History

Saturday, August 27, 2005 7:20 PM CDT

Hi Everyone…..

Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, You are the source of life and healing and to You we give praise and glory.

School has now been in session for about 2 ½ weeks. Matthew has been going full days and seems to be handling it well. Terry and Gail will be contacting his teachers soon to check on his progress and get some feedback. He seems to be doing well but is still adjusting.

Matt has gained about 12 pounds. He still has a ways to go though. He’s been to the dentist to repair a front tooth and now sports glasses. They look cool and I think he looks smart in them.

Last night he dressed out and played in the stands at the Oak Mountain – Fairfield football game. He did not march this week, but who knows. That will come soon enough.

We are moving forward. The leaps and bounds alternate with the baby steps. Not that long ago we were at UAB Hospital. His accident was just 3 months ago. Thank you so much for your continued prayers. Matthew and the whole family are being carried along by your prayers. We are praying for you also.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Sunday, August 14, 2005 3:45 PM CDT

Hi Everyone...

Glory to Jesus Christ! Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them (Mt 18:20).

Well...Matthew has now been in school for three days. He was able to stay all day but was tired when he got home. I am not sure if he really was glad to be back in school, but I KNOW he was glad to be back with his friends.

After receiving the report from the neuro-opthalmologist last week, Matthew accepts each day as God sends it. He is such an example to us. And while we are most gracious for your prayers, we humbly ask that you continue to pray for God's graces that Matthew's eyesight be restored.

O God, the source of all health: fill our hearts with faith in your love. Walk with Matthew through this time, and strengthen his spirit. Bless with Your wisdom those who care for him. Grant health in body, mind and spirit that he may go forth from this place better able to serve You. May Your grace, mercy and peace be made full in his life today and always. Amen.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Monday, August 8, 2005 10:26 PM CDT

Hi everyone...

We thank You O Lord for all of Your blessings. We ask for your mercy and beseech Thee to continue to heal your servant, Matthew.

Matthew saw the neuro-ophthalmologist on Friday. He was told that the nerve damage to his right eye was extensive and that most likely, his vision will not be restored. Matt is taking the news like a CHAMP. He'll adapt.

He'll begin school on Wednesday and we'll then know whether he is able to adjust to full days. He is looking forward to getting back to his friends for more than just a visit at home.

While we are trying to put this into perspective, we know that all things are possible with God. When we gather in prayer in His name, prayers are answered. We pray that God will send His healing power down upon Matthew so that his sight will eventually be restored.

Please continue to visit the website and post notes to Matthew. He enjoys hearing from all of you.

Send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Saturday, July 30, 2005 9:33 PM CDT

Hi everyone…….

Praise be to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, whom we give glory, praise and thanksgiving for all of the blessings bestowed upon Matthew.

Matthew’s appetite is getting better and he is regaining strength. I know Jacob is ready for his “workout buddy” to come over as soon as he is strong enough. Friends are visiting and he really enjoys them.

He still hasn’t regained the sight in his right eye. He has an appointment on August 5th with a neuro-ophthalmologist. Please pray that the vision in his right eye be restored.

Matthew is registered to begin school on August 10th. It will take some time to determine if his schedule will need to be modified and if his strength will allow him to go full days. He said he is ready to start band again also. That will entail marching outside! I am not sure he realizes how hot it is out there.

We humbly ask for prayers for Matthew as we move towards tomorrow. We ask that the Lord grant him patience, strength of body and spirit and recovery of health. The Lord has taught us through His Word to pray for each other that we may be healed. We pray that the Lord heals Matthew and grant him the gift of complete health.

Matthew is trying to read the website every few days. Please post an entry to him.

God Bless You All and thank you for your prayers!

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Saturday, July 23, 2005 5:07 PM CDT

Hi everyone…….

Praise be to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.

Matthew's appetite is getting better and he is eating larger quantities at mealtime. He is continuing his daily walks but still tires out easily. Friends have started to visit and he seems to really enjoy them.

The neurosurgeon's nurse called and said the brain scan done on Tuesday looks good, but the doctor did not report to her about the optic nerve. Matthew has an appointment on August 5th with a neuro-ophthalmologist. Please pray that the vision in his right eye be restored.

God Bless You All and thank you for your prayers!

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Tuesday, July 19, 2005 10:35 PM CDT

Hi everyone…….

Praise be to Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, whom we give glory, praise and thanksgiving for all of the blessings bestowed upon Matthew.

Matthew's had a good week. His daily routine consists of plenty of rest in between meals. He is gradually getting stronger, but still tires easily.

Today, Matt had a follow-up visit with the neurosurgeon and seems to be progressing fine. Since he still has no vision in his right eye, the doctor sent him for a scan to determine if there is damage to the optic nerves. We do not yet know the results. Please pray for a positive report and for his complete recovery.

Matt also had speech therapy today and will go again on Thursday. This will continue twice a week for awhile.

The family is so grateful for your prayers and support. We humbly ask for your continued prayers as Matthew journeys through recovery. God Bless You All!

Blessed be the Lord, because He has heard the voice of my supplications. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in HIm, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Wednesday, July 13, 2005 11:51 PM CDT

Hi everyone…….

Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, we give You thanks for Your loving kindness and all of the blessings You have bestowed upon Matthew.

Every day seems to be a little better than the day before. Eating. Resting. Eating. Resting. These are the most important things right now for Matthew. And they seem to be working. I think he’s put on a few pounds already.

Matt had a follow-up visit with his doctor this week to check his collarbone and pelvic fractures and his general progress. Everything seems to be fine except for his eyesight. Matthew still cannot see out of his right eye. He has an appointment to see an ophthalmologist and neurosurgeon next week. He is still going to the speech therapist. Please, please pray for Matt's sight to return.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers. Matthew and our entire family are being carried along by your prayers and support. We humbly ask for your continued prayers as Matthew journeys through recovery. God Bless You All!

We give You thanks, O Lord, with our whole heart; On the day we called, You answered us; our strength You increased; You stretched out Your hand against the wrath of our adversaries and Your right hand delivers us; Your steadfast love endures forever.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Sunday, July 10, 2005 9:26 PM CDT

Hi everyone...

Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, You are the source of life and healing and to You we give praise and glory.

Matthew continues to improve but he tires out easily. The important emphasis for now is EATING and RESTING between activities. Matthew cannot see out of his right eye. Further evaluation of the eye is still needed. Please pray for Matt's sight to return.

The family visited UAB Hospital last night so that Matt could visit and thank the NICU nurses who cared for him. May God bless the nurses and doctors at UAB Hospital!

The family again wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks for the outpour of prayers and support during this time. We humbly ask for your continued prayers as Matthew journeys through recovery. God Bless You All!

O God, send forth Your Holy Spirit into Matthew's heart that he may perceive, into his mind that he may remember, and into his soul that he may meditate. Inspire him to speak with piety, holiness, tenderness and mercy. Teach, guide and direct his thoughts and senses from beginning to end. May Your grace ever help and correct him, and may he be strengthened now with wisdom from on high, for the sake of Your infinite mercy. Amen.

They bumped into Jessie’s grandparents last night at UAB Hospital. She is still in need of our prayers.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Thursday, July 7, 2005 11:42 PM CDT

Hi everyone...

Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, You are the source of life and healing and to You we give praise and glory.

Matthew's progress has truly been amazing! It is hard to believe he is home when just 2 weeks ago he was still in ICU weaning himself off of the ventilator. Matt had lost about 30 pounds while in the hospital, so the immediate emphasis has been placed on EATING and RESTING between activities.

He went to speech therapy on Tuesday and again today for further evaluation. His future will still require facial surgery. Matthew cannot see out of his right eye. Re-evaluation of the right eye is still needed. Please pray for Matt's sight to return.

The family again wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks for the outpouring of prayers and support during this time. We humbly ask for your continued prayers as Matthew journeys through recovery. God Bless You All!

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Sunday, July 3, 2005 10:36 PM CDT

Hi everyone...

I give thanks to You, O Lord, my God.

Matthew is still trying to build up his strength. He is eating pretty well and resting. We will begin posting an update every two or three days. Please enter a note in the guestbook for Matt when you visit the website. Gail has been reading the entries to him. He has enjoyed hearing from everyone.

O God, send forth Your Holy Spirit into Matthew's heart that he may perceive, into his mind that he may remember, and into his soul that he may meditate. Inspire him to speak with piety, holiness, tenderness and mercy. Teach, guide and direct his thoughts and senses from beginning to end. May Your grace ever help and correct him, and may he be strengthened now with wisdom from on high, for the sake of Your infinite mercy. Amen.

Please keep Matthew in your prayers as he reaches for tomorrow. Also say a prayer tonight for Jessie. We will be FOREVER grateful for all of you.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Saturday, July 2, 2005 9:38 PM CDT

Hi everyone...

Praise God for all things!

Matthew is settling in at home. I think he is glad to be home...happy he's not being poked at anymore and is tired of performing. He is enjoying his Mom's home cooking and loving the couch.

Home!

Matt will start speech therapy next week. He is getting up more and moving about the house. A few visitors have been by today. He has still been able to get a little rest too.

I give You thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart; On the day I called, You answered me; my strength You increased; You stretched out Your hand against the wrath of my adversaries and Your right hand delivers me; Your steadfast love endures forever.

We cannot thank you enough for the prayers, phone calls and visits. Please continue to keep Matthew in your prayers as he moves from today to tomorrow. And, please keep Jessie in your prayers also.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Friday, July 1, 2005 11:48 PM CDT

Hi everyone...

Glory to Jesus Christ!

Jesus Christ, my Lord and God, we give You thanks for Your loving kindness and all the blessings You have richly bestowed upon Matthew and our family. We praise You, we glorify You, we bless You and we give thanks to You for Your great goodness and tender mercy. Glorified and exalted is Your holy name, now and unto ages of ages, Amen.

We started another chapter today. Matthew was released from Children's Hospital this afternoon. The doctors ordered the removal of his IV, trache and feeding tube this morning. They decided he was ready for more food than just cereal, ice cream and pudding. Since he was mobile to a degree, they felt he was ready to go home.

HOME!
That is...his bedroom, his pets, his icon corner for prayer, his parents and his brother. His Siti is across the driveway. His aunts and uncles and cousins are close by.
HOME!

Some of his friends stopped by for a short visit this afternoon. He rested some. He ate half of a bowl of soup and some string cheese. Hopefully he will rest good tonight. He will need his rest so he can give 100% when he goes to rehab.

With time and prayer, Matthew will get stronger mentally and physically. But he will need your prayers. I saw a beautiful prayer on the website a few days ago. I want to offer it to you tonight so that we may lift Matthew up in prayer for his healing of body, mind and soul.

O God, send forth Your Holy Spirit into Matthew's heart that he may perceive, into his mind that he may remember, and into his soul that he may meditate. Inspire him to speak with piety, holiness, tenderness and mercy. Teach, guide and direct his thoughts and senses from beginning to end. May Your grace ever help and correct him, and may he be strengthened now with wisdom from on high, for the sake of Your infinite mercy. Amen.

As you pray for Matthew, please continue to pray for Jessie.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Friday, July 1, 2005 9:02 AM CDT

Hi everyone...

GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST !

Gail just called to say they removed Matthew's IV, feeding tube and trache this morning. They said he could go home about 2 p.m. this afternoon!

MATTHEW IS GOING HOME TODAY !

Please keep Matthew and his family in your prayers as he goes home and continues his physical therapy. Please pray for the doctors, nurses and all other staff at UAB Hospital and Children's Hospital. They have been great.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Thursday, June 30, 2005 11:12 PM CDT

Hi everyone...

Jesus Christ, my Lord and God, we give You thanks for Your loving kindess and all the blessings You have richly bestowed upon Matthew and our family. We praise You, we glorify You, we bless You and we give thanks to You for Your great goodness and tender mercy. Glorified and exalted is Your holy name, now and unto ages of ages, Amen.

Today's tests were good. Praise God!

Matthew took a stroll around the hospital today, even down 2 flights of stairs resting along the way. We are taking steps forward every day.

We continue to ask for prayers that Matthew is able to endure what comes his way each day. Please also continue to keep Jessie in your prayers.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Wednesday, June 29, 2005 11:26 PM CDT

Hi everyone...

Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior, You are the source of life and healing and to You we give praise and glory.

Matthew had a pretty good day today. He went on a field trip to the Physical Therapy Room, walking with some assistance! He is still on a soft diet. He ate some ice cream and pudding today. When we asked if he wanted some of Uncle Alan's cream cheese Kibbee, he shook his head yes and smiled. When Matt gets home, he will cook for him.

Matthew will have more tests tomorrow. Please pray for positive results. While you pray for Matthew's healing, please continue to keep Jessie in your prayers.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Wednesday, June 29, 2005 0:01 AM CDT

Hi everyone...

Jesus Christ, our Lord and God, we give You thanks for Your loving kindness and all of the blessings You have bestowed upon Matthew.

Praise be to God!

With much rejoicing, we are excited to report that Matthew has been moved to Children's Hospital for rehab.

He has already begun to speak and is eating soft foods. He had some pudding today for lunch. Hopefully in a few days the nurses will cap off the tracheotomy. The facial surgery has been put on the back burner.

Since we are not at UAB Hospital any longer, we are not able to follow Jessie's progress. Please pray that she be restored to good health.

Lord, please bless Matthew and grant him health, peace, joy and the grace of your Spirit. Fulfil his special needs and guide him in all things with Your loving care.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Monday, June 27, 2005 10:34 PM CDT

Hi everyone...

Almighty God and Heavenly Father, You are the fountain of life and healing.

Matthew was antsy again today and didn't get much rest.

He passed the swallow test this morning! Matt drank a little Pepsi and ate a few bites of vanilla ice cream. We are so proud of him.

This evening the nurses took him for a scan of his face. He was resting when we left. So I hope he has a restful night.

We humbly ask for prayers for Matthew as we move towards tomorrow. We ask that the Lord grant him patience, strength of body and spirit and recovery of health. The Lord has taught us through His Word to pray for each other that we may be healed. We pray that the Lord heal Matthew and Jessie and grant them the gift of complete health.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Sunday, June 26, 2005 10:36 PM CDT

Hi everyone...

God, be gracious to us and bless us!

Matthew had a pretty good early morning but was still restless today. He was somewhat antsy too. He seems to tire out by the afternoon and early evening. He tries to rest for a while. Visits with the family seem to tire him out.

Please keep Matthew in your prayers. We ask the Lord to grant him strength, power and perseverance over this time. And please continue to pray for Jessie.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Saturday, June 25, 2005 10:25 PM CDT

Hi everyone...

I give You thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart!

Matthew was antsy today, but is also trying to catch up on some lost sleep from being in the ICU. We do not know what each day will bring. PLEASE pray for his complete recovery.

The latest news on Daniel is that he is now with the Lord. We appreciate all of your prayers and we now ask that you pray for the repose of his soul. May his memory be eternal!

As you continue to pray for Matthew, please keep Jessie in your prayers.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Friday, June 24, 2005 11:16 PM CDT

Hi everyone...

I give You thanks, O Lord, with my whole heart!

Today was a bit quieter. Matthew did not have his facial surgery after all. The doctors have scheduled another test and then will reschedule the surgery.

Please pray that the Lord grants Matthew strength with patience, submission to His will and trust in His loving care. And when you pray for Matthew, we ask that you please continue to keep Daniel and Jessie in your prayers as well.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Thursday, June 23, 2005 11:10 PM CDT

Hi everyone.....

Glory to God for all things!

Matthew's facial surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. He is now completely off the ventilator and is being moved into a step-down room tonight. We still want to limit visitors to the immediate family until the doctors give the green light.

Thank you so much for your continued prayers. Matthew and our entire family are being carried along by your prayers and support. We humbly ask you to keep praying as we are praying for you every day. PLEASE keep Matt, the surgeons and everyone involved in your prayers.

As you continue to pray for Matthew, we ask that you please keep Daniel and Jessie in your prayers as well.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Wednesday, June 22, 2005 10:39 PM CDT

Hi everyone.....

God bless you all!

We are so blessed to have all of you praying for Matthew. Every day we take small steps in the right direction. And we are thankful for small steps.

Matt is getting more restless each day. But he's been in the bed for 25 days! Wouldn't you be restless too? He is still working hard to wean himself from the ventilator. Hopefully he will sleep good tonight. Maybe by the end of the week, Matthew will move from the ICU to a step-down unit.

This afternoon he had a surprise visitor. One of his nurses from NICU came to see him. Matt recognized him and really seemed to enjoy his visit. I think another nurse from NICU is coming to see him tomorrow. His strong will and loving nature has left a lasting impression on everyone in that unit.

As you continue to pray for Matthew, please keep Daniel in your prayers as well. Also please pray for Jessie. She has been here about 3 weeks and really needs your prayers.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Tuesday, June 21, 2005 10:42 PM CDT

Hi everyone......

Praise be to God!

Today was another exhausting day for Matthew. He was restless and did not get much sleep. He is continuing to wean himself off the ventilator. Every day brings improvement along with new challenges.
Please continue to pray for strength and perseverance for Matthew along with Terry, Gail and Adam. The family appreciates your prayers. Due to housecleaning in the waiting room, the family will be on the 2nd floor tomorrow if anyone comes to visit.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Monday, June 20, 2005 9:42 PM CDT

Hi everyone......

Praise be to God!

Today was an exhausting day. Matthew is continuing to wean himself off the ventilator. Every improvement brings with it new challenges.

Please continue to pray for strength and perserverance. The family appreciates your prayers.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Sunday, June 19, 2005 9:58 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

Glory to Jesus Christ!

We got to see a lot of Matthew's personality today. He played thumb war with his cousins and snapped his fingers to music. But being awake and alert means he is aware of his pain. He was also very sad to see his Mom and Dad leave after each visiting time.

In addition to praying for Matthew's healing, please pray for his strength to perservere. His parents ask that you lift him up in prayer and put his name before the Throne of God that he may not fall into despair but may endure this trial.

We give thanks for our extended family and friends. Know that while you are praying for Matthew, we are praying for you.

We are not at liberty to share medical information on Daniel, but we do ask that you continue to pray for him as well.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Saturday, June 18, 2005 9:35 PM CDT

Hi everyone......

Praise be to God!!!!!

We are so blessed for all of you. Thank you for your prayers, phone calls and generosity.

Today was quieter than yesterday. After some setting changes on the ventilator, Matthew is now initiating all breaths on his own. This is very tiring for him, so he was basically asleep during most of our visits today.

Check out the new photo. We found a good shot of Matt dancing at his cousin's wedding.

Please continue your prayers. We ask God to give Matthew strength during this time. Also remember Daniel and his family in your prayers.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Friday, June 17, 2005 10:03 PM CDT

Hi everyone.....

GLORY TO JESUS CHRIST !!!

WOW. This was a milestone day. As evidence that God is hearing our prayers, we were pleasantly surprised to find Matthew awake, very interactive and clearly showing us he was really Matthew. He mouthed I love you to his Aunt Dunia, he gestured appreciatively to the nurse for removing some uncomfortable socks and most importantly, he crossed himself while we prayed. Of course, until Matt can speak, it is difficult to assess all his abilities. But we are grateful that as of today, it appears that Matthew's precious personality is shining through.

Glory to God. What a blessing!

He is making progress on the ventilator, but he is still in the intensive care unit. Matthew will certainly have rehab and surgery in his future, but each improvement is a reason for giving thanks.

Despite such a wonderful day, Matthew is still not ready for visitors other than immediate family. I know he will look forward to your visits when he is out of ICU.

However, we humbly ask you to keep praying. And in your prayers tonight for Matthew, please also pray again for Daniel. He is on the same roller coaster Matt was on last week. May God have mercy.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Thursday, June 16, 2005 9:30 PM CDT

Hi all!

Praise be to God!

WOW.....Matthew had another good day! He is still taking it easy so his lungs can heal. We are moving to the day that he can get off the ventilator. So.......we let him rest. No further word from the doctors on any facial surgeries.

Matt still occasionally nods yes's and no's to your questions and has a light squeeze to his grip. We guess he may not like his haircut because he is now wearing the NAMY ballcap that he received at last year's Retreat in CT.

PLEASE continue your prayers. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Terry and Gail

Wednesday, June 15, 2005 9:35 PM CDT

Hi All

Praise be to God.

Matt really has had another good day today. The doctors removed the tube from his head that was draining the fluid. IT IS NO LONGER NEEDED!

His lungs are healing and he is still on the ventilator. The doctor wants him to take it easy for a couple of days while assessing his facial fractures. We should find out what still needs to be done soon.

They have given Matt a buzz cut without his permission. The nurses seem to think that he now looks a lot like Adam. We asked him if he wanted Kibbie and eggs in his feeding tube and he shook his head YES.

Thank you all for your prayers. They are sure working! We feel like we have a pipeline straight to heaven.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Terry & Gail

Tuesday, June 14, 2005 9:49 PM CDT

Hi Everyone

Today - Another good day. Praise God!

The doctors performed a tracheotomy today and removed the tubes from his mouth. He is resting much more comfortably tonight.

In case you missed it, check out the photo album for a picture so you can put a face to the mystery Hatman.

Send a prayer and a hug.

Gail

Monday, June 13, 2005 9:39 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

PRAISE BE TO GOD!

Each hour Matthew does not go backwards is a blessing from God, and boy have we received the blessings. We give glory to God for so many hours.

Matt's progress is about the same. Even though we are seeing some improvement, he still spends most of the day sedated due to the pain from his injuries. He is also still dependent on the ventilator for his lungs. Please, please keep prayers on your lips and in your hearts for Matthew.

Matthew is moving his hands and feet a little more. He even managed to scratch his knee and then straightened his gown back.

Know that your prayers are being heard. We will be forever grateful for your generosity and love for our family. Please keep Matthew in your prayers as we again reach for tomorrow.

OH, by the way.......
The HAT MAN'S picture is in the photo album. Check it out.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Sunday, June 12, 2005 11:29 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

PRAISE GOD! Every hour that Matthew does not go backwards is a blessing from God. We give glory to God for each hour.

As best as we can tell, Matthew's progress is about the same as yesterday. He is still feeling pain from his injuries and dependent on the ventilator for his lungs. PLEASE continue to pray for healing and strength. We need his lungs to get better.

Know that your prayers are being heard. We will be forever grateful for your generosity and love towards our family. Please keep Matthew in your prayers as we reach for tomorrow.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Saturday, June 11, 2005 11:56 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

PRAISE GOD! Every hour that Matthew does not go backwards is a blessing from God.

Matthew's progress is the same as yesterday except that it seems he is feeling more pain today from his injuries. He is still dependent on the ventilator for his lungs. PLEASE continue to pray for healing and strength. We need his lungs to get better.

There are many families up here with similar situations. One patient in particular is an 18 year old young man named Daniel. He has taken a turn for the worse and is in great need of our prayers. Please ask God for healing for Daniel. Keep him and his family in your prayers tonight.

Know that your prayers are being heard. We cannot thank you enough. Please don't stop.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Saturday, June 11, 2005 0:08 AM CDT

PRAISE BE TO GOD!

Your prayers are working!

Matthew showed some progress again today which delighted both the doctors and nurses. He is still critical, and, as the doctor said, "He is not out of the woods yet."

He is still being sedated, but when spoken to, Matthew is squeezing our hands and trying to open his eyes.

Matt is still dependent on the ventilator for his lungs. PLEASE continue to pray for healing and strength. We need his lungs to get better which will help all vital indicators to improve.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Friday, June 10, 2005 0:10 AM CDT

Hi everyone,

Praise be to God!

We are most grateful for all of prayers that have been said for Matthew. We wish to thank you from our hearts.

We experienced more positive steps forward since this morning and hope this will continue in the days ahead.

There is a lobby on the second floor of the hospital. Due to many patients admitted today, the 8th floor waiting room will not accomodate our large circle of family and friends. We invite you to visit with us either from 3-4 pm or 6-7 pm in the second floor lobby across from the elevators.

Please continue to keep him in your prayers and thoughts. Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Thursday, June 9, 2005 1:31 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

Praise God!

Yesterday the doctors took Matthew off the coma medicine. Last night he took a road trip to the 2nd Floor for a CT Scan of his brain. Tough ol' Matt made it back to his room in one piece. This morning they stopped the paralytic medicine, and....... now we WAIT, WATCH AND PRAY! We need to see what will happen next. Although Matt is still in critical condition, he took a tiny step forward which gives us hope.

There is a lobby on the first floor of the hospital. Due to many patients admitted today, the 8th floor waiting room will not accomodate our large circle of family and friends. We invite you to visit with us either from 3-4 pm or 6-7 pm in the first floor lobby next to the elevators.

We still need your prayers. Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Thursday, June 9, 2005 0:08 AM CDT

Hi everyone,

We are asking for prayers for Matthew's brain and lungs to heal.
We need the swelling in his brain to continue to come down. Your prayers are having a positive impact on Matt and his family.

His condition is still critical. Please pray that God's healing power comes down upon Matthew and restores him back to good health.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Tuesday, June 7, 2005 11:08 PM CDT

WE NEED A MIRACLE! There is not much more that medicine can do for Matthew, but we know he is in God's hands. Pray for this miracle, and pray for our family.
God's will be done...

Please send a prayer and a hug.

The Family

Monday, June 6, 2005 11:52 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

Matthew is still in very critical condition. We saw a bit of improvement today. Things held steady. Your prayers are working. Please keep praying.

The family wishes to convey their appreciation for the outpour of love and prayers.

As things progress, we hope to open up the visiting area for our extended family and friends. But for now, we wish to limit visits to the immediate family due to Matthew's current condition.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Sunday, June 5, 2005 10:37 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

The doctors have placed Matthew in a deep chemically-induced coma. His inner-cranial pressure has lowered somewhat.

We appreciate the prayers. PLEASE don't stop.

We wish to continue limiting visits to the immediate family for now.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Sunday, June 5, 2005 7:27 AM CDT

Hi everyone,

Matthew is very, very critical.

Yesterday was a bad day. We had a major setback. His inner cranial pressures got extremely high. The doctors had no choice but to put his brain into a deep coma.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE PRAY FOR MATTHEW

We are running out of options.

The family requests that visitors be limited today to the immediate family for their own day of prayer.

Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Friday, June 3, 2005 11:53 PM CDT

A good day in general!

Although Matthew has developed pneumonia which was expected, it is being controlled with antibiotics. After yesterday's roller coaster ride, Matt is getting a roller coaster bed. Too bad he didn't get a hot dog and cotton candy on the ride. The bed will gently rock him from side to side to help clear his lungs.

He has been stable today. God willing, the transition to the new bed will be uneventful. And, uneventful is good!

We appreciate so much how many of you are logging into this site and putting your thoughts and prayers into the GUESTBOOK. It is a tremendous support for all of the family during this time. But, because many people view these entries, we encourage you to be thoughtful of your language. In addition, please do not include medical information concerning Matthew in your entry in the GUESTBOOK. Allow all medical information to be reported only by the family in our daily entry in the JOURNAL.

Please keep praying. Love to all. Please send a prayer and a hug.

The Family

Friday, June 3, 2005 0:34 AM CDT

Hi everyone,

Since the swelling in the brain is not under control, Matthew is still in a chemically induced coma in stable condition.

Today was unconfortable for him. He got agitated during some testing on his lungs. The nurses suctioned his lungs out because of some build-up. The procedure caused his ICP and oxygen levels to go the wrong direction. Things have settled down now. He is still on the feeding tube. To Matt, I think he tastes his mom's lasagna.

WOW. What a roller coaster ride. Everyone hopes tomorrow is less eventful.

Your presence at the hospital, the phones calls and visits to this website are overwhelming. Please keep Matthew in your prayers. Know that you are in ours. Please send a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Wednesday, June 1, 2005 11:57 PM CDT

Hi everyone,

Matthew is still in stable condition. His ICP (inner cranial pressure) is still elevated but at an acceptable level. The fluid is still draining from his brain to release the pressure. It is like a juggling act managing his oxygen level, blood pressure and body temperature. The swelling in his face around his eyes and cheeks has reduced. His face is looking much better. He is still on the feeding tube. I bet he is dreaming of his mother's taco salad.

The family wishes to thank everyone for the outpour of love, support and prayers. Please keep praying that his ICP levels reduce and the oxygen levels increase. Send him a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Wednesday, June 1, 2005 0:55 AM CDT

Hi Everyone,

Matthew was stable today. His ICP was elevated a bit but came down to an acceptable level. While I know Matthew would have rather had Kibbee, Arabic Green Beans and Rice for lunch, the feeding tube was a substitute he could not refuse.

THANKS to all for your prayers and examples of Christian love to our family, whether you have visited the hospital or prayed from afar. PLEASE continue your prayers. Ask God to answer our prayers for a speedy recovery. Send him a prayer and a hug.

Annette

Tuesday, May 31, 2005 0:38 AM CDT

We will update as often as we can.

Annette

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