Another Sarah update. . .

The doctors have changed their original diagnosis of viral meningitis to bacterial meningitis. At least they think it is bacterial. They had to take some cultures and those results take a few days to get back, so as a precautionary measure, they went ahead and treated her with antibiotics. She has responded well to them. She is "herself" today and Derek said it "was very good to 'see' her." He said she doesn't remember anything about yesterday, other than the beginning moments in the emergency room.

Bacterial meningitis is usually much more serious than the viral kind, because it takes so long to diagnose. It often looks like many different things i.e. the flu. But because Sarah had been on antibiotics a week ago, they said that really helped her in the long run.

She is still in the ICU, but they are going to move her to a regular room later today. Derek said they will probably let her go home tomorrow (Friday).

We love you Sarah!

Sarah update



She DOES have spinal meningitis--the viral kind. Here's a copy of an email Marian sent last night. . .

I thought I would send another update before going to bed b/c dad and mom will
wake up and wonder the latest news. Esther & Laura both just called a little
bit ago and both said that Sarah was diagnosed with spinal meningitis (the viral
kind). The drs. say 3 more days of a good-sized headache and fever, but really
it just has to run its course. They may send her home tomorrow (Thursday) with
a pic-line (not sure how that's spelled) but basically that means medications
can be given through the I-V. What a day. And I was here in TX and not in OK.
I'm so thankful for the gift of a large family. We love you Derek, Sarah,
Elizabeth & Jenna, Wyndi & Bryan & Hannah, Jenna & Brian, Esther & Rico,
Jacqueline, Jonathan & James & John. I know I was tense all day and I'm 8 hours
away. Please know that everyone is still praying. We love you all.
in Christ our strength,
Marian

Thank you for your continued prayers for our sister.

This is my sister, Sarah, and her husband, Derek. . .



Today, by some wierd circumstances that I am not even sure how to relate, she ended up in the Intensive Care Unit in an Edmond, OK hospital. Currently, they are running various tests to see what could be wrong. Her symptoms were odd and it took hours for them to finally take her seriously. I think, initially, they thought she was having an adverse reaction to a self-induced drug overdose. For a while, she didn't know her name and didn't recognize her husband or our sister, Wyndi. She was having severe head pain and a skin-sensitivity issue that I don't know how to explain.

My sister, Wyndi, kept trying to tell them that Sarah was not acting like herself, but they were not listening and they were treating Sarah with little respect and much attitude. It just so happened, of course by God's providence, that the Director of Care Management (or something like that) had once worked with Sarah. Wyndi was able to get ahold of her and she came as soon as she heard. As soon as she walked in the room, she hugged Derek and then said she'd be right back. When she left the room, the doctor asked Derek how he knew her and he said that she was a close, personal friend of Sarah's. This lady then came back in the room and said that Sarah was "the best RN she had ever worked with." It was then that they began to treat Sarah differently.

The doctor looked at Wyndi and said something like, "Tell me again, from the beginning, what happened." This has been an all-day affair. They sedated Sarah because she was in such pain, but she came out of the sedation faster than expected. However, it looked as if she was doing some better because she recognized Wyndi and Derek and she knew who her own name. But then her temperature, which had been normal all day, suddenly spiked to 102 and last we heard they were taking her for a spinal tap, to check for spinal meningitis.

Please keep Sarah and Derek in your prayers. They have two daughters: Elizabeth and Jenna, who both have the flu. Uggh.

Many of you sent emails to Asa while he was in the hospital. I cannot tell you how much that meant to us to know that sooo many people loved us and were praying for us. I checked to see if the hospital where Sarah is staying has such a service and they do. If you would like to encourage her and/or Derek, you can send them a little note, prayer, or scripture verse through the hospital. Her name is Sarah Bendure and she is at Edmond Medical Center(Oklahoma) in the ICU. If you go to their website you can just click on the tab that says "Patient email".

I'll post more when I know more.

I'm up--might as well blog. . .

I LOVE. . .

my man in his hat, boots & blue jeans

to hear my name coming from the mouths of babes

laughing with good friends

reconnecting with old friends

God's mercy

the hugs my children give so freely--to anyone & everyone

praying through struggles

the hope of heaven

to watch Anne Michal with Asa

that Gracie Mae & Micah K. know my name

the body of Christ

my pastors & their families (present & past)

going to the movies and having a bag of popcorn

Sonic drinks

sleeping through the night and waking up knowing I've gotten a good night's rest

a good hair day

a sweaty workout

listening to my sister play the guitar & sing

pictures

Ocean Isle Beach, Bluestone Conference Center & Perrow Presbyterian Church

watching Austin play basketball

reading with Addison

playing with Anna-Kate's hair

listening to Ayden

cuddling with Asa

5231 Monta Vista Drive, Cross Lanes, West Virginia

King College

walking this road with Kevin

that Kevin has "dear" friends

having a twin sister

a good beat I can dance to

when Cara Beth looks for me in a crowd

Steven & Deborah Scott in the Philipines

working in the nursery at church

Christmas morning

when a plan comes together

seeing the light at the end of the tunnel

a clean kitchen

Westminster Presbyterian Church

time spent with the family

playing foosball with Asa, Ayden & Kevin

a good school day

holding Kevin's hand

seeing 11:11 on a clock

Chloe & Sylvia

Christian & Felix

Alex

listening to my children pray

listening to my husband pray

Psalm 18

being asleep at 1:47 in the morning. So, goodnight.

When you see Anna-Kate at church tomorrow,

ask her how she did in her basketball game. As her mother, I am taking the liberty of "stealing her thunder", so to speak. This is her second year to play basketball and we are more than half-way through this season. Only 2 games left. I guess what I'm trying to say is that, in the 2 years she's played, she's just not that aggressive and she can often be seen on the court, watching her team play. See below. . .



But not today. She scored ladies and gentleman!!! Her first time ever. It was great. In the league where she plays, they usually try to match up the teams, skill for skill. Well, someone messed up on Anna-Kate's behalf today, because the star of the other team was the one covering Anna-Kate and she, in turn, was to cover her. I bet the other girl scored more than 12 points for her team. Anna-Kate just couldn't keep up.

But then Anna-Kate had a moment, one beautiful moment. She was dribbling the ball down the court, and by some miracle, she broke away from the giant who was covering her and drove it right down the lane and then she did it. She shot a lay-up and she made it. Oh I was sooo proud of her. I cried. Aunt Marian cried. If Ashlee had been there, she would have cried too. (I can always count on Ashlee.) It was a great moment.

Way to go Anna-Kate! I love you.

I stole this from Kierstyn's blog (Party of Five on the list on the right--I still don't know how to link it.) I was supposed to give one-word answers, but sometimes I needed two. Anyway, here's a little useless trivia for ya. . .

1. Where is your cell phone? bedside table
2. Your significant other? work
3. Your hair? bedhead
4. Your mother? servant
5. Your father? hardworking
6. Your favorite thing? laughter
7. Your dream last night? lost
8. Your favorite drink? Sonic
9. Your dream/goal? healthy
10. The room you're in? computer
11. Your ex? married him
12. Your fear? loss
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? here
14. Where were you last night? church
15. What you're not? sleeping
16. Muffins? blueberry
17. One of your wish list items? lasik
18. Where you grew up? West Virginia
19. The last thing you did? hug Austin
20. What are you wearing? jammies
21. Your TV? friend
22. Your pets? Sugar
23. Your computer? a pain
24. Your life? good
25. Your mood? up
26. Missing someone? always
27 Your car? messy
28. Something you're not wearing? shoes
29 Favorite Store? TJ Maxx
30. Your summer? awaiting
31. Like someone? Kevin
32. Your favorite color? sky blue
33. When is the last time you laughed? half-hour ago
34. Last time you cried? yesterday

Conversation between Asa and Mr. Brian



Brian was sitting on the ground outside of the church with Asa on one side and Cara Beth on the other. Brian shared this conversation with me. It went something like this. . .

Asa: Whatcha wanna talk about?

Brian: I don't know. How about your daddy?

Asa: My daddy's amazing. . .what else do ya wanna talk about?

Another Asa Update. . .

Asa had a follow-up appointment today with his GI doctor in Houston. We have been anxiously awaiting results from some genetic tests taken before Asa left the hospital over a month ago. To make a long story short, his results came back. . .




NEGATIVE!!!! Kevin and I breathed a sigh of relief when the doctor gave us the news. He said he shouldn't have to see Asa again, unless he has another bout like his previous 2. Asa did have some blood drawn today to see if his enzyme levels were back to a baseline number. The baseline number, or his lipase count, they want to see for him is 120. When he had blood drawn 2 to 3 weeks ago, his lipase count was above 650. So it was still elevated but no where near the 40,000 from his first visit or the 15,500 with his second trip.

It was definitely good news today! I do feel a little lighter. Thank you to all of you who prayed for him and for us. I have no words to express our appreciation. Thank you doesn't seem to cover it, but right now, it's all I've got. So, thank you.

An Ayden Funny

Today at Anna-Kate's basketball game, Ayden was sitting next to me. He looked up at me and said, "Mommy, I have a headache. . .only it's in my tummy."

Asa update. . .

Some of you have been waiting along side of us for Asa's genetic blood tests to come back. After jumping through a bunch of hoops today, I finally found out that his test results were. . .(drumroll). . .



still pending. The doctor didn't know what was taking them so long as they don't usually take this long, but that didn't change the outcome. So we continue to wait. He has a follow-up appointment in the beginning of February, so maybe by then, we'll know something more. We'll keep you posted.

A Prayer Request for Christopher



Please keep my nephew, Christopher in your prayers today. He has a doctors appointment with his neurologist (in Houston), an EEG scheduled and then he's off to do bloodwork--not much fun for an 8-year old. I spoke to Marian a little bit ago and she said he was fine, just a little nervous. Christopher has been 3 years without a seizure and so today's EEG will measure the activity in his brain to make sure he hasn't been having small or "petite maul" seizures. If everything comes back clear, then Christopher will get to ween off of his meds, which is exciting, but also a little scary. Please pray however the Spirit leads you. Thanks.

I LOVE YOU CHRISTOPHER!

An Asa Funny



When my mom showed up at the hospital to see Asa, she walked in wearing her famous "grandchildren" necklace. (She's wearing it here with Asa.) Asa was instantly attracted to it and hopped up on her lap and started asking who was who. It just so happens that "Asa" hangs exactly in the middle of this awesome necklace and so the first one he pointed to was himself. He then asked about the two on either side of him. One was Ayden, the other Joshua. He then looked up at my mom, affectionately known as Savta (pronounced "Softa"--Hebrew for grandmother), and asked, "Where's Jack?"

OK, I know Asa has been back home (again) for a week now,



but I'm just now getting to the blog. Sorry. He had a doctor's appointment today to check his enzyme levels. His lipase count was down from the last count of around 653 (I think) to 425 today (normal would be around 100). So, it is still elevated some, which might explain his several complaints of pain yesterday, but nowhere near the levels we saw before. They ran some genetic tests before we left the hospital, but it will be at least another week before we know any of those results. He now has a GI doc in Houston. They told us that a child of his age with 2 bouts of pancreatitis in such a short time of each other will buy him a GI doctor for a while. Please continue to keep him (and us) in your prayers. I think Kevin and I are both feeling a little "antsy" about the upcoming results of the genetic tests. We are trying to rest in the will of our Heavenly Father, whatever that may be, but admittedly, we are anxious, weary and struggling some. On a more positive note, Asa looks great and 99% of the time says he is feeling great. Today when we got to the doctor's office, he looked up at me and said, "My tummy's not hurting mommy, so we can go home now." He really has been such a trooper through this whole ordeal.

. . .We started back to school this week. Aunt Marian took school pictures for us. Here are my favorites:

Austin (11 years old)



Addison (9 years old)



Anna-Kate (7 years old)



Ayden (5 years old)



Asa (2 years old)



All of them together



Thanks Mar for the great pix. You are such a blessing in so many ways. I appreciate all you do for us. What a great wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend you are! I love you.

Asa is all smiles


Asa & Austin


Marian, Aunt Fav, Hannah & Aun Oui

This is Marian again posting for Hannah:
Wade and I along with Carol Stanley took the rest of the Ayers' children as well as the Coleman clan to Houston yesterday to visit Asa, Kevin and Hannah. Asa had an MRI done yesterday so that the drs. could look at his pancreas and gall bladder in more detail. They thought that possibly there was something wrong with the gall bladder as well, but the MRI showed that his gall bladder was great and that his pancreas was the only thing that was showing any signs of swelling and inflammation. The drs. are going to do some more bloodwork and some genetic testing today. Earlier in the week they were projecting that Asa would be in the hospital at least until Friday, and possibly through the weekend. That is still what they are saying. Yesterday, Asa's enzyme count was at 500 and the goal for a little guy his age is less than 100. So there is definite improvement (from 15,500 all the way down to 500), but I don't think they will let him go this time until his numbers come into the normal range. As far as Asa's pain he has not had much. He has a couple of spells a day that last for 10 seconds or so each time, but other than that he is in good spirits. The drs. seem to be pretty impressed with this fact saying that Asa should be in so much pain, they can't understand why he isn't doubled over more than he is. This to me is a testimony of God's grace, mercy and goodness. Asa has had no pain medication for which everyone is very thankful. So that's what I know for now. All the kiddos had a great time getting to see Asa and being in the hospital. Two of my sisters (Jenna & Wyndi affectionately known as "Aunt Fav" and "Aun Oui") flew in from Houston. They arrived on Tuesday and are staying until Friday. All of the children are getting royally spoiled by their 2 aunts. Aunt Fav and Aun Oui took many of them to McDonald's last night which is within the hospital, but still a pretty big venture to undertake. They also gave each child some kind of toy. I think Aunt Fav and Aun Oui (French for Aunt Yes) are renting a car to come to Bryan today to hang out some more and to do some more spoiling. Our church family has been great also lending a helping hand in many ways. My mom is flying in (all the way from Albania) and arriving tonight. She is going to stay a couple of weeks, I think. Thank you so much for all of your prayers.

This is Marian posting for Hannah.
They took Asa back to TX Children's Hospital in Houston by ambulance. Hannah rode in the ambulance with Asa and Kevin followed in the van. Asa's white blood cell was up again and the enzyme count of that one enzyme that I can never remember the name of was also elevated (15,500 fyi Sarah) When Asa first woke up from his nap earlier today the pain was pretty bad and Hannah didn't waste any time. She had him at the ER pretty quickly and even though it was really crowded they admitted him right away. Bloodwork was completed within 2 hrs. (This was fast compared to last time) The 3 hours we spent in the ER Asa struggled some with pain, but not nearly as bad as last time, and there was no pain medicine given. The doctor went ahead and ordered it in case Asa would need it in the ambulance. So that's what I know for now. Thanks so much for praying. Also, last time some of you sent emails through the hospital website, and I know this was a great encouragement. And even after Asa came home, the hospital snail mailed those emails that came after Asa was released. So I'm going to paste that address below again. It's real easy to do. I did it with each kid and it took about 10 minutes. Average time 1 minute 10 seconds per kid). And the hospital takes each email and puts it on its own individual 5x7 post card. They are very cute, and I know that Asa, Kevin and Hannah loved them all. Thank you so much for your prayers. Well, motherhood and "aunt hood" are both calling. Thank you so much for your prayers.

The website is: www.texaschildrenshospital.org/parents/patientgreeting/default.aspx

Happy 16th Anniversary Baby!



16 things I love about being married to Kevin:

1. He loves Jesus.

2. He knows how to tell a good story.

3. He makes me laugh. . .really laugh. . .like girly, giggly laugh.

4. He is a great father and a wonderful uncle.

5. He is loyal. . .to his family, his friends, his job, his favorite teams & NASCAR driver.

6. He has a great, dry sense of humor that throws off even his closest friends from time to time. (I'm talking to you Franklin. Quit laughing Matt, you're not immune either.)

7. He gave me roses for our anniversary.

8. He tells me I'm beautiful, even after all these years.

9. He still believes in working hard and protecting and providing for his family.

10. He smothers our children with love.

11. He knows how to play a good practical joke.

12. He can handle the grill.

13. He looks great in camo shorts and hiking boots. (That's for you, Heather!)

14. He changes poopy diapers.

15. He washes dishes and does laundry.

16. He's a stud.

I love you Kevin. You are the love of my life and I cherish our days together. I'm thankful that God brought us together when He did and I look forward to what He has in store for our future.

WE ARE HOME!


Asa is doing much better. Thank you to everyone who prayed, sent e-mails, babysat kids, made meals, sent presents, cards, and notes and the countless other things the body of Christ did to take care of us. I am unsure of how to write about it yet, because it all seems surreal and overwhelming. But to quote my husband who said from the very beginning of all this, when we didn't know if Asa would come home with us or not, he said(choking back the tears and through his clenched jaw), "Hannah, God is good. No matter what happens. God is good."

And so that is what I want to convey here. God is good, no matter what, God is good.

8 Things You Don't Know About Kevin:



1. Kevin was quite the prankster in college. He has never met a building he couldn't get into or a lock he couldn't pick. He once broke into my dorm room and left me a card and some presents that I didn't find until I woke up the next morning.

Another time he broke into the library on campus (by climbing in an upstairs window)to accomplish some kind of prank and was met inside the window by the Librarian who asked, "May I help you?" He came up with some "story" about having to copy some info. from a resource and then said Librarian "helped" him find the book and then let him make copies before letting him back out the front door.

Once he and a bunch of his buddies took all the hot water handles off of the girls showers in one of the dorms. I think it took 3 or 4 days to get that one straightened out. It wasn't pretty with all those girls walking around without having their showers. Kevin and his co-horts had to do "time" for that one and got stuck re-painting the lobby of the guys dorm.

Whenever there was an eventful prank on campus, the dean of students, Dean Krall, would head to Kevin's door first. Dean Krall would always say, "Did you do it? If you didn't, you know who did." I am sure that Kevin has gotten credit for things he didn't do just because of all the things he did do.

2. Kevin was in Jr. ROTC when he was in high school and was the 2nd highest ranking officer in the state. I always thought he would join the army and become a ranger.

3. He can play the drums.

4. He worked in the grocery business for 12 years before joining Best Buy. He loves grocery stores. Whenever we go on vacation, he checks out all the grocery stores within a 10 mile radius of where ever we stay.

5. Kevin acquired the nickname, "Smokey", from a close friend in West Virginia, because he used to smoke 2 packs of cigarettes a day. Thankfully, he doesn't smoke anymore.

6. Kevin is an only child, but when he first went to college, he and his cousin, Brad, told everyone they were brothers. When they finally tried to "come clean" that they were only cousins, people didn't believe them.

7. He proposed to me in a hot air balloon, on a morning of which, I was sure, he was going to break up with me. THAT turned out way better than I expected. ;)

8. I think if he had to choose one person he could meet, on this side of heaven, it would be Mark Martin, the NASCAR driver.

Anna-Kate's Winter Ballet Recital. . .
took place last Saturday morning. Here are a few shots from the event:

Anna-Kate with her hair braided AND in a bun. . .that is WORK my friends.


The boys got a front row seat (from l to r: Joshua, Colin, Addison, Austin & Micah)


Anna-Kate with her teacher, Miss Victoria.


A couple of the girls in the younger class. First is Emma and then smiling Fiona.



Next we have Lizzie and Bella in action.


From left to right: Veronica, Bella and Anna-Kate (Bryn is sitting in the doorway)


Of course Aunt Mar took one of all of our kiddos together.

I love You, O LORD, my strength.
The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer:
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge.
He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
I call to the LORD, who is worthy of praise,
and I am saved from my enemies.
The cords of death entangled me;
the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me.
The cords of the grave coiled around me;
the snares of death confronted me.
In my distress I called to the LORD;
I cried to my God for help.
From His temple He heard my voice;
my cry came before Him, into His ears.
The earth trembled and quaked,
and the foundations of the mountains shook;
they trembled because He was angry.
Smoke rose from His nostrils;
consuming fire came from His mouth,
burning coals blazed out of it.
He parted the heavens and came down;
dark clouds were under His feet.
He mounted the cherubim and flew;
He soared on the wings of the wind.
He made darkness His covering, His canopy around Him--
the dark rain clouds of the sky.
Out of the brightness of His presence clouds advanced,
with hailstones and bolts of lightning.
The LORD thundered from heaven;
the voice of the Most High resounded.
He shot His arrows and scattered the enemies,
great bolts of lightning and routed them.
The valleys of the sea were exposed
and the foundations of the earth laid bare
at Your rebuke, O LORD,
at the blast of breath from Your nostrils.
He reached down from on high and took hold of me;
He drew me out of deep waters.
He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the LORD was my support.
He brought me out into a spacious place;
He rescued me because He delighted in me. . .

. . .You, O LORD, keep my lamp burning;
my God turns my darkness into light.
With Your help I can advance against a troop;
with my God I can scale a wall.
As for God, His way is perfect;
the word of the LORD is flawless.
He is a shield
for all who take refuge in Him.
For who is God besides the LORD?
And who is the Rock except our God?
It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
He enables me to stand on the heights.
He trains my hands for battle;
my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
You give me Your shield of victory
and Your right hand sustains me;
You stoop down to make me great.
You broaden the path beneath me,
so that my ankles do not turn.
I pursued my enemies and overtook them;
I did not turn back till they were destroyed.
I crushed them so that they could not rise;
they fell beneath my feet.
You armed me with strength for battle;
You made my adversaries bow at my feet.
You made my enemies turn their backs in flight,
and I destroyed my foes.
They cried for help, but there was no one to save them--
to the LORD, but He did not answer.
I beat them as fine as dust borne on the sand;
I poured them out like mud in the streets. . .

. . .The LORD lives! Praise be to my Rock!
Exalted be God my Savior!
He is the God who avenges me,
who subdues nations under me,
who saves me from my enemies.
You exalted me above my foes;
from violent men You rescued me.
Therefore I will praise You among the nations, O LORD;
I will sing praises to Your name.
He gives His king great victories;
He shows unfailing kindess to His anointed,
to David and his descendants forever.

Psalm 18: 1-19; 28-42; 46-50