one finger for yes, two fingers for no

When I was younger I was sure that I had a perfect family. I had two sets of grandparents, aunts and uncles and cute little cousins. No one ever missed a meal at either of my grandmas houses and the world was just as it should be.  As I grew up, I was convinced my family was just as crazy as everyone else’s. Apparently, siblings argue, parents get divorced, people do things you don’t expect and of course, not everything always goes as you plan. 

Now that I'm older and I've experienced life, somewhat.. I have come to the conclusion that my family is just that… My family. God gave them to me for a reason. And I wouldn't trade them for anything in the world. 

Lance had moved to Morehead in August to 'scratch that scientific itch' as he says. He moved in with Brock. He had become my best friend in the last few months. The three of us were closer than we had ever been. Its been 9 years since we had even lived in the same house. By living in the same city, we were able to make dinner together or just hang out. I had posted on my facebook that my brothers were two of the most amazing people in the world. I stand by that. But I need to add the rest of my family to my list. My mom has been so strong, always looking for the next baby-step that Lance is making. My dad's words on the previous post show his extraordinary faith. And my stepmom's belief in prayer and ability to read the Bible to him everyday is amazing. Because sometimes I feel like all I can do is sit by his bed and hold his hand. Our grandparents, aunts and step-sisters continual love and devotion to do whatever it takes to help him or us is also the best we could ever ask for. 

Lance's accident has been terrifying. The unknown is the most scary. But I know that God has great plans for us, especially for Lance. And that many wonderful things are to come.

One of Lance's good friends, Trish Murphy described Lance beautifully in her blog,  she said, "He went through a period of introspection this fall and finally seems to have a plan for what he wants to do next. Or rather, what he can do, because what he wants to do is everything. His biggest struggle seems to always be that he wasn't doing enough, or that which he could do wouldn't make a big enough difference"

For those of you who know me, I'm not much into the sappy love mushy stuff. So, you know that all of this teary eyed nonsense is about to get the best of me. So, i'm going to finish up with the facts... thats how I like it. :)

Lance's right foot would like to move continually. However, they have put a cast on it to prevent foot-drop. That cast will become a splint tomorrow. His left leg hasn't moved much since the accident. Thats the leg that was in traction.  They have a splint fixed for it as well. His left arm and shoulder received most of the nerve and muscle damage. It is moving a little now though. His right arm... well, its amazing. We have put a pen in his hand a couple times. Brock told him to write his name. We think he gave it a very good effort. Occupational, physical and speech therapy have been working with Lance everyday. One of the things they started was asking him simple yes or no questions and having him hold up one finger for yes. and two fingers for no. He answered correctly to... Is your name Christopher?  Is your name lance? Are you at home? Are you in the hospital? Is it 2010? They have also asked him to hold up three fingers, and then all five. Sometimes, it takes him a minute to get his brain to tell his hand to do these small tasks. but its progress. and we love progress!

He is still coughing up his own secretions. Respiratory was able to take him off of oxygen altogether. He is breathing room air and his oxygen saturation is staying in the high 90's, usually 99%. He sat in the wheelchair today for an hour. Tomorrow, the plan is to be up for an hour and half. 

Thanks again for all of the prayers that have gone up all over the tristate area and beyond. My prayers tonight include Shannon Gilbert. She was involved in a car accident on Tuesday morning. She had to be airlifted to St. Mary's.  Her dad, Ted Gilbert is my dad's good friend and neighbor. They are keeping her in a drug induced coma until Friday. From what I've heard, they’ve been given some of the same information we were given just 4 weeks ago. They can fix the injuries below the head. But the brain is in God's hands. My heart goes out to this family tonight. Please keep them in your hearts as well.

-chelcee

I've spent a lot of time with Lance.  We grew up together, lived in the same home, ate the same food, listened to the same music, learned to drive the same car.  I don't think I know anybody like the way I know Lance.  I don't think I could explain how we speak the same language, or what exactly that language is.  I understand him in ways I don't really understand.  I think Lance has taught me more about myself and life than anything or anyone else ever could have.
We haven't lived together since 2004, until this fall semester.  He showed up a week late for classes having just signed up and plopped on the couch with little more than a computer, a pair of sandals and an eager alacrity to learn something.  I'm a little disappointed that the closest and longest periods being together only occurred sporadically in the summer and during the holidays and it took us six years to find a city that we both could fit in.  Weird it was Morehead.
We had fun this semester.  We argued.  We played music.  We went to class.  We talked about philosophy, girls, how to change one's life, et cetera.

My life was changed forever this semester, before this accident ever occurred.  I learned a lot about myself and the way one perceives his experience.  Of most importance, I learned that I have a lot more to learn.  As always, he opened my eyes to things, not necessarily on purpose, but just by being a prime specimen to observe.  He was always the one flying over me leaving me in a state of bewilderment and sometimes, honest confusion.
I think this picture depicts our relationship somehow.  He's the fool in the wetsuit and I'm the one with blue hair.

-brock

Unexpected Paths

Lance has demonstrated a few signs of awakened awareness today.  His eye movements are increasing, his left arm which has laid dormant since the accident has moved and left fingers squeezed Chelcee's hand, and his right hand pushed an ice pack off his left hand.  These may seem like small steps to the casual observer, but are victories that call for celebration for those of us who watch every breath.  I thank each of you for your prayers and support and it is wonderful knowing that so many hearts have reached out to him and us.  

Today was day # 30 of this unexpected path.  I could never have guessed what would lie ahead as he slept on the couch - after playing guitar for worship and eating lunch - on Sunday after a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.  As he slept I had caressed his head and ran my fingers through his hair, enjoying a quiet father-son moment, and thought how quickly 24 years can pass.   A short time later, I helped Lance load up plastic containers full of left-overs from kitchens of the great cooks in our family.  These would go into refrigerator of brother Brock and roommate Malcolm and be consumed as the semester at MSU concluded.  Before he climbed in his car, we had embraced in a good-bye hug, almost toppling over as our feet were too close.  Repositioning our feet in a wider stance, we renewed our hug and laughed as we squeezed one another tightly.  Without voicing our thoughts, I knew we were both remembering a scene from movie "Eat, Pray, Love", which we had watched with Chelcee and Gena the previous night.   The humorous scene was a loving father who kissed his 20yo son on the lips.  I didn't kiss Lance, and I didn't mention the movie, but I surmised that he may have been holding me so close to minimize the risk.

A few hours later the call came that every parent fears; mine came from long-time friend John Northcutt.  He shared the difficult news gently and truthfully......my heart has not been the same since.  The unexpected path led to a wonderful staff and doctors at UK's Chandler Medical Center - to these folks we are so grateful.  Now the path has led us to Shepherd's Center........I would never have predicted that as the destination for Christmas Day, but traveling with Gena and Chelcee, we arrived in Atlanta in time for their first white Christmas since 1882.  Brock and Jill were already with Lance, as they had escorted the ambulance three days earlier.

While it was not a "Merry" Christmas, there is Joy that comes with the Advent.  To know that God had the power to originate a virgin birth is comforting because that is the type of miracle power that Lance needs for healing.  To know that God loves us this much.....through Christ's life and death.........is as real as the last month of feeling His love and comfort during this great sadness.  This unexpected path has enabled me to see that God is bigger than I ever realized.

From Lance's room, down the hall, elevator down three floors, past the main entrance, across the connector bridge, through the parking garage, and up the elevator four floors is where Christmas is tonight, 450 miles from little Vanceburg.  In "I'm Taking You With Me"--a song by Relient K--the lyrics go, "If home is where the heart is, then my home is where you are. But it's getting oh so hard to spend these days without my heart." 

We're split up, but we're still together.  The good thing about love is that it isn't bound spatially, or temporally or in any way really.

Lance got to hear a lot of familiar voices today through voicemail recordings.  Continue to leave brief messages for him if you would like, on Chelcee's phone as well as mine (I know not everybody has my number). 

This is one of my favorite paintings in the Shepherd Center.

In other news Todd and Megan Hyatt are big fat parents as of yesterday.  Parker Daylon Hyatt was born at 2:34 pm, December 23, 2010.
Merry Christmas

Beautiful day in north Atlanta.  Lance enjoyed listening to some Duke Ellington and the Beach Boys today.  We're getting more familiar to this city of a building and its family of employees and doctors.  We're also learning more ways to interact with Lance.  If you would like to say hello to Lance, you're welcome to leave him a voicemail--on my phone--which I will relay to him so he can hear more familiar voices.
If you know my number, you're free to send a voicemail, which can be done, by the way, without calling the actual number.  Just access your own voicemail (usually done by holding down one on your phone) and follow instructions on sending a voice-message.  I know this has some potential to be a little confusing, but it's not hard, and I think it can be a good thing.
If you leave a voicemail recording directed towards Lance, I will certainly play it for him.
If you don't have my number you can email me, or message me on facebook and I will do my best to reply.
It's great to hear from family and friends, as the environment here is definitely different.  Still, we're ever grateful for support.
brock

Our first day at Shepherd was busy--getting used to the building, meeting doctors, nurses, techs, practically the whole staff has welcomed us into the family.  We're trying to get used to the new environment.  Lance was up all day and did well on the six-ish hour trip from Lexington. After getting settled in and properly introducing himself to the new people poking him, he's pretty tuckered out and is sleeping peacefully.
This place is crazy.  The people are super friendly.  We've got plenty to do and plenty of strength to be given to do it.  Recovery--not just Lance, but for the whole family--depends on attitude, disposition, and forward thinking.  Cookies don't hurt either.  I'm looking forward to finding out more about this facility and its occupants, which is coming soon.

As always, all the love, prayer, positive energy is incalculably appreciated.

Also, we listened to a little Al Green on the way down today.  It's Lance's cd. Somehow, it found its way into my case.  He's got a funky toe or two.
brock

So we're heading down south tomorrow morning to Atlanta for Lance to get started at The Shepherd Center, and that is the only thing heading south right now; our compass, not our spirits.
Will be continuing posts as well now.  More to come, much more. Got to get some sleep first, however.
Positation of negativity y'all,
brock

Tuesday, December 21st 2010

Good News!

    The insurance has approved for Lance to go to Shepherd's Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He will be transported there tomorrow morning, leaving Lexington at 6am. Mom and Brock will be going with him. Dad, Gena, and I will be going as soon as I get off work on Christmas Day.
   Keep safe travels in your prayers. Brock or I will update as soon as we get a chance!

Community Prayer Service

There was an outpouring of love and prayer this evening in Vanceburg for Lance and his family.  Tonight, there were 101 people who came out to show support for Lance!  The evening started with a  prayer led by Bryan Wright.  Following that, it was only fitting to include in the service one of Lance's greatest loves...MUSIC!  Following the music, we once again prayed with Lance's family on hand at the alter, led by Courtnae Spear.   This was so wonderful.  There is no doubt that God was present through this.    We were able to get  an update on Lance's progress thus far after talking with Chelcee.  Those who came were very generous with a love offering for the family.  Finally, the service ended with a congregational singing of "Silent Night" while holding hands, followed by a beautiful closing prayer led by Kevin Cornette.  Lance's grandfather ended the service with beautiful words of appreciation and love.    As you can tell, there was a lot praying going on!  Some two hours away in Lexington, the O'Cull family were also in prayer at 7:00 with Lance.  We know that there were  churches who had holiday programs scheduled this evening, who actually incorporated the 7:00 prayer time into their program.  The 7:00 prayer extended well beyond the bluegrass state as we have been told of several churches in Oklahoma and Texas were also in prayer!  How awesome is that? 
On a side note, Becky Sullivan did arrive wearing her UK blue Santa shirt.  She said she knew making Lance mad enough would get him awake.  We all know he will be shouting out  the real KY colors, RED and BLACK upon his awakening. 

We cannot thank everyone enough for coming out this evening.   We hope that each of you  continues the 7:00 prayer time for Lance.  GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!  ALL THE TIME GOD IS GOOD! 

In difficult times like this we are often reminded of a song by Mercy Me, "Bring the Rain".  Sometimes people wonder how you can continue to worship even in hard times........ but as the song says, "If that's what it takes to praise You......JESUS BRING THE RAIN!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HgAVenbUU

Leslie and Lori

Community Prayer at 7pm tonight.

Lori and Leslie will be updating more later.

Saturday, December 18th 2010

Good morning...
I may have misled a few people with my last post. First of all, I want to thank everyone for their continued prayers, support and encouragement. We couldn't do this without you! 

Secondly, Lance is making improvements every single day! Each day we see something else that he does that he didn't do the day before. 

Everyone at UK has been amazing in their care with Lance and the steps they have taken to put him back together and make him whole again. He is now finished with his bone surgeries. And is stable.  So, he won't be able to stay at UK forever. Now he needs therapy. We have been told that he can't go to Cardinal Hill just yet. But there is a program at Shepherds Center in Atlanta, Georgia. They specialize in brain and spinal cord injuries. A representative is coming to talk to us about this on Monday.  We don't even know yet if he would be accepted. We are willing to travel across the world for him to get the best opportunity possible. And those of you who know me and my family, know that he won't be going alone. 

Our prayer every day is that he wakes up. Please continue to pray for this. 
I'm sorry if there was any confusion. 
Thanks again & God Bless! 

Friday, December 17th 2010

I know everyone has been praying so hard for my brother. I am asking for extra prayers throughout the weekend. It could be a snow day for some of you, so please... PRAY. Lance is going to have a peg tube placement tomorrow and oral surgery. His cheekbone is broken, and the joint needs to be put back together so he can open wide. That surgery is around 11.
Also, we got some information on a rehabilation center that will accept Lance. Its not Cardinal Hill. They can't take him yet. This place looks amazing. But its not in Kentucky. A representative is coming on Monday to talk to us about it. I, however want him to wake up before then. So, he doesn't have to make that trip. We will do whatever it takes to make him better and exhaust every option. But I think that he is doing things everyday that he hasn't done before, and thats progress.
They told me today that they set him up on the side of the bed! I can't wait to see that!

Wednesday, December 15th 2010

Lance has been moved to a progressive care unit. So, that's the plan... to progress!
He has done really well with not needing as much suctioning. Physical and occuptional therapy have been working with him to keep his arms and legs in shape. It's not equal to his usual everyday 7 mile run or 30 mile bikeride, but it will work for now. He has a wound vac on his leg that has to be changed every 3 days. When they did that today, they gave him some stronger pain medicine. So, he was sleepy for most of the day.

A lot of people have been asking me about a timeframe. And that's something that we just don't know. No one does. Lance's brain is trying to help his body heal from all the broken bones, internal injuries, loss of blood and trauma, in general, from the accident. Plus, he does have a brain injury. And until his brain wants to wake up, we aren't going to know the extent of that injury. We can just pray that Lance is in there and he will soon make an amazing recovery.

My Aunt Christa had a hip replacement on Monday. She was up walking on Tuesday. She actually came home from the hospital today. She is doing wonderful. Walking better than she has for a long time.  After Thanksgiving dinner at our house, Lance was showing her how well she would be able to do lunges. And if I know my Aunt Christa, she is probably pushing herself to be able to do those as quick as possible, so she can show Lance. Maybe they can do some therapy together.

Apparently, we are in a wintry mix advisory. I was scheduled to work today and Friday. My dad has given me strict orders to not be out in the bad driving conditions. So, I won't be back in Lexington until Friday after work. Thats a long time to not be laying eyes on Lance or holding his hand. However, he is in good hands.

If anyone has come by the hospital and couldn't find us... I'm sorry. We moved around quite a bit last week. If you are coming for a visit. Give one of us a call or a text, and we can let you know where we are. We have been trying to limit his visitors at times. Infection is a big concern right now. So, please, if you aren't feeling good, drink some orange juice and come back when you are well. We also dont want him to be overstimulated. We don't want to offend anyone, just thinking in the best interests of Lance right now.
As my parents would say, "Don't hold back, Chelcee, tell them what you think" :)

Visits, prayers, hugs, stories of encouragement are always welcome!

Monday, December 13th 2010

Hello Everyone...


I came back to Lexington this evening and found my brother with his eyes open!  He, however is still in a coma. The neurosurgeons are not sure of the extent of his brain injuries. There isn't a way to measure thought processes, so we will have to wait until Lance wakes up and tells us. He sometimes opens his eyes, but they don't focus yet. But I'm praying its only a matter of time before that happens. 


He is being seen by physical therapy to work on his range of motion. His right hand is moving continuously. and he moves his right foot a lot, like he is rolling his ankle. He doesn't appear to be in as much pain as he did when I left on Sunday. 


He continues to remain off the vent and breathes well with the trach collar. He is able to cough up his secretions on his own and doesn't have to be suctioned as much. Which means he may be able move out of Trauma ICU and into a progressive care room. 


Please keep him in your prayers. God has great plans for him. 

Saturday, December 11th 2010

I know... I didn't post any updates last night. and thats because I slept in a real bed!


Lance got to spent lots of time in PACU. My good friend, Leanna was there to watch over his care. Then they decided he could go to a progressive bed. However, this morning they saw he had a little bit of pneumonia. So, we are going to go back to ICU as a precaution. They can watch him closer there. Lance never did like to stay in one place very long. 
Pneumonia isn't uncommon for patients with Lances injuries.  He has still been running a little fever. So, for now, only immediate family has been going in to see him. We have been meeting visitors out in the lobby. Just get a hold of one of us. 


Mom, Dad, Gena and I have worked out somewhat of a schedule. its not the best routine. but we are all sleeping in a real bed for more than 4 hours every 24 hour period. its progress. 
I'm actually in Morehead tonight. I'm going to work tomorrow and Monday. and I think my Dad is going to work on Tuesday. We don't want him to be alone, so we are just going to alternate shifts for the time being. 




Again, we cant begin to express our gratitude to everyone. To picking up extra clothes or prescriptions, to coming up with amazing ways for us to sleep better on chairs and coffee tables, and baking cookies, and all of the countless trips everyone has made to Lexington. We cant thank you enough. 


Please, keep the prayers coming. 
Our God is an Awesome God. He can do Awesome things. 

Thursday, December 9th 2010

My brother is incredibly strong!

Last night, Lance was very agitated. I think he was hurting. So, his right arm was very mobile. His dressing had slid down about 4 inches on his forearm because of all the movement.
His pelvic fractures were fixed by my Dad's old college roommate, Billy. and Dr. Wright. and from what I'm told he is 'THE pelvic guy'. He was able to put a screw across Lance's sacrum. and place a plate on his acetabulum. They did find something that they didn't see on the ct scans. He has some shearing of bone and cartilage of the femoral head. This could cause Lance some arthritis in the future. He also had to have a couple units of blood. Other than that, the surgery went according to plan.
By the time, the doctor came out and talked to us, he was already off of the vent. He looks wonderful. He is breathing easy, and the traction is gone! He also had a wound vac for the open wound on his calf. They had to place him on his stomach to perform the surgery so they had warned us that he might be a bit swollen post-op. However, he doesn't appear to be swollen to me. Just his eyes, they are a bit puffy.

We are done with surgeries for a while, thank goodness.
Thanks for your prayers, cards, calls and visits.
Please keep the members of the other accident victims and their families in your prayers.

Also, if anyone is planning on coming to visit, please let me know. Facebook is fine, or a call or a text. So that we can let you know where we are.

Wednesday, December 8th 2010

Lance has had a quiet day. Not as much movement as he had yesterday.
I just got to see him for a few minutes. He has a bit of a fever, but they have started some new antibiotics. This evening, his right foot and right hand are moving quite a bit.

He has surgery tomorrow, on his pelvis. They need to put a screw in his sacrum and fix his acetabulum. probably with more plates and screws. I think his surgery time is 715. Its probably going to be another long one. One of my Dad's old college roommates is a PA with the orthopedic surgery team and he will be scrubbing in for the surgery again. That makes us rest a little easier.

Tuesday, December 7th 2010

Lance was able to come off the ventilator around 1am. Once some of the sedation used for surgery wore off, he began to become more responsive to pain and stimulus. He had a restful night. I think his arm feels better already, he was moving his right hand more than before.
I am waiting to go back and see him in a few minutes. Then I'm going to Morehead. I have some things that I have to get done. I'll still try to update after I talk to my parents.

I hope that everyone is keeping warm. and being careful on the roads.

Monday, December 6th 2010

Lance is out of surgery. There were able to repair the left humerus. and the radius and ulna on the right arm. He has lots of screws and plates. His friend, Sean is right. He will be the bionic man.
They are going to put the pin in the sacrum when they fix the rest of the pelvis later this week.
Surgery started around 130 and lasted a little over 5 hours. I haven't been able to see him since he came back into ICU. Thats why I'm updating, to keep my mind off of that for a few.

Thanks for checking on my brother. and keep the prayers coming!

Sunday, December 5th 2010

Lance remains off of the ventilator.... he has rested well today. The respiratory therapist doesn't think he has pneumonia, however he might develop it soon.
He is preparing for surgery tomorrow. its going to be a big day. They are going to fix the radius and the ulna in the right arm with screws and plates. Then they are going to fix the left humerus fracture that will probably involve work on the clavicle. Its very swollen. i'm anxious to get this fixed, I feel that its causing a lot of his pain when he is turned on his left side. They are also going to put a pin in his sacrum. He will have to have another surgery to fix the rest of his pelvis. but that will be later on in the week. Hopefully, they will also be able to take a look at the wounds on the left leg. and the pin placement for traction.

Up until today, I've had my friends updating my notes on facebook. Since today was a quiet day, i was able to update all by myself. Its nice to have a quiet day.
I want to express my gratitude for everyone's thoughts, prayers, visits, and calls. our community and the ones that surround us are amazing.

I know everyone has been praying but extra prayers for the surgeons would be great. That they get enough sleep and are prepared for their day tomorrow.

Its just another race, Lance.

Saturday, December 4th 2010

We celebrated Lance being off of the ventilator for 24 hours this morning.

He has a little bit of a temperature. but that is to be expected after surgery. Blood cultures have been negative. He is still responding to pain. and curling his toes. 

Mom and I left for a while to take a shower. Dad and Gena left to get something to eat with Shauna and Larry. We needed to get out of the hospital for a few minutes. 

We've really been overwhelmed by everyone's outpouring of prayer, love and kindness... thanks so much. 

Keep praying. 

Friday, December 3rd 2010

Lance's vitals remained stable throughout the night, so at 820 this morning, they took him off the vent again. He is breathing beautifully.

Lance's icp has been staying down, so after the results from the ct scan came back this morning, it was decided that they could take out the drain and the monitor that was measuring his intracranial pressure.
 With the bandage off, he had a huge bald spot. So, my dad's good friend, Mike Ginn came and we shaved off most of the rest of his hair. There is one spot I cant get because of moving him and the neck brace he has on. I'm sure he will be thrilled to know that I shaved his head. I can only imagine what he will say. Some of you know that he was participating in noShavember. So, he still has a beard and a moustache. I'll be working on that tomorrow.

*Also, Laddie and Wendi Mitchell's daughter Jayden had to have surgery today here at UK. PLease keep her, her worried parents and the rest of their family in your prayers. . 

Thursday, December 2nd 2010

Lance's chest tubes came out this morning, then he went to surgery. They decided to only fix his left ulna today. neurosurgery said that they wanted him to have a break from surgeries for a few days. So, they are saving the bones in the right arm, the left humerus and the pelvis for next week. 3 surgeries in one week are enough for anyone right? even someone has strong as Lance.
This evening they did another weening trial. this time, 4 hours off of the vent. He can run for 4 hours straight, so i knew he could be off of that machine for 4 hours.

Yesterday, one of my good friends from high school came to the hospital. Brandon Hughes. he was in an accident a few years ago. and he was also diagnosed with what Lance has. DAI. Sometimes, people with DAI dont have a good prognosis. But Brandon had a billion people praying for him. and from what i understand, so does my brother. Brandon gave my parents some hopes and I'm so thankful for that.

Wednesday, December 1st 2010

Lance is out of surgery.   They removed the sponges from his liver and closed his abdomen with no problem. So, no more wound vac. The doctors now believe his liver will be fine.  They went ahead and put a trach in, and he is doing good with that. The ortho team also came in and evaluated his left leg. he has an open wound, that they packed. and they debrided the other areas. 
This evening, they decided to see how he would do if they took him off the vent. he did well. after about an hour and a half he got a little tired. He is resting now, with the machine helping him breathe. They will probably try that again tomorrow. 

Tuesday, November 30th 2010

they have taken Lance off of all pain medication, sedation, and chemical paralysis.  There was progress made towards waking up.  He lifted his arms and squeezed our hands.  We turned on some classical music in hopes that he can hear.  When we talk to him, especially when Brock was in the room, we feel like he was trying to respond. He hasn't opened his eyes yet. but he does respond to pain. 

Surgery is tentatively scheduled for the morning to remove the packing from his liver and to close the abdominal wound .   We are completely overwhelmed and appreciative of the outpouring of prayers, calls, and visits from our family, friends, community, and church family.  Our God is an Amazing God and can do amazing things.

Please keep the prayers coming.

Monday, November 29th 2010

Lance was involved in a head on collision last night on Cranston.  He has suffered life threatening injuries.  He has a pelvic fracture, which had landed him in traction.  He had a liver laceration that has been packed.  He has chest tubes to help with the fluid overload.  He has received multiple unit of blood products.  He also has arm fractures.  However, all of these below the head things can be fixed.  What is the most concerning right now is his brain.  They are mainly concerned with his intercranial pressure, which needs to stay low and so far today it has.  His blood pressure and heart rate have also been stable today.  He has been on chemical paralytics, they are hoping to start beta-blockers tonight and perhaps a feeding tube tomorrow.  We greatly appreciate everyone's prayers for Lance, he needs a miracle. Also, please keep the other people involved in the accident in your prayers.  We are at the trauma ICU at UK Hospital.  Cell phone service isn't the best, so feel free to call us in the waiting room.  Below are the numbers for the waiting room area:

859-252-9354

859-252-9357

859-252-9310

E' meglio vivere un giorno da leone che cent'anni da pecora

"E' meglio vivere un giorno da leone che cent'anni da pecora" is an Italian motto that references the battle of the Piave River during World War I, June 15 - 23, 1918.  It resulted as a decisive victory for the Italian army.  It translates to "[It] is better to live one single day as a lion than a hundred years as a sheep."
When you decide to live as a sheep for the next hundred years, every day you wake up and for a hundred years you have to tell yourself, "Today I am going to be nothing more than a sheep."
Live the lion.