An Update from Jenny!

I am so grateful that Lisa has been keeping our blog up-to-date...thank you Lisa!! I found my way to the computer this evening to post a few pictures I wanted to share....my favorites from the last couple of days. The first picture is of a few members of the praise team from Southeast who came to sing with us on Monday night. There is nothing Brad & I enjoy more than singing together in a group like that...it was wonderful and so theraputic. Thank you for that gift.

The next pictures are of the boys playing cards outside in the yard this afternoon. I know that Brad enjoyed doing something so normal and it was a wonderful day to enjoy outdoors...perfect weather. Thank you guys for sharing your afternoon with Brad....you came at just the right moment to help lift his spirits.

The last picture is of Brad's 86-year-old aunt Ruby. She came over to see Brad yesterday afternoon and Brad made her lay down in bed next to him so he could hug on her.

I know that first and foremost everyone wants to know how we are doing. While we have certainly had our moments of complete and udder sadness about Brad's sudden health shift, I would have to say that I think overall we are holding up fairly well (all things considered). Brad has the uncanny ability to still find ways to slip in his sense of humor, even in the most desperate-feeling situations. Most of the day Sunday Brad felt so winded that he was unable to speak...so he was signing and writing for communication. Here are a few examples of Brad's bedside comedy at work: Matt cut his finger with a knife...Brad wrote that Matt was trying to steal his attention, he found ways to make fun of himself (& of others of course!). When Gena came into the room to see him, he greeted her, let her hug on him, then lied to her by writing that she was standing on his oxygen tubing (for those that don't know...Gena has a history with cutting off patient's oxygen supplies) so he had her jumping around trying to avoid his tube. Brad poked fun at Lisa's weight (she's pregnant), he played "Top Gun" & Darth Vader with his new oxygen mask, and he attempted to make out with Valerie Shoup (through his O2 mask) when she leaned over to hug on him. Just tonight I was getting into bed next to him...he had been in and out of sleep. Brad peered at me through half-opened eyes and asked me "what are you wearing?" I told him I had on a new blue animal print nightgown...he just hadn't seen me wear it yet. Through his morphene-induced sleep-haze he slowly responded in saying, "you look like Betty Rubble, but I like it." Brad's ability to find humor in the most difficult of circumstances still blows my mind....he is so amazing.

The kids are doing well...seemingly unphased by any of the circumstances. They are well entertained and cared for by all the cousins, aunts, and extended family.

We have been so blessed to have all of Brad's family here with us. It has been incredibly fortunate that all of our family is off from work/college/kids out of school so that we have had the opportunity to be here all together. Brad loves having his family all together. He draws strength from having them surround him. We are so thankful to have everyone here with us at this time.

The prayers are being heard. We are continuously embraced by the love that is being poured out on our family. We are still praying for renewed strength and continued improvement for Brad. Tomorrow will be an even better day.