Summary of today at the hospital

Written Wednesday, January 19, 2011 at 1:25am:


Hello friends. Thank you so much for praying, and loving on our family. I have a few moments so I thought I'd try to write an update that's a little more substantial.

Sunday dad slipped on the ice and hit his head. We eventually had to call an ambulance and take him to the hospital. Last night Dad coded and had to have emergency surgery. The goal was to help drain fluid that was building up in Dad's head. Though unconscious he seemed to be fairly stable today until about 1:30pm when his fever spiked up to 106 and his heart rate began to drop. The Doctor said to bring the family in together. He said there isn't much chance of Dad waking up. We met as a family in a conference room (had to phone John and Karen in. They're on their way from North Carolina) to try and make a few decisions about how to proceed. Right now we're just waiting. If Dad doesn't show signs of waking up by tomorrow evening and we're going to have to have another meeting with the Doctor.

Some things to pray for:
1. Dad's brain. The doctor said their was some brain activity but not what would be considered normal. They tested his pupils and did not see any dilation. This usually is a sign that his brain is not functioning as it ought.
2. Mom. She's been wonderful today. She's been very brave and gracious. Pray for continuing strength and wisdom for her.
3. That we would love well as a family, and bring glory to God.
4. Pray for a Miracle
5. Pray that not our wills, but God's be done

How we are doing:
We've had an overwhelming response of people sending us messages, telling they're praying for us, showing up and visiting at the hospital. We've sang "and can it be" to Dad. It's one of his favorite hymns. We've cried together, we've hugged each other, we're constantly saying we love each other.


The two greatest comforts today have been the word of God and the body of Christ. This morning before Dad took a turn for the worse Christopher and I read Romans 8:28-39 to him. We are firmly rooted and convinced of the truth in those verses. For me personally, never have I felt so much pain, and never has the gospel of Jesus Christ been sweeter. I take comfort that no matter what the outcome is, the hospital bed that dad is in can't have the last word. Whether it be tomorrow, or when our Lord comes back, Jesus will fully heal dad's body. Period. This whole situation is very painful, and we have shed many tears, but we do not weep without hope.

I feel I should again thank all the people who have prayed fervently, sent words of encouragement, and came to visit and waited hours on end in the waiting room. Jesus said "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”. I cannot begin to express how supported and loved we feel by all of you. One of my prayers is that people on the 6th floor of Gwinnett Medical would be drawn to Jesus after seeing the way you all have lavished love over us.

I think it appropriate to end with Dad's favorite hymn. It's the one we sang to him today

And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain—
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

He left His Father’s throne above
So free, so infinite His grace—
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race:
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
’Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray—
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.


-James