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Here's a copy of the email that Etta Sue sent out regarding our Jerry...

Hi All,

Jerry has had another stroke. 

I got my last email from him Thursday evening at 6:41 p.m.  He knew I was going to the doctor on Friday so I wasn't online.  He wasn't online when I came home.  Yesterday I didn't get any emails from him nor was he online.  I called him after lunch and no one answered.  I waited.  Called again...no answer. 

I went to his house leaving here at 1:15 p.m.  I prayed.  I stopped at the old managers house but no one came to the door.  There was a man with a Bobcat moving dirt.  I asked him if he would go with me to Jerry's.  He was the manager of his park.  I have a key so I went in.  I called JERRY!  No answer.  The bed was made. 

But he was down in the bathroom.  The manager called 911.  He was taken to Anderson.  A brain scan showed he had another stroke and they Lifelined him to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.  I had called Lynn, his daughter and she got to Anderson before taking him.  We left her car at Jerry's and I drove to Indy. 

The doctor's there don't think surgery is needed just yet.  His BP was low...59/45.  His body temp low...90.5°.  He has some of his vomit in his lungs.  Watching that for pneumonia.  I am estimating he had been down for at least 24 hours....maybe more.  He has bruising on his left side.  His right side responds to stimulation but not his left.  He responds to pain. 

Before leaving last evening his BP was 129/68.  Body temp was up.  When saying JERRY he opened his eyes.  The doctors are waiting until we know how he is responding to meds and eventually removing some things.  He is on a ventilator, IV's, catheter...I don't know what all.  But he was breathing some on his own also last night.  So it sounds better than first was told us.  But he has a long way to go. 

God is the ultimate healer.  He healed Jerry once.  Jerry is a fighter.  Pray for God's will.

I will let you all know more when I can.[/size][/list]



Let's all pray for our Jerry and leave a message here so that Etta Sue can read them to him in the hospital.

oh my

Jery is still in ICU and in critical condition.  Jerry still has the tube down his throat but he is breathing on his own.  When I talk to him, he opens his eyes.  I told him if he knew who I was to blink his eyes once.  He did.  He can squeeze your hand with his right hand but not his left.  He moves his right leg...he has nervous legs...but not his left.  His temp is normal.  Later I asked him if he wanted me to bring Ali to see him and I saw an attempt for a smile.  He has a long way to go but, God willing, he will get there. 

Thanks to all of you for your prayers.

I  am praying and so is my church.

I am praying for Jerry.  As you said, Etta Sue, God has healed him before, and He can do it again.  I leave it all in His very capable hands and trust Him for complete recovery according to His will.  He always knows best and we can trust Him to work all things together for good!

we're praying in NC as well

Oh Father, make it clear to all around Jerry that You are His refuge!  Comfort him and grant him to know You are a "very present help in trouble."  Oh do these things, Father, through our Lord.

Oh, such sadness.  But this really brings us to our knees.

Many here is Guelph are praying for both Jerry, Tom's wife and Marilyn's friends tonight.

I'm thinking about Jerry this morning.  Etta Sue, let us know how things are going.  Tell him that all CP is praying for his recovery.

--- Papa John          <)))><<   
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Lord, please heal Jerry amd give strength and comfort to his loved ones.

This is so sad.  I am thinking of you Jerry and Etta Sue. 

Quote from: Etta Sue on March 13, 2005, 04:33:19 PM
Thanks to all of you for your prayers.

Father it hurts us so when someone we knows needs your help and all we can do around this country is pray for his needs.  Some would like to do so much more...

We ask Father that you give Jerry a touch of your Holy Spirit and that the doctors and nurses caring for him know JUST what he needs

We thank you Father that you sent Etta Sue to find him. 

We know that you hear our prayers and we know that you know everything we ask, even before we ask for it.  So we thank you Father that you hear our prayers and we are thankful for the free gift of your Son, that allows us to approach you, with boldness, to make these requests on behalf of one of your children.

We ask all this in Jesus' precious and holy name.....

I just read the message about Jerry.  My prayers for all throughout this trial.  Carol

I am sorry to learn about Jerry.  I'll also be including Jerry and Etta Sue in my prayers.

May God keep you and hold you in his arms and heal you in the way only God can do. I ask this in the name of Jesus, May God bless you and keep you. Amen

Still thinking of you and praying for you, big guy.  Hang in there.  God is good and Able.  May his perfect will be done, and may you (and your family and loved ones) receive grace, strength, love and mercy from HIM.  We love you!!!!

Jerry, my heart is with you and I'm in prayer for your healing.

Ruth Ann

Prayers are still ascending for you, JERRY!!  Keep looking to Jesus and He will sustain you through this time.  I'm praying for your family and Etta Sue, as well, and all who will be placed within your life or have any part in caring for you at this time.  Lord, give Your strength ... to all concerned.

Jerry, Our Father, the author and finisher of our faith will be with you each step of the path you need to walk. I am heartened that Gods people have rallied around to lift you up in prayer.

The way folks are rallying around to pray for Jerry just reminded me of this hymn...

I am praying too

oh no thats not good at all. I will be praying for Jerry.

Im praying Pat.

Heavenly Father, as others have prayed  ,so too are our prayers  for Jerry at this time of illness. Please be his strength and assurance , that his spirit may be nourished  knowing your presence beside him . Our trust is not in this body of flesh ,which fails us , but in the assurance that one day we shall have a new body ......and we shall be like Him (Jesus)
                                           
Ever be the comfort of those who cry to thee , and for those ministering to Jerry's physical care please grant wisdom and hope as they seek to treat your child.
                                                            Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
                                                                                                   Amen.


A.B.                              

Dear Etta sue,

     I just read about Jerry, I am praying for the both of you..  I hope you have gotten some  good news today from the Dr.. God bless you my friend..  You are in my heart and prayers.

Alma
   

Dear Etta sue,

    I just read about Jerry, I am praying for the both of you..  I hope you have gotten some  good news today from the Dr.. God bless you my friend..  You are in my heart and prayers.

Alma
 

Heavenly Father, have mercy upon our dear brother as he lies in the hospital bed, give him health and strength please, may we enjoy his company for some more years, in good health, in Jesus name we ask, amen.

My thoughts and prayers are with Jerry and his family I truuly hope that everything works out for the best for them
                                From Ohio
                                          Sue

Praying for Jerry in Oregon as well.
It's good there was someone watching out for him so that he was found in a reasonable amount of time!

May the Lord be your strength and guide Jerry, may He bless all whom come in contact with you, may He take the pain and sorrow, lean on the Lord brother, He has the power to make you WHOLE again... Hallelujah........Love Maureen (New Zealand)

I just read about Jerry.  I pray that God touches Jerry with his healing hands and that he blesses him and his family with strength, comfort and lots of love. 

Jennifer Jo

Psalm 73:26

My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.

Get well!

Etta Sue Let Jerry know his truck driver friends are praying and I will pass this on to the mobile chapel.

Thank you Etta Sue for being there for Jerry. He may not have made it if not for your help. We will keep Jerry and you in our prayers. We pray that the Lord covers him in the Blood Of Jesus and heals him, guiding the doctors and nurses and all in charge of his care, when two or more are joined togather in His Blessed Name and His will, will be done, Amen. Thank You Jesus.
                         God Bless,
                                 Billie W.  and Family [jerry's little sister]

My Dear Prayer Family

I am so sorry that I did not learn of this sooner. My old computer is pretty strange some days.
Still, I am happy for the privilege of prayer and I am praying for our brother Jerry.
Thank you so much for notifying me.
God is good and from what I have read in these posts regarding Jerry, he is a pretty
special gentleman in the Lord. Of course, we are all precious in His sight.
Right now, I am asking God to stick close to his special son and bring him through
this. 
In Him
Zee

Prayers are going up from Texas and around the world for Jerry.  I'm adding mine to yours!
Shalom.

To our friend and brother in Christ, Jerry.  God bless you, as no other can do, to bring healing and recovery in your hour of need.  God loves you, Jerry, and is with you constantly.  May you feel His presence and the prayers of your friends as well, and be comforted by that.  Bless Etta Sue and Lynn as well, as they wait and pray.  May our prayer be for God's will to be accomplished in your life, and may His name be glorified in this circumstance. 
You may have a tough road ahead of you for a while, but I am confidant you are up to the task of working at recovery.  You are not a quitter, but a man who knows he must fight back, in order to get stronger again.  God bless you with the courage to do it! 

Please Lord help Jerry to get better soon. May he be blessed by your blessings.
Amen
I will keep him in my prayers too.

'The troubles that afflict the just
In number many be
But yet at length out of them all
the Lord doth set him free.'

Lord, thou knowest the needs of my friends. I ask You to meet them this day.

Iain

Jerry my church is praying for you also. I remember my first Sunday at the church here in McKinleyville, you had just had the first stroke and as I walked into the doors that Sunday I asked "who to I tell about a prayer reqyest" And we prayed for you that day also.

Love you Jerry  God Bless you Get well soon.

Father God, hold Jerry close to You and touch him with Your own healing touch.  Give him the peace and strength that he needs to conquer this stroke.  Thank You for friends like Etta Sue.  Keep her health good as she ministers to Jerry.  Bless them both.

God bless all of you. 

And Welcome, Billie.  As Billie said...she is Jerry's little sister.  I have met her and she is a special lady. 

Jerry had the ventilater tube out but it had to be put back in last evening.  He was struggling too hard to breath and his BP would rise.  His pulse would rise.  He is responding more.  Moves his head for Yes and No and said Yes when the tube was out.  He still isn't moving his left side but the right side moves a lot, on command as well.  He is strong.  I was holding his hand and when he got aggitated he squeezed my hand so hard I thought I was going to yell.  He recognizes me.  Even tried a little smile when I told him when he gets better I would bring Ali to see him. 

He has a long way to go.  God healed him once and God willing, He will again.

Thanks to all of you.  You are all special in my heart.

Etta Sue

Etta Sue, so happy to read your posting for today and know that Jerry is improving, even if slowly.  I continue to hold Jerry and all personally tied to him in my prayers as I have been since getting your e-mail concerning this unfortunate event. 

Etta Sue, thank you for your update on Jerry's condition.  We continue to pray for him.  As you say God did heal him before and He is the same God today.  Whatever God's answer is it will be right.  In all of our prayers we pray God's will be done.

Papa John

Just saw the posting on Jerry.

Oh, my, words are hard at this time --I am here in Jersey senting up
a prayer request for Jerry, as well as strength for Etta and Jerry's
family.

Love in Christ,

Joyce

Continuing to pray.  God bless you, Jerry.  Hang in there, Etta.

A kind of lenthy post...but...

March 15 evening...

Jerry had the ventilator tube back in today but was much calmer.  His eyes more alert.  Seemed much stronger.  More responsive.  He answers by moving his head...yes and no.  I asked him if he was confused...yes.  I asked him if he wanted to know what happened...yes.  So I told him that I found him on the floor and called 911 to take him to St. John's in Anderson.  That a CAT Scan showed he had a bleeding in his head caused by a stroke.  That he was in the helicopter again and was in Neuro...ICU in Methodist.  He acted like he wanted to tell me something.  I asked him if he remember falling?...yes.  (God, I was wishing he didn't.)  I asked him...in the living room?...no.  In the bedroom?....no.  In the bathroom?...yes.  So he remembers falling.  I told him that when I found him he was soooo cold...he shook his head real strong....yes!  Bless his heart.  I can't imagine what he was feeling when he was down and no one was around.  And for 24-30 hours!!!  We who live alone wonder about that, I know. 

The ICU doctors came in and changed his BP medication.  He had fluid build up yesterday but Lasix helped a lot.  But they do think he has pneumonia in his left lung due to laying so long and cold.  Not real bad but some rattling and he is on antibiotics. 

He still can't move his left leg or arm.  His right leg and arm is real strong.  But he was so much more responsive today. 

I told him I was up way too late last night and needed some rest and to do some work in the house so I am not going to visit tomorrow but his daughter, Lynn, is coming back so he will have visitors.  I broke down and got my first cell phone yesterday.  Verizon so I can talk to my son, DIL, sister and Lynn anytime and not use my minutes.  Still learning...I thought I put it on charge last night but I had the charger in the headset jack!!! 

I also still have the cold I brought back from Florida the 5th so I am on my meds for that.  Can't give my cold to Jerry.

As Papa John implied....whatever God's will is, Jerry will be alright.  Even if Jerry is taken to heaven, he will be healed. 

Hugs,
Etta Sue

Amen Etta Sue, God's will is sometimes hidden from us but we have to trust in His soverignity.  Which ever way it goes Jeyyr will be healled, and it is us who don't like to let go.

God bless you Etta Sue for your devotion and caregiving to Jerry.

We love you girl!

Etta, please know that our prayers for Jerry include you as well.  As has been said, hang in there!!!!  Jerry's a trooper.  And God is a good God.  We love you both!!!!!!!

Thanks for the report, Etta Sue.  Still praying for our dear Jerry.

Etta Sue, I know God will specially bless you for caring for Jerry.  I'm glad his mind is so clear, at least you know that is all right.  My prayers are with the others expressed here for Jerry,  God is well able to heal today just as He always has done.

I am also praying for you, dear one.  I know this is very stressful for you.  And thank you for caring and for being the one to come to Jerry's rescue.  When he goes back home, be sure he gets a Lifeline or similar device so he can call for help wherever he may be.

Again, prayers for Jerry & Etta Sue.  There can never be enough of them as we take these two, Jerry's family and all the medical teams that are attending hem.  I pray for God's special touch on all. 

Etta Sue:  I asked the hotel here if I could use their computer., please give Jerry my love.  I am continuing to pray for him... and for you too!

Love.... Judy

Whether the Lord takes Jerry home or gives him a few more years, we praise God that Jerry knows Him!

Amen Chris.

Etta Sue? is it ok to send Jerry a card to your address: you will deliver it to him?

Thank You, Lord, for being a "very present help in trouble" relative to Jerry!  Oh please, Father, grant that He will continually know Your presence and blessing through Jesus our Lord.

Etta Sue,

I have been praying for Jerry and watching for news of his condition. Tell Jerry we are all thinking of him and take care of yourself!

Beverly

Etta Sue I am continuing to pray.

Make sure you get enough rest and eat well, otherwise you will burn out. 

God bless you sis

If you are wondering the same thing as Marilyn, send me a PM and I will give you the address to send cards to Jerry.  I have told him how all of you are praying for him and he was pleased looking and nodded his head, yes. 

Etta Sue, Jane had told me about Jerry, and I have been praying for him.  I just haven't been online to get here and post.  So many prayers touching Father's ear.  Jerry is well covered in all ways. 

As others have said, please take care of yourself too.  You are a true blessing to so many.
 

March 17 evening.  I saw Jerry today.  He was the same...  Maybe even a little less alert.  Only nodded his head a little bit.  His eyes didn't look the same.  He is confused.  When he gets the ventilator out and if he can talk, then he will have a lot of questions.  Bless his heart. 

Thanks again to all of you for the many prayers.  I hope God is saying 'With all these people praying, then I MUST heal Jerry!'

Amen Etta Sue I agree with you. What ever happens Jerry will be healed either here on earth or in heaven.

In prayer here in Florida.

Many are praying for Jerry here in Guelph.

I'm so sorry that this has happened to our dear friend.

March 19 evening.  Today found Jerry better.  In fact, they removed the ventilator again.  I was told by the doctor if this doesn't work this time, then they will have to do a trach.  So when I left, Jerry was breathing on his own....nothing down his throat now.  But they had him on oxygen and his blood oxygen kept going too low.  I was told they may put an oxygen mask on him so he would get more oxygen. 

And Jerry could talk.  Very faint and low because of the ventilator just being removed but he talked.  That made him feel better that he could communicate with people better.

So today is much better news than the last update.  Keep those prayers going...they are working!!

Also I am 1.5 miles from Lapel High School...a Class A1 division school.  The boys basketball team won Semi-State today and next week plays at Conseco Field House in Indianapolis for the State Finals.  How about those Dawgs?

Etta sue John and I will continue to pray.

Take care of yourself sis

Judy

Continuing to pray for dear Jerry.  And for you, Etta Sue.

Etta Sue, so glad to read of the improvement.  Will continue to pray for Jerry's recovery.

The reports on Jerry look better.  Hugs to both of you.  Carol

Thanks for your updates, Etta Sue.  How is the pneumonia?

March 21, evening.  Jerry was having a hard time keeping his blood oxygen up today and was put on an oxygen mask that sealed to his face.  Then he kept his levels up.  I could barely understand what he said and guessed right a few times.  Sometimes I didn't guess right and he gave up.  I can only imagine how frustrating that would be to not be able to communicate your wants or needs.  Bless his heart.  The doctor came in and said his brain scan was the same...no bleeding, not a bigger clot.  His lung x-rays were good...pneumonia gone.  But he just can't do the deep breathing to keep his blood oxygen up on the small oxygen mask. He shakes his head yes when asked if it tires him out to breath.  Bless his heart.  So today was a little down for me.  I guess I was expecting him to talk but that didn't happen.  Geesh, I never thought I would WANT him to talk.    Bless his heart!

Poor Jerry.............still praying for him, and for you, too, Etta Sue.  It is so difficult to go through these trials.  (((hugs)))

I'm praying for both of you, also.

Samantha

Ohh, Etta Sue...  What good news though about the pneumonia!  I'm thrilled to read that.  Oh, I'm still praying for him.

Etta Sue, Jerry has a true friend in you.  It is obvious that you care very much for him.  We all are praying for steady iimprovement for him.

Etta Sue I am praying for you today as I sit here and read your latest post.

It is so hard to see Jerry the way he is right now and knowing how frustrated he is.  If I could take the not-knowing away, I would in a nano-second.  But I can't.  God can!  He is not a complainer about his health.  (about other things but not his health )  He says he doesn't hurt and I thank God for that. 

Marilyn, I will take his card to him tomorrow.

EttaSue:  Please tell Jerry that Norm and I continue to pray for him.

We are still in Fla as I write - we will be home next Tuesday night. - ..... Judy M.

March 23 night.  I wish I had better news to report but Jerry is doing about the same.  He can't seem to handle keeping the blood oxygen up with the nose oxygen.  Then they put on the oxygen mask.  Today that was too tiring for him...I kept saying 'Take deep breaths' or 'Cough for me' or 'Give me a big sigh' so he would take a deep breaths and the level would go higher.  But he got too tired doing that.  So they put on an oxygen mask that seals to his face and then his levels went up.  (There are technical names for all of these but I don't know what they are)  Then his blood pressure went up and they had to give him some medication to get it down.  He is alert.  He understands what is being said and can answer 'yes' or 'no' by nodding his head and if he doesn't know, then he can shrug his right shoulder.  He has that down pat.  He gets so tired and they tell me he only cat naps.  Sleeps for maybe 20 minutes and then he is awake again.  Bless his heart.  The doctors said today that they don't think he will re-gain movement in his left leg and arm now.  Too long.  But God can do it for Jerry.  God healed Jerry of cancer and of another stroke.  He can heal him of this stroke also. 

Thanks for the report, Etta Sue.  I agree with you: God can do it again!  I am praying.  I can only imagine the frustration Jerry must be feeling through all this not knowing stage.  Take care, my friend and know we are still keeping Jerry held up in prayer.

I'm praying too.  Thanks for the updates on Jerry.

Etta Sue you are such a devoted friend to Jerry and I know you are heartbroken by what you see in the natural, But it is in God's faithful hands now and we all know that  God's thoughts are higher than our thought and His ways are higher than our ways. Do not lose heart dear friend, God is in control. I am still praying for Jerry and for you dear.

Etta Sue - Please continue to keep us up-dated on Jerry's condition.  I am able to check in daily, while we are still in Florida.
....

Love and hugs to you both   Norm and Judy ((((((hugs))))

Etta Sue, thanks for the update.  You are a good and faithful friend to Jerry and I am sure he appreciates your attendance upon him and knowing that you care so much.  I continue to pray for him and his recovery.

So sad, Father.

Etta Sue, I'm praying for Jerry too.

March 25 Evening.  I found Jerry today with his IV moved from his left upper chest to his right arm.  Called a PIC, I think.  He had the oxygen mask on that seals to his face.  He looked very comfortable and rested.  The nurse came in and said they were moving him to PCU...Progressive Care Unit.  Up to get OUT!  I was pleased at that.  The respitory came in and took off his sealing oxygen mask and put the nose thing on him.  His poor nose is raw where the plastic rubbed his nose.  I was expecting his blood oxygen to drop but it stayed right up there at 99-100!!!!  Hooray!  Then physical therapy came in and said...'Jerry, we are going to sit you up'.  They sat him on the side of the bed...he couldn't hold himself up though.  So they got one of those fancy chairs and put Jerry in it and Jerry sat up for about an hour.  He has nothing down his throat now...a feeding tube down his nose though.  So Jerry could talk more today.  I asked him what color T-shirt I had on and he said 'Black'.  He answers your questions with one word but I still can't understand him when he is trying to tell me something....bless his heart. 

But today was a much better day.  God is doing His stuff with Jerry!  Thank you, God.  When he is moved into PCU and I know the visiting hours, I will let you all know. 

Hugs,
Etta Sue

Wonderful news, Etta Sue!  Our God is an Awesome God, Indeed!!!  Continued prayers for both you and Jerry! 

Awesome!!!

Etta Sue - I'm so happy to hear Jerry is showing improvement. Still praying for him every day!

Beverly

EttaSue:  We continue to pray for Jerry, and also for you!

God Bless you Etta Sue.  We are praying for you as well as Jerry. 

You take care of yourself sis, this could be a long stretch of back and forth to the hospital. 

Take time to smell the roses.

thanks for the updates.  You both are in our prayers regularly.  I do have a card for him (i've been carrying it in my purse for a week), and I will try to get it out to you monday are tuesday.  promise!!

When I got to the hospital, Jerry was sleeping.  The Chaplain came through and he said, "God Bless You All and pray for a boring day."  Then he said a boring day in Critical Care is good....no unexpected episodes.  No excited patients.  No excited doctors and nurses.  And boring it was.  Jerry slept more today than any time so far.  I asked the nurse if he was on codeine or morphine and she said he had his last dose of codeine in the wee hours of the morning.  So he was sleeping naturally...which is very good.  I really don't think he knew I was there today.  But the Social worker said they wanted to move him to Select Specialty Hospital which is part of Methodist but you enter from Capitol Avenue.  I went there to look it over.  It is on the 7th and 8th floor of the old part of Methodist but newly renovated.  It is a hospital all its own.  Fully independent from Methodist.  But it is for people who are stable but not strong enough for rehab.  So this is Jerry's next move.  But when I got back to his room, a speech therapist was working with Jerry and removed his oxygen mask.  Well, his blood oxygen went down within 5 minutes and wouldn't go back up when the mask was put back on.  So I imagine that after I left, he had the sealed mask put back on.  (They tell me what all of this is called but when I think about the names, they go swoosh....right off the top of my head.  Sorry!)  But the nurse said that he wouldn't be moved to Select today. 

Karma, Jerry's nurse today said she just got back from NC.  Spring Break.  Her parents live north of Asheville.  I told her I had internet friends that live at Canton and she knows right were you live.  How neat?

Hugs,
Etta Sue

Oh, Etta Sue, bless his heart.  I'm so sorry that he's going through this but God bless you in your faithfulness to him. 

I pray daily for you both, Etta Sue.

Still praying.

Etta, each and everyday, I am amazed at how small this world is getting . . .

Dear Jerry,

We pray God will be at your side, within you, above and below you; will be your strength.  We will pray for you in Japan.

shirleypix ~ Japan, hunh?  How cool is that?  Are you working there?  May I be bold in asking why you are in Japan? 

Etta Sue:  Thank you for the update on Jerry.  This is very stressful for you, I know., so please know that we are praying for you too.

Just below your posts, Etta Sue - I get a red X, inside a box.  Is anyone else getting this?

Usually, its a graphic of Etta Sue's name...must be something wrong with my computer....huh?

Jerry:  I am praying for you! 

Etta Sue:  Thank you for all the updates.  I do hope that Jerry has family visiting daily.  Very important at this time. 

Carol

Etta Sue - I am still praying for Jerry.  I hope the oxygen problem stabilizes soon.

Beverly

The doctors say there is no more that they can do for Jerry.  He has told them he doesn't want a tracheotomy or the ventilator put back in.  Also that he doesn't want shocked if his heart stops beating.  He was moved to Select Specialty Hospital because NeuroCritical Care could do no more to help him.  Today his stats (blood oxygen) was in the low 90's with just the nose oxygen thing on.  His BP was 131/80 something. Both very good.  He was alert and trying to talk.  But if he should get pneumonia or some infection in his lungs or any other unforeseen problem, that would take him.  On a better note, if he can keep the congestion out of his lungs and get stronger then he could be moved to rehab or a nursing home.  It is all up to God now...which it has been up to Him all along but we like to think the doctors can do miracles.

Address for cards...

Jerry L. Sowers
Select Specialty Hospital, Room 824
1901 N. Senate Blvd., Building C
Indianapolis, IN 46202

I am praying for comfort and peace for Jerry.  God Bless Him.

Hugs,
Etta Sue

Father, I pray You for comfort and peace for both Jerry and Etta Sue.  I thank You for Jerry and for all that his life has meant.  I thank You that he belongs to You, Father.  If it is Your best for him and for Your glory, administer to him a glorious entrance into everlasting glory.  If it is Your best for him and for Your glory, then, Father, I pray You'll keep him here longer and administer healing to him.  Oh Father, do these things through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Amen to Al's prayer.

My heart is so heavy.


God bless you Etta Sue.  My heart goes out to you as well right now.  Praying for you sweetie.

Amen to Al's pray

I am praying with you Etta Sue.

Oh,  how this hurts! Not only you, Etta Sue and Jerry, but also for both your families as well as all of us who love you both.

My prayers are with you.

Ruth Ann

I am praying too & sending over lots of hugs & plenty of love you Etta & be sure to tell Jerry we are praying for him in church too. Stay in touch when you can & I am always here if you need a shoulder to lean on.

Another Amen to Al's prayer for Jerry.  What a gracious petition to God's grace, I pray it is just as you say, Al.  Whatever brings glory to the Lord, is my prayer and I feel that is what Jerry is saying too. 
God bless you Etta Sue, no one could have a truer friend than you are to Jerry.  I know he appreciates it too. May he continue to do well with his oxygen and BP.
Blessings to one and all,
Love, Janice

Oh yes!  We need to go now, as tonight we are celebrating Sara's return from Brazil, by going to a dinner.  Our granddaughter returned home Sunday night, but other scheduling conflicts have hindered our getting together until tonight.  We are anxious to get her story of the mission trip, and to see her pictures (if she has them developed yet).

Thinking of you, Jerry!

Peace,
Carol

Etta Sue:  I have copied down Jerry's hospital address, and will get a card and note off to him tomorrow.
Not likely he will know who I am, BUT - his family will read it, and know that someone in Canada cares and loves him!

Please know that I am thinking of, and praying for you too.

How far are you from Indianapolis?  Its very tiring, going back and forth to the hospital'

Love,
Judy

Etta Sue, thanks for the update.  I understand your saddness but am praying that Jerry will be able to gain some strength and ward off any infections. 

Thanks for giving us the mailing address.  I will try to get a card and note in the mail to him tomorrow. 

Oh, Etta Sue!  Please know we are all with you in prayer and in spirit, rooting for Jerry every step of the way.  I agree with Al's prayer, too, and add my own.  Bless Jerry, and bless you, dear one, for your friendship which means so much to him.  I am hoping for the best possible outcome from this.  ((((((((hugs))))))))

As for cards....I have read everyone of them to him and tell him who they are from and if he knows who they are.  He always nods a definite 'YES'!  So he knows.  Today a doctor was talking to Lynn and I about his rehabilitation.  He asked us a question that we didn't know the answer too but Jerry was shaking his head 'No'.  So the answer was no.  He understands and I know it must be truly frustrating to only communicate with someone by nodding yes or no.  I made a card for him from Ali and Inky with their pictures on it.  He asked...New?  I told him, Yes...I took the pictures last night.  He was so happy.  I asked him if he wanted me to leave the card there and he nodded a big 'YES'!  Bless His Heart!!

Etta Sue, it is good that Jerry can make these decisions for himself.  While the decision may not be the one you or his daughter would have made it is his decision. 

Yes, I am glad that Jerry made those decisions himself.  I would make the same decisons for myself but I don't know if I would want to make those same decisions for someone else. 

I found Jerry today about the same.  Maybe a little less alert but about the same.  His BP is low.  The nurse took it three times and it was low each time.  He is getting real weak and tires so easy.  I did get a code word to find out information when I call.  I will see how that works before going to bed...see if they give me any information.  I did call for a nurse twice today and it was 15-20 minutes each time before someone came in the room to see what was needed AFTER I told them on the speaker.  Also when I went in the room, his oxygen mask was not on his face.  Jerry doesn't like it and pulls it off.  I told them they need to restrain his right arm when there isn't a visitor with him and she said they didn't like to restrain their patents.  What do you do then?  Camp out in the room?

On a better note, I was walking down the hall to get myself a Pepsi and the doctor from Critical Care was walking towards me.  I said, 'My, you get around a lot.'  He stopped and asked me how Jerry was.  Talked to me for maybe 5-10 minutes.  It was real nice to find out a doctor remembers names and that a patient is not just a body in a bed.  Very heart warming. 

Yes, Etta Sue, that is very reassuring.  Dr. Cone stopped and talked to Diane and me about Beth  like that one evening in Amarillo, and it meant a lot to me.

Stay strong, dear one!  We are all pulling for Jerry and for you!  ((((hugs))))

I just came in to check on Jerry and you, Etta Sue.  I remember how it was with Ron after his stroke.   It seemed, as you noted, that there were things that no one was doing but me.  I wondered how he made it when I wasn't there.  I'd remind the nurse, when she came in, of what had happened, and she'd nod.  I just had to assume that when I wasn't there, they were checking on Ron more often. 

I'm praying for you, Jerry, and his family.  Nita

Thanks, gals.  It sure means a lot.  I just got a call from Lynn...it doesn't sound very reassuring. 

Etta Sue:  It must be very upsetting for you to see that Jerry isn't responding the way you wish he would.  Thankfully, he isn't suffering, and more importantly, he knows the Lord as his Savior.  Please know, dear Etta Sue, that both Norm and I are remembering you in prayer as well as Jerry.

I am so happy to tell all of you that Jerry is much better today.  He looked great.  Tried to talk.  Seemed overly alert.  Was trying to tell the nurse and I how old Johnny Cochran was...he heard it on the TV.  Jerry shook his head 'Yes' when I said 67.  I said 'Same as you' and Jerry shook his head 'Yes'.  The physical therapist came in and they sat him up in a chair.  Then the speach therapist came in and gave him some ice chips with lemon on them.  He hadn't been swallowing before but today he wallowed the chips around until they melted and then swallowed so she has ordered ice chips 3-4 times a day now.  He still seems rattle-y but is able to cough it up now.  They are holding off on putting a hole in his stomach to feed him.  Seems the stuff would come back up into his mouth and since he wasn't swallowing, the stuff went into his lungs.  Not good.  But today he was swallowing.  His left hand was swollen from being down so much so the therapists massaged his hand and put it up on a pillow and when I left, it was almost back to normal.  He had the nose thing for oxygen and his blood oxygen was in the high 90's all the time I was there. 

I have hope for him.  So keep on with all those prayers....they are working!!!  Thank you, one and all and God Bless each one of you.

Hugs,
Etta Sue

Thank you, dear God, for this good report.  Please continue the healing you have begun in Jerry's body until he is totally healed!  For this we give You all the glory, thanks and praise.  Amen.

Etta Sue:  That is so encouraging!  I am echoing Janet's prayer., and I rejoice with you!

Prayers continue for Jerry!

Wonderful, wonderful news about Jerry!!    We will continue to pray, Etta Sue.

Praise the Lord.  We're still praying. 

We mailed him a card (sent it to you, Etta), should be getting there any day now.

Thanks, ya'all!  Do you believe in dreams?  I dreamed last night while standing beside Jerry that he moved his left arm and leg.  The therapist showed me how to massage his arm, hand, leg and foot.  I told Lynn what to do so we both are going to work on that side of him.  Jerry has been my Special Friend for over 4 years now.  He has given me strength...now it is time to return strength to him.

Such good thought Etta Sue I agree with you. May God continue to bless both you and Jerry.

Etta Sue:  Just to let you know, that I am still praying for Jerry and for you!!

I spent a lot of time with Jerry today.  He is getting the hole in his stomach tomorrow for the feeding tube.  But he is talking better without a tube going down his throat.  Today I got him to say the alphabet so I told him is someone can't understand what he is saying, for him to spell it.  He shook his head yes.  I left the hospital and then had KFC and toured WalMart.  I got to the minister's house for Small Group Bible Study and eight of us went to see Jerry.  I feel he was pleased to see all of us there.  Happy that we were there but sad that he was there.

He has gotten so many cards...I spent almost an hour reading them to him.  He was so happy to get the cards.

Thank you....God Bless All of You

Etta Sue, it is so good to see your positive report.  It was nice that your Bible group was able to visit with Jerry last night. 

I thank God for answered prayers, for Etta Sue's devotion, for Christian friends and their continued support.  I will be praying that our Jerry continues to improve.  God Bless you, Etta Sue.

My card will be in the mail tomorrow.

When Jerry was in Neuro Critical Care Unit, the Chaplain stuck his head in the door and said he was praying for a boring day.  Boring days at the hospital means nothing exciting going on.  Today was a boring day...good day.

He got the hole in his stomach for the feeding tube yesterday.  They started feeding him this afternoon.  He was tired so he slept a lot but, of course, when he woke up and I asked him if he slept good.  No.  Were you asleep?  No  But you were snoring and he shrugged his shoulder.  So he thinks he was awake all the time.  A couple from Ohio came to visit...Jerry and his wife stood up with them when they got married 45 years ago.  Jerry enjoyed that. 

So Jerry is holding his own.  God Bless him.

I wish the Shuford's could come and see him.  Give him our best, adn let him know we love him and we are still praying for him!!!

I got to the hospital around 9 a.m.  A few days ago, Jerry got a roommate.  It seems he is bedridden.  I think I heard him say something about M.S. and possibly being in the hospital for two months.  He is quiet so not disturbing to either Jerry or vice versa.  Jerry seemed more alert...more 'with it' today but still pulled off his oxygen three times in about 15 minutes.  So I restrained his arm again.  Makes me wonder what goes on when someone isn't right there.  Anyway after noon, a lady looked in the room and I realized it was Jerry's DIL, Nermin.  I hugged her and then Jerry Lee came in pushing Daniel in his stroller.  Jerry seemed very happy to see them.  We went to the cafeteria for them to get something to eat.  When we went back to see Jerry, I asked him who was with me.  He spoke out loud and told me...Jerry Lee, Nermin and Daniel.  I left feeling good that his son, DIL and 21 month old grandson, Daniel, was there to see him.

God is good.

Oh thank You, Father, for the latest news.  And Father, please continue to make Jerry better and better through our Lord.

That is wonderful news to hear about JERRY.  If you feel you need a break and want to get away for a couple of hours get in touch with me ... I think your needing some TIME AWAY FROM ALL OF WHAT IS GOING ON DOWN THERE.  So, think about it and let me know ok ... well it is to be a busy weekend and we have a youth rally in the moring & so it will be fun for sure.  WOW it is hard to believe that our house has been here for 1 year tomorrow morning !! WOW it has been a fun year for sure ... but as of JUNE 4th it will be 1 year for us to be MOVED IN ALL THE WAY !!  YEAH ... so I gotta go dinner will be home soon so take care & get in touch with me when you can !!

HUGS

PS: I will write soon !!

Thanks...your prayers mean a lot. 

TBear ~ I asked Jerry Lee, Nermin and Daniel if they wanted to come here and stay but I think they are going to go back to Ohio to stay with Lynn tonight and come back with her tomorrow and Sunday. 

I need some do-nothing days...I had one yesterday.  Now that mowing time is here again, I have to make MY time around mowing time.   But we will meet soon.  I promise.

Glad to hear that he seems to be alert and communicative.  Still praying in North Carolina!

(Etta takes her mowing very seriously, but then, she has a sizable tract of God's land to mow!)

Big day.  Where to begin.  Jerry's daughter, Lynn was there.  We talked to a Social Worker and he thinks a Nursing Home should be checked about.  Lynn is going to give him the names of three nursing homes near her home of Huber Heights, Ohio. 

Physical therapy came and I SAW JERRY MOVE HIS LEFT LEG.  He can move the leg to the middle of the bed after the nurse moves it out and he can push with his leg.  Praise God.  They sat him up for about forty-five minutes.  Jerry likes that.

Occuptational Therapy worked with his right arm/hand...she didn't realize it was affected by his stroke in '03.  She tried to see if Jerry could pick up things...wrapped candy... and put them in a box.  After a struggle he could pick them up and put them in a box but the OT thought that a child's board with magnetic letters would be too frustrating for him at this time. 

Jerry was onery.  Took of his oxygen off about a dozen times.  Daniel got him a Ty Elephant and he would kick or throw it off the bed.  I don't know if he know he does this or what.  Makes me wonder what happens when no one is there to put the oxygen back on.  I know.  He is restrained when no one is there.

Jerry was trying to tell me something.  He said...'Fill me'.  I said...'Feel me?'  He shook his head no.  'Fill me'.   I said...'Fill me?'  He shook his head yes.  'What's the next word?'  He says 'in' and then looked to the other bed in the room.  I said...'You want to know what is wrong with that man?'  'Yes!!!'  Well, I really don't know what is wrong with the man other than he is in one of those air beds and can't move his lower body.  I think he has MS.  But Jerry likes the man.  He said 'He helps me'.  Seems that Jerry will say..'Help me' and the other man will push the call button and tell the nurses that Jerry needs help. 

Then a lady came in and was checking things...like an inspection.  Asking the nurse things and I saw the nurse pick something up and put it in a cabinet behind the lady.  When the lady went to the other side of the room, the nurse said 'That man isn't infected' to the lady.  The lady said, we must move this man out then.  So everyone started moving the other man out of the room and told the man he was moving because the man in the room checked positive for an infection.  WHAT?  I asked the nurse what was going on.  She said 'He checked positive for an infection.  I will go see what kind of infection and come back and tell you.'  She came back with a paper and said this this the kind of infection but I don't know where it is.  JERRY HAS A STAPH INFECTION.  It isn't positive yet but she thinks it is respitory.  But it is treatable...just takes a long time to get rid of it.  I just called the nurse and the doctor hasn't been on Floor 8 yet.  I will call back around noon.

So again...Jerry needs all your prayers.  One cannot have too many prayers.

Hugs,
Etta Sue

I ampraying here in Nothern California.

Thanks, Etta, for the update.

I certainly will continue my prayers for Jerry and his family.

I added you to my list awhile back, I know that you need
all of our Heavenly Father's comfort and strength at this time.

Love in Christ,

Joyce

good news/bad news.  Hospitals are famous for being places to pick up staph infections.    It shouldn't be so, but it is.

Glad Jerry can communicate some, but sorry his roommate was moved.  Jerry will miss him, I know, and his "help" too.

Prayers continue for Jerry..........and for you, Etta Sue.

I echo what Janet just said.  Gosh - if Jerry has an infection like that, they will probably keep him in isolation, wouldn't they?

My doctor once told me, "if you want to get sick....go to the hospital".  Scarry isn't it!!

I'm still praying for Jerry, Etta Sue, and for you and the family. This is a difficult time for all of you.

Ruth Ann