting William. His Grace is always sufficient for us. I will be praying for you and your circumstances too.
William, I have prayed for you and your family as well.
2 Thessalonians 3:13: But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
Holly, I’m still praying for Adam and I will continue to pray for Christine. We’ve been bone weary ourselves as our son is going through a divorce right now. We may have to go to court to fight regarding slanderous accusations brought against us. We’re talking about 12 pages of lies and false accusations.
Bad things have been happening to us ever since I started contending for the faith up on YouTube. It happens especially when I refute the false doctrine of Calvinism/Lordship Salvation.
Holly,
Praying for Adam’s full recovery. God bless you and your family
Bryan R.
Praying as prompted
Thank you, it is all Him, trust me, it’s best to keep our eyes on Him, or we’ll be sinking in the stormy water. But even there, He is there with His right hand to uphold us.
Here was my update today, appreciate you all, and John for allowing this request here.
Bone weary. I was thinking as I prepared for bed, how much different this would be for me, if I didn’t know the Lord as my friend. No progress was made today. The CT scan was unchanged from yesterday. He is still not responsive to any commands. I talked to 4 different doctors today. Sometimes there is none, and sometimes several. They spoke of doing a trachestomy in the next couple of days if they cannot get him to respond and breathe on his own. Lots of head traumas came in last night.
The day goes on for all, I watch and wonder if they contemplate or maybe just don’t think on the existence of God. I feel such compassion for all in there. My son’s friends, the patients, the older woman silently whispering a prayer outside her husband’s room. My body is weak, my emotions are fragile, but I see so many that need pointed to the One who loves them. If they only saw the myriad ways He uses to daily draws them to Him in lovingkindness. I wonder in my head, does this make them ponder the brevity of life and what their end might be? I don’t know if they do.
I talked to Christine, and she came by to say goodbye tonight, on her way home to her two babies. She is a sweet person, my heart really cries out for her, please keep her in your prayers, to come to know Him, for the right opportunities to present itself to continue to share with her. Somebody sent me what I ‘think’ is a beautiful banana bread loaf. I did not open it. I felt heavily impressed to give it to Cristina. She was so touched, she said her little one LOVES banana bread and she just inhaled it. And she told me her husband cooked, and she did not. When she came tonight, she said she had put the Bible verse picture on the wall. Thank you to the anonymous person who sent it ❤ May the Lord bless your efforts and beautiful script on their wall.
Love you all, so many to say thank you too, and not enough energy. Please keep praying for Adam. Adam knows the Lord, it's part of what makes him the kind of person he is. Maybe some of you know that. But it's the Lord that has made his heart soft and kind towards others. Anyways, I hope you all will be sure you know where you would go if you died tonight.
Holly, You , your son Adam and the others are in my prayers. What a witness you are to me and everyone else here! May He “cover you with his pinions” and carry you through this tough situation. Bless you and love in Christ,
John John
Thank you everyone. ❤
I sure appreciate continued prayers, not only for Adam, but for Chris and his wife Cristina. I'm not putting this on my site, since many are reading, but please pray for their salvation. I was able to talk to her a little, when I had asked if she'd like me to read the Bible. I said I didn't know if she would mind, and she said she was Catholic and he was Lutheran. I explained that I was a Christian, a believer, and she said about wanting to be good. I then told her of course that although we can do good things, it's not perfection, and God is perfect, so really, we are none good except God. I gave her Tom Cucuzza's booklet the day before, and she said it was in her purse and she was reading it. My daughter saw someone else with the booklet too, so they had taken it from the waiting room, please pray for them.
She went to have lunch, and as I read to him, his blood pressure went down and stayed down. I was able to read for probably about 45 minutes. Pray for the right opportunity to be able to share more with her.
I appreciate the prayers for the return of his cognitive function, also his respiratory function at the right time. For him to be protected from pneumonia. His CTscan results are not back, they just took him a little while. Last night was a busy trauma night, or I should say early this morning. Unfortunately they see more trauma on the weekends. Thank you all for your prayers. We are physically weary, but the Lord is with us. Love in Christ.
Where two or more are gathered, He is with us. God bless all concerned. Thank you for sharing and giving us the opportunity to pray for Holly and her those involved.
Praying for all involved.
Holly, I am continuing to pray for Adam, and for you also.
Appreciate prayers for his cognitive function to be revived and for him to start breathing on his own, but for the right timing.
Holly praying for you and Adam
Joining in prayer with you all.
Dear Holly, I am praying for your son, Adam and I pray that he will have a full recovery. For the past several weeks, me and my wife have been so worried about our son who recently had a nervous breakdown, was hospitalized, then was arrested because of his troubled marriage and lost his job the very next day. He is finally back home with us right now, and as a parent myself, I can sympathize and understand how you feel.
Praying for you all.
Here is the update for today.
UPDATE 8-21-2015
Adam did develop a new brain bleed this morning, but not serious at the moment, they are monitoring it. Life is very short, and we never know what might happen the next minute to any of us.
If any of his friends or anyone out there, are reading this, that do not know the Lord, or are not SURE of their position in Christ, please know I care about you and want to know you are all right if something happened to you. It’s not about religion, but the simple good news.
Please read this link, it is simple, and straightforward, and will tell you how you can know you would be with the Lord if something happened to you. I made certain that Adam understood and believed the clear gospel, and if I had still been involved in that stinking thinking that the Loadship (lordship) legalistic doctrine/religion brings, that one’s life or they way they live it proves whether someone is saved, I would be in more fear now.
HOW TO BE SURE YOU ARE GOING TO HEAVEN
Click to access how_to_be_sure_you_are_going_to_heaven_with_cover.pdf
As I see all his friends come into the hospital, my heart is moved to great love and compassion for them, I feel like a mother to many more oddly. I pray that those who do not know the Lord will come to know His great love for them.
We are so thankful for the many praying, it is not prayer that has power, but the Lord is who is powerful, so it is Who we are praying to that makes all the difference. We love Him, and we trust Him, and know that He is good to us, not matter what we see in this life.
I am the redeemed of the Lord, and I believe so is my son Adam. The Lord saved me from eternal death and He has delivered me from many afflictions in this life. When my hungry and thirst soul fainted within me, He as the one Who has satisfied my longing soul with all good things.
I want to praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His many wonderful works towards me, for saving me out of so many distresses is my life. Please read Psalm 107, and understand the lovingkindness of the Lord. Today I hope to read Psalm 139 and 63, not only to Adam, but to Chris if his wife will permit me. And that is if the Lord wishes me too, or leads me elsewhere. Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring which of His Word I should speak to my remembrance.
Thank you Ben very much, down to Derick, I have read all and been blessed. I updated before I came here (on my site), and I had to smile when I saw that Derick put the same verse of the picture I decided to post. The Lord is sure good to us, no matter what we see. Pray for opportunities for me to share the gospel with many, if the Lord is willing to give me that chance. And pray for me to share His unconditional love to the best of my ability to others who are hurting. He has given me much strength in the inner woman, through the prayers of the Saints in the light 🙂 yet my body is very weary, although still moving on. I am just a person, weak, but His strength is apparent as I move through this time. He is always good, and He will work this together for good I trust, as His Word is true.
Love to all of you.
Have already prayed, I trust the Lord will answer our prayers according to His will, Psalm 34: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him/her out of them all.”
Praying for Adam and Holly and their family(s).
I’ll be praying for your son Adam and your family, Holly. Stay strong, sister!!! Many huggles your way!
In my prayers also.
Please find additional information from Holly, as well as a prayer line posted by her friend Kimberly, linked below:
http://redeemingmoments.com/2015/08/20/prayer-request-for-hollys-son-adam/#comment-6811
http://redeemingmoments.com/2015/08/20/prayer-request-for-hollys-son-adam/#comment-6810
Praying in agreement for healing and peace for the family.
Heavenly Father,
We pray for Adam that You will heal his body and that he will make complete recovery from his head injuries. Romans 8:28. May Your will be done in his life. We pray for Holly that You will give her Your peace and comfort as she faces this trial in her life. Please hold the family in Your loving arms and give the medical staff caring for Adam Your wisdom in his treatment.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
With you.
Holly: Praying Isaiah 53:4-5; 1 Peter 2:24; John 15:7; Matthew 18:18-19; John 14:12-14; Hebrews 13:8; Mark 11:22-24; Mark 16:18,20; Psalm 103:2-3; Psalm 107:20; Job 28:22
Dan
Praying Holly.
Ben, thank you for your prayers. I know that Holly is grateful for them.
We are happy that you have found Redeeming Moments to be a blessing to you.
Thanks. John
Praying
Praying for all involved.
To the Administrator of expreacherman.com, Hello, my name is Ben. I follow your blog and I got your message about Holly’s son via email. I cannot afford a Word Press account so I cannot comment on this page. But I just wanted to give my prayers to Holly’s son, that he would be healed from his injuries in Jesus’ name. Please tell Holly that her blog redeemingmoments.com has been a major blessing to me as a Christian and that I will be keeping her son in prayer. Thank you and God bless! In Christ, Ben
Lord Jesus !