Love,
Austin & Team 44.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Update: Monday, 10/17/11
Forrest had a good day today, all considering. He was able to raise his hand to wave at his doctor, as well as waving feebly goodbye to me when I left. He was able to slowly give me our brother handshake! Everything is difficult for him, but he is in there trying and giving it all he's got, and that's the important part. He's a fighter and he's going to make it through. "It's always too early to give up." Medical difficulties remain as he is still in the ICU recovering from surgery. He is still fighting the infection, which hopefully the quick intervention and continued antibiotics will take care of. We are working on not losing all the great progress he was making before. We are trying to keep him supple and maintain his range of motion for his anticipated future return to therapy and recovery at National Rehab Hospital. He laughed and smiled watching your videos in the facebook group, thank you to all who contribute and to those who continue to post messages and videos. And thank you for the comments on the blog, they are heartwarming and encouraging. Mom, Dad, and Maylin continue to be amazing champions to Forrest and his recovery.
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It seems to me that he has come out of surgery this time a bit quicker than he has at other times. For him to be smiling and laughing again this soon after surgery sounds very good to me, AND the fact that he's waving and giving you the special handshake as best he can right now. Still praying that things keep moving right along.
ReplyDeleteLove and Prayers,
Joyce and Wilbur
Austin, thanks for the blog and comments to let us know how our Forrest is coming along. Forrest bless you for that 'fighting through to completion'. You'll get there. You have always had the greatest laugh - so good to hear. Love you. See you soon.
ReplyDeleteGranma Norma
Good morning 44,
ReplyDeleteThank you for being the fighter we know and love. Your rapid recovery from yet another surgery is inspirational to all of us who follow your progress. Steffi, Allie, Stan and I keep you and Team 44 in our thoughts and prayers.
Xo, susan
We're all pulling for you, Forrest!
ReplyDeleteIt's taken me a few days to digest all that has happened to Forrest, and to all of you, in the last ten days.
ReplyDeleteI have to be honest and say, my heart sank and frankly, I was pissed. Sorry to be so blunt. Then, I was worried for you guys and got pretty teary.
Then, I got down to business and started to pray.
I prayed that the purpose behind this arduous journey would reveal itself, and if it isn't time for that, that the super-human strength required to keep staying strong when strong is the only option left to you (someone else said this) wouldn't fail your family. I intensely prayed that it is God's will that Forrest be fully healed. I prayed that your sense of hope - so hugely, crazily on display all over this blog, would kick into a high and maintenance gear that would not waiver.
Then, I just sort of sat for a couple of days and pondered what was happening. Oh, I checked the blog a zillion times. I got a call from Valerie Lee to spell Maylin this week and was thrilled to be able to DO something, but mostly I just prayed and sat and waited.
And it hit me tonight. All these prayers so many of us are praying are being answered. We've prayed for your strength. For your faith in Forrest's recovery. For your hopes to remain high and your outlook positive. For a quick-thinking medical team. For signs of progress from Forrest. For a clear path. For the removal of anxiety. For a peace that passes understanding when a house of cards seemingly tumbles.
Oh, I know that you all have had your moments. I don't mean to suggest that you haven't gone through every single emotion possible, including fear, but that is not what you put out there. And what you put out there, is well, what I believe you REALLY BELIEVE.
And so bizarrely and beautifully, you convince us all. Your strength and perseverance in the face of this arduous journey restores our faith in God. He is in our midst. He is in the room with Forrest and follows him like the beloved child he is - he carries him for you when you are weary and need rest. He guides the hands of those who care for him. He holds this grand, frustrating, and beautiful script that we cannot comprehend and rail against, and remains patient and loving and calm until we get there, too.
And He reminds me that in our weakness, when we do not know what we ought to pray for, that the Spirit himself will intercede for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26.
I'm back on the cheering squad, being led by you all, who are clearly being led by a force greater than us all. I'm back to believing with you and praying for your perseverance and strength and hope.
And I'll see you Thursday, Miracle Boy.
Much love,
Shannon et al.
I loved Shannon's thoughts above. The verse was so encouraging too. I also am continuing to pray for a miraculous healing. We love you Forrest and Team 44.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Kelly and family
Forrest is well named; he is a fighter.
ReplyDeleteI am full with admiration and compassion for him and all of you who so steadfastly support him.
Please, dear God, reward this young man’s courage and bring him home to Virginia.
We miss you all.
Fondly
Jacquie Mars
We continue to have each of you in our prayers...hang in there Forrest.
ReplyDeleteWe love you.
Troy, Jessica and Camden
The Brown family continues to wish Forrest and Family the best. We visit virtually often and think about you and your recovery. We continue to wish you the best!
ReplyDeleteRuss, Jill and Ashley