100% Update: Anxiety Settles In

Tuesday, November 04, 2008

Dad has settled into his new room ... and so has his anxiety. How can I explain that a little better for you? Mom (or a representative of Mom) has been by Dad's side 24 hours a day ever since the first day of his accident ( ... the ViolentSilence ... ). Tonight will be the first night Dad is on his own ... in other words, no overnight visitors or family members can stay at the new rehabilitation facility (... WorthyRehab ...)

Mom certainly is not ready to let go.

Dad is anxious to let go ... but I think understands that this is the next step in his rehabilitation.

Here's where you can help. Pray for the following:

1. 6-8 hours of rest/sleep for Dad.
2. 0 hours of anxiety for Dad.
3. 0 hours of anxiety for Mom.
4. 100% relief from EyePain for Dad.
5. 100% energy for the overnight staff.

Thanks ...

100% Update: 3:00 O'Clock

3:00 pm ... That's what the clock says ... and my spies are telling me that Dad is going to be transferred to WorthyRehab today at 3:00 pm ... the new chapter begins this evening ...

Rooting for Ray (#21)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your pics here. Today's FeaturedFoto is not a picture of Rooters ... but instead is a picture of the sign prepared by a bunch of Rooters ... Personally, I think they are scared to appear in a picture together ...

Please send your "Rooting for Ray" pictures here.
Whether you are family, friend, or perfect stranger,
we want to hear (and see) from you!

Yea, Right?!?!?!

What's a brother gotta do to get a little baked fish for lunch around here?

Apparently for Dad, the answer to that question is ... "NOTHING ... YOU'RE NOT GOING TO GET FISH, PATIENT 5509, OKAY!"

Kinda gives this flyer from food services a new meaning to the word service ...

X Marks the Spot ... Cont'd

Do you remember how Dad wanted a "game plan" for recovery? Well, we are still updating his list. And when we find out about the next chapter in his rehabilitation, I am sure that we are going to be adding to this list. In the meantime, do you have any additions? List them below in the comments.

23. Sell Yoda costume on E-bay when I get access to my computer again.

24. Participate in Tennessee re-count of Presidential election.

25.

Dad's Epi-Fannie

Monday, November 03, 2008

I know that's not a word, but it has been part of Dad's vocabulary for as long as I can remember. The real word is epiphany, which means:

1 capitalized : January 6 observed as a church festival in commemoration of the coming of the Magi as the first manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles or in the Eastern Church in commemoration of the baptism of Christ

2: an appearance or manifestation especially of a divine being

3 a (1): a usually sudden manifestation or perception of the essential nature or meaning of something (2): an intuitive grasp of reality through something (as an event) usually simple and striking (3): an illuminating discovery, realization, or disclosure b: a revealing scene or moment

Definition from Merry and Web.

Dad's epiphany came this weekend as BroBill was praying ... "Thanks God that Ray lived."

Dad immediately began to cry. Mom asks, "Why are you crying, dear?"

Dad responds, "I just realized that my brothers and sisters came to Nashville because I was .. or could have ... died ..."

Dad proceeded to ask about what happened. Mom shares her personal journey about relying on the Sovereignty of God. While she asked God to save her husband, Mom really claimed God's Sovereignty in her life "... whatever happens ... whatever happens ..."

Dad remains speechless, trembling and crying ... Dad wonders how God is going to use this accident ... Dad wonders what he is going to do to further God's kingdom having survived such intense trauma ... Dad continues to cry ... feeling overwhelmed by God's choosing him for this journey and in the way God has been healing every part of his body.

Dad, I don't have all the answers ... In fact, I rarely have a coherent thought scribbled on these pages ... but perhaps our friend Paul would tell you that Christ's work in you ... and this family ... and this church ... and this journey ... and this ViolentSilence ... will be revealed to you and the World in God's perfect timing. The key is the revelation of Christ ... through you ... to others ...

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18)

Rooting for Ray (#20)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your pics here. Today's FeaturedFoto comes from a special duo in Oklahoma ...

Please send your "Rooting for Ray" pictures here.

Whether you are family, friend, or perfect stranger,

we want to hear (and see) from you!

100% Update: Don't Count Your Chickens ...

... before they hatch.

That's the only advice we have for you when you read this post. At the end of last week, Dr. Rehab 1.0 said that Dad was almost ready for the next stage ... intense rehabilitation services. So let's review where we have been and where we are going:

• Chapter 1 = Major Trauma at the TraumaCondo
• Chapter 2 = Acute Rehabilitation (and Ventilation Weaning) at TheSelect
• Chapter 3 = Intense Rehabilitation (Physical, Occupational, Speech) at WorthyRehab

Dr. Rehab wanted to keep Dad at TheSelect through the weekend to make sure he fully recovered from the eye surgery. In the meantime, the friendly people from WorthyRehab came to see whether Dad "fit in" with their people ... a kind of assessment of sorts. Answer = Yes, Dad "fits in" with their people. In fact, their people were happy that Dad was working with Lil'Bruiser because they know she is a little bruiser with her patients and that Dad won't slack off during rehabilitation.

So ... don't count your chickens before they hatch ... but there is a rumor that Dad will be entering a new chapter soon ... a new chapter of intense rehabilitation at WorthyRehab ... we will let you know as soon as we find out it is official.

Side Effects ...

You heard the news yesterday that the RehabTeam removed Dad's trach tube, right? Well, one of the side effects of removing the trach tube is that Dad lost his Yoda-voice ...



But that's okay ... now Dad sounds like a cross between Scent of a Woman-Al Pacino ...



... and God Father-Marlon Brando ...

TheSelect: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

You've been behind the scenes at the TraumaCondo. Last week, we showed you a little teaser of TheSelect: A Behind-the-Scenes-Look ... We, along with Nelson, wonder how many LeftOvers or HurtOnes found some new faith as a result of walking this cross-over. Let's check the rest of Dad's crib.

Here's a map overview of the land ... [Note: Not drawn to scale ... ]

Here's the sign we saw on the night of the Fall from Bed ...

.... when we were going to get some of these ...

... and me playing with my camera ... that was a fun (NOT) night!

Here's the MovingBox that takes you up to Dad's floor ... 5 ... is the magic number ..

At TheSelect, there is even an indoor walking path ... well ... you can walk ... indoors ... and keep track of your distance ... but you cannot train for a marathon here.

Finally, here is the TranquilEntrance ... a peaceful scenery that welcomes you to TheSelect.

We hope that you can come by to see the great amenities at TheSelect ... and Dad too.

Prayers for PrayerWarrior1

Sensitive Nature, Tennessee -- Yesterday, we asked you to pray for PROTECTION for PrayerWarrior1. We could not say much other than she needed TheTruth's protection. We have an update on what is happening.

PrayerWarrior1 went to NotAmerica to SpreadtheWord. PrayerWarrior1 and friends went specifically to NotAmerica to help the WeeOnes that are trained hurt others for the Meanies. Unfortunately, the Meanies in NotAmerica do not like SpreadingtheWord. As you can imagine, PrayerWarrior1 was in danger.

Over the past two days, the Meanies found out that PrayerWarrior1 believes in TheTruth, is SpreadingtheWord, and wants to save the WeeOnes. The Meanies started looking specifically for PrayerWarrior1 by name. PrayerWarrior1 was able to play Hide'n'Seek for a couple of days. PrayerWarrior1 was going to travel by Thomas and Sir Topham Hatt ... as opposed to by Knight Rider ... but as of this morning has gone by GreyHound. Given the ScaryStress, please talk to TheTruth on behalf of PrayerWarrior1 for the following:

1. SafePassage for PrayerWarrior1, who is supposed to catch a FlyingBus back to "us" on the 7th.


2. For Magic Johnson, who has been questioned by the Meanies a couple of times. They are asking for the TreasureMap showing the Crib of PrayerWarrior1.


3. For the 12 WeeOnes being helped by PrayerWarrior1 ... some them ran from the Meanies and, of course, remain in danger.


4. For the nation of NotAmerica ... 25 years of civil war ... for a Truce.

Thanks for praying for PrayerWarrior1.

Halloween Candy

Leftover Halloween candy as a little treat after dinner = GOOD

Leftover Halloween candy as dinner = NOT GOOD!

Warning Warning Warning

Sunday, November 02, 2008

Dear Certain-No-Brain-Patient-Living-on-the-Same-Floor-as-Dad:

These signs are not suggestions. They are mandatory. Please follow them, even if you think you are under a lot of stress and need a relief. Thanks.

Sincerely,

Self (and all the other family members HurtOnes at TheSelect).

Trick and Treat!

Yesterday, I said that we had a trick-or-treat for you. Well, actually we have both a trick and a treat. Ready?

Trick: Dad can get in and out of bed on his own, with the assistance of a walker.

Treat: Dad can now breath entirely on his own, without the assistance of a tracheotomy tube or oxygen NoseTube ( ... nasal cannula ... ). That's right, the respiratory team took out Dad's trach tube this morning.

Rooting for Ray (#19)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your pic here. Today's FeaturedFoto comes from the Charleston LoveBirds. Remember them? Well, it seems that the LoveBirds down South have been up to a whole lotta luvin' ... World, let us introduce you to Lil' LoveBird, born on October 23, 2008 at 9:38am ...

LoveBirds, we just had a cute little boy, No. 5, if you believe in arranged marriages. Mom says you are good people and we trust her judgment!

Please send your "Rooting for Ray" pictures here.
Whether you are family, friend, or perfect stranger,
we want to hear (and see) from you!

And the Number is ...

Saturday, November 01, 2008

... 10,345 !!!

Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks. Thanks.Thanks. Thanks.

100% Update: A Week in Review

Busy week? Missed some posts due to a hectic trial schedule? To help get you up to speed on Dad's recovery, let our Week in Review assist. Here's what happened:

• Monday (10/27): Dad gets out of bed to eat B'Fast ( ... a nice combination of Eggs and Pureed Pork ... ); Mr. MetroVote comes from the county to assist in getting Dad an absentee ballot for the election; Dad and Mom pray that God guide them through this week's uncertainty and particularly about his EyeJunk; one hour later Dr. EyeGal comes in "UNSCHEDULED" and makes the recommendation for eye surgery. ( ... If no one else is listening, I will tell you a secret ... Don't tell ... Mom sneaks into bed next to Dad for a few minutes ... shhhhhh! ... Don't tell! ... )


• Tuesday (10/28): No technicians around to help Mom help Dad ... Mom turns from Bill Bixby to Hulk on the world ... Dad prays for Mom and calms her down; during occupational therapy Dad puts on his own gown and shirt ... Great! ... maybe Dad can get a job as a gown or shirt inspector ... put those little pieces of paper with numbers on them ... or "Inspected by SheepDog"; Mom almost turns from Bill Bixby to Hulk again because Nurse Spider is back ... and shouldn't be assigned to Dad ... all works out in the end, though.


• Wednesday (10/29): Pastor Butcher, who cuts hair and shaves beards for the sick as his ministry, comes by to pray with and cut hair for Dad; Dr. Rehab 1.0 remains impressed with Dad's daily triumphs; Dad's BubblePatch, which along with a new haircut, reminds us of Bono.


• Thursday (10/30): Dad walked down the hall today ... twice ... with his new Sneaks! ... You already heard about before, during and after the surgery ...


• Friday (10:31): Dr. EyeGal stops by to check on Dad's recovery from surgery ... she says that he will need a cornea transplant or graft down the road ... she is amazed at Dad's overall recovery from "catastrophic" injuries ... EyeGal agrees that Dad's healing came from prayer ( ... thanks World for your part ... ); Nos. 1-5 came trick-or-treating at Dad's room ( ... I am looking at Mom's little notebook ... it says that Dad cries after we leave because he misses us so much ... we love you, too, Dad ... )

100% Update: AP Newswire

Nashville, TN -- Ray DeVries, a local pastor involved in a near fatal accident on September 20, 2008, continues to mystify and baffle his doctors and rehabilitation team. On this first day of November, SheepDog (as his congregants and friends call him) took 300 steps down the hallway with his physical therapy team, Lil'Bruiser and Tiny.

Not only has SheepDog taken great strides with this feet, his lungs continue to grow stronger and stronger. "Ray had his tracheotomy plugged yesterday and he has done so well that we are going to recommend taking out his tracheotomy tube tomorrow," says respiratory therapist SilverHair.

"Tonight is the real test," says Self, who will be staying with SheepDog this evening. "We have been praying for sleep for Dad and I am confident that God will answer our prayers tonight."

Sleep well, SleepDog ... Sleep, well.

* All Prayer "AP" Newswire

Protection!

Remember PrayerWarrior1 and PrayerWarriorToo? Please prayer the following for PrayerWarrior1:

PROTECTION!

Trick or Treat?

We have have both tricks and treats in store for you today! But you will have to check back later this afternoon to see them. Have a great Saturday ... see you tonight!

The Little Notebook

Friday, October 31, 2008

Mom has a little notebook that sits on the windowsill in Dad's room at TheSelect. Everytime a doctor, therapist, nurse, or technician comes into the room, you may see Mom or me or another WatchDog like P-Pet or BigVolFan or Mom'sLad taking notes. You may think we are taking down information about Dad's blood pressure, oxygen saturation levels, temperature or even food intake.

In reality, we are writing down our praises and fears ... praises for every little hand gesture, nod of the head, word from the mouth, sit up in bed, stand up from chair, swallow of juice, song of praise, and ultimately walk out of room ... fears from every wince of the eyebrow, grind of the teeth, cry of pain, sign of unknown and silence of darkness ...

In Mom's little notebook--and in the pages here at G&G--we are writing these things to tell Dad and the World what a scary, gnawing, exuberant, amazing, exhaustive, challenging, rewarding, blessed, fearful, painful, trying, stretching, prayer-filled journey this had been.

Thank you for being a part of it with us!

100% Update: Yoda Sees Dirt

I know that it is Friday and many of you have already skirted out of work early ... some of you are skipping the afternoon nap for the kids so they can go candy-stealing this evening ... and others are still grinding away ... Dad, on the other hand, was mad because his Yoda costume did not fit ... there's only a few hours to go until the Halloween Party at TheSelect ... Dad's boycotting the party for religious reasons ... Here's the update:

• Are we starting a trend here? It was a very rough evening for Dad ... up until 2:00am ... but you knew that! At 2:30am, Nurse BowsO'Holly gave Dad some BellyCalmJuice ( ... a new medication to Dad's list of meds ... ), as well as some NoHurtJuice. Finally, peace, quiet and calmness. This is the first night that Dad sleep for 4 hours straight.


• Dr. Rehab 1.0 came into the room this morning while Mom was getting some coffee. Dad and Dr. Rehab did their rounds together ... no one else ... when Mom returned, Dad accurately reported what Dr. Rehab said. Go Dad! Go Dad!


• The plan is to plug Dad's trach later today and do a 24-hour oxygen test. If that goes well, then the plan is to take out the trach tube tomorrow and allow the trach to close. Scary ... Scary ...


• With the right eye now stitched 1/2 shut, Dad can actually see better out of that eye. As he was sitting up this morning, he looked at the floor ... and in his Yoda-voice ... Dad said, "Man, this is the dirtiest floor I have ever seen."

Happy Friday World!

North Pole Believes

A few days ago I told you that Santa'sHelper was sneaking onto the website on a daily basis to check out Dad's recovery. Well, after telling you about her location (... North Pole, Alaska ...), she decided to send some pics, along with a little note:

You seem to be such a character, judging from reading your accounts about your dad. So I thought you might enjoy a little humor. Since you referred to me as "Santa's Helper," I thought I'd send you a few photos of our North Pole main tourist attraction, Santa Claus House........just for fun. I'm sure your kids will enjoy it. Enjoy your blessings in the Lord.....

Thanks for the pics our little elf friend! Oh, by the way, if you talk to Santa, CaveBear says his family needs a Nintendo Wii as well.

Rooting for Ray (# 18)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your picture here. Today's FeaturedFoto comes from TinkerBelle ... and ... well ... it's pretty self-explanatory. WOOF!

UPDATE: After we posted the above woof-shot, we received this: "Tinkerbelle was so excited she made the web site; she is now dancing for Ray…."

Thanks for the pic, Tink. By the way, since you started dancing, I would stay away from Patrick Swayze or his dog (circa 1987).

Please send your "Rooting for Ray" pictures here.
Whether you are family, friend, or perfect stranger,
we want to hear (and see) from you!

100% Update: Post-Op

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Mom called a little bit ago. You can breathe. The surgery went good. The EyeJunk was cleaned up, but there is severe damage to the cornea. The stitch part of the surgery took like it was supposed to take. Dad will not have full peripheral vision in the right eye while the stitch holds the EyeLid closed. The damage may require a corneal transplant down the road.

Thanks for your prayers, friends.

100% Update: Op

SuperAmnesiaMan came to inspect Dad right before the surgery. He's the one that his going to give Dad his BodyCalmJuice and he looks like Clark Kent = SuperAmnesiaMan. A last second before the operation visit from Dr. EyeGal, too. She's got her game face on and looks like she's ready for anything. Finally, Amnesia Assistant MajicMushroom and O.R. Nurse FanniePack make the final members of the team. Go get 'em guys!

Dad's moaning and crying ... he's done with this stuff, he says ... he's over it, he says ... he's one messed up dude, he says ... he won't stop crying ... it's okay, Dad ... Hero!

Mom walks off to the waiting room. I race home ... where I will wait for the news ... like you all ...

100% Update: Pre-Op

Sitting here in the pre-operation waiting room with Dad and Mom. Nurse WaitingSmile, because of her warm smile while we wait, says she likes Mom's singing. Dad is frustrated because he has been waiting here for a couple of hours. Go figure ... waiting in a surgery waiting room ...

Another's ViolentSilence

You have heard about our ViolentSilence. If you need a primer, then click here. This hurts so much ... it's hard to type the words because it brings back very painful memories ...

... we just received word from some friends in Virginia (the GreetersJr.) that their mom and dad (SunFlower and Stable GreetersSr.) had their own ViolentSilence on October 10, 2008. They were involved in a catastrophic car crash on their way to Greenville, SC. As a result of the accident, SunFlower has sustained numerous injuries ... much like Dad ... and remains in critical condition.

I find it hard to read the Greeters' story because it is such a recent, painful, intimate flashback for me ... when I wrote about our ViolentSilence, the writing helped get me through ... as I read about another's ViolentSilence, my heart hurts because I KNOW EXACTLY what they are feeling. The GreetersJr. and the GreetersSr. taught our family so much back in Virginia. SunFlower taught MyBeloved how to be a wise wife ... and all our love goes back to you.

Greeters of any size (Junior or Senior), if you get this message, please know that we are praying for you. I told my Mom and she immediately prayed for you. Now that we posted here at G&G, the World is praying for you. ( ... World, you can leave a prayer for SunFlower here ... )

100% Update: Evening Jitters

I guess Dad had night-bef0re-eye-surgery-jitters last night. P-Pet stayed with him all night ( ... thanks brother ... ) and reports that Dad had night-bef0re-eye-surgery-jitters last night ... in other words ... he was restless with very little sleep. The surgery is schedule for 5:00pm, and we will let you know immediately after we hear back from Dr. EyeGal.

Rooting for Ray (#17)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your picture here. Today's FeaturedFoto comes from a special flock o' sheep at EastLake in Okie (not Muskogee), Oklahoma. Dad still talks about all his friends and loved ones in Okie (not Muskogee), and we are happy to see that you are Rooting for Ray! You are all invited to Dad's "Return to the Pulpit" tour ... we'll let you know when ...

Please send your "Rooting for Ray" pictures here.
Whether you are family, friend, or perfect stranger,
we want to hear (and see) from you!

Pillow Talk (#2)

I let you into my bedroom a few weeks ago. I did not get in trouble. Whew!

Well, Mom was illegally lying next to Dad ( ... or should I say without doctor authorization sitting on the edge of Dad's hospital bed ... ) the other day. Let's take a look at their pillow talk ...

Dad: I'm one messed up dude ... (moan)

Mom: Ray, you are recovering more and more each day.

Dad: I'm one recovering messed up dude ... (beast smile ... groan)

BonoDad

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Dad got a new haircut and shave this afternoon ... and he joined a new group called "You, Too!" Here's some pictures of BonoDad before going gray ... We are getting ready for an eye surgery tomorrow afternoon ... We are going to pray for full recovery ... with or without you ... we are going to pray!

100% Update: Day Late / Dollar Short

Yep, I know we are running behind one day, but that's the cost of having to save this World ... one commercial contract at a time. (... That's a joke ... In case you did not know, I used to be wonderful Dad, but lately I have become a full-time commercial litigation attorney and a part-time hospital visitor and just a semi-part-time Dad ... There's a time for everying, Self ... Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ... Keep telling yourself that ... There's a time for everything ... ) Here's the update from yesterday:

• Tuesday also brought some visitors to Dad's little room: P-Pet, BigVolFan, and Sr.Word.


• You already heard that Dad got a shower on Monday ... Well, even into Tuesday ... his boot-teeay was kicked! (... Translated: he was really tired ... ) That's a lot of work for one broke dude! Rumor is that Dad gets a haircut and shave today. Adios Tom-Hanks-Stranded-on-Island-after-Airplane-Goes-Down-Looking-Dad!


• Dr. EyeGal spoke with Dad and Mom about Thursday's eye surgery. They talked about the risks, why she has to give Dad some BodyCalmJuice ( ... under general anesthesia ... ), the details of the procedure, the short-term affect on his peripheral vision, and her belief that Dad's eye was injured or burned in the ViolentSilence ( ... the accident ... ).

Here are the specific prayer requests:

1. A surgery without complications or any new bleeding.
2. Healing of the "seventh nerve" within the eye.

Hero ... (Part 4)

I can walk, talk, see, taste, touch and feel all around me ... yet I struggle to find even a few minutes in the day for quiet, personal prayer.

Dad can shuffle, groan, glance, reach and barely move around himself ... yet he prays without ceasing.

Yesterday, Dad woke up praying for my Big Week and what has been on my brother's (CaveBear) plate. When Mom was upset yesterday, he called her over to his bed, asked her to lay down, put his hand on her head, and prayed for her. What an example of a true man ... a warrior ... a comforter ... a protector ... my hero. (In case you missed it, check out my Hero 1, Hero 2, and Hero 3.) Dad has even become someone else's hero. He may be yours, too ...

Here are some of Dad's recent prayers:

• Thank you Lord for your sustenance and provision ... Jehovah Jireh ... Provider
• Lord, take me into the abyss of God's love ...
• Thank you Lord ... (groan from pain) ... Thank you Lord ... Oh, hallelujah!
• Oh, Lord, how long? Thank you Jesus. Thank you Lord. Praise you Jesus. Praise you Lord.
• My God, El Shaddai ....
• According to your Word I can do all things.
• You are everything to me, oh Lord.

This continues for hours ... My 2 minute personal prayers (when they happen) seem like seconds ... Dad, why can't I be more like you? ... Why can't I be more like Him?

I love you, Dad!

Prayer Blanket of Comfort

If you know Dad, then you know he likes to sleep in the cold. We are talking about 65 degrees cold ... no blankets ... maybe a sheet ... maybe a few ice packs just for giggles ...

Enter stage right: ... the PrayerBlanket ... yep, the one from the WoodbineGals... who stayed up late one night cutting and stitching and knotting and praying ... Mom tells Dad about your prayers pressed deeply into the fabric ... Dad cries ...

Within days, Dad changes his mind about sheets, pillows and blankets ... He says, "This blanket is so comfortable and provides me with so much strength and comfort."

Now, he won't sleep without it ...

Rooting for Ray (#16)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your picture here. Today's FeaturedFoto comes from JrSongGroup ... this lively crew is getting ready for a holiday feast to the ears ... and they took a little break from their Sunday practice to do some Rooting! We can't wait for Dad to hear your new production this year!

Please send your "Rooting for Ray" pictures here.
Whether you are family, friend, or perfect stranger,
we want to hear (and see) from you!

Santa Loves Us!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Just got an add to my FaceBook page from Santa'sHelper in the North Pole. We are so excited they are praying for Dad that far North. Here is what the litte elf had to say:

Hi Self,

Thanks for the add. Now you can add Alaska as a praying state also. I'm believing for full recovery for your Dad and expecting him to have a mighty testimony to share when he is back in the pulpit again. You have a beautiful family. God bless you all, along with your Dad and Mom.

Santa'sHelper from North Pole, Alaska

Thanks for being my FaceBook Friend Santa'sHelper.

P.S. If you see Santa anytime soon, we want a Nintendo Wii for the kids for Christmas. ( ... hint ... hint ... if there are any Nintendo manufacturer reps reading this website ... hint ... hint ... you can find our address here ... )

9,090 Down ... 910 To Go!

G&G needs your help! Since the ViolentSilence, we've had more than 720,000 "hits" on the website ... There's only three days left in October and we are about to reach the 10,000 mark for "visits" this month ... To put that number into context, we get anywhere between 250 and 400 unique visitors per day ... All that to say, we need 303 and 1/3 visitors to G&G each day for the next three days.


You can help reach our goal by making sure to send our link to your family members, friends, co-workers, church family, and even perfect strangers. If you need help finding a catchy way to spread the word, then try here or here. Help us reach 10,000 visits in October!

Guest Blogger: Compelled

World,

Your letters and emails inspire us so much. Mom has a little basket in Dad's room that overflows with cards from all of you ... only now we need to replace the little basket with a larger basket.

The best type of words of encouragement are those from our unknown friends. For example, check out this one from Compelled, a never-met-before-guest-blogger who lives in the SouthWest:

You can count me as one of at least a thousand who are prayer for your 100% recovery, ray, and for strength and blessing for your wonderful family.

I would have written sooner, but as Self so succinctly put it, I have been "compelled" ... I have discovered his website and have spent hours trying to catch up on each detail of your family's faith and prayer progress and of updates on Ray's struggle and medical reports. I am engrossed, Self, with your humor, your faith, and your witness.

Actually, you don't know me ... I am writing to let you know that even though I do not know you personally, I have been praying for Ray since first learning of his accident. I began to realize that God must be calling me to pray mightily for you, Ray, when I noticed that I was thinking of you several times throughout the day and waking up in the night thinking of you. I prayed for you each time. This was well before I learned that Self had a website. Somehow I felt from the beginning that God has His Almighty hand on this family, and he wants to show us His grace and His hand in a Big Way! 100% recovery, YES! ...

I've grown to love your family, and my prayers continue for you. I am so sorry for your pain, ray, but you are becoming my hero too! ... God bless you, my friends. Compelled.

Compelled, your words compel us to keep fighting. After just one letter, we, too, have grown to love you! If you ever make it to the MusicCity, you have a place to stay. We'll even feed you. Thanks for taking the time to write.

Rooting for Ray (#15)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your picture here. Today's FeaturedFoto comes from the bums of nice beaches ... that's right ... the BeachBumFam ... who all look perfict in this pic. Dad will join you guys on the beach one day ... I promise!!!

Please send your "Rooting for Ray" pictures here.
Whether you are family, friend, or perfect stranger,
we want to hear (and see) from you!

TheSelect: Behind the Scenes

You've been behind the scenes at the TraumaCondo. Here's a little teaser for our upcoming special, TheSelect: Behind the Scenes, which will air later this week.

There's a little bridge connecting TheSelect with the CrossHospital ... As you walk across the bridge, you find some inspiration from the Jewish Liturgy. Take a look yourself.

100% Update: Reporting from Baghdad

Many blogging networks have a problem reporting from Baghad ... some of your information is late ... some of your information is incomplete ... But here G&G Network, we go the extra step to make sure our news is timely and accurate and complete. Here is an update on Dad:

1. Yesterday and this morning we reported on a new eye surgery recommended by Dr. EyeGal. Mom and P-Pet talked to EyeGal this morning and we have a better explanation of the recommended MedicalFixIt. There is an eye nerve that tells the muscles to contract the eyelids. Apparently, along with the EyeJunk in Dad's right eye, the EyeNerve is not talking to the EyeMuscle to tell the EyeMuscle to close the EyeLid. That's what EyeGal needs to fix with an EyeStitch. When I get some Google-power later, I will let you more about the procedure.
2. The eye surgery is scheduled for Thursday morning. Let's pray for Dad.

Reporting from Baghdad, this is Self.

100% Update: Additional Thoughts

Ok ... so now that I have had time to digest yesterday afternoon's news, I am in no better position to digest what's happening. Since the first day of the ViolentSilence, many have said that recovery would look a little like this:

Two steps forward ...
One step backward ...
Two steps forward ...
One step backward ...
Two steps forward ...
One step backward ...
Two steps forward ...
One step backward ...
Two steps forward ...
One step backward ...

Sum total recovery ... that looks pretty good. When you are living a sleep-deprived-life without sleep or without a life (... that sounded so cool ... I am so impressed with my prose sometimes ... ), then the steps backward don't feel too good. Here's what I am thinking ... tell me if you agree?

Doctor 1 likes Dad's progress, but wants to make sure Dad is strong enough before undergoing additional rehabilitation surgeries. Doctor 2 doesn't like Dad's eye progress and wants to perform immediate surgery in attempt to prevent further eye damage. At this time, we gotta go with Doctor 2.

Yum Yum Yum

I could not pass up this opportunity to share one of Dad's breakfasts with you. This is a favorite ... Mashed P'Cakes, PorkPuree and ( ... no pictured ... ) LiquidPeaches.

It looks gross, but I have to admit, the PorkPuree tastes exactly like pork (only pureed)! And the Mashed P'Cakes tasts exatly like p'cakes (only mashed)!

100% Update: Evening News Update (#1)

Monday, October 27, 2008

Dad went for a ride a ride in a wheelchair today and did better than this guy. This evening, we have some good news and some (... have not decided how to classify it ... ) news!

1. Good news: Dad had his first shower since September 19, 2008. O-Therapy and Mom took Dad down to the 4th Floor for a shower. He's not sure how he liked it because of all the energy it took.
2. Other news: Dr. EyeGal finally returned to see the EyeJunk in Dad's right eye. It has gotten worse. EyeGal recommends immediate surgery to clean the EyeJunk and insert a stitch to help with the closing of the eye. Dr. Rehab wanted to wait for the surgery for a little more recovery time, but EyeGal says it is not elective ... it must happen soon in order to save the sight in Dad's right eye. ( ... Now we are back to some intense prayer requests ... let's warm up those prayer-chain-engines ... ready, set, go! ... )

Given the above, there's nothing more important to report. Mom is scared about surgery; Dad is confident that Jesus is still Lord; MyBeloved's fixing pork chops and apple sauce; and I'm just too busy to figure it all out right now.

Talk to you later.

SideBar: Introduction

At SideBar, we tell you what's been going on in our work life as an attorney ... that is, the information we are allowed to tell you ...

Today's SideBar lets you learn about the eating habits of an attorney during trial. Here's a look at the menu:

5:00am Wake-up
7:00am Continue trial prep
8:30am Breakfast -- NOTHING
9:00am Trial
12:05pm Lunch -- NOTHING
1:00pm Trial
5:00pm Adjourn
6:00pm Dinner -- NOTHING
9:30pm Snack: 12 double cheeseburgers, 5 pieces of chicken, 4 large salads ( ... I'm on a diet ...), 7 small fries ( ... again, I'm on a diet ...), 12 cookies.

I joke ...

Wanna Go Phishing?

I received an email last week at the G&G address from Sister xx. She married Mr. XX, who worked with the Kuwait embassy for nine years before he died in 2006. They were married for eleven years. He died after a brief illness that lasted for only four days. Before his death, they were both born again Christians.

Since his death, Sister xx decided not to remarry. According to her email, "When my late husband was alive, he deposited the sum of ($2.600.000.00) Two million six hundred thousand dollar in a Bank in Abidjan (Cote D'Ivoire). Presently, this money is still in the Bank. Recently, my doctor says that I will not last long due to my cancer problem."

I think Sister xx needs our help at G&G getting the money out of Kuwait. And all we have to is give her an American bank account number and the money can be transferred. Anyone wanna help?

__________________

World,

If you received the same letter from Sister xx, or one like this letter, then you will get a chuckle. ( ... G&G has now been officially phished ... but we shan't take the bait! ... ) If you have no clue what we are talking, laugh anyway and click here.

Self.

Rooting for Ray (#14)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your picture here. Today's FeaturedFoto comes to us from the RoyalCamp Family ... Yes, you've met the before. If you've never met them, then we are sure that you met someone like them ... PrincessCamp, Sir CoolBeans, PrincessPea, and SwordPlay ... they love camping ... in their air-conditioned camper! Rumor has it that they even pack the ice chest with Evian ice cubes. We love spending time with them in the woods ... we eat ... we dance ... we laugh ... we cry ... and then we return to our tent ...

Please send your "Rooting for Ray" pictures here.
Whether you are family, friend, or perfect stranger,
we want to hear (and see) from you!

Dear World

You are creatures of habit ... well, at least a majority of you are. I can tell what days of the week that you are bored at work ( ... and then we get a lot of traffic here at G&G ... ) and I can tell when you are swamped ( ... and then things are a little slow ... ). I can even tell what you are doing on weekends ... sometimes ... and what you are not doing.

I write this morning to let you know that we are going to have to do things a little different around here for about a week. We will still play games and have some fun. We will still "Root for Ray" ... as long as you keep sending me pics. We may share with you some of my sleep deprived thoughts, or perhaps Mom may share some of her blessings.

But we are going to make two temporary changes, one of which I will need help from you. Here they are:

1. Medical Updates: Will now be in the evening ... sorry I can't object, ask questions, and zealously represent if I am pounding away at the keyboard about Nurse PerfectPosture getting into a fight with Technician AlwaysLate about AlwaysLate being always late.


2. Guest Contributors: You can help by sending me your prayers for Dad, thoughts about what you have learned the past few weeks, musings about randomness, memories about Dad, or anything else that you think we will enjoy here at G&G. For example, Bubbles left us a song that she wrote for Dad. ( ... big sigh, little tear ... ). Or PrayerChair put together a fantastic, heart-warming, amazing PicBook for Dad ( ... and I am still trying to figure out how to share that with you all ... ). If you have something for us, to share with the World, let us know here.

Thanks for your love, help and understanding.

Self.

100% Update: Multiple Choice

Sunday, October 26, 2008

1. During the day, Dad felt ...

a. Okay

b. Okay

c. Okay

d. Okay

2. For lunch, Dad ate ...

a. SmashedChikin

b. Green beans

c. SmashedSweetTaters

d. AppleSauce

e. All of the above

3. For dinner, Dad ate ...

a. Meatloaf

b. SmashedTaters

c. Pulverized Green Beans

d. PureedPeaches

e. All of the above

4. This afternoon, Dad ...

a. Sat in the chair

b. Sat in the chair

c. Sat in the chair

d. Sat in the chair

5. Tonight, Dad needs your prayers for ...

a. Comfort from pain

b. Sleep

c. A and B

d. None of the above

Aaaaahhhhhhhhhhh ... Across the USA

I got a chuckle from ChellySox's email last week when she said that her peeps in CA, NJ, GA and VA were praying for Dad. Like our friend CrazyDean, I started to rattle off a few more states in which I know people are praying for Dad. Let's start from the beginning:

Alabama Arizona Arkansas California Connecticut District of Columbia Florida Georgia Kentucky Louisiana Maryland Minnesota New Jersey New Mexico New York Oklahoma Pennsylvania Puerto Rico South Carolina Tennessee Texas Virginia Wisconsin

Any others? If so, add them below. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhh ...

100% Update: Meet the Press

As Dad settles in to Meet the Press [... my favorite show ... my favorite FamilyMan / PoliticoMan ... I really miss Tim ... ], let me tell you how his night went:

• Nurse Romance back for night # 2, along with Technician HighSchool ... rumor has it that HighSchool single-handedly handled all 17 rooms last night ... Good job, man! [Note to SelectAdmin: Coaches don't send 1 player on the field to play the football game, why would you?]
• Dad was restless during normal times 10:00pm to 2:00am, and caught some ZZZZZZs from 2:00am to 5:30am.
• This morning, he has already ate some eggs and sat in his chair for 2 hours. Back to sleep. Rough life. (... I'm joking ... it's okay to joke every now and then ... he does it to me ... )

Rooting for Ray (#13)

If you are "Rooting for Ray" then send us your picture here. Today's FeaturedFoto comes from Pastor LittleBabies, who along with his little babies, is rejoicing in the pulpit. [... In fact, he's probably getting ready for his SundaySpeech right now ... ] LittleBabies comes by to say hello to Dad every couple of days ... Dad thanks you ... and so do we!

Please send your "Rooting for Ray" pictures here.
Whether you are family, friend, or perfect stranger,
we want to hear (and see) from you!

100% Update: Objection!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

As I prepare for my week-long trial, Dad sat in his own witness chair this afternoon for about 2.5 hours. Weekends at TheSelect are definitely interesting ... not alot of rehab going on, but I did see a grumpy old man in his drawers ( ... i.v. thingy in tow ... ) yelling at Nurse Nashville about something ( ... yep ... that's random ... ) Here is a short update:

• Nurse Fabulous is back for the first time in about a week ... She says that Dad looks great. ( ... kinda like losing 10 pounds and someone you have not seen in months notices the loss ... you may not notice, but they do ... )
• R-Therapy RedWisdom is back and busy ... I think they are short on staff today ... Technician Pebbles ... she's new to us ... was swamped too. In other words, Mom and Dad did most of their rehabbing together today!
• Many visitors today! Let's see if I get this right: MusicMom, HeadSong, PondLover, TheMom, Pastor QuietSoul, TuesdayMorrie, MisterMow, Mom'sLad and StrawberryMom. [... If I forgot you, then sorry. I wasn't there! I was working! But thanks for stopping by to see Dad ... ]

I know that one of Dad's largest "unknowns" right now is the damage caused by the EyeJunk in his right eye. He has extreme pain and he cannot see. We need more aggressive eye care. We need to pray that eye back to beating like his heart ... back to breathing like his lungs ... back to walking like his legs.

Just a Test

Dad cannot see beyond the reach of his face. Our little ChairBed sits about 5-6 feet from Dad's bed. As I settled in last night, I wanted to assure Dad that somebody was always by his side.

"Dad, I am sitting right next to you, okay?"

"Okay..."

"And I want you to raise your hand if you need anything. I know you can't see me all the time, but I want you to know I am right there. Okay? Just raise you hand if you need me."

As I walk around his bed to my bed, Dad's hand shoots up. I walk quickly to the other side.

"What do you need?"

"Just testing."

"Nice. Nice. Nice."

100% Update: Sleepless in Nashville

Some of you may have seen Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan playing lovebirds in Seattle, and we know how they feel. Last night, we were sleepless in Nashville ... except I'm talking about me and MyBeloved ( ... me at the hospital ... MyBeloved with the newborn ... ), while Dad .... SLEPT ALL NIGHT (... subject, of course, to eye drops every hour and a groan here and there ... ). Here's the update:

• Technician Spirits likes Dad. (... not likes-him-like-him, but just likes him ...) We like her, too. Nurse Romance, who is rumored to have induced a man's marriage proposal in less than 60 seconds, was on top of her game. Dr. EyeGal says drops every hour ... Romance was there every hour, on the hour. R-Therapy Mouse 2.0 was ... you know ... in and out like a ... mouse.


• Dad slept during most of the above.


• Dr. Rehab 3.0 was as quick as Romance's marriage proposal ... in and out in less than 60 seconds ... I guess that's why they call it "rounds" ... because they only stay as long as the second hand goes round the clock once!

5 Pictures = 5000 Words = 100 Feet

I told you I would tell you about the great achievement Dad made yesterday. Didn't you believe me? Well, here ... there are 5 steps to this journey ...

1. Exit room.
2. Turn right.
3. Go to end of hall.
4. Take break.
5. Back to room.

The pictures are not even the best part. The best part was the huge crowd of doctors, nurses, technicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, equipment checker dudes, cleaning ladies, and other people CHEERING CHEERING CHEERING as Dad walked down the hallway. Mom overheard one nurse calling another floor, "Pastor Ray is walking. Come quick!"