UPDATE:

It doesn’t feel real typing this update, but Ricky just FaceTimed me so I know it’s true. Darrell is on his way home. Our son, brother, uncle, and friend is coming home. ❤️🙏🏼

This post needs no words, it is best felt by the pictures and videos below but to the unknowing eye, what you won’t know is that the man in black scrubs carrying Darrell’s bag to the car is the Doctor who saved his life. He saved our brother’s life and now he’s carrying his bags to the car for him. 😭 #servantleader He and Mom cried as they hugged one another. He saved her baby boy and emotions are still so raw. 

Our family wants to share our eternal gratitude to Dr. Matt Raley and the amazing team at WK in Shreveport, Louisiana. You all are amazing and we share this post to our network of family and friends to celebrate you and to share the miracles you are to us. We also want to thank Jeremy Thomas and his amazing team who gave my brother the chance at life. You all were the answer to countless prayers said by so many.  

Inside of their world, these men and women fight Covid - it is not a political fight - it is a war zone - sustaining life is all that matters.  They are angels among us administering selfless care to all who enter their doors dying from this virus, regardless of age, race, or any other differentiating factor. They have worked nearly 2 years with little time off. Throughout this time they have served selflessly and grieved the loss of many. Their lives and the lives of their families have been changed forever.  

So while the world is fighting about wether red or blue is right, our family would like to honor the ones who silence the noise and fight for the sick and afflicted; who serve YOU and I without prejudice and at times despite our choices. 

These men and women have been Darrell’s everything. Darrell became connected to them, understanding the familiar battle everyone on the floor was fighting - and some days were really heavy.  It wasn’t uncommon for Darrell to call and say “we lost 3 more today. It’s been a rough day up here.” We stand with you and will honor you in every way that we can including sharing our story and the miracles that happened as a result of your relentless service. 

We simply cannot say THANK YOU enough to these men and women who have sacrificed so much to save my brother and so many others. Prayers answered. The fight continues. 

Edited: Thank you for your continued prayers. We recognize that Darrell’s fight is far from over. So many of you have shared the hard journey that awaits him. He is going home on O2 and will start physical therapy to further strengthen his body.  Much love to you all for sharing your stories and lifting us in prayer. 

May God Bless You & Yours Abundantly throughout the New Year!  

Love,

The Ballards & Jones