Monday, May 23, 2011

Monday, May 23

I know there are a lot of people out there wanting to know how Jon is doing and how he's progressing. This has been an excruciating, long, emotional and trying weekend, but Jon has been just fabulous and I am very proud of him. I apologize in advance for the rambling, broken thoughts and general mess I'm sure this blog is, but I wanted to get something out for those of you who love Jon and want to keep tabs on him.

For those who don't know, Friday night, Jon suffered a hemorrhagic stroke. There was no clot, no aneurysm, just significant bleeding in the brain. He is at Scott & White in Temple where he will remain until we determine the best rehabilitation facility for him to move to. He has no movement on the left side of his body, but we are hoping that with intensive rehab, that will get better. His speech is somewhat impaired as of now also, but again, we are holding high hopes that will return to normal.

He has been in ICU since Friday night, and today we are supposed to move to a new room in the hospital. He started physical therapy today and so far so good. Once he is in his room, and we feel he's had enough rest, we will put the word out that he can have some additional visitors. We truly appreciate everyone waiting to talk to Jon, and I know so many of you are anxious to see him.

I can't even put into words how thankful and blessed we are to have such wonderful friends and family. The word spread like wildfire and we have received so much support and concern, that it's hard to even comprehend. His family at UMHB has been amazing. They have all rallied around him, me and the kids. I know that at any time, I can call them and they can be here at a moments notice, and that is the most comforting thought of all. We have received texts, FB posts, phone calls and e-mails, and while he might not know now that you are reaching out to him, I promise I will let him know each and every message that he gets.

The kids are doing well. They are upset, as we all are, and we are hoping that they can finally see him today. They have help up amazingly well also. They are all such troopers and I'm proud of them too. They know they have to be strong for themselves and their dad, and they are holding up their side of that!

I will do my best to give updates as often as I can. And thank you again to everyone for your prayers, your support, your friendship and most of all your love of Jon. We truly cannot describe the feeling we have knowing he works with and is friends with such wonderful people. This outpouring of support means the world to him, to me and to his family, and you all are such a blessing. Please keep the prayers coming, and we'll keep you updated!

26 comments:

  1. Jon and Brenda:
    I just want y'all to know that we are praying for you and your family during this trying time. We wish all the best. Jon, here is to a speedy recovery. May God look over you and keep you. Brenda, thanks for the update.

    Steve and Ann Crawford
    UMHB

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  2. We are praying for Jon, yourself, Jake and Brooke as well as all of your family. I know it has been a trying few days, but I also know that you guys have your Faith in the Ultimate Healer!

    You guys are on the prayer list of all churches of the folks I know!

    PRAYERS are going up and we are believing in a FULL recovery.

    We are blessed to have your family in OUR lives and love your family so very much. We all are here for Jon and your entire family as you guys progress through this journey. Love y'all!

    Chad "Jumby" Widmer

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  3. Jon and Brenda,

    We, too, continue to pray for you and your family. And we know that Jon will not allow this to be a set-back. God bless each of you.

    David and Julie Chrisman

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  4. Jon and Brenda,
    My thoughts and prayers are with you constantly. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. I love you!

    Darla Kirby

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  5. This is Jake from UMHB IT:

    My family would like to know if there is anything we can do for you or your family during this difficult time. While you are certainly in our prayers I know fully how the day to day needs can add significant stress to the situation. That being the case, we would like to know if there is any physical need we can assist with as well. We could fix dinner, clean houses, etc. Anything that can help alleviate any additional stress.

    In Him:
    Jake Sallee
    UMHB IT

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  6. Brenda, one reason so many folks are concerned is because Jon is such a caring person! It's easy to love and care for him and his family in his time of need. I am praying for his complete recovery, stamina for you, Brenda, during this rough time both physically and emotionally, and that all of your needs will be met during this time!

    Alice Taylor
    UMHB Alum

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  7. Jon,
    you are truly one of the best at UMHB, and one of the best men that I know. I hate that this has happened to you, but knowing the kind of guy you are I know you wont let it beat you! Shelby and I will keep u and your in our prayers

    Get better soon bud

    Mike Langford

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  8. Jon, Brenda, Jake, and Brooke,

    Know that your family is in our constant prayers. Here's to Jon for a quick healing and recovery, and to the family for strength. If anything is needed, from running errands, cooking meals, or cleaning please let us know. Thank you for the update and keep them coming with good news!

    Russell and Elizabeth Maybin

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  9. Jon,
    You have been a blessing to me personally and a blessing to UMHB since the day you stepped foot on our campus. I am praying for your recovery and for strength and comfort for your family. God bless you and your family.

    Mickey Kerr

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  10. Jon,

    I'm praying for you and your family for strength and healing. Please let me know how I can help; cooking, cleaning, washing, kids, etc.....anything at all I can do, please just ask.

    Carla Moon

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  11. Brenda, Your strength amazes me. You, John and the kids are in my prayers.
    Christie Bledsoe

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  12. My son, Bret Page, played at UMHB and I got to know Jon through him. My prayers are being extended to include Jon and your family!

    Rick Page

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  13. Brenda - praying for Jon, you and the kids. Please let us know if there is anything we can do!

    Lindsey Joy

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  14. Jon, I've already announced to the world how special you are to me. Please fight hard and overcome this. Maybe if they played some of that loud obnoxious music you listen to it would help! :) (I hope they were telling the truth when they said you still had your sense of humor!!!)Praying constantly for you, Brenda, and the kids.

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  15. Jon: I have already tried to post this once and messed it up....you know all about my skills! :) Remember when you would come into my office and ask, "Am I annoying you?" When I would tell you, "no," you would then ask, "Well, then, what is it I CAN do to annoy you?" I loved that and I love your sense of humor. What would annoy me is hearing that you have lost that spirit.....keep your spirit uplifted with good thoughts and the knowledge that our healing Father is all over this.

    Brenda: Being a caregiver is hard and I know you will be given the strength you need for whatever you need to do. I wish I were close by to hug you and help in some way, but I CAN and WILL pray daily for all of you.

    Jacob and Brooke: It's been a long time but I have not forgotten how proud your mom and dad always said they were of you. I know it will be hard not to see your dad as much as you might like, but remember that being good and helpful will be a wonderful blessing to your folks as you go through this together.

    Love to you all,
    Ellen

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  16. Brenda we are praying for Jon and your family. Please let me know what we can do.

    Donovan

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  18. Prayers are going up for Jon and the entire family during this time. I pray for a speedy recovery.

    Marie Grigsby
    UMHB bball alumni

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  19. Praying for a full recovery for Jon and for peace for the whole family through this trying time.
    Jerod and Mindi Womack
    UMHB Alum

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  20. We will continue to lift your entire family up in prayer. May the peace of Christ be a source of comfort for all of you.

    "For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! plans to give you a future full of hope.
    When you call me, when you go to pray to me, I will listen to you.
    When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart,you will find me with you, says the Lord" - Jeremiah 29:11-15

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  21. Jon you, Brenda, Jacob, and Brook, are in my and Philip's thoughts and prayers all through out the day. Our women's bball team is also praying for you and very concerned. They texted me regularly for updates. You are dear to us all. One of my favorites verses in times of hardship is Isaiah 41:10 "Do not fear for I Am with you. Do not anxiously look around you for I am you God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

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  22. Jon,
    You and your family our in our prayers. We are so thankful for your dedication to the University, and even more thankful for you dedication to the Lord and your family. Thank you for your impact in our life. We will be following your progress.
    -Matt and Jennifer Bush

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  23. Brenda, I am praying for Jon's complete recovery and strength for you and the rest of the family.

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  24. Dear Jon, Brenda, Jacob, Brooke,
    We were so sorry to hear about Jon's condition. We are praying and keeping you all in our thoughts. We are in the mountains of Colorado
    At a Young Life Camp working. The beauty around us reminds us of God's love and Goodness. I can't help but believe my folks are in Heaven praying in person for Jon's healing. They loved your family so much as so many others do!! Will continue to lift you up and pray you will rest in His peace and love and healing care. Jimmy and DianneRowton

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  25. It sounds like Jon is making progress. Great news!! If you need anything I can supply, just let me know.

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  26. Brenda, it is great to read of Jon's progress and your upbeat outlook. As always, you family remains in my personal prayers and my church now has you on our prayer list. Expect miracles!

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