Tuesday, December 30, 2008

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.




26 comments:

Camille, Blake, Pierce and baby Asher said...

Thank you Jenny for your strength and inspiration. We are praying for Brad and the rest of you... and are so happy to hear that you had a better day enjoying family and friends and the beautiful weather. God is good and He hears his children... we know HE hears our cries.

Brooks Inc. said...

Thanks Jenny for your updates...We are checking in all the time...praying constantly and joining you all in your prayers for complete healing.

May you continue to feel His strength and His presence walking you through the day!

So much love!

Becky

sarahdawn said...

Love to you all. Thank you so much for keeping us all updated and letting us share in this journey with you. My prayers continue that you and Brad both find peace, hope, love, joy, and strength in every single minute.

Anonymous said...

Dear Lord,

Thank you for giving Brad, Jenny, and the kids such a blessed day. Please continue to hold Brad in your safe arms here on earth while you mend body. Please work hard, quick and diligent to mend him, so that he will have even better days with his friends and family. The world is a better place with Brad and Jenny and we ask you to let them continue your ministry and work for many years to come. I pray that Brad has smooth breathing and a meaningful and blessed day. - Amen

Bobbie Brodsgaard said...

How encouraging to see Brad outside enjoying the weather, fellowship - and no doubt winning his card game! God blessed you with a beautiful day. Also, loved seeing Ruby - she just has to lift your spirits! Much love, Bobbie Brodsgaard

Anonymous said...

Jenny, Thanks so much for the update and the pictures. It is so GREAT to see Brad and the guys and him with Ruby. How wonderful. Really glad it was a good day. We are continuing to pray... love, Pat Grisham

Angie Campbell said...

It was great to see these pictures! I am so thankful for a better week, and we are constantly praying still! Hugs!

Leigh Leigh said...

Lord, heal my friend and oh the party we will have in your name! I am already rejoicing and smiling and crying at the beautiful day you gave them yesterday. Please keep those days coming, Lord. Amen!!

da momma said...

I love hearing from you and seeing pictures. The one with Ruby is so sweet. Brad your humor cracks me up! How do you even think of things to say like that?? love yall!!

Nellie said...

Thank you for sharing the wonderful pictures of family and friends.

Brad, your sense of humor just never ceases to amuse us. God gave it to you as a gift and you are using it to the fullest! Way to go.

Dear God,
Please continue to rain down blessings upon Brad, Jenny and their families. We trust in your wisdom as you take all of us through this journey with them. I ask that you heal Brad completely and accept with faith your answer, knowing that you have the best plan for all of us. Give Brad strength, courage and peace as he continues the good fight and shows us his faith in action. Bless Jenny with happy times in the days ahead, and give her strength and peace as well. Continue to bless Zeke and Little K with their hearts of love. And, Father, please give an extra special hug of love and strength to Sandra and David. I give you the glory for all that we are seeing in Brad's life and praise your name for your mighty work in him. Thank you for hearing our cries. In the most precious, strong, glorious name of Jesus, Amen.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Jenny for the great update. Thank you God for such an amazing day for Brad and his family. Please heal Brad's body.

debralynne said...

Jenny,
It was so good to hear from you. I love reading the stories of your "3 children". I know you have your hands full with all the entrtainment. I'm so glad Brad had such a good day. Praying for many more days ahead!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the updates. We are thinking of and praying for you continually and inspired by your strength. I admire you both so much!

Lynn said...

Absolutely precious. And priceless. Thank you God for this beautiful family. Still making memories to last a lifetime.

Rebecca said...

What a blessing that Brad felt good enough to play cards. Chris had such fun even though he got beat by Matt and Bryan. Thank you for inviting Chris for some fellowship time with one of his favorite people.

Renee said...

O God of heavenly powers, by the might of your command you drive away from our bodies all sickness and all infirmity:

Be present in your goodness with your servant Brad, that his weakness may be banished and his strength restored; and that,
his health being renewed, he may bless your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Praying without waiver.

Rebecca Jo said...

That says alot about him that he can keep his sense of humor rolling... what a strong man!

Mary Anna said...

How wonderful to be surrounded by such caring family and friends! Thanks for posting the photos. It makes my heart a little lighter to see Brad's smile.

Perks said...

My goodness!!! Make me laugh and cry all at the same time! Love all the Brad humor you shared with us...especially the "you look like Betty Rubble, but I like it." Seriously, who thinks of stuff like that?

Praying for another better day and that God just speaks the word "healed". Please, Lord, hear our plea.

Love you all.

Anonymous said...

Jenny & Brad,
Wes and I are praying for you daily. Jenny, we loved the pictures you posted.

Anonymous said...

Thanks God for another good day! I have been reading your posts and the pictures are heartwarming. Our prayers are continuing non-stop and I am glad to see that Brad is feeling a little bit better. He seems like such an amazing man with such a big heart...and Jenny, you are such a strong lady! May God continue to bless you and your beautiful family! May this New Year bring new miracles and healing for Brad and all of you!

Laura Ann said...

To God Be the GLORY! Will continue to pray for your sweet family. Thank you so much for the update.

Anonymous said...

still praying and Brad's one-liners made me smile.

Richie Malone

Rachel said...

Praise God for a good day!!! Stay strong and keep close to God. He WILL be glorified through all of this. Don't let discouragement have even an inch of space in your mind!

Anonymous said...

Brad and Jenny,
You have been in our thoughts, prayers and hearts constantly. We will be back in town on the 3rd and are looking forward to giving both of you a hug... would love to stop by and pray with you. Luke is so anxious for Zeke to come to his house. He is missing him. We love all of you so much and are so proud of your courage and faith in our God. Hug Nonnie and Granddad for us!

Tom and Vanessa

Anonymous said...

Brad, I don't know where you got your sense of humor? Could be uncle David!!! We love you and continue to pray for you and your precious family and are happy you are feeling better.
Rusty Hanna