10/30/2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
Quick update: the flight this morning went well, and Jesse is now enrolled at a rehab hospital in Boise. Thanks for praying!
10/29/2006
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Tomorrow morning, Jesse will be discharged from Arrowhead Regional and will fly home to be with his family in Idaho. Steve (his dad) arranged for a direct flight in a twin-engine medical plane, accompanied by a couple of MAF nurses. He says the flight will take about two and a half hours. Steve plans to enroll Jesse in a rehab program up in Boise. After this update, I'm handing the updates on Jesse's status to Steve and anyone else up North who would like to help. Send me an email if you're interested; the address is on the left.
Jesse is doing very well. Since Tuesday (my last update), his rate of daily progress hasn't been as startling as before, maybe because the milestones of recovery aren't as obvious after he is able to eat on his own, converse intelligently, and comprehend his situation. He still has phases of frustration and agitation, and he gets really tired after talking for an hour or so. But during my visit today, Jesse seemed to have a little more of a handle on reality than two days before... Steve says he comes in and out of it during the day, similar to the way his vision comes and goes.
I have a few reassuring anecdotes to share. On Friday, Jesse was talking about how he wanted to return to UCR and complete his math degree. I challenged him with a math problem: What is the derivative of f(x) = tan x ? He worked out the answer in his head. Using the derivative of a quotient formula (which he knew from memory) for tan x = sin x / cos x, he solved it and told me the answer: sec2 x. Correct! The complexity of this problem is quite a bit below differential equations, but he solved the dang thing! Praise God!
The physical therapist brought in a squeeze-thing to help strengthen Jesse's left hand. He has to do thirty reps on it every hour or so. Jesse is good-natured about it, and he made some hilarious faces trying to squeeze that thing (pictures anyone?). Jesse also has a new brace on his right leg: it's a fixed-ankle shoe with a brace that goes all the way up his calf. Much better than the previous thing with cotton and an Ace bandage that kept falling off.
A few days ago, Steve asked Jesse what God was teaching him through all this. Jesse replied, "That life is really precious." He went on to talk about how he used to worry so much about getting to school on time, and now that doesn't seem important at all compared to life itself.
I'm going to miss Jesse. He'll probably be in Idaho for rehab for at least 6 months, and probably longer. After that, we don't know whether he'll return to UCR in California or enroll at Boise State University. From his stellar performance on solving that math problem, I don't think that part of his brain is doing too badly. We'll wait and see and continue to pray for complete healing and that God is glorified through the rest of Jesse's life.
Looking back over the last three weeks, I'm amazed at God's grace. He brought Jesse out of a terrible car accident, a really bad coma, and a lot of brain damage. Thank God for the miracle of Jesse - that he is alive and well and recovering steadily. Furthermore, God has surrounded Jesse and his family with loving, supportive people who are committed to praying for them.
On that note, please continue to pray - for a safe trip to Idaho, continued healing, and for perseverance for both Jesse and his family. May God's powerful love and grace enfold and embrace them; may they be rooted and established in love, having power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ; may they know His love that surpasses knowledge, so that they may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. (from Ephesians 3)
Jesse is doing very well. Since Tuesday (my last update), his rate of daily progress hasn't been as startling as before, maybe because the milestones of recovery aren't as obvious after he is able to eat on his own, converse intelligently, and comprehend his situation. He still has phases of frustration and agitation, and he gets really tired after talking for an hour or so. But during my visit today, Jesse seemed to have a little more of a handle on reality than two days before... Steve says he comes in and out of it during the day, similar to the way his vision comes and goes.
I have a few reassuring anecdotes to share. On Friday, Jesse was talking about how he wanted to return to UCR and complete his math degree. I challenged him with a math problem: What is the derivative of f(x) = tan x ? He worked out the answer in his head. Using the derivative of a quotient formula (which he knew from memory) for tan x = sin x / cos x, he solved it and told me the answer: sec2 x. Correct! The complexity of this problem is quite a bit below differential equations, but he solved the dang thing! Praise God!
The physical therapist brought in a squeeze-thing to help strengthen Jesse's left hand. He has to do thirty reps on it every hour or so. Jesse is good-natured about it, and he made some hilarious faces trying to squeeze that thing (pictures anyone?). Jesse also has a new brace on his right leg: it's a fixed-ankle shoe with a brace that goes all the way up his calf. Much better than the previous thing with cotton and an Ace bandage that kept falling off.
A few days ago, Steve asked Jesse what God was teaching him through all this. Jesse replied, "That life is really precious." He went on to talk about how he used to worry so much about getting to school on time, and now that doesn't seem important at all compared to life itself.
I'm going to miss Jesse. He'll probably be in Idaho for rehab for at least 6 months, and probably longer. After that, we don't know whether he'll return to UCR in California or enroll at Boise State University. From his stellar performance on solving that math problem, I don't think that part of his brain is doing too badly. We'll wait and see and continue to pray for complete healing and that God is glorified through the rest of Jesse's life.
Looking back over the last three weeks, I'm amazed at God's grace. He brought Jesse out of a terrible car accident, a really bad coma, and a lot of brain damage. Thank God for the miracle of Jesse - that he is alive and well and recovering steadily. Furthermore, God has surrounded Jesse and his family with loving, supportive people who are committed to praying for them.
On that note, please continue to pray - for a safe trip to Idaho, continued healing, and for perseverance for both Jesse and his family. May God's powerful love and grace enfold and embrace them; may they be rooted and established in love, having power to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ; may they know His love that surpasses knowledge, so that they may be filled to the measure of the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen. (from Ephesians 3)
10/25/2006
Car pictures
Here they are. Kevin (Jesse's cousin-in-law), who is a firefighter, says the car probably looked a lot worse on the scene of the accident; it looks like the rescue workers expanded the car with a hydraulic device and cut up the left side with the jaws of life to get Jesse out.
10/24/2006
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
The major news today is that Jesse's laptop computer and guitar have been recovered, and they are both in perfect condition. Some kind soul at the lot took the computer and guitar out of the car and put them in a safe place in the office. Unfortunately, they didn't let Ralph know about them when he drove out to retrieve Jesse's stuff about 10 days ago.
In related news, Jesse remembered and typed in his password at the computer's login screen!
Jesse is still continuing to recover. He seems to have a stage in the morning where he is a little confused and his memory is a bit foggy, but he has been mostly fine the rest of the day after his dad talks him through why he's there at the hospital and why he has braces on an arm and a leg.
To those of you who have visited or sent notes of kindness - thank you! Jesse and his family really appreciate it.
Thanks most of all for your prayers. Jesse is completely in God's hands, and we're praising God for Jesse's continuing recovery in answer to prayer. Please continue to pray:
And as I promised yesterday, here are more pictures. I haven't been able to get a picture of the car yet, but I'll post it as soon as I do.
Jesse and his family (left to right: Jesse, Hannah, Debbie, and Steve), July 3, 2006
Jesse and his family again
With his dad and sister
Jesse and cousins (Jesse is in the yellow)
Thoughtful moment
Jesse in a coma, probably one or two days after the accident. Here you can see the ventilator that kept him breathing, a neck brace, and a ventricular probe, which monitors pressure inside the skull and helps relieve it if necessary.
So do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (from Isaiah 41).
In related news, Jesse remembered and typed in his password at the computer's login screen!
Jesse is still continuing to recover. He seems to have a stage in the morning where he is a little confused and his memory is a bit foggy, but he has been mostly fine the rest of the day after his dad talks him through why he's there at the hospital and why he has braces on an arm and a leg.
To those of you who have visited or sent notes of kindness - thank you! Jesse and his family really appreciate it.
Thanks most of all for your prayers. Jesse is completely in God's hands, and we're praising God for Jesse's continuing recovery in answer to prayer. Please continue to pray:
- That God will glorify himself fully through the rest of Jesse's life
- For Jesse's recovery from all his injuries (brain injury, shattered elbow, broken femur, torn knee ligament, broken heel, and a laceration on his eyelid), as well as the rehab process
- For strength and faith for his family, and that all of their needs would be provided for
And as I promised yesterday, here are more pictures. I haven't been able to get a picture of the car yet, but I'll post it as soon as I do.
Jesse and his family (left to right: Jesse, Hannah, Debbie, and Steve), July 3, 2006
Jesse and his family again
With his dad and sister
Jesse and cousins (Jesse is in the yellow)
Thoughtful moment
Jesse in a coma, probably one or two days after the accident. Here you can see the ventilator that kept him breathing, a neck brace, and a ventricular probe, which monitors pressure inside the skull and helps relieve it if necessary.
So do not be afraid, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (from Isaiah 41).
Monday, October 23, 2006
Good news again. Every time I see Jesse he is doing better and better. Today was awesome... he was just like the old Jesse I knew before. His memory is all there, except for what happened a few days before the accident. He is aware of himself and his situation. He doesn't get as tired as before after talking and thinking for a while. His vision still comes and goes. But on the whole, Jesse has healed more than I ever expected within 2 weeks.
Praise God for pouring out his grace on Jesse and on Jesse's family and friends. Praise him for answering our prayers and continuing to restore Jesse so rapidly. His presence is there with Jesse in his hospital room. Thanks be to God!
Today Jesse officially has all his staples out. His dad was washing Jesse's hair and he found some staples in the back of his head -- apparently placed there by the ER staff when Jesse first came in; those were removed yesterday, I think. He also recently had all the staples removed from his arm and leg surgery wounds. He's got some really cool scars to show off later.
Jesse will be out of the hospital in a week: next Monday he's going to be flown up to Idaho in a medically equipped twin-turboprop plane. He'll live with his family there and enroll in a rehab program in Boise.
Finally, it's picture time! I apologize for not posting pictures before now. I'll post more tomorrow. I'm hoping to get a picture of the car also. I saw a printout of it today -- the whole left side is totally shredded. Anyway, here goes. These were all taken this last weekend -- about two weeks after the accident.
Jesse and the Dawson Ladies
Thumb-wrestling Uncle Guy
Scary Aunt Lauri
Jesse's girlfriend Bre gave him a book of memories. Very sweet.
Jesse macs down
Jesse and Steve — father and son.
...but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness."
(from 2 Corinthians 12)
Praise God for pouring out his grace on Jesse and on Jesse's family and friends. Praise him for answering our prayers and continuing to restore Jesse so rapidly. His presence is there with Jesse in his hospital room. Thanks be to God!
Today Jesse officially has all his staples out. His dad was washing Jesse's hair and he found some staples in the back of his head -- apparently placed there by the ER staff when Jesse first came in; those were removed yesterday, I think. He also recently had all the staples removed from his arm and leg surgery wounds. He's got some really cool scars to show off later.
Jesse will be out of the hospital in a week: next Monday he's going to be flown up to Idaho in a medically equipped twin-turboprop plane. He'll live with his family there and enroll in a rehab program in Boise.
Finally, it's picture time! I apologize for not posting pictures before now. I'll post more tomorrow. I'm hoping to get a picture of the car also. I saw a printout of it today -- the whole left side is totally shredded. Anyway, here goes. These were all taken this last weekend -- about two weeks after the accident.
Jesse and the Dawson Ladies
Thumb-wrestling Uncle Guy
Scary Aunt Lauri
Jesse's girlfriend Bre gave him a book of memories. Very sweet.
Jesse macs down
Jesse and Steve — father and son.
...but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness."
(from 2 Corinthians 12)
10/21/2006
Friday, October 20, 2006
It's late and I'm tired, but I've got good news to share. But first, a recap of Thursday. I didn't see Jesse on Thursday, but I heard he got his cervical collar off (the neck brace) after an MRI confirmed his neck was OK. I also heard he was kind of agitated and frustrated because he couldn't remember why he was at the hospital or why he had braces on his arm and leg.
Now on to the good news. As of today, Jesse is doing much better mentally - he acts more like how he used to be and he seems more "there". Today he did much better at the cognitive test. It contains several categories like fruits, vegetables, and transportation, and Jesse was able to remember items from most of these categories (unlike two days ago or even yesterday).
Jesse's spoken sentences made sense, and he seemed to understand more of what we were saying than before. Steve (his dad) showed me some words Jesse had written on paper: he hasn't lost his fine motor skills, which he'll need later for the guitar :-). Jesse also remembered for the first time why he had the arm brace and that he had been in an accident. He laughed at something funny, and he also had some good humor of his own. Steve (his dad) told him with a grin, "It's really good to see you laugh again, Jess." All the talking and thinking really tires him out, though, and his vision gets blurry sometimes. But I felt really encouraged after visiting him.
I heard today that Traumatic Brain Injury patients who are Christians tend to recover much more effectively than non-Christians. Overall, less than 10% of brain-dead TBI patients heal as quickly as Jesse has. A soul made alive and whole by the Holy Spirit really makes a difference as the brain heals.
I'm also convinced that all of your prayers have made a huge difference. Thank you so much for praying! God hears and answers -- glory to Him! Jesse's survival of the crash and subsequent coming out of the coma and regaining brain function has been nothing short of a miracle by the power of God. Please continue to pray for his recovery... he's got quite a road ahead of him. But no matter where it goes, we know it ends in an eternity of glorious joy.
...And if the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you (from Romans 8, NIV).
Now on to the good news. As of today, Jesse is doing much better mentally - he acts more like how he used to be and he seems more "there". Today he did much better at the cognitive test. It contains several categories like fruits, vegetables, and transportation, and Jesse was able to remember items from most of these categories (unlike two days ago or even yesterday).
Jesse's spoken sentences made sense, and he seemed to understand more of what we were saying than before. Steve (his dad) showed me some words Jesse had written on paper: he hasn't lost his fine motor skills, which he'll need later for the guitar :-). Jesse also remembered for the first time why he had the arm brace and that he had been in an accident. He laughed at something funny, and he also had some good humor of his own. Steve (his dad) told him with a grin, "It's really good to see you laugh again, Jess." All the talking and thinking really tires him out, though, and his vision gets blurry sometimes. But I felt really encouraged after visiting him.
I heard today that Traumatic Brain Injury patients who are Christians tend to recover much more effectively than non-Christians. Overall, less than 10% of brain-dead TBI patients heal as quickly as Jesse has. A soul made alive and whole by the Holy Spirit really makes a difference as the brain heals.
I'm also convinced that all of your prayers have made a huge difference. Thank you so much for praying! God hears and answers -- glory to Him! Jesse's survival of the crash and subsequent coming out of the coma and regaining brain function has been nothing short of a miracle by the power of God. Please continue to pray for his recovery... he's got quite a road ahead of him. But no matter where it goes, we know it ends in an eternity of glorious joy.
...And if the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you (from Romans 8, NIV).
10/18/2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
No major news updates today regarding Jesse. His mom and sister flew home this afternoon, and his dad is staying until he is discharged from the hospital (I don't know when that will be). I didn't get to talk much with Jesse's dad, and Jesse was sleeping for most of the time while I was there today. They've been playing a Phil Keaggy CD over and over for Jesse (Phil Keaggy is an awesome guitarist, and Jesse was learning to play several of his songs on the guitar). He seems more at rest when the music is playing.
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal (from Isaiah 26, NIV).
You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal (from Isaiah 26, NIV).
10/17/2006
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Praise God, Jesse is continuing to improve. Today's major news is that he's able to eat solid food. In retrospect, maybe one reason he was so physically active and restless yesterday is because the "special meals" with very soft food were very slow in coming.
Jesse's mind also seems a little better than yesterday. I brought him his Curious George DVD that he bought about three weeks ago (awesome movie, by the way), and he said "Oh yeah, I bought this for me and my roommates to watch". His dad said he did pretty well on certain areas of a cognitive test -- he was able to repeat seven single-digit numbers in a row, but in other areas he didn't do as well ("What are three reasons you might call the police?"). No cause for discouragement, though: his rate of improvement so far has exceeded all expectations (Thank you Jesus).
For prayer requests, I refer you to yesterday's post, but with one addition: pray for endurance and encouragement for Jesse and his family as they walk through the rehab process, which may at times be difficult and discouraging.
Dave Olsen, a former MAF pilot who was my mentor for a year, shared the following text with me; it really encouraged me when I was in a difficult period of college life. Now I share it with you. If you know Jesus, these promises are for you, because you have been grafted into the root of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see Romans 11).
... and the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen (from 1 Peter 5, NIV).
Jesse's mind also seems a little better than yesterday. I brought him his Curious George DVD that he bought about three weeks ago (awesome movie, by the way), and he said "Oh yeah, I bought this for me and my roommates to watch". His dad said he did pretty well on certain areas of a cognitive test -- he was able to repeat seven single-digit numbers in a row, but in other areas he didn't do as well ("What are three reasons you might call the police?"). No cause for discouragement, though: his rate of improvement so far has exceeded all expectations (Thank you Jesus).
For prayer requests, I refer you to yesterday's post, but with one addition: pray for endurance and encouragement for Jesse and his family as they walk through the rehab process, which may at times be difficult and discouraging.
Dave Olsen, a former MAF pilot who was my mentor for a year, shared the following text with me; it really encouraged me when I was in a difficult period of college life. Now I share it with you. If you know Jesus, these promises are for you, because you have been grafted into the root of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see Romans 11).
But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."
(from Isaiah 43, NIV)
... and the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen (from 1 Peter 5, NIV).
Monday, October 17, 2006
I really enjoyed the time I got to spend with Jesse today. He remembered who I was! ("Jesse, who's that?" "That's my roommate Roy") Other than that, it was still difficult to see his memory lapses and disorientation. His mom went to get some batteries for the CD player at one point, and he said he has some at home in Venezuela (it has been several years since he lived there).
Jesse was a lot more physically active today. He kept on fiddling with his leg brace, asking repeatedly to have it taken off. At one point his mom had to restrain him because he almost got out of bed. His dad kept telling him that he had been in a car accident that hadn't been his fault, and that he had a lot of broken bones and would have to be patient. Although he is outwardly disoriented, there is obviously peace in his heart. Jesus' presence is with him.
Praise God for his constantly flowing, never-ending grace; for keeping Jesse and giving him peace; for how he is glorifying himself through Jesse. God is good!
Please pray:
Jesse was a lot more physically active today. He kept on fiddling with his leg brace, asking repeatedly to have it taken off. At one point his mom had to restrain him because he almost got out of bed. His dad kept telling him that he had been in a car accident that hadn't been his fault, and that he had a lot of broken bones and would have to be patient. Although he is outwardly disoriented, there is obviously peace in his heart. Jesus' presence is with him.
Praise God for his constantly flowing, never-ending grace; for keeping Jesse and giving him peace; for how he is glorifying himself through Jesse. God is good!
Please pray:
- for healing in Jesse's brain and body
- that Jesse doesn't disassemble any braces or get out of bed when the nurse isn't looking
- that Jesse's spiritual needs are met
- for Jesse's family, that God continues to strengthen them and provide for their needs; that he gives them great joy in the midst of suffering and the peace that transcends understanding
- for rehab plans over the next year, that God would arrange it and provide it in his way
10/16/2006
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Emily, you cartoon, you cracked me up with the R-dog nickname. I suppose I shall have to return the favor, but my nicknaming creativity is escaping me for the moment. So I digress.
Today Jesse (J-dog?) was moved out of the ICU. Bre (his girlfriend) and her sister came at 8:00 AM and found that he had already been moved, so it must have happened sometime during the night.
It was quite evident that Jesse was a little more "there" in his mind. His sentences made more sense and he was saying a lot more than yesterday. He also read a sign on the wall out loud. I listened as his dad quizzed him on how many hours in a day, how many days in a week, and it was hard for me to hear him give the wrong answers. I know he's improving quickly and this phase will pass as his brain repairs itself, but it still shook me up. I wonder, will he have any trouble returning to differential equations in college?
But behind the memory lapses and obvious disorientation, Jesse's sweet spirit still shines through. He's polite and he thanks everyone for everything and doesn't complain, except for the occasional "aw man!" when he hears he can't do something because he's injured. He really does appreciate everything people are doing for him.
It's also good to know that Jesse remembers who Jesus is. But most importantly, Jesus knows who Jesse is.
May each of you be comforted by the tender love of Jesus.
For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows... (from 2 Corinthians 1).
Today Jesse (J-dog?) was moved out of the ICU. Bre (his girlfriend) and her sister came at 8:00 AM and found that he had already been moved, so it must have happened sometime during the night.
It was quite evident that Jesse was a little more "there" in his mind. His sentences made more sense and he was saying a lot more than yesterday. He also read a sign on the wall out loud. I listened as his dad quizzed him on how many hours in a day, how many days in a week, and it was hard for me to hear him give the wrong answers. I know he's improving quickly and this phase will pass as his brain repairs itself, but it still shook me up. I wonder, will he have any trouble returning to differential equations in college?
But behind the memory lapses and obvious disorientation, Jesse's sweet spirit still shines through. He's polite and he thanks everyone for everything and doesn't complain, except for the occasional "aw man!" when he hears he can't do something because he's injured. He really does appreciate everything people are doing for him.
It's also good to know that Jesse remembers who Jesus is. But most importantly, Jesus knows who Jesse is.
I have a maker, He formed my heart
Before even time began, my life was in His hands
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call
I have a Father, he calls me his own
He'll never leave me, no matter where I go
He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call
(He Knows My Name by Tommy Walker, © 1996 Doulos Publishing, admin. by Maranatha! Music)
May each of you be comforted by the tender love of Jesus.
For just as the sufferings of Christ overflow into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows... (from 2 Corinthians 1).
Saturday, October 14, 2006
When we visited him on Saturday, Jesse's condition had improved further over Friday. As Emily mentioned, he was able to speak in coherent sentences, but he didn't have quite a handle on reality. He asked for the first time, "What's this thing on my arm?" His mom answered, "Your arm is broken. You can't take that off now... sorry." and she was quite amused by his response: "aw man!," spoken with standard Jesse intonation. I'm not sure he recognized everyone who came to visit, but we were all quite pleased to see him alert and communicating. Praise God for his grace.
ICU? What ICU?
So yeah, Jesse's been moved out of ICU. And so has my mom's Jordanian friend Raji.
That's the latest from my end of things.
If you have any specific questions, email me or R-dog (my new name for Roy) and we'll try and get you a specific answer. R-dog's email is on the left (it's broken up in sections so he doesn't get spam) and mine is jazzybel21 at gmail dot com.
Peace out, homies, and keep praying!
Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all.
- Emily Dickinson
That's the latest from my end of things.
If you have any specific questions, email me or R-dog (my new name for Roy) and we'll try and get you a specific answer. R-dog's email is on the left (it's broken up in sections so he doesn't get spam) and mine is jazzybel21 at gmail dot com.
Peace out, homies, and keep praying!
Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all.
- Emily Dickinson
Coming To Reality
I debated for a few minutes whether or not to post this picture of Jesse and I. I sincerely apologise if it shocks anyone. But please hear me out before you stop reading this post.I'm a gifted writer (I am being humble, Mom!) and with that gift comes an overactive imagination.
When I first heard about Jesse's accident, images from CSI, Rescue 911, Discovery Health shows, and numerous movies flashed into my mind. But what haunted me most in my mind's eye was an image of Jesse looking like not Jesse.
I'm not especially close to Jesse, but he's my cousin and I love him. I love his gentle manner, his easy laugh, the polite look he gives you that so clearly says "You're crazy." From Sunday until Friday, I was so afraid that when I went to see him he'd be someone else. Someone one I wouldn't know not only in body, but in spirit.
Well, I went to visit him on Saturday and I can tell you this: he is on his way to being America's Next Top Model. With only 1/4th of his head is shaved (from where he had a probe in his skull to relieve brain pressure), a shaved chest (for the heart monitor thingys), both feet in casts, an itsy-bitsy, teenie-weenie hospital gown, and a scruffy beard growing in, this kid's setting new standards for sexy. I even told him he looked sexy with the scruffy beard and 1/4th shaved head and he just gave me the classic "You're crazy" look and smiled.
Oh yes, he's still Jesse. First thing the kid says to me (after my mom ascertained that he knows who I am) was, "Hey, how are you?" I couldn't help but laugh. Jesse, dearest Jesse, was asking how I was doing.
Here's a sample of one of our conversations:
Me: So, are they being nice to you here?
Jesse: Yeah. I went home yesterday, but then they brought me back and they told me I had to stay here.
Me: Oh. Well are they at least letting you watch tv?
Jesse: Oh yeah, they let me watch whenever I want. I just tell them and they put on whatever I want to watch.
Me: What have you watched?
Jesse: Mostly sports.
It was hard to hear him say he'd gone home, because I knew he hadn't. But as the day went on, it got easier. And then, as my brother Cameron and I were telling Jesse that we were leaving to drive home, Jesse said something so sweet to us. He said, "Thanks for coming to see me. And call when you're leaving."
We assured him we would.
10/14/2006
Friday, October 13, 2006
Wow, what a day! They took Jesse off the ventilator this morning. Later, he woke up and talked with us a little bit. He pronounced his full name to the nurse and recognized several family members and his girlfriend. He talked with a few of us briefly. He's still really groggy, but what an improvement. The nurse said he's up to GCS 15, which means the coma is completely over.
We heard today how amazing this recovery is — when Jesse was admitted, his brain image was indistinguishable from that of a dead person. The type of injury he had (can't remember the name) is usually lethal. The neurosurgeon called it a miracle. I concur!
Praise God, Jesse is visibly better.
Please pray that Jesse continues to heal, and that he heals completely. There are still several hurdles ahead, including a risk of infection.
For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
We heard today how amazing this recovery is — when Jesse was admitted, his brain image was indistinguishable from that of a dead person. The type of injury he had (can't remember the name) is usually lethal. The neurosurgeon called it a miracle. I concur!
Praise God, Jesse is visibly better.
Please pray that Jesse continues to heal, and that he heals completely. There are still several hurdles ahead, including a risk of infection.
For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Last night, Jesse crawled out of bed. No, seriously! The alarms went off and the nurse rushed in to find him on the floor. Thankfully, no important tubes were disconnected. We also heard from the nurse that on Tuesday night she found him sitting up. His dad said he's always been a night person...
Today Jesse again gave a thumbs-up to the nurse when asked to do so. He's still on sedation and a ventilator, so he hasn't woken up yet for anyone but the nurse.
Today Jesse again gave a thumbs-up to the nurse when asked to do so. He's still on sedation and a ventilator, so he hasn't woken up yet for anyone but the nurse.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Today the most encouraging news came. The hospital neurosurgeon said that Jesse should be back to 100% within a year! Also, he gave a thumbs-up to the nurse this morning when asked to do so, which puts him up a bit higher on the GCS scale (I think it was a 10).
But for all of us who are visiting Jesse periodically throughout the day, he hasn't woken up at all. Oh well, he needs the rest.
But for all of us who are visiting Jesse periodically throughout the day, he hasn't woken up at all. Oh well, he needs the rest.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Today, things were still looking bleak until a neurosurgeon who is a friend of my family came and visited. He said that Jesse was recovering remarkably, and that he should begin to respond tomorrow and be out of the hospital in 2 weeks! Praise God!
Monday, October 9, 2006
Jesse is still in a coma. The nurse said he was at GCS 5 or 6, which is a slight improvement over yesterday. Things still look pretty bleak. We're continuing to pray.
10/13/2006
Sunday, October 8, 2006
Here's how it all started.
This last weekend, Jesse drove to Reno to visit his girlfriend. He drove up on Friday night (all night), visited all day Saturday, and drove back on Saturday night (all night). The details of the accident are a bit shaky, but we know Jesse fell asleep near mile 58 on Highway 395, drifted into oncoming traffic (it might have been at an intersection), and was hit by a semi. The point of impact was the front-left corner of his Nissan Maxima. He was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional medical center and was admitted at 6:50 AM.
The first person to hear about the accident was my other roommate Lee (Jesse lives with us). A police officer woke him up at about 9:30 and told him that Jesse was at Arrowhead Regional and that he should call right away. All they told him was that Jesse had been in a car accident and was in a coma. Later, we found out that Jesse's injuries included a compound-fractured left femur, a shattered left elbow, a broken right heel, and a massive brain injury. In fact, when he was admitted he was at a 3 on the Glasgow coma scale, which means he was in a deep coma, pretty much brain dead. A brain scan they took was indistinguishable from that of a dead person.
I heard about Jesse's accident right after playing the keyboard for the worship venue at Trinity. Bill told me about it and asked if I could play the piano in Jesse's place for the Hispanic worship service. It was really hard; I was weeping for a large portion of the service (when I wasn't playing the keyboard). I do remember Frank (the pastor) standing up front and praying in Spanish that the Lord would break Jesse's coma and heal him completely. That was really comforting. Lyddia (Frank's wife) gave me a tender hug and a smile, reminding me that Jesus loves me and is caring for me and for Jesse.
Lee and I visited Jesse that afternoon and talked to the nurse. Thankfully, Jesse had no injuries or problems in his thorax or abdominal cavity. By 4:00 PM, he was stable enough that they sent him off to the OR for orthopedic surgery on his femur and elbow.
By that time, several people had arrived, including two pastors from church, Jesse's aunt and uncle (Guy and Kitty), his cousin Melanie, and my parents. We gathered in the hospital chapel and prayed that God would heal Jesse and glorify himself through the rest of his life.
This last weekend, Jesse drove to Reno to visit his girlfriend. He drove up on Friday night (all night), visited all day Saturday, and drove back on Saturday night (all night). The details of the accident are a bit shaky, but we know Jesse fell asleep near mile 58 on Highway 395, drifted into oncoming traffic (it might have been at an intersection), and was hit by a semi. The point of impact was the front-left corner of his Nissan Maxima. He was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional medical center and was admitted at 6:50 AM.
The first person to hear about the accident was my other roommate Lee (Jesse lives with us). A police officer woke him up at about 9:30 and told him that Jesse was at Arrowhead Regional and that he should call right away. All they told him was that Jesse had been in a car accident and was in a coma. Later, we found out that Jesse's injuries included a compound-fractured left femur, a shattered left elbow, a broken right heel, and a massive brain injury. In fact, when he was admitted he was at a 3 on the Glasgow coma scale, which means he was in a deep coma, pretty much brain dead. A brain scan they took was indistinguishable from that of a dead person.
I heard about Jesse's accident right after playing the keyboard for the worship venue at Trinity. Bill told me about it and asked if I could play the piano in Jesse's place for the Hispanic worship service. It was really hard; I was weeping for a large portion of the service (when I wasn't playing the keyboard). I do remember Frank (the pastor) standing up front and praying in Spanish that the Lord would break Jesse's coma and heal him completely. That was really comforting. Lyddia (Frank's wife) gave me a tender hug and a smile, reminding me that Jesus loves me and is caring for me and for Jesse.
Lee and I visited Jesse that afternoon and talked to the nurse. Thankfully, Jesse had no injuries or problems in his thorax or abdominal cavity. By 4:00 PM, he was stable enough that they sent him off to the OR for orthopedic surgery on his femur and elbow.
By that time, several people had arrived, including two pastors from church, Jesse's aunt and uncle (Guy and Kitty), his cousin Melanie, and my parents. We gathered in the hospital chapel and prayed that God would heal Jesse and glorify himself through the rest of his life.
The Jesse blog
Since so many people have been asking me how Jesse is doing, I thought it might be appropriate to create a blog that gives the latest details. As it is, we can already see how Jesse's recovery is a miracle, and that God answered all of our prayers. He is "faithful to his promises and loving toward all he has made." Anyway, I have to go to work now, but tonight I'll post all the news updates we got this week in sequential order so everyone can see the "story" of what God has done.
Hasta luego,
Roy
Hasta luego,
Roy
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