Hello Everyone,
I received the following email from Greg just now for the blog.
"A few updates for the blog:
*Angela is spending 4 hours each day in various types of therapy (physical, occupational, daily living etc), so she's pretty tired when she's not in therapy. Visits should be limited to family - adults only (she gets anxious around too much activity) and for brief periods of time.
*She wrote her name and address today - good signs. She has difficulty concentrating for more than a few minutes at a time, so they'll be working with her to expand her attention span in the coming days/weeks.
*The doctor/therapists will be conducting an assessment on Thursday, February 8 to measure her progress and determine how much longer they anticipate her being at Immanuel.
*Angela needs prayer for her appetite and eating. She's enjoying the sweets (no suprise there), but needs to include some healthier choices - none of which sound too good.
*She has her helmet now (nice job, Paul). She has to wear it anytime she's not in bed or sitting in a chair. "
REMINDERS:
** Avon Fundraiser
** The family will let us know when Angela's medical team feels she can receive visitors
** Please continue to pray for Angela, Troy & the girls as they take each day at a time. Please lift Troy in prayer for rest. Please continue to lift the family in prayer for rest and for strength.
Thank you everbody! Your prayers and support are so valuable! We are continually amazed and blessed at the way The Lord is continuing to work through family and friends to show His love for this incredible couple and their girls and also for the people in their lives.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
**Fundraiser Reminder**
Reminder...AVON FUNDRAISER...SATURDAY FEBRUARY 3, 2007...10:00 - 3:00...5478 N. 90TH ST SUITE 104...FORT PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER...IN THE STRIP CENTER NEAR SHOPKO...Join the fun! There will be many things on display, from jewelry, to samples of fragrance,to the latest in lotions and color. Put on warm coats and come for coffee and hot apple cider. ALL ARE WELCOME!!! If you cannot attend on Saturday you can still log onto www.youravon.com/tnickell and place your order. If ordering from out of town you can have it directly shipped to your home. If ordering in Omaha please mark representative delivery. When your merchandise arrives you will be contacted with a time and place for pick-up. 100% of profits will be forwarded onto the Kohls family.
*Latest Praise Report* \O/
Hello Family & Friends,
I received the following email from Greg this morning. Wonderful News!!
"I just spoke with Troy - here's the latest:
**Angela had the incision staples removed on Monday
**Anna and Rachel got to see their mom for the first time in 3 week last night. It was a little emotional, but everything went well.
**Angela was moved to Emmanuel this morning at 11:00 to start her rehab. We don't have a room number yet and they've specifically said no visitors until she gets settled-in.** " (The family will notify us here on the blog once the medical staff says it's okay for Angela to receive visitors)
I received the following email from Greg this morning. Wonderful News!!
"I just spoke with Troy - here's the latest:
**Angela had the incision staples removed on Monday
**Anna and Rachel got to see their mom for the first time in 3 week last night. It was a little emotional, but everything went well.
**Angela was moved to Emmanuel this morning at 11:00 to start her rehab. We don't have a room number yet and they've specifically said no visitors until she gets settled-in.** " (The family will notify us here on the blog once the medical staff says it's okay for Angela to receive visitors)
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Sunday Morning Update
Hello Everyone,
Greg sent the following information this morning.
"*Angela is off all of the tubes (feeding, catheter etc).
*She's been walking the halls at the hospital (with assistance)
*She did get her hair washed and trimmed
*Plans are to keep her at the hospital through Tuesday to monitor her foods/liquids and be certain there are no problems
*Looks like she'll likely be headed to Immanuel Rehab on Wednesday"
Father, as You continue Your work in Angela's life may we be patient and yeild to Your timing and Your wisdom. You have done far more than we could ask or think just like Your word says. Angela's life is a miracle straight from Your hands. Three weeks ago, she was in peril, and now she is walking, talking, eating, and healing!!! Lord You are magnificent and Your power is unmatched. Wrap Your arms around Troy Lord, may Your peace and rest overtake him and may He hear from You clearly. For in Your word You say that a man and wife are one and You see them as one. May Your healing hand touch them both Lord. May their children find comfort and joy in their mommy once again. May each person in Angela's family find comfort, peace and rest as they watch Your hand at work. Thank You Lord God. I pray in Your name Jesus, amen.
Greg sent the following information this morning.
"*Angela is off all of the tubes (feeding, catheter etc).
*She's been walking the halls at the hospital (with assistance)
*She did get her hair washed and trimmed
*Plans are to keep her at the hospital through Tuesday to monitor her foods/liquids and be certain there are no problems
*Looks like she'll likely be headed to Immanuel Rehab on Wednesday"
Father, as You continue Your work in Angela's life may we be patient and yeild to Your timing and Your wisdom. You have done far more than we could ask or think just like Your word says. Angela's life is a miracle straight from Your hands. Three weeks ago, she was in peril, and now she is walking, talking, eating, and healing!!! Lord You are magnificent and Your power is unmatched. Wrap Your arms around Troy Lord, may Your peace and rest overtake him and may He hear from You clearly. For in Your word You say that a man and wife are one and You see them as one. May Your healing hand touch them both Lord. May their children find comfort and joy in their mommy once again. May each person in Angela's family find comfort, peace and rest as they watch Your hand at work. Thank You Lord God. I pray in Your name Jesus, amen.
Friday, January 26, 2007
*Update - As of 7:39pm
Hello Everybody,
I received the following email from Greg tonight:
"*Angela needs some time to catch-up on the sleep she didn't get while in the ICU. Visits other than from immediate family (Troy, parents, siblings) really need to wait until after she's moved to Immanuel for rehab sometime early next week. We'll update the blog when she's up for more visitors.
*She's eating a little more food each day and is getting up and out of bed to sit. She even did a little "macarena" for some of us this afternoon.
*Troy is trying to help the girls understand what to expect when they see their mom although he isn't ready to take the girls up for a visit yet. Please pray for wisdom and timing.
An x-ray was taken today, but we don't know anything of the results yet.
*One of the greatest prayer needs at this time is rest and sleep for Troy. He's having a difficult time getting a good night's sleep.
Greg"
I received the following email from Greg tonight:
"*Angela needs some time to catch-up on the sleep she didn't get while in the ICU. Visits other than from immediate family (Troy, parents, siblings) really need to wait until after she's moved to Immanuel for rehab sometime early next week. We'll update the blog when she's up for more visitors.
*She's eating a little more food each day and is getting up and out of bed to sit. She even did a little "macarena" for some of us this afternoon.
*Troy is trying to help the girls understand what to expect when they see their mom although he isn't ready to take the girls up for a visit yet. Please pray for wisdom and timing.
An x-ray was taken today, but we don't know anything of the results yet.
*One of the greatest prayer needs at this time is rest and sleep for Troy. He's having a difficult time getting a good night's sleep.
Greg"
Thursday, January 25, 2007
** IMPORTANT ** RE: VISITS
**At this time the family requests that Angela have no further visits until they notify us again. For right now only immediate family will be able to see her.
** Also the girls will NOT be able to see their mommy on Friday. Troy wanted to be sure that no one asked them about it on Sunday at church.**
** Also the girls will NOT be able to see their mommy on Friday. Troy wanted to be sure that no one asked them about it on Sunday at church.**
Thank You for your cooperation in this.
*Update as of 4:19pm
Hi Everybody,
Greg emailed me with the following updates for today. All is GOOD!!! The Lord is amazing....
"*Alberta took a strawberry milkshake up to Angela and she ate the whole thing!
*The neurology nurse indicated that she might go to Immanuel Rehabilitation as soon as tomorrow or possibly early next week. The decision is primarily based on Angela's ability to eat independently of the feeding tube.
*While I was in the room, the nurse got the responses she was looking for when she asked Angela to move her arms, squeeze the nurses hand, move her legs and wiggle her toes. She said that those are all good signs.
*They may try to remove the staples on her incision within the next couple of days.
*The nurse assurred me that although it seems like things are moving pretty quickly, now that Angela is out of intensive care they want to help her get back to a more normal routine as soon as possible. She's reaching the point where continuing to lie around in the hospital bed with minimal physical activity is not the best thing for her."
Greg emailed me with the following updates for today. All is GOOD!!! The Lord is amazing....
"*Alberta took a strawberry milkshake up to Angela and she ate the whole thing!
*The neurology nurse indicated that she might go to Immanuel Rehabilitation as soon as tomorrow or possibly early next week. The decision is primarily based on Angela's ability to eat independently of the feeding tube.
*While I was in the room, the nurse got the responses she was looking for when she asked Angela to move her arms, squeeze the nurses hand, move her legs and wiggle her toes. She said that those are all good signs.
*They may try to remove the staples on her incision within the next couple of days.
*The nurse assurred me that although it seems like things are moving pretty quickly, now that Angela is out of intensive care they want to help her get back to a more normal routine as soon as possible. She's reaching the point where continuing to lie around in the hospital bed with minimal physical activity is not the best thing for her."
Updates & Info
Hello Everyone,
Dad Kohls called last night and he said Angela is doing so well, no one can believe it. She is very ready to be up and out of her bed and is not happy or comfortable. It's hard for her to go through the recovery process when she wants to be up and at 'em!!
** Please continue to pray for her peace of mind and for calm to envelope her. She is having a hard time getting truly restful sleep. She hates her food and her scars itch, and she is uncomfortable. It's going to take time for her body to catch up with her spirit I think! : ) Please pray for rest to come over her.
** Prayer Requests:
Troy is having a hard time sleeping and his strength is waning. Please pray for his body and mind to rest.
**News about Don:
Don had a doctor appointment and it looks as though he will be able to keep both fingers barring infection. He is so relieved and thanks everyone for your prayers.
**Reminder:
Don't forget the upcoming Avon Fundraiser. Orders must be placed by Feb 5th. Please see the side bar and click on the arrows next to the date to find all pertinent posts
Have a blessed day everyone! : )
Dad Kohls called last night and he said Angela is doing so well, no one can believe it. She is very ready to be up and out of her bed and is not happy or comfortable. It's hard for her to go through the recovery process when she wants to be up and at 'em!!
** Please continue to pray for her peace of mind and for calm to envelope her. She is having a hard time getting truly restful sleep. She hates her food and her scars itch, and she is uncomfortable. It's going to take time for her body to catch up with her spirit I think! : ) Please pray for rest to come over her.
** Prayer Requests:
Troy is having a hard time sleeping and his strength is waning. Please pray for his body and mind to rest.
**News about Don:
Don had a doctor appointment and it looks as though he will be able to keep both fingers barring infection. He is so relieved and thanks everyone for your prayers.
**Reminder:
Don't forget the upcoming Avon Fundraiser. Orders must be placed by Feb 5th. Please see the side bar and click on the arrows next to the date to find all pertinent posts
Have a blessed day everyone! : )
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
**Prayer Requests
Angela's sister Theresa emailed me the following tonight for the blog:
"I was thinking that there are some ongoing prayer requests that I would like to have on the blog. We are definately praising the Lord for his miracle of saving Angela's life, but there is still a long road to complete healing.
**That no set back from any progress that has been made.
**Strength for Troy
**Peace for the girls
**Continued strength in her muscles especially her left side
**Patience for Angela as she doesn't like all the tubes and her incision is itching and she needs to leave it alone, she also becomes frustrated with wanting to do something and her body is unable to, with people not understanding her and with having to have help her.
**Finances
**Continued healing of her brain for her thought processes and just general swelling and headaches.
**Continued progress in her eating and drinking.
Some of these items seem small, but in these things she is having to start over. Again, I am not sure how often we will update, but we will be sure to update at least once a week. "
"I was thinking that there are some ongoing prayer requests that I would like to have on the blog. We are definately praising the Lord for his miracle of saving Angela's life, but there is still a long road to complete healing.
**That no set back from any progress that has been made.
**Strength for Troy
**Peace for the girls
**Continued strength in her muscles especially her left side
**Patience for Angela as she doesn't like all the tubes and her incision is itching and she needs to leave it alone, she also becomes frustrated with wanting to do something and her body is unable to, with people not understanding her and with having to have help her.
**Finances
**Continued healing of her brain for her thought processes and just general swelling and headaches.
**Continued progress in her eating and drinking.
Some of these items seem small, but in these things she is having to start over. Again, I am not sure how often we will update, but we will be sure to update at least once a week. "
** Important Note - From Critical Care Nurses
Dear Friends, We want to STRESS how important it is for Angela not to be overwhelmed with visitors at this point in her recovery. My wife and I are both critical care nurses and we want to speak from our experience.
This is a critical time in Angela's recovery. She is going to need rest so that she has energy for the physical therapy that will allow her to regain her strength and her mind. Please, Please, Please try to keep your visits short and be mindful of her energy level. There will be times when she will need to rest during the day. With her move to a different unit the nurses will not be able to regulate the visitors as closely as was possible while she was in intensive care. With cold and flu season upon us we want to reinforce some simple principles. Please DO NOT visit if you have a cough, fever, runny nose, sneezing, or any flu-like symptoms. Please ALWAYS remember to wash your hands before entering the room. This is one of the most simple and most powerful ways you can protect Angela from infection.
With love for Angela and Troy, Chris and DeAnn Springer
This is a critical time in Angela's recovery. She is going to need rest so that she has energy for the physical therapy that will allow her to regain her strength and her mind. Please, Please, Please try to keep your visits short and be mindful of her energy level. There will be times when she will need to rest during the day. With her move to a different unit the nurses will not be able to regulate the visitors as closely as was possible while she was in intensive care. With cold and flu season upon us we want to reinforce some simple principles. Please DO NOT visit if you have a cough, fever, runny nose, sneezing, or any flu-like symptoms. Please ALWAYS remember to wash your hands before entering the room. This is one of the most simple and most powerful ways you can protect Angela from infection.
With love for Angela and Troy, Chris and DeAnn Springer
*Update as of 3:22pm*
Hello Everyone,
Theresa called me with the following news and updates. This post will have some important information on it for everyone.
*The medical team removed the catheter that was draining the fluid from Angela's brain. Her body is now functioning by draining the fluids on it's own.
* Her doctor took her off of the blood pressure medication, as the spasms in the brain have pretty much subsided and the blood doesn't need to be pushed through the vains as a safety precaution any longer.
*Her morning CAT scan was very positive
* The medical team has moved Angela OUT OF INTENSIVE CARE!!!! Whoohooo!!!!!!!!!!
***IMPORTANT NOTES***
- Updates - From here on out updates may not be on a daily basis, depending on the importance of news to share. The blog will still be available and important information will be posted as soon as possible. Comments are still and always welcome so Angela will have lots and lots of wonderful things to read from you. Please also feel free to share prayer requests and praises.
The following information in is regards to Angela's new room and visitation. We need every one's help to be sure that during visits she is able to rest as much as possible. This is vital to her recovery.
- Please limit visits to 10-15 minutes until she is more stabilized.
- Friends - Please consider 1 visit per week per person/family to avoid a large influx of people on the medical staff and immediate family members until she is more stabilized. This will change over the course of her recovery as she becomes stronger.
** Troy wants me to go ahead and post her room information:
University of Nebraska Med. Center
Clarkson Tower
Room #6854
Finally and most importantly please join with me in a prayer of thanksgiving:
Lord God Almighty,
We praise You and thank You Lord for what You have done and are continuing to do for Angela, and for our family & friends. Lord, we thank You for Your love and mercy in letting us have Angela here with us to enjoy and cherish and that You have saved her life twice. Lord, we are priviledged to have this blog to be able to share with her, her family, and her friends and to testify of You and Your work in her life. Lord You deserve ALL of the honor, glory, and credit for the great thing You have done. Draw us even closer to Yourself Lord and may we never forget what You have done here and for all of us. Yeshua, You are Lord over all things! In Your name we pray, amen.
Theresa called me with the following news and updates. This post will have some important information on it for everyone.
*The medical team removed the catheter that was draining the fluid from Angela's brain. Her body is now functioning by draining the fluids on it's own.
* Her doctor took her off of the blood pressure medication, as the spasms in the brain have pretty much subsided and the blood doesn't need to be pushed through the vains as a safety precaution any longer.
*Her morning CAT scan was very positive
* The medical team has moved Angela OUT OF INTENSIVE CARE!!!! Whoohooo!!!!!!!!!!
***IMPORTANT NOTES***
- Updates - From here on out updates may not be on a daily basis, depending on the importance of news to share. The blog will still be available and important information will be posted as soon as possible. Comments are still and always welcome so Angela will have lots and lots of wonderful things to read from you. Please also feel free to share prayer requests and praises.
The following information in is regards to Angela's new room and visitation. We need every one's help to be sure that during visits she is able to rest as much as possible. This is vital to her recovery.
- Please limit visits to 10-15 minutes until she is more stabilized.
- Friends - Please consider 1 visit per week per person/family to avoid a large influx of people on the medical staff and immediate family members until she is more stabilized. This will change over the course of her recovery as she becomes stronger.
** Troy wants me to go ahead and post her room information:
University of Nebraska Med. Center
Clarkson Tower
Room #6854
Finally and most importantly please join with me in a prayer of thanksgiving:
Lord God Almighty,
We praise You and thank You Lord for what You have done and are continuing to do for Angela, and for our family & friends. Lord, we thank You for Your love and mercy in letting us have Angela here with us to enjoy and cherish and that You have saved her life twice. Lord, we are priviledged to have this blog to be able to share with her, her family, and her friends and to testify of You and Your work in her life. Lord You deserve ALL of the honor, glory, and credit for the great thing You have done. Draw us even closer to Yourself Lord and may we never forget what You have done here and for all of us. Yeshua, You are Lord over all things! In Your name we pray, amen.
No News Yet Today
Hi Everyone,
No news yet today on Angela's progress, but you know I'll post any updates as soon as they come in : )
*Please keep Don in your prayers, he is in an extreme amount of pain in his hand.
No news yet today on Angela's progress, but you know I'll post any updates as soon as they come in : )
*Please keep Don in your prayers, he is in an extreme amount of pain in his hand.
Monday, January 22, 2007
*Update - As of 2:25pm*
Troy called with the following AWESOME news: Look at what The Lord is doing today!!
*Angela had her first physical and speech therapy sessions today. She did very well. Her speech is somewhat hampered, but we are praying for her full recovery.
* The readings regarding the vasospasms in the brain are way, way down and so she is pretty much out of the woods as far as that stage of healing goes.
*She was able to eat a little applesauce today.
*The fluid drain may be able to be taken out tomorrow. AND..... she may be able to be moved out of intesive care tomorrow too!!!! : )
***Troy asked for prayer for Angela's ability to process information and peace of mind. She still has a little bit of trouble with dilusions at times and he is praying for her complete mental recovery. This is a normal part of the healing process for the brain, and so he is not scared. He asked if we would pray with him too.
*Angela had her first physical and speech therapy sessions today. She did very well. Her speech is somewhat hampered, but we are praying for her full recovery.
* The readings regarding the vasospasms in the brain are way, way down and so she is pretty much out of the woods as far as that stage of healing goes.
*She was able to eat a little applesauce today.
*The fluid drain may be able to be taken out tomorrow. AND..... she may be able to be moved out of intesive care tomorrow too!!!! : )
***Troy asked for prayer for Angela's ability to process information and peace of mind. She still has a little bit of trouble with dilusions at times and he is praying for her complete mental recovery. This is a normal part of the healing process for the brain, and so he is not scared. He asked if we would pray with him too.
Notes
Hello Everyone,
WhooHoo!!! We are rejoicing over The Lord's work in Angela's life!!!! I'm excited to hear what new news there will be today!!
Some notes until then:
**Please continue lifting Troy and Angela in prayer. Their insurance is 90/10 and Troy is expecting a hefty amount of medical bills. He is confident in The Lord's provision, so let's join in prayer and thankfulness with him knowing that God will release those funds into Troy's hands at just the right times. Please continue to pray for physical & emotional comfort for Angela while she recovers.
**Note from Tracy: **Reminder, Avon Fundraiser for Angela and Troy. Please log onto www.youravon.com/tnickell or attend an open house on February 3rd. See entries on January 17th for more information. All profits will go to benefit the family. We have received a lot of interest. Lets pull together and make this a great success. Thank you, Tracy Nickell
**Dad Kohls will be having a follow up doctor's appt. His doctor will be determining at that time, if they will have to amputate his middle finger down to the knuckle. The family is praying that The Lord will restore his hand so that he can still use it, but we all remain confident that whatever happens Dad is safely in The Lord's hands.
WhooHoo!!! We are rejoicing over The Lord's work in Angela's life!!!! I'm excited to hear what new news there will be today!!
Some notes until then:
**Please continue lifting Troy and Angela in prayer. Their insurance is 90/10 and Troy is expecting a hefty amount of medical bills. He is confident in The Lord's provision, so let's join in prayer and thankfulness with him knowing that God will release those funds into Troy's hands at just the right times. Please continue to pray for physical & emotional comfort for Angela while she recovers.
**Note from Tracy: **Reminder, Avon Fundraiser for Angela and Troy. Please log onto www.youravon.com/tnickell or attend an open house on February 3rd. See entries on January 17th for more information. All profits will go to benefit the family. We have received a lot of interest. Lets pull together and make this a great success. Thank you, Tracy Nickell
**Dad Kohls will be having a follow up doctor's appt. His doctor will be determining at that time, if they will have to amputate his middle finger down to the knuckle. The family is praying that The Lord will restore his hand so that he can still use it, but we all remain confident that whatever happens Dad is safely in The Lord's hands.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
** As of 7:01pm **
Greg just emailed me with the following information about Angela. It's GREAT news!!
Theresa and I were up seeing Angela this evening, here's what we heard:
**Speech therapist will be coming in tomorrow to assess her swallowing to determine if she can take foods orally and have the feeding tube removed.
**Occupational therapist will be in also to help her start working on her motor skills.
**They have elevated the brain drain to see if her body will handle the fluid that is there. If so, they'll look at a timeline to possibly remove the drain. If her body does not handle/absorb the fluids, they'll start the process again to see if can get the result they're looking for - i.e. removing the drain. The nurse indicating that Dr. Thorell does not like to move his patients out of ICU until the drain issue is addressed - either the body is handling the fluids and there is no need for a drain, or they may look at a more long-term drain solution. She is having some headaches as a result of the drain being raised, but the nurses are providing pain-relief.
**She still has some fever fluctuation, but it could be tied to the pneumonia not being completely out of her system yet.
**She is moving quit a bit - which is normal for neurological patients. She's also opening her eyes pretty regularly - and is recognizing people and having some limited conversations.
**The vasospams appear to have passed.
Theresa and I were up seeing Angela this evening, here's what we heard:
**Speech therapist will be coming in tomorrow to assess her swallowing to determine if she can take foods orally and have the feeding tube removed.
**Occupational therapist will be in also to help her start working on her motor skills.
**They have elevated the brain drain to see if her body will handle the fluid that is there. If so, they'll look at a timeline to possibly remove the drain. If her body does not handle/absorb the fluids, they'll start the process again to see if can get the result they're looking for - i.e. removing the drain. The nurse indicating that Dr. Thorell does not like to move his patients out of ICU until the drain issue is addressed - either the body is handling the fluids and there is no need for a drain, or they may look at a more long-term drain solution. She is having some headaches as a result of the drain being raised, but the nurses are providing pain-relief.
**She still has some fever fluctuation, but it could be tied to the pneumonia not being completely out of her system yet.
**She is moving quit a bit - which is normal for neurological patients. She's also opening her eyes pretty regularly - and is recognizing people and having some limited conversations.
**The vasospams appear to have passed.
*Update - Angela & also Don*
I haven't heard from the family today. It's been a little busy with everything going on. However, our cousin Jennifer called my husband saying she had been to both hospitals to see Angela and also our dad. She said the following things:
** Angela is doing remarkable. She recognizes everyone and knows who they are and she is moving around alot. She is not comfortable in the bed too much so she is trying to move into more comfortable positions.
**Dad Kohls is out of surgery and his doctor was able to re-attach his fingers. It was his index finger and middle finger on the right hand. He will need more tests in a few days to discover more information about the use of his fingers at that point.
Thank you Lord for everything You've done today... all of the details big and small.
** Angela is doing remarkable. She recognizes everyone and knows who they are and she is moving around alot. She is not comfortable in the bed too much so she is trying to move into more comfortable positions.
**Dad Kohls is out of surgery and his doctor was able to re-attach his fingers. It was his index finger and middle finger on the right hand. He will need more tests in a few days to discover more information about the use of his fingers at that point.
Thank you Lord for everything You've done today... all of the details big and small.
*Urgent - Re: Dad Kohls*
****Please Pray***
Dad Kohls was using the snow blower this morning and in some way had an accident and has lost two fingers. Mom and Dad are at the hospital now and that's all we know at this time. We are hoping the fingers can be reattached. Please pray for Dad and please pray for Mom.
Dad Kohls was using the snow blower this morning and in some way had an accident and has lost two fingers. Mom and Dad are at the hospital now and that's all we know at this time. We are hoping the fingers can be reattached. Please pray for Dad and please pray for Mom.
Sunday Message
Hello Everyone,
No news yet today on Angela's progress, but I will post right away if and when I hear from the family. I do know that Angela was speaking just a small bit yesterday and recognized one of her cousin's mother (Chris) by name!! Isn't that is so awesome?!!
In the mean time, here are some passages regarding Angela's experience and how The Lord is using her life to touch many, many, people.
How Angela’s life has effected us through the blog. Watching The Lord work in her life and ours.
Luke 6:19
and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.
Our Prayers For Angela & One Another
Proverbs 15:4
The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones
Psalm 6:2
Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony.
Christ Along Side Us In Prayer
Psalm 68:19
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Praise
Psalm 30:2
O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.
Psalm 107:20
He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.
Isaiah 53:2-5
…He wasn’t some handsome king. Nothing about the way he looked made him attractive to us. He was hated and rejected; his life was filled with sorrow and terrible suffering. No one wanted to look at him. We despised him and said “He is a nobody!” He suffered and endured great pain for us, but we thought his suffering was punishment from God. He was wounded and crushed because of our sins; by taking our punishment he made us completely well.
Psalm 20:6
Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.
No news yet today on Angela's progress, but I will post right away if and when I hear from the family. I do know that Angela was speaking just a small bit yesterday and recognized one of her cousin's mother (Chris) by name!! Isn't that is so awesome?!!
In the mean time, here are some passages regarding Angela's experience and how The Lord is using her life to touch many, many, people.
How Angela’s life has effected us through the blog. Watching The Lord work in her life and ours.
Luke 6:19
and the people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.
Our Prayers For Angela & One Another
Proverbs 15:4
The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.
Proverbs 16:24
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones
Psalm 6:2
Be merciful to me, LORD, for I am faint; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are in agony.
Christ Along Side Us In Prayer
Psalm 68:19
Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens. Selah
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Praise
Psalm 30:2
O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.
Psalm 107:20
He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave.
Isaiah 53:2-5
…He wasn’t some handsome king. Nothing about the way he looked made him attractive to us. He was hated and rejected; his life was filled with sorrow and terrible suffering. No one wanted to look at him. We despised him and said “He is a nobody!” He suffered and endured great pain for us, but we thought his suffering was punishment from God. He was wounded and crushed because of our sins; by taking our punishment he made us completely well.
Psalm 20:6
Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he answers him from his holy heaven with the saving power of his right hand.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
**Update From Troy **
Hi Everyone,
Troy just called with a quick update and said they're taking the ventilator out now, but they don't want Angela to try and vocalize too much for the next 6 to 8 hours.
** He asked please, please limit visits today so she can have a chance to re-stabalize**
Can anyone believe how awesome it is to see Angela recovering so well after what she's been through? She almost lost her life twice and yet The Lord has seen fit to save her both times and sustain her healing.... Lord You deserve ALL of the credit!!! We can do nothing without You. You give us our talents, skills, and everything we have. You give her doctors the knowledge and wisdom to skillfully help her, You give her medical team the knowledge and wisdom to care for her completely. You are an amazing and awesome God!! \O/ Thank You Lord for hearing our prayers and for Your love.
Troy just called with a quick update and said they're taking the ventilator out now, but they don't want Angela to try and vocalize too much for the next 6 to 8 hours.
** He asked please, please limit visits today so she can have a chance to re-stabalize**
Can anyone believe how awesome it is to see Angela recovering so well after what she's been through? She almost lost her life twice and yet The Lord has seen fit to save her both times and sustain her healing.... Lord You deserve ALL of the credit!!! We can do nothing without You. You give us our talents, skills, and everything we have. You give her doctors the knowledge and wisdom to skillfully help her, You give her medical team the knowledge and wisdom to care for her completely. You are an amazing and awesome God!! \O/ Thank You Lord for hearing our prayers and for Your love.
Evening Message
Hello Everyone,
I'm not sure how frequent the updates will be over the weekend, but I will keep everyone posted as much as possible as news comes in. Michelle.... thank you so much for what you had to share about your visit with Angela!! What a HUGE dose of GREAT NEWS!!! Some more great news is Mom Kohls said Troy believes Angela recognized him today too!!! Keep posting everyone, because what you have to say is very valuable and when Angela gets to read this one day, she is going to know just how much she is loved and how much she has touched each person's life.
Lord, You are such a good God and we worship You together. We thank You ... every one of us thanks You Lord for what You are doing for Angela and for each person who has been affected by her life.
I'm not sure how frequent the updates will be over the weekend, but I will keep everyone posted as much as possible as news comes in. Michelle.... thank you so much for what you had to share about your visit with Angela!! What a HUGE dose of GREAT NEWS!!! Some more great news is Mom Kohls said Troy believes Angela recognized him today too!!! Keep posting everyone, because what you have to say is very valuable and when Angela gets to read this one day, she is going to know just how much she is loved and how much she has touched each person's life.
Lord, You are such a good God and we worship You together. We thank You ... every one of us thanks You Lord for what You are doing for Angela and for each person who has been affected by her life.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Update*
Hi all, this is Michelle, Ang's cousin. WOW! What a difference a week makes!! After visiting Ang last Wed (Jan. 10}, I wasnt sure what to think, so I checked the blog about 100 times a day to see the latest updates, as well as having constant contact with our family. Today I was able to go see her again. And again, I say WOW! It was unbelieveable to see her eyes open and her body moving and lips trying to speak. I asked her "Do you know who I am?", she nodded yes, looking me dirrectly in the eyes. I then said "Its Michelle.", she nodded in agreement. My heart raced with excitment. I asked her to squeeze an item they had given her to squeeze and she looked me right in the eye and squeezed so hard, as if to say, "Yes, Im here, I understand you and I can do it!" Amazing! I was there about an hour and I also saw her moving her mouth a few times, when i asked her something, as if she was trying to speak. I know she has a long way to go, but I know she is going to get there. She is a fighter!! I do believe we will all see her smile and hear her larger than life laugh again.
Michelle
Michelle
Marilynn
I am Angela's husband & I would like the opportunity to gracefully correspond with you via email. Please email me with your concerns & comments to troykohls402@aol.com. Thank you
**Update - As of 1:06pm
Hello Everyone,
Greg just called with the following updates:
The neurologist is wanting to do the following three things within the next few days.
1) Take out the ventilator
2) Take out the catheter draining fluid off of the brain
3) Begin to see if Angela can take soft solid food.
The first two will be a test at first to see if Angela will be allright without them. If it works out, then they will keep them off. The fluid on the brain seems to be sufficiently drained and/or draining on it's own at this time.
These are mighty words of good news. Thank You Lord for Your continued healing of Angela. You are so gracious and good. \O/
Greg just called with the following updates:
The neurologist is wanting to do the following three things within the next few days.
1) Take out the ventilator
2) Take out the catheter draining fluid off of the brain
3) Begin to see if Angela can take soft solid food.
The first two will be a test at first to see if Angela will be allright without them. If it works out, then they will keep them off. The fluid on the brain seems to be sufficiently drained and/or draining on it's own at this time.
These are mighty words of good news. Thank You Lord for Your continued healing of Angela. You are so gracious and good. \O/
Thursday, January 18, 2007
*Update as of 9:02pm
Hello Everyone,
Dad Kohls called with the following update this evening:
Angela is starting to respond more and more everyday. When people are talking to her, her eyes are intent and she squeezes their hands. She is moving her left leg more and more, and she was moving her feet today as well.
She is still on the ventilator but she may be able to have it removed tomorrow. The readings for the vasospasms in the brain went up a little bit so she's not out of those woods yet. She also does not have too many facial expressions yet, but tries to communicate which is a very good sign.
Today was a little harder for Troy because he was hoping she'd be able to have the ventilator removed today. It's probably uncomfortable for her and it's doing very little work. She is almost completely breathing on her own. Dad believes the medical team is trying to be certain that she will be okay off of the ventilator. So everyone is thankful for that.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and dedication to Angela and the family. The Lord truly continues to amaze us and show His love and power every day! We are united in giving Him all of the credit for Angela's life and well being. We are united in our belief that it is no accident or plain circumstance. He is directing these events all the way.
*** Note: Because it's getting close to time for the open house I wanted to remind everyone to re-visit the note about the Avon Fundraiser. Click on the arrows next to the date on the right side bar and you will be able to see all past messages.***
Sincerely,
Sherri
Dad Kohls called with the following update this evening:
Angela is starting to respond more and more everyday. When people are talking to her, her eyes are intent and she squeezes their hands. She is moving her left leg more and more, and she was moving her feet today as well.
She is still on the ventilator but she may be able to have it removed tomorrow. The readings for the vasospasms in the brain went up a little bit so she's not out of those woods yet. She also does not have too many facial expressions yet, but tries to communicate which is a very good sign.
Today was a little harder for Troy because he was hoping she'd be able to have the ventilator removed today. It's probably uncomfortable for her and it's doing very little work. She is almost completely breathing on her own. Dad believes the medical team is trying to be certain that she will be okay off of the ventilator. So everyone is thankful for that.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and dedication to Angela and the family. The Lord truly continues to amaze us and show His love and power every day! We are united in giving Him all of the credit for Angela's life and well being. We are united in our belief that it is no accident or plain circumstance. He is directing these events all the way.
*** Note: Because it's getting close to time for the open house I wanted to remind everyone to re-visit the note about the Avon Fundraiser. Click on the arrows next to the date on the right side bar and you will be able to see all past messages.***
Sincerely,
Sherri
*Update*
Kathy and I were at the hospital last night. We were able to spend a few minutes with Angela. We both felt that she was responding to us. She would open her eyes and look for us. She would squeeze our hands when we asked her to. We truly Believe the Lord is in control of this situation and ask that everyone continue to Pray for her and the Family.. Jody & Kathy Meloccaro
Help For Posting
Hi Everyone
(Reminder: We probably won't receive an update until this evening since Troy is working)
If anyone is having difficulty posting a comment, please feel free to email what you'd like to say to my email account at kofmministry@gmail.com and I will be happy to post it here on the blog for you.
** Please try to use the "comments" feature at the bottom of the posts first, but if it just won't work please go ahead and send me an email so I can help out.** : )
Have a very blessed day today,
Sherri
(Reminder: We probably won't receive an update until this evening since Troy is working)
If anyone is having difficulty posting a comment, please feel free to email what you'd like to say to my email account at kofmministry@gmail.com and I will be happy to post it here on the blog for you.
** Please try to use the "comments" feature at the bottom of the posts first, but if it just won't work please go ahead and send me an email so I can help out.** : )
Have a very blessed day today,
Sherri
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Update* As of 8:06pm AZ Time
Dad Kohls called with the following updates:
* Angela is breathing almost entirely on her own today. The ventilator is doing very little now.
* Both of her eyes were partially open today, and she has a strong grip when asked to squeeze. Her left side remains weaker than her right side at this time.
* She is responding to pain, and to being too hot or too cold. Her brother Tony was with her today and was talking to her and asking her to squeeze his hand if the fan bothered her or if she was uncomfortable.
* Her fever is at 101 degrees, so her doctor thinks there is still some infection relating to pneumonia.
* The spasms in both sides of her brain are continuing, however the right side readings are going down. The left side reading went up a couple of notches today but her doctor was pleased overall with how she is doing.
Angela is continuing to recover ever so slowly, but each step is positive so far. We are so deeply grateful to The Lord for these small steps toward recovery.
**Prayer Request: Please continue to ask God to keep sending financial provision to Troy as his place of employment does not have much work at this time for the guys there.
** Please continue to pray for Angela's peace of mind and comfort as she becomes more and more awake and aware of her surroundings.
** Please continue to pray for the comfort of those who are hurting over these events. Please pray for The Holy Spirit to minister comfort and assurance to them and that their hearts would be lifted as He continues to care for her at all times.
Lord God,
We bless Your name... Jesus. Even in our most distressed moments, a small part of us fights to behold You and believe in Your power to heal and to restore. Lord, thank You for Your mercy and for being so kind, and that You do not get angry with us when we are afraid. Lord, we bring Angela before You and trust You to care for her in all ways at all times. Hurry to help those who are hurting Lord, bring Your peace. Thank You Jesus. In Your name we pray, amen.
* Angela is breathing almost entirely on her own today. The ventilator is doing very little now.
* Both of her eyes were partially open today, and she has a strong grip when asked to squeeze. Her left side remains weaker than her right side at this time.
* She is responding to pain, and to being too hot or too cold. Her brother Tony was with her today and was talking to her and asking her to squeeze his hand if the fan bothered her or if she was uncomfortable.
* Her fever is at 101 degrees, so her doctor thinks there is still some infection relating to pneumonia.
* The spasms in both sides of her brain are continuing, however the right side readings are going down. The left side reading went up a couple of notches today but her doctor was pleased overall with how she is doing.
Angela is continuing to recover ever so slowly, but each step is positive so far. We are so deeply grateful to The Lord for these small steps toward recovery.
**Prayer Request: Please continue to ask God to keep sending financial provision to Troy as his place of employment does not have much work at this time for the guys there.
** Please continue to pray for Angela's peace of mind and comfort as she becomes more and more awake and aware of her surroundings.
** Please continue to pray for the comfort of those who are hurting over these events. Please pray for The Holy Spirit to minister comfort and assurance to them and that their hearts would be lifted as He continues to care for her at all times.
Lord God,
We bless Your name... Jesus. Even in our most distressed moments, a small part of us fights to behold You and believe in Your power to heal and to restore. Lord, thank You for Your mercy and for being so kind, and that You do not get angry with us when we are afraid. Lord, we bring Angela before You and trust You to care for her in all ways at all times. Hurry to help those who are hurting Lord, bring Your peace. Thank You Jesus. In Your name we pray, amen.
** A Word Of Comfort **
I want to reassure everyone that I am nobody special. I have no formal biblical training. I'm just an ordinary woman believe me. It's just that The Lord seems to be using my fingers and thoughts to minister through the blog right now as He leads. He will tug at me with the same thoughts over and over until I write them down for you. This belongs to Him all the way. I'm really just "taking dictation" the way a secretary would. (grin)
The past day or two I’ve felt The Holy Spirit tugging my heart for those who are deeply in pain and sorrow over Angela. I received a message just today from a precious prayer partner that she felt this too.
There may be some, who desperately want to believe that God will heal Angela, but they feel torn by fear and doubt, or there may be some who are grieving so deeply that words can hardly describe it. They may not post it here on the blog, but I believe God is tugging at me to bring you a special word of comfort just from Him to you. So, I’m going to write it the way it keeps coming over and over to my heart.
First, He keeps saying “I’m not angry, tell them I hear them and I feel their pain and sorrow. I am near to them, though they are having a hard time feeling Me just now.” “Tell them I hold their hearts in My hand and will wipe away their tears and sorrow” “I will increase their faith and ability to believe, but each person’s faith grows at different levels.” “Tell them I am not angry, but I am here to help them through their feelings”. “Tell them I love them very much” This is the passage of His Word that keeps coming to my mind over and over the past two days Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
The past day or two I’ve felt The Holy Spirit tugging my heart for those who are deeply in pain and sorrow over Angela. I received a message just today from a precious prayer partner that she felt this too.
There may be some, who desperately want to believe that God will heal Angela, but they feel torn by fear and doubt, or there may be some who are grieving so deeply that words can hardly describe it. They may not post it here on the blog, but I believe God is tugging at me to bring you a special word of comfort just from Him to you. So, I’m going to write it the way it keeps coming over and over to my heart.
First, He keeps saying “I’m not angry, tell them I hear them and I feel their pain and sorrow. I am near to them, though they are having a hard time feeling Me just now.” “Tell them I hold their hearts in My hand and will wipe away their tears and sorrow” “I will increase their faith and ability to believe, but each person’s faith grows at different levels.” “Tell them I am not angry, but I am here to help them through their feelings”. “Tell them I love them very much” This is the passage of His Word that keeps coming to my mind over and over the past two days Psalm 147:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
**Prayer Praise! - AVON Fundraiser**
Tracy Writes:
Attention: AVON FUNDRAISER Praise God!!! A location has been located for the Avon Open House. Here are the ways to order. 1. Open House Saturday February 3rd 10:00AM to 3:00PM 5478 N. 90th St. Suite 104 Omaha, NE 68134 Fort Plaza Shoping Center Next to American General Finance (In the strip near the Shopko parking lot.) 2. On-line at www.youravon.com/tnickell (If you are in the Omaha area make sure to mark representative delivery for increased earnings.) 3. If from out of town please log on and order through the web site above. You can have it directly shipped to your house. (The earnings will be lower this way but will still make a great impact.) 4. When your merchandise arrives I will call with a total and give you dates and times for pick up. The percentage earned is based on total volume of sales, so let's pull together and make this a very successful event. ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY FEBRUARY 5TH. Any questions regarding the fundraiser please log onto my site and use the contact me icon. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!
Attention: AVON FUNDRAISER Praise God!!! A location has been located for the Avon Open House. Here are the ways to order. 1. Open House Saturday February 3rd 10:00AM to 3:00PM 5478 N. 90th St. Suite 104 Omaha, NE 68134 Fort Plaza Shoping Center Next to American General Finance (In the strip near the Shopko parking lot.) 2. On-line at www.youravon.com/tnickell (If you are in the Omaha area make sure to mark representative delivery for increased earnings.) 3. If from out of town please log on and order through the web site above. You can have it directly shipped to your house. (The earnings will be lower this way but will still make a great impact.) 4. When your merchandise arrives I will call with a total and give you dates and times for pick up. The percentage earned is based on total volume of sales, so let's pull together and make this a very successful event. ALL ORDERS MUST BE RECEIVED BY FEBRUARY 5TH. Any questions regarding the fundraiser please log onto my site and use the contact me icon. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!!!!!!!!
Prayer Requests
** If you have prayer requests it would be our honor to lift you up in prayer as well. Please feel free to email them to me at (kofmministry@gmail.com ) and I will compile them and post them for everyone to pray together. **
** Continued prayer and praise for Angela’s complete recovery
** Continued prayer for Troy’s strength and encouragement
** Continued praise & prayer for financial means being provided for Angela’s medical bills
** Continued prayer for Rachel & Anna, and for Angela’s family to be comforted and strengthened during these events.
** Please pray for Angela’s doctor and for her medical team. They have offered great care to Angela. We also believe these events and the testimony of the family is a strong witness for those who are not believers in Christ.
Please lift the following people up in prayer as well:
Alberta Kohls (Mom): She is experiencing passing kidney stones since around December 18th. She remains thankful to The Lord as the pain has not been as severe as it could be. However as you can imagine the fatigue gets in her way. She ministers to so many people in the family (including being a main caregiver for her father) and her health is important so she can continue to minister in this way. She has been a main support for her family for the last several years.
Pierce Rohde (Mom Kohls’ father): For continued strength and healing in his body especially his heart. He is a very dearly loved part of our family and his community.
David Williams ( My mother’s brother-in-law): Suffered a stroke the night before last and has lost some of his memory. He and my aunt Bernetta are very, very strong Christians and are trusting The Lord through these events.
Tracy Nickell (Angela’s friend): As she continues to minister to Troy & Angela through the Avon fundraiser. Please pray for doors of opportunity to be opened to her and for a great harvest to bless Troy & Angela with.
Austin W. (My daughter Ashlynd’s friend): He is experiencing severe loneliness and depression. He is searching for where he belongs and is not a believer in Christ. Ashlynd feels led to pray for his salvation.
Sherri Kohls (me): Under threat of being taken over Mom Kohls’ knee, (hahaha) she wants me to post for prayer in regards to physical healing. I have been ill for approximately 19 months with severe pain in my entire body from the bottom of my head to my feet on the back side. We know I have a bulging disk between C5 & C6 and disc degeneration in C3 through C6. The rest is unknown. I experience a flu like ache in my muscles & bones, and extreme stiffness in my muscles and joints all over. We suspect fibromyalgia.
** If you have prayer requests it would be our honor to lift you up in prayer as well. Please feel free to email them to me at (kofmministry@gmail.com ) and I will compile them and post them for everyone to pray together. **
** Continued prayer and praise for Angela’s complete recovery
** Continued prayer for Troy’s strength and encouragement
** Continued praise & prayer for financial means being provided for Angela’s medical bills
** Continued prayer for Rachel & Anna, and for Angela’s family to be comforted and strengthened during these events.
** Please pray for Angela’s doctor and for her medical team. They have offered great care to Angela. We also believe these events and the testimony of the family is a strong witness for those who are not believers in Christ.
Please lift the following people up in prayer as well:
Alberta Kohls (Mom): She is experiencing passing kidney stones since around December 18th. She remains thankful to The Lord as the pain has not been as severe as it could be. However as you can imagine the fatigue gets in her way. She ministers to so many people in the family (including being a main caregiver for her father) and her health is important so she can continue to minister in this way. She has been a main support for her family for the last several years.
Pierce Rohde (Mom Kohls’ father): For continued strength and healing in his body especially his heart. He is a very dearly loved part of our family and his community.
David Williams ( My mother’s brother-in-law): Suffered a stroke the night before last and has lost some of his memory. He and my aunt Bernetta are very, very strong Christians and are trusting The Lord through these events.
Tracy Nickell (Angela’s friend): As she continues to minister to Troy & Angela through the Avon fundraiser. Please pray for doors of opportunity to be opened to her and for a great harvest to bless Troy & Angela with.
Austin W. (My daughter Ashlynd’s friend): He is experiencing severe loneliness and depression. He is searching for where he belongs and is not a believer in Christ. Ashlynd feels led to pray for his salvation.
Sherri Kohls (me): Under threat of being taken over Mom Kohls’ knee, (hahaha) she wants me to post for prayer in regards to physical healing. I have been ill for approximately 19 months with severe pain in my entire body from the bottom of my head to my feet on the back side. We know I have a bulging disk between C5 & C6 and disc degeneration in C3 through C6. The rest is unknown. I experience a flu like ache in my muscles & bones, and extreme stiffness in my muscles and joints all over. We suspect fibromyalgia.
** If you have prayer requests it would be our honor to lift you up in prayer as well. Please feel free to email them to me at (kofmministry@gmail.com ) and I will compile them and post them for everyone to pray together. **
*Update* - As of 11:32am AZ Time
Hello Everyone,
There was no change in Angela's condition last night.
Mom Kohls gave me the following updates for today though:
*The medical team was scheduled to take the breathing tube out yesterday but Angela's doctors did not feel she was ready to breathe on her own yet.
*She is not completely waking up yet even though she is on no meds to keep her asleep. She does open her left eye half way but does not seem to focus nor do we think she knows any of us at this time.
*Mom asked Troy if he will let her know when he calls in to check on Ang's condition if there is any significant change. * Troy started back to work today, so it will most likely be evenings or the next moring before updates are available for the blog*
There was no change in Angela's condition last night.
Mom Kohls gave me the following updates for today though:
*The medical team was scheduled to take the breathing tube out yesterday but Angela's doctors did not feel she was ready to breathe on her own yet.
*She is not completely waking up yet even though she is on no meds to keep her asleep. She does open her left eye half way but does not seem to focus nor do we think she knows any of us at this time.
*Mom asked Troy if he will let her know when he calls in to check on Ang's condition if there is any significant change. * Troy started back to work today, so it will most likely be evenings or the next moring before updates are available for the blog*
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Evening Message
Hello Family & Friends,
I'm sorry I'm posting so late. My daughter had an urgent need I needed to help her with.
I haven't had an update this evening by phone or email, but I know Mom & Dad Kohls would have called me right away if there was something urgent to know. It may be that Troy and Mom & Dad just needed a little break tonight to rest. I'll contact them again tomorrow to see what new news there is.
May you be blessed through the night,
Sherri
P.S. Caryl, I got your message and had to leave tonight before I could respond. I'll write you tomorrow. (((HUG)))
I'm sorry I'm posting so late. My daughter had an urgent need I needed to help her with.
I haven't had an update this evening by phone or email, but I know Mom & Dad Kohls would have called me right away if there was something urgent to know. It may be that Troy and Mom & Dad just needed a little break tonight to rest. I'll contact them again tomorrow to see what new news there is.
May you be blessed through the night,
Sherri
P.S. Caryl, I got your message and had to leave tonight before I could respond. I'll write you tomorrow. (((HUG)))
Update as of 11:26am AZ Time
Angela had another Trascranial Doppler pressure test on the brain this morning and the readings were 7 points lower on the right side and 30 points lower on the left. Mom asked Troy if that was good or bad and he thought good but had not talked to the doctor about it yet.
This test is to determine the level of the vasospasms that she is experiencing in the brain. Lower numbers mean less intense spasms. I'll see if there is any new news about that later this afternoon.
Her temp is down to 100 degrees. Her eyes are partly open but Troy does not know if she sees him or not. She did respond with her right hand when the nurse asked her to squeeze her hand. Troy said there has been some movement with her left hand today.
** Please pray for peace and comfort to surround and infuse Angela as she begins waking up **
This test is to determine the level of the vasospasms that she is experiencing in the brain. Lower numbers mean less intense spasms. I'll see if there is any new news about that later this afternoon.
Her temp is down to 100 degrees. Her eyes are partly open but Troy does not know if she sees him or not. She did respond with her right hand when the nurse asked her to squeeze her hand. Troy said there has been some movement with her left hand today.
** Please pray for peace and comfort to surround and infuse Angela as she begins waking up **
**PRAYER REQUESTS
Dear Family & Friends,
Mom Kohls has a wonderful idea which I wholeheartedly support. She wanted me to post a message saying that if you have any prayer requests please let us know. It would be our priviledge to lift you in prayer as you are lifting Angela and our family.
To make it a little easier, since there are so many people visiting Angela's blog, please feel free to email your prayer requests directly to my ministry email account (kofmministry@gmail.com) I will then make posts to the blog compliling the prayer requests so we can lift eachother up in prayer together.
** Thank You Mom, this is a wonderful idea and will bless so many people!! Love you!!
Mom Kohls has a wonderful idea which I wholeheartedly support. She wanted me to post a message saying that if you have any prayer requests please let us know. It would be our priviledge to lift you in prayer as you are lifting Angela and our family.
To make it a little easier, since there are so many people visiting Angela's blog, please feel free to email your prayer requests directly to my ministry email account (kofmministry@gmail.com) I will then make posts to the blog compliling the prayer requests so we can lift eachother up in prayer together.
** Thank You Mom, this is a wonderful idea and will bless so many people!! Love you!!
Avon Fundraiser
Tracy posted this comment, but I wanted to be sure it's on a main post so everyone can see it.
The Avon Fundraiser is still moving forward. I am finishing up last minute details and will have more information on where and how to order. Remember if you are from out of town you can go directly to the web site and order. Everything on the site will go toward the fundraiser so no need to identify yourself as part of the fundraiser. They will ship it directly to your house. It is such a blessing to hear Angela making such great strides. Go Ang Go!!!!!!!! Love, Tracy
The Avon Fundraiser is still moving forward. I am finishing up last minute details and will have more information on where and how to order. Remember if you are from out of town you can go directly to the web site and order. Everything on the site will go toward the fundraiser so no need to identify yourself as part of the fundraiser. They will ship it directly to your house. It is such a blessing to hear Angela making such great strides. Go Ang Go!!!!!!!! Love, Tracy
Good Morning
Hello Loved Ones,
I haven't heard from the family yet this morning, but I will post as soon as I talk to them.
In the mean time, have a blessed day, give out some extra hugs, and use your own special gifts to bless at least one other person today.
Thank you for all of your prayers, support, and encouragement!!
I haven't heard from the family yet this morning, but I will post as soon as I talk to them.
In the mean time, have a blessed day, give out some extra hugs, and use your own special gifts to bless at least one other person today.
Thank you for all of your prayers, support, and encouragement!!
Monday, January 15, 2007
*Update - As of 9:29pm AZ Time
Hello Dear Family & Friends,
Dad Kohls called me with these updates:
There are many things to be so thankful for today (and every day since the start).
*Angela's medical team has decreased her ventilator. She is now breathing 3/4 on her own.
*Her fever continues to hover around 101 degrees but this is positive since a fever indicates that the body is fighting an infection
*She is continuing to experience the vasospasms in her brain, however her team is monitoring this very closely. They are using medication to increase her blood pressure to 150. The reason why is so that when her blood vessels constrict during the spasms, the blood will still be forced through the veins, thus helping to avoid a stroke.
*She is moving her right arm and leg alot. Her left side, not so much. We will need to pray for strength and healing to her left side.
*The medical team has now taken Angela off of sedation and she will gradually become more and more awake.
*The swelling in her brain is now at "medium"
Please continue your diligent prayers. You are all making such a difference in Angela's recovery. I can only imagine the extreme pleasure it is bringing The Lord to hear so many people banding together in prayer for His daughter. When she is able to read this some day, she is going to be so blessed and so comforted because of ALL of you and how much love and support you've shown her through each minute of this experience. You are ALL truly a blessing and a comfort to us. Thank you so much.
Dad Kohls called me with these updates:
There are many things to be so thankful for today (and every day since the start).
*Angela's medical team has decreased her ventilator. She is now breathing 3/4 on her own.
*Her fever continues to hover around 101 degrees but this is positive since a fever indicates that the body is fighting an infection
*She is continuing to experience the vasospasms in her brain, however her team is monitoring this very closely. They are using medication to increase her blood pressure to 150. The reason why is so that when her blood vessels constrict during the spasms, the blood will still be forced through the veins, thus helping to avoid a stroke.
*She is moving her right arm and leg alot. Her left side, not so much. We will need to pray for strength and healing to her left side.
*The medical team has now taken Angela off of sedation and she will gradually become more and more awake.
*The swelling in her brain is now at "medium"
Please continue your diligent prayers. You are all making such a difference in Angela's recovery. I can only imagine the extreme pleasure it is bringing The Lord to hear so many people banding together in prayer for His daughter. When she is able to read this some day, she is going to be so blessed and so comforted because of ALL of you and how much love and support you've shown her through each minute of this experience. You are ALL truly a blessing and a comfort to us. Thank you so much.
**Message in for update **
Hi Everyone,
I haven't heard from the family yet this evening. It's 7:27pm my time at the moment. I have a message in and am waiting to hear back. I'll post again shortly.
I haven't heard from the family yet this evening. It's 7:27pm my time at the moment. I have a message in and am waiting to hear back. I'll post again shortly.
** Mom **
Hi Mom ((HUG))
The new counter is way down at the bottom to keep it out of the way, and the account information has been added to the side so it can be permanently seen.
Love you very much!! These were GREAT suggestions!
Note: I started the counter at 0 and within 15 minutes there were 44 visits. The Lord is really blessing Angela's blog and touching so many peoples lives! I'm amazed and rejoicing at His goodness.
The new counter is way down at the bottom to keep it out of the way, and the account information has been added to the side so it can be permanently seen.
Love you very much!! These were GREAT suggestions!
Note: I started the counter at 0 and within 15 minutes there were 44 visits. The Lord is really blessing Angela's blog and touching so many peoples lives! I'm amazed and rejoicing at His goodness.
Update: As of 10:05am AZ Time
Hello Everyone, thank you for checking in on the blog today.
Mom Kohls called with the following update:
**Angela's night passed well. Today she is experiencing more vasospasms (expanding and contracting of the blood vessels in her brain). *Please continue to make this a prayer point*
**As another post mentioned, her medical team is beginning to wean her off the ventilator in two-hour increments. She begins to become pretty weak toward the end of those two hours, so we also need to pray for her strength to breathe on her own more and more.
**Angela's fever continues to hover around 101 degrees and she is still fighting pneumonia
Note: Overall, Angela is doing very well. All of these things seem troublesome, but her doctor said that overall he is amazed at how well she is doing. He expected much worse, and is saying that Angela is responding much better than he can understand. (*Actually he said "never been down this road before" meaning he's never seen someone recover from such trauma like this) Praise The Lord!!!
** Prayer partners, you are so vital, please continue to pray for Angela's body to continue healing in all ways. Please pray for Troy as he is receiving numerous calls and is finding it hard to have time with his beloved wife because of trying to answer calls. Please pass on to family and friends to check the blog for updates so he can be free to accept only calls from Angela's medical team and his & her immediate family members for a little while longer. He is becoming quite fatigued and needs our help.**
Mom Kohls called with the following update:
**Angela's night passed well. Today she is experiencing more vasospasms (expanding and contracting of the blood vessels in her brain). *Please continue to make this a prayer point*
**As another post mentioned, her medical team is beginning to wean her off the ventilator in two-hour increments. She begins to become pretty weak toward the end of those two hours, so we also need to pray for her strength to breathe on her own more and more.
**Angela's fever continues to hover around 101 degrees and she is still fighting pneumonia
Note: Overall, Angela is doing very well. All of these things seem troublesome, but her doctor said that overall he is amazed at how well she is doing. He expected much worse, and is saying that Angela is responding much better than he can understand. (*Actually he said "never been down this road before" meaning he's never seen someone recover from such trauma like this) Praise The Lord!!!
** Prayer partners, you are so vital, please continue to pray for Angela's body to continue healing in all ways. Please pray for Troy as he is receiving numerous calls and is finding it hard to have time with his beloved wife because of trying to answer calls. Please pass on to family and friends to check the blog for updates so he can be free to accept only calls from Angela's medical team and his & her immediate family members for a little while longer. He is becoming quite fatigued and needs our help.**
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Evening Update as of 9:40pm AZ time
Hello Everyone,
Greg sent an email that had the following updates:
"The pulmonologist is beginning to wean Angela off the ventilator. She was off for 2 hours this evening and for the most part did well. They may try a couple of two-hour sessions tomorrow.
She still has a moderate fever - probably related to the pneumonia that's hanging on. The nurses took a culture from her lung this afternoon for further testing. Angela continues to have the vasospasms and the medical staff is doing everything possible to minimize the impact."
I will update the blog with further updates tomorrow once I hear from the family.
Have a blessed evening,
Sherri
Greg sent an email that had the following updates:
"The pulmonologist is beginning to wean Angela off the ventilator. She was off for 2 hours this evening and for the most part did well. They may try a couple of two-hour sessions tomorrow.
She still has a moderate fever - probably related to the pneumonia that's hanging on. The nurses took a culture from her lung this afternoon for further testing. Angela continues to have the vasospasms and the medical staff is doing everything possible to minimize the impact."
I will update the blog with further updates tomorrow once I hear from the family.
Have a blessed evening,
Sherri
***YOU make a difference!***
Hello Everyone,
As I was spending time with The Lord this morning He brought a word for us that He wants me to post.
There are many precious people who are trying desperately to express how much they want to help Angela, help Troy and help our family in some way because of how much they care about what’s going on. Some of our beloved friends and family have said “I feel so helpless or like I’m not doing anything significant and it makes me so sad and frustrated.” The Lord wants to tell you something important and to encourage you.
The Lord has a word for us today and it is so wonderful and full of love. He wanted me to write the following:
He has made each and every one of us on purpose. No two of us are alike, and He wants it that way. He wants us to celebrate that. He shared Psalm 139: 1-18
“You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me. You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts. You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side. I can’t understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me. Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight? If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, you would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead you would also be there. Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me. Or suppose I said, “I’ll hide in the dark until night comes to cover me over.” But you see in the dark because daylight and dark are all the same to you. You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous. Of this I have no doubt. Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do. Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine. I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. And when I awake, I will find you nearby.”
What is the message of Angela’s life at this time? To stop and take stock of our lives and to make sure that we are living in such a way that if we were suddenly taken away, that those left behind would have had their lives touched by us in our own unique way. That our fingerprints would be on the lives of each person The Lord had brought into our life whether brief or long. That’s one of the reasons He made us. No one can touch somebody else like you can, because He gave you unique and unspoiled gifts that no one else has. Look at the comment Tracy left today on the Update Post. Angela left a coffee cup at her home and now it is there reminding Tracy of her and being a small touch of Angela with her every day. It was just a coffee cup…. but because it came from Angela, it has turned into a precious and priceless gift for Tracy.
Here is what God wants to say… “Pay it forward” if someone does something good for you or to you, do something good for or to someone else," “Demonstrate your gifts by expressing them to those around you” “Do not compare yourself to any other, because I made YOU on purpose and I like YOU just like you are.” If you have the gift of crafting, make a special gift and show someone they are special. If you have the gift of music, make a tape for someone to listen to. If you have the gift of writing, write a special note to someone and let them know how important they are to you. If you have the gift of service, demonstrate your love to someone by doing an act of service for them (no matter how small or how big). If you have the gift of peace, speak peaceful words to those around you. If you have the gift of beauty, teach someone how to bring out the best in themselves. If you have the gift of wealth, share your money with someone who needs it or just give it away even if they haven’t asked you for it. Send your pastor a gift card to a restaurant, or book an appointment for a friend to have a massage, or find a way to gift someone and be a blessing to them. If you are a carpenter, repair or build something for someone for free. If you are a construction worker, gift your excellence to your boss and company or teach a rookie how to do the job with excellence. Take someone under your wing and teach them how to be a person who does excellent work. If you are a teacher, take extra time with a student who seems to have learning difficulties. Give them encouragement and hope even when others think it’s a waste of time. If you are a young person, take time to thank an adult for something they’ve done or said that you are planning to use in your own life to be just that much more of a better person. There are endless possibilities. Do not cut yourself short.
Take Angela’s circumstances and let them change you or encourage you to find the value in others, the preciousness of life, the preciousness of your spouse, the preciousness of each child. Allow them to work within you to remind you to be less angry with others and more patient, less judgmental and more forgiving, less focused on what you need and more focused on how you can meet the needs of another person. It might not be Angela or Troy or the family that God will use you to minister to, but because of her circumstances God may speak to you about how you can bless someone else who needs you more at that particular time. In this way, you are doing something very significant that would make Angela very happy to hear about.
The most important thing you can do during this time is to minister to others about The Lord. If you know someone who is watching these events unfold and they have not made a personal choice to give their lives to Christ yet, begin to speak about how He’s working in all of this, how it’s affected you, and how much they mean to you. Life is in God’s hands for us all and as He said before in the post “Calling all prayer warriors”, ..”No man can count the number of his days, but I know them all.” We saw that in the above passage Psalm 139: 16. Life can change in an instant as we are seeing… and once a person has passed away there is no second chance for them to change their mind about God.
Angela made the choice to give her life to The Lord several years ago, and she is secure forever. She would be the first one to say that believing in Jesus and surrendering control of your life to Him is the most important choice any person can make. After that, no matter what happens in your life, you have the assurance and 100% guarantee that you are going to be okay and that God is on your side forever. Hebrews 13:6 says “That should make you feel like saying, “The Lord helps me! Why should I be afraid of what people can do to me?”
Each and every one of you is a powerful and important, vital part of this season. Just your positive words of encouragement are like a mighty weapon for the Bible says that “The power of life and death are in the tongue” If you’re walking around your house or walking around work with Angela on your mind... you can whisper or say out loud something positive that will make an eternal impact. Science teaches us that sound waves ripple just like what happens when you drop a stone in water. The ripples go out and out and out into space and there is no stopping point except at The Lord’s ears.
YOU make a difference! (((HUG)))
As I was spending time with The Lord this morning He brought a word for us that He wants me to post.
There are many precious people who are trying desperately to express how much they want to help Angela, help Troy and help our family in some way because of how much they care about what’s going on. Some of our beloved friends and family have said “I feel so helpless or like I’m not doing anything significant and it makes me so sad and frustrated.” The Lord wants to tell you something important and to encourage you.
The Lord has a word for us today and it is so wonderful and full of love. He wanted me to write the following:
He has made each and every one of us on purpose. No two of us are alike, and He wants it that way. He wants us to celebrate that. He shared Psalm 139: 1-18
“You have looked deep into my heart, Lord, and you know all about me. You know when I am resting or when I am working, and from heaven you discover my thoughts. You notice everything I do and everywhere I go. Before I even speak a word, you know what I will say, and with your powerful arm you protect me from every side. I can’t understand all of this! Such wonderful knowledge is far above me. Where could I go to escape from your Spirit or from your sight? If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, you would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead you would also be there. Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me. Or suppose I said, “I’ll hide in the dark until night comes to cover me over.” But you see in the dark because daylight and dark are all the same to you. You are the one who put me together inside my mother’s body, and I praise you because of the wonderful way you created me. Everything you do is marvelous. Of this I have no doubt. Nothing about me is hidden from you! I was secretly woven together deep in the earth below, but with your own eyes you saw my body being formed. Even before I was born, you had written in your book everything I would do. Your thoughts are far beyond my understanding, much more than I could ever imagine. I try to count your thoughts, but they outnumber the grains of sand on the beach. And when I awake, I will find you nearby.”
What is the message of Angela’s life at this time? To stop and take stock of our lives and to make sure that we are living in such a way that if we were suddenly taken away, that those left behind would have had their lives touched by us in our own unique way. That our fingerprints would be on the lives of each person The Lord had brought into our life whether brief or long. That’s one of the reasons He made us. No one can touch somebody else like you can, because He gave you unique and unspoiled gifts that no one else has. Look at the comment Tracy left today on the Update Post. Angela left a coffee cup at her home and now it is there reminding Tracy of her and being a small touch of Angela with her every day. It was just a coffee cup…. but because it came from Angela, it has turned into a precious and priceless gift for Tracy.
Here is what God wants to say… “Pay it forward” if someone does something good for you or to you, do something good for or to someone else," “Demonstrate your gifts by expressing them to those around you” “Do not compare yourself to any other, because I made YOU on purpose and I like YOU just like you are.” If you have the gift of crafting, make a special gift and show someone they are special. If you have the gift of music, make a tape for someone to listen to. If you have the gift of writing, write a special note to someone and let them know how important they are to you. If you have the gift of service, demonstrate your love to someone by doing an act of service for them (no matter how small or how big). If you have the gift of peace, speak peaceful words to those around you. If you have the gift of beauty, teach someone how to bring out the best in themselves. If you have the gift of wealth, share your money with someone who needs it or just give it away even if they haven’t asked you for it. Send your pastor a gift card to a restaurant, or book an appointment for a friend to have a massage, or find a way to gift someone and be a blessing to them. If you are a carpenter, repair or build something for someone for free. If you are a construction worker, gift your excellence to your boss and company or teach a rookie how to do the job with excellence. Take someone under your wing and teach them how to be a person who does excellent work. If you are a teacher, take extra time with a student who seems to have learning difficulties. Give them encouragement and hope even when others think it’s a waste of time. If you are a young person, take time to thank an adult for something they’ve done or said that you are planning to use in your own life to be just that much more of a better person. There are endless possibilities. Do not cut yourself short.
Take Angela’s circumstances and let them change you or encourage you to find the value in others, the preciousness of life, the preciousness of your spouse, the preciousness of each child. Allow them to work within you to remind you to be less angry with others and more patient, less judgmental and more forgiving, less focused on what you need and more focused on how you can meet the needs of another person. It might not be Angela or Troy or the family that God will use you to minister to, but because of her circumstances God may speak to you about how you can bless someone else who needs you more at that particular time. In this way, you are doing something very significant that would make Angela very happy to hear about.
The most important thing you can do during this time is to minister to others about The Lord. If you know someone who is watching these events unfold and they have not made a personal choice to give their lives to Christ yet, begin to speak about how He’s working in all of this, how it’s affected you, and how much they mean to you. Life is in God’s hands for us all and as He said before in the post “Calling all prayer warriors”, ..”No man can count the number of his days, but I know them all.” We saw that in the above passage Psalm 139: 16. Life can change in an instant as we are seeing… and once a person has passed away there is no second chance for them to change their mind about God.
Angela made the choice to give her life to The Lord several years ago, and she is secure forever. She would be the first one to say that believing in Jesus and surrendering control of your life to Him is the most important choice any person can make. After that, no matter what happens in your life, you have the assurance and 100% guarantee that you are going to be okay and that God is on your side forever. Hebrews 13:6 says “That should make you feel like saying, “The Lord helps me! Why should I be afraid of what people can do to me?”
Each and every one of you is a powerful and important, vital part of this season. Just your positive words of encouragement are like a mighty weapon for the Bible says that “The power of life and death are in the tongue” If you’re walking around your house or walking around work with Angela on your mind... you can whisper or say out loud something positive that will make an eternal impact. Science teaches us that sound waves ripple just like what happens when you drop a stone in water. The ripples go out and out and out into space and there is no stopping point except at The Lord’s ears.
YOU make a difference! (((HUG)))
**UPDATE - Sunday as of 11:55 am AZ time
Happy Sabath Day Everyone,
Troy just called to give me an update so I could post it for you.
Angela's night passed well. There are a few updates to her condition that we need to focus our prayers on. Again, The Lord has been reassuring us through all of these days that He has Angela safely in His hands and not to be afraid no matter what happens.
*Angela's brain is beginning the process of going through spasms. Now this is something that her doctor has seen time and time again with his patients and he had prepared us to expect it but didn't expect this to begin until around day 7 after her second surgery. She has actually begun early which is strangely enough a good sign.
What is going on is that because of the trauma to the brain, the blood vessels are expanding and contracting in spasms. The danger is that during these spasms the blood supply is being cut off and if any of them lasts long enough there could be risk of a stroke. Her medical team is monitoring this very, very closely. **Please make it a point of prayer that as her brain is trying to heal itself, that the spasms are short and do not lead to a stroke, however, again The Lord is saying "Do not be afraid" and to lean on Him through each phase.**
*She is still running a slight fever and experiencing some effects of pneumonia. The medical team is going to assess what further steps to take to minimize the infection so that they can assist her in getting ready to breathe on her own off of the ventilator as soon as it's safe to do so.
*Her heart rate is a little slow and her blood pressure is high, so they are working on some medications to get that a little more stabalized for her.
*Angela's medical staff is deciding that they are going to slowly start bringing her out of sedation within the next few days as soon as it's safe to do so. **Please make this a prayer point, that she will have peace and comfort as she becomes more aware of her surroundings and relies on her team and her family to take care of her and do for her what she can't do for herself temporarily.**
*Troy said she looks even better today than yesterday. He said he's so proud of her and how hard she's fighting. She is a very strong woman and she is giving it everything she's got.
Prayer Points:
*The spasms occurring in Angela's brain
*Continued prayer intervention regarding pneumonia
*Angela's heart rate and blood pressure
*Rachel and Anna
*Strength for Troy & the family & our friends to endure the time period of these spasms. Our faith is very strong, but as you can imagine we don't want to see Angela have to endure a stroke. Ultimately, we are united in our faith that The Lord is in complete control no matter what lies ahead, and we trust Him.
**Note: Troy wanted me to tell all of the guys at work "Thank you for everything you are doing to support and encourage us. I am just blown away by your generosity and how much you guys have done for me. Thank you so much! You have no idea what a blessing you all of been and how much pressure you've taken off my shoulders."
Troy just called to give me an update so I could post it for you.
Angela's night passed well. There are a few updates to her condition that we need to focus our prayers on. Again, The Lord has been reassuring us through all of these days that He has Angela safely in His hands and not to be afraid no matter what happens.
*Angela's brain is beginning the process of going through spasms. Now this is something that her doctor has seen time and time again with his patients and he had prepared us to expect it but didn't expect this to begin until around day 7 after her second surgery. She has actually begun early which is strangely enough a good sign.
What is going on is that because of the trauma to the brain, the blood vessels are expanding and contracting in spasms. The danger is that during these spasms the blood supply is being cut off and if any of them lasts long enough there could be risk of a stroke. Her medical team is monitoring this very, very closely. **Please make it a point of prayer that as her brain is trying to heal itself, that the spasms are short and do not lead to a stroke, however, again The Lord is saying "Do not be afraid" and to lean on Him through each phase.**
*She is still running a slight fever and experiencing some effects of pneumonia. The medical team is going to assess what further steps to take to minimize the infection so that they can assist her in getting ready to breathe on her own off of the ventilator as soon as it's safe to do so.
*Her heart rate is a little slow and her blood pressure is high, so they are working on some medications to get that a little more stabalized for her.
*Angela's medical staff is deciding that they are going to slowly start bringing her out of sedation within the next few days as soon as it's safe to do so. **Please make this a prayer point, that she will have peace and comfort as she becomes more aware of her surroundings and relies on her team and her family to take care of her and do for her what she can't do for herself temporarily.**
*Troy said she looks even better today than yesterday. He said he's so proud of her and how hard she's fighting. She is a very strong woman and she is giving it everything she's got.
Prayer Points:
*The spasms occurring in Angela's brain
*Continued prayer intervention regarding pneumonia
*Angela's heart rate and blood pressure
*Rachel and Anna
*Strength for Troy & the family & our friends to endure the time period of these spasms. Our faith is very strong, but as you can imagine we don't want to see Angela have to endure a stroke. Ultimately, we are united in our faith that The Lord is in complete control no matter what lies ahead, and we trust Him.
**Note: Troy wanted me to tell all of the guys at work "Thank you for everything you are doing to support and encourage us. I am just blown away by your generosity and how much you guys have done for me. Thank you so much! You have no idea what a blessing you all of been and how much pressure you've taken off my shoulders."
Saturday, January 13, 2007
*Evening Update - 7:41pm AZ time*
Hello Everyone,
I just got off the phone with Dad Kohls and have the following information to share with you:
*Angela's CAT Scan, and other tests today were all positive. No yucky news.
*Angela's bruising continues to heal. She doesn't look much like herself due to the swelling and bruising, so the family is encouraged and comforted that her beautiful face is starting to shine through again.
*Troy was able to spend some good, long, much needed quality time with Rachel & Anna today. Troy is a tremendous father and he is an example to follow. I know how much he treasures his girls.
** Please pray for the girls as they're having a hard time not being able to see their mommy. This decision was made in order to protect them due to the fact that they would not recognize her right now. Rachel has a more sensative nature than Anna does, so it's been a little harder for her to accept.
These little one's are so special to the family, and we just want to lift them to The Lord for comfort. Jesus is so kind to children and always had time for them no matter where He went while He was here. Angela is a tremendous mother and her first thought would be for the girls not to be scared.
By the way **Tony, welcome home! I forgot to post that for you yesterday and I apologize. My family is a military family, (all branches) so I have a special soft spot for military members everywhere.**
That's all of the news for this evening. As always I will keep you posted if there are any new developments. May you have a blessed evening and may you sleep very well. May your worship at church tomorrow be extra sweet!
I just got off the phone with Dad Kohls and have the following information to share with you:
*Angela's CAT Scan, and other tests today were all positive. No yucky news.
*Angela's bruising continues to heal. She doesn't look much like herself due to the swelling and bruising, so the family is encouraged and comforted that her beautiful face is starting to shine through again.
*Troy was able to spend some good, long, much needed quality time with Rachel & Anna today. Troy is a tremendous father and he is an example to follow. I know how much he treasures his girls.
** Please pray for the girls as they're having a hard time not being able to see their mommy. This decision was made in order to protect them due to the fact that they would not recognize her right now. Rachel has a more sensative nature than Anna does, so it's been a little harder for her to accept.
These little one's are so special to the family, and we just want to lift them to The Lord for comfort. Jesus is so kind to children and always had time for them no matter where He went while He was here. Angela is a tremendous mother and her first thought would be for the girls not to be scared.
By the way **Tony, welcome home! I forgot to post that for you yesterday and I apologize. My family is a military family, (all branches) so I have a special soft spot for military members everywhere.**
That's all of the news for this evening. As always I will keep you posted if there are any new developments. May you have a blessed evening and may you sleep very well. May your worship at church tomorrow be extra sweet!
**Donation Account Information**
Hello Everyone,
Due to the many requests for a way to donate funds to Troy & Angela, the family has set up the following account. *Thank you so much for all of your support and encouragement. You have been a vital part in getting the family through this experience*
Greg wrote:
"Here's the info on the account that has been set-up if individuals feel lead to contribute financially - I know that some people have asked.
Wells Fargo Bank
10010 Regency Circle
Omaha, NE 68114
Attention: Love for Angela
**Checks should be made out to "Love For Angela". In addition to mailing, individuals in Omaha should be able to go into any Wells Fargo Branch and make a contribution.
Thanks, Greg "
Due to the many requests for a way to donate funds to Troy & Angela, the family has set up the following account. *Thank you so much for all of your support and encouragement. You have been a vital part in getting the family through this experience*
Greg wrote:
"Here's the info on the account that has been set-up if individuals feel lead to contribute financially - I know that some people have asked.
Wells Fargo Bank
10010 Regency Circle
Omaha, NE 68114
Attention: Love for Angela
**Checks should be made out to "Love For Angela". In addition to mailing, individuals in Omaha should be able to go into any Wells Fargo Branch and make a contribution.
Thanks, Greg "
*Contact Post - Tracy Nickell Avon Fundraiser*
Hello Everyone,
Please use this post to add comments or talk back and forth with Tracy regarding the Avon fundraiser she is heading up for Troy & Angela. She is looking for a person from Troy's workplace, Angela's workplace, and perhaps a teacher from Rachel's school along with a church member to be the contact person for handing out brochures. * Any other ideas for locations are welcome.
I've checked out her website and it is awesome!! Something for everyone!
Previously Posted:
Tracy wrote:I am currently setting up an Avon fundraiser to help Troy and Angela with any financial needs that come their way. My idea was to take brochures and order forms to Angela's work, their church, the girls old pre-school, and even at Troy's work. If our sales are large enough we can earn up to 40 percent profit to be forwarded onto Troy. I am hoping to get friends from each of these places to use as a reference point. Together I know we can make this a great success. If any of you have any other ideas on where to place brochures or would like to take some to work let me know. Tracy Nickell 552-0481. For those of you from out of town you can order by going to www.youravon.com/tnickell. We will only receive 20 percent profit by ordering on-line but it's better than nothing. All orders must be received by February 6th. Sherri if you would post this on the site with one of your updates so that it reaches more people that would be great. Thanks, Tracy
Please use this post to add comments or talk back and forth with Tracy regarding the Avon fundraiser she is heading up for Troy & Angela. She is looking for a person from Troy's workplace, Angela's workplace, and perhaps a teacher from Rachel's school along with a church member to be the contact person for handing out brochures. * Any other ideas for locations are welcome.
I've checked out her website and it is awesome!! Something for everyone!
Previously Posted:
Tracy wrote:I am currently setting up an Avon fundraiser to help Troy and Angela with any financial needs that come their way. My idea was to take brochures and order forms to Angela's work, their church, the girls old pre-school, and even at Troy's work. If our sales are large enough we can earn up to 40 percent profit to be forwarded onto Troy. I am hoping to get friends from each of these places to use as a reference point. Together I know we can make this a great success. If any of you have any other ideas on where to place brochures or would like to take some to work let me know. Tracy Nickell 552-0481. For those of you from out of town you can order by going to www.youravon.com/tnickell. We will only receive 20 percent profit by ordering on-line but it's better than nothing. All orders must be received by February 6th. Sherri if you would post this on the site with one of your updates so that it reaches more people that would be great. Thanks, Tracy
Saturday Update as of 12:57pm AZ Time
Hello Family & Friends,
Greg called with the following updates:
*Praise Report - Angela's night passed well
*Praise Report - Angela's pneumonia seems to be subsiding and her fever remains low
*Praise Report - Angela's bruising continues to heal well
*Praise Report - Troy will get to spend some good quality time with the girls today
Greg said he would call me later today after she has her CAT scan and blood tests done and give me another update. **Also there is an account now for those who have been asking how they can donate funds. I will have that information later as well.
Thank you everyone for your prayers, love, and encouragement!! We are asking The Lord to bless you over and over!
Greg called with the following updates:
*Praise Report - Angela's night passed well
*Praise Report - Angela's pneumonia seems to be subsiding and her fever remains low
*Praise Report - Angela's bruising continues to heal well
*Praise Report - Troy will get to spend some good quality time with the girls today
Greg said he would call me later today after she has her CAT scan and blood tests done and give me another update. **Also there is an account now for those who have been asking how they can donate funds. I will have that information later as well.
Thank you everyone for your prayers, love, and encouragement!! We are asking The Lord to bless you over and over!
Friday, January 12, 2007
*Evening Update - As of 6:41pm AZ time
Hello Everyone,
Greg called with the following updates:
*Praise report - Tony arrived safely and has been to see Angela today.
*Praise report - Angela's temperature has gone down to 99 degrees
*Praise report - Angela has been moving her right arm alot today and her right leg. She is moving her left arm & leg more too. Note: Because her doctor says its vital that her movements are restricted to allow the brain to heal they had to restrain her right arm today. It's a safety precaution and does not hurt her at all.
*Praise report - Greg said she looks better today. Some of the bruising on her face is beginning to subside. (Bruising is a natural side effect of her brain surgery and not cause for alarm)
I don't expect any further updates this evening, however I'll keep you posted should anything occur. I'm not sure how the weekend will work since this is our first one, but again I will keep everyone posted as I hear news.
Have a blessed evening,
Sherri
Greg called with the following updates:
*Praise report - Tony arrived safely and has been to see Angela today.
*Praise report - Angela's temperature has gone down to 99 degrees
*Praise report - Angela has been moving her right arm alot today and her right leg. She is moving her left arm & leg more too. Note: Because her doctor says its vital that her movements are restricted to allow the brain to heal they had to restrain her right arm today. It's a safety precaution and does not hurt her at all.
*Praise report - Greg said she looks better today. Some of the bruising on her face is beginning to subside. (Bruising is a natural side effect of her brain surgery and not cause for alarm)
I don't expect any further updates this evening, however I'll keep you posted should anything occur. I'm not sure how the weekend will work since this is our first one, but again I will keep everyone posted as I hear news.
Have a blessed evening,
Sherri
A Word About Posts
I wanted to make a short post very quickly and share that because of the sensativity of events, there may be times when certain posts or parts of posts will be removed from the blog if and when The Lord leads me to do so. This is in no way meant to offend any person, but is strictly an act of obedience if The Lord asks me to remove information for His reasons. Additionally, the family is concerned that any outsiders reading the blog do not gain unneccessary information as sometimes happens in a public forum such as this. This is strictly a preventative caution because we care very much for those who love Troy and Angela and their families.
Also, we want to preserve the intimate and personal nature of the blog and therefore ask that no websites be posted to the blog that aren't pre-approved first. So far the only approved website submitted by post is Tracy's because of her fundraising efforts on behalf of Troy and Angela. She is not recieving any personal gain from sales. Other websites on the blog so far are for information or educational purposes. Thank you everyone for your continued support and encouragement.
Also, we want to preserve the intimate and personal nature of the blog and therefore ask that no websites be posted to the blog that aren't pre-approved first. So far the only approved website submitted by post is Tracy's because of her fundraising efforts on behalf of Troy and Angela. She is not recieving any personal gain from sales. Other websites on the blog so far are for information or educational purposes. Thank you everyone for your continued support and encouragement.
*Praise Report* Tony is on his way home
Thank you prayer partners! We just recieved word that Angela's brother Tony is safely on his way and will be in Omaha later this afternoon.
** CALLING ALL PRAYER WARRIORS **
Dear loved ones,
We just recieved word that Angela has pneumonia and her fever is now at 103 degrees. This was a risk we were told about because of being on the ventilator. Because her left side is not as strong as the doctor says it needs to be in order to breathe on her own, he does not want to take her off of the ventilator yet.
** Please pray as much as you can today (and until there is word of a change)against pneumonia and fever in her body. Please ask The Lord to bring healing and guard her against any long term effects. This is another opportunity to see His amazing hand at work and to glorify and praise Him for His power to sustain Angela's life & health. \O/ His word is: "Do not be afraid. Lean on Me and be disciplined in prayer. You will once again see My hand at work. I Am with her. Do not be afraid, no matter what happens. I will not give glory or power to the enemy. My authority will not be challenged. Angela is My daughter and I have her safely within My hand. For her life is to be a testimony and a witness for those I choose and Am calling to even at this hour. Search your heart oh loved ones. Will you not surrender your life to Me as this precious one has? For I love you with a great love and long to have you with Me for all eternity just as My daughter has surrendered her life to Me and shall be with Me forever. No man can count the number of his days, but I know them all. Come to Me and be saved. Do not delay and give a further foothold to your enemy, for I long to set you free."
We just recieved word that Angela has pneumonia and her fever is now at 103 degrees. This was a risk we were told about because of being on the ventilator. Because her left side is not as strong as the doctor says it needs to be in order to breathe on her own, he does not want to take her off of the ventilator yet.
** Please pray as much as you can today (and until there is word of a change)against pneumonia and fever in her body. Please ask The Lord to bring healing and guard her against any long term effects. This is another opportunity to see His amazing hand at work and to glorify and praise Him for His power to sustain Angela's life & health. \O/ His word is: "Do not be afraid. Lean on Me and be disciplined in prayer. You will once again see My hand at work. I Am with her. Do not be afraid, no matter what happens. I will not give glory or power to the enemy. My authority will not be challenged. Angela is My daughter and I have her safely within My hand. For her life is to be a testimony and a witness for those I choose and Am calling to even at this hour. Search your heart oh loved ones. Will you not surrender your life to Me as this precious one has? For I love you with a great love and long to have you with Me for all eternity just as My daughter has surrendered her life to Me and shall be with Me forever. No man can count the number of his days, but I know them all. Come to Me and be saved. Do not delay and give a further foothold to your enemy, for I long to set you free."
Oh Father, I bow to You Lord God. I praise You and thank You for this word and for speaking to us so directly. Lord God there is none but You. There is no other God before You and I praise Your Almighty Name. Father thank You for your immeasurable love for Angela and for all of us. I pray that as You call to those who have not turned their lives over to You yet, that Angela will be Your minister to bring them to a final decision through Your Holy Spirit's prompting. Oh God, I quake at Your majesty and Your power. Praise You Lord for Angela and for her testimony of You. Wake her Jesus as you once did for the girl in Mark chapter 5 verses 41-43 by speaking "Talitha Koum!" ("Maiden Arise!") Thank You Jesus for giving Your life in place of ours that we may come to peace with The Father for eternity through You. Amen.
**PRAYER PARTNERS - Please pray for ...
Hello precious prayer partners,
Please pray today for these specific requests:
*Angela's brother Tony who is in the service is trying to get home. He missed his connecting flight in Amsterdam (this sometimes happens due to scheduling military members) Please pray for him to be guided and directed as needed to get home safely.
*Angela's fever: Please ask The Lord for His hand to guide her body functions and pray against any plot by the enemy to interfere.
* Chanin, Theresa, Dad Monestero & Mom Kohls : Greg mentioned that some of the family members aren't feeling that great. I'm sure the emotional stress has a great deal to do with it, but since there are quite a few (*and there may be some I don't know about) I just think it would be prudent to pray against sickness and fatigue for everyone including friends and other family members. We're all in this together so we want to squash any attempts by the enemy to strike us further.
- Note: Mom Kohls is having ongoing kidney stone passing, so needs prayer for her strength and healing please.
May God richly bless you for your committment to pray. Prayer and praise are the most vital weapons and you mean so much to all of us! Thank you!
Please pray today for these specific requests:
*Angela's brother Tony who is in the service is trying to get home. He missed his connecting flight in Amsterdam (this sometimes happens due to scheduling military members) Please pray for him to be guided and directed as needed to get home safely.
*Angela's fever: Please ask The Lord for His hand to guide her body functions and pray against any plot by the enemy to interfere.
* Chanin, Theresa, Dad Monestero & Mom Kohls : Greg mentioned that some of the family members aren't feeling that great. I'm sure the emotional stress has a great deal to do with it, but since there are quite a few (*and there may be some I don't know about) I just think it would be prudent to pray against sickness and fatigue for everyone including friends and other family members. We're all in this together so we want to squash any attempts by the enemy to strike us further.
- Note: Mom Kohls is having ongoing kidney stone passing, so needs prayer for her strength and healing please.
May God richly bless you for your committment to pray. Prayer and praise are the most vital weapons and you mean so much to all of us! Thank you!
*Update - As of 10:48am AZ time
Hello Everyone,
Greg called and Troy had the following updates:
* Night passed pretty well for Angela. At one point her blood pressure was up, but has since gone back to normal.
* Angela is running a fever of about 102 degrees. Not cause for alarm just yet, as it may be an immunity reponse from her body. *Please make this a prayer point however
* When the nurse came in this morning to brush Angela's teeth for her, Angela was trying to brush her away with her hand. This is Good News, because it means she is responding to stimuli.
*Greg will be going up to the hospital later today and will let me know any further updates later today.
Greg called and Troy had the following updates:
* Night passed pretty well for Angela. At one point her blood pressure was up, but has since gone back to normal.
* Angela is running a fever of about 102 degrees. Not cause for alarm just yet, as it may be an immunity reponse from her body. *Please make this a prayer point however
* When the nurse came in this morning to brush Angela's teeth for her, Angela was trying to brush her away with her hand. This is Good News, because it means she is responding to stimuli.
*Greg will be going up to the hospital later today and will let me know any further updates later today.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Evening Update** As of 8:35pm AZ time
Hi Everyone,
Troy called my husband Donovan (most everyone calls him "Donny" but me because I love his name so much (grin)) and told him Angela is doing okay tonight. (Pastor Murdoch or Pastor Mike I think he said), Dad Kohls, and Troy prayed over her together this evening. The only concern that Troy had was that she seemed to be having some additional swelling in her face. He planned to go back to the hospital after spending time with Rachel and Anna.
I don't think there will be any further updates tonight other than this one and the message from Greg regarding Meals Volunteers. As long as everything is okay through the night, the plan is for the doctor to wake her again in the morning to perform some reflex tests and check her responses.
I will post again for you once I hear from the family tomorrow. Have a blessed evening this evening.
Sherri
Troy called my husband Donovan (most everyone calls him "Donny" but me because I love his name so much (grin)
I don't think there will be any further updates tonight other than this one and the message from Greg regarding Meals Volunteers. As long as everything is okay through the night, the plan is for the doctor to wake her again in the morning to perform some reflex tests and check her responses.
I will post again for you once I hear from the family tomorrow. Have a blessed evening this evening.
Sherri
Update: * Ways To Help *
**NOTE: Regarding the notes below (fundraising) the family will not be ready to start on those projects for a little while yet. Anyone wanting to do projects on their own or with other friends are more than welcome to. Please feel free to post comments to one another here on the blog if you would like to.**
Thank you to everyone who has expressed a desire to volunteer!! Here are some updates to the previous message:
* THANK YOU PRAYER PARTNERS & THOSE WHO ARE PRAYING!! You are a vital part of this team!
* Care for Rachel & Anna has been taken care of. (Thank You Lord) Chanin may be contacting volunteers for various playdates and so forth as those times arise.
* For volunteers who wanted to purchase Gift Cards, Troy said he would really love cards to Wal-Mart since they do much of their shopping there and can get virtually anything they may need. He said to say a big Thank You!!
*So far Troy is being careful to keep up his strength, however they will definately let us know if extra vitamins become necessary for him in the days ahead.
* Laundry needs have been taken care of so far. The family will definately keep us posted if more help is needed in the days ahead.
** A note from me:
Tracy Nickell came up with a terrific idea for fundraising through Avon! Thank you Tracy! That got me to thinking, if you or someone you know has other ideas for fundraising please post here on the blog.
Some ideas that came to mind: (*These are not in the works, they are just ideas at this time. Anyone please feel free to use any that seem like good ones)
-Ebay sales
-An internal sales event hosted by friends and family. (Rather than outside garage sales because of weather there in Nebraska, we can set up a "virtual garage sale" where anyone interested can list their items for sale on a website we can build. It would work similar to Ebay.The proceeds would go to a fund for Troy & Angela.
-A "multi-family indoor garage sale" with booths or tables maybe. There would need to be a large space like an empty building, or something similar to a large conference room donated for this type of event.
-A raffle? (we would need a donated item or items)
-A craft sale (via the internet or other venue there in Nebraska)
-A special dinner perhaps hosted at the church where guests would donate so much per plate
-A bake sale
-A talent show put on by the church youth group or choir?
-Is anyone a cosmetologist/hairdresser or any other type of service oriented professional? Maybe we could have a "hairstyle/haircut drive" or "manicure drive..." Again I'm just brainstorming...
I'm not sure what restrictions there would be on any of these ideas, so please toss the ideas around and let's see what we come up with. I think if we pool our resources we can use each person's gifts & talents to come up with some great ideas. Again Thanks To Tracy for getting the ball rolling!
Thank you to everyone who has expressed a desire to volunteer!! Here are some updates to the previous message:
* THANK YOU PRAYER PARTNERS & THOSE WHO ARE PRAYING!! You are a vital part of this team!
* Care for Rachel & Anna has been taken care of. (Thank You Lord) Chanin may be contacting volunteers for various playdates and so forth as those times arise.
* For volunteers who wanted to purchase Gift Cards, Troy said he would really love cards to Wal-Mart since they do much of their shopping there and can get virtually anything they may need. He said to say a big Thank You!!
*So far Troy is being careful to keep up his strength, however they will definately let us know if extra vitamins become necessary for him in the days ahead.
* Laundry needs have been taken care of so far. The family will definately keep us posted if more help is needed in the days ahead.
** A note from me:
Tracy Nickell came up with a terrific idea for fundraising through Avon! Thank you Tracy! That got me to thinking, if you or someone you know has other ideas for fundraising please post here on the blog.
Some ideas that came to mind: (*These are not in the works, they are just ideas at this time. Anyone please feel free to use any that seem like good ones)
-Ebay sales
-An internal sales event hosted by friends and family. (Rather than outside garage sales because of weather there in Nebraska, we can set up a "virtual garage sale" where anyone interested can list their items for sale on a website we can build. It would work similar to Ebay.The proceeds would go to a fund for Troy & Angela.
-A "multi-family indoor garage sale" with booths or tables maybe. There would need to be a large space like an empty building, or something similar to a large conference room donated for this type of event.
-A raffle? (we would need a donated item or items)
-A craft sale (via the internet or other venue there in Nebraska)
-A special dinner perhaps hosted at the church where guests would donate so much per plate
-A bake sale
-A talent show put on by the church youth group or choir?
-Is anyone a cosmetologist/hairdresser or any other type of service oriented professional? Maybe we could have a "hairstyle/haircut drive" or "manicure drive..." Again I'm just brainstorming...
I'm not sure what restrictions there would be on any of these ideas, so please toss the ideas around and let's see what we come up with. I think if we pool our resources we can use each person's gifts & talents to come up with some great ideas. Again Thanks To Tracy for getting the ball rolling!
Message From Greg: RE: MEALS VOLUNTEERS
**Update to message: If you would like to provide a meal for the Monestero family in the mean time, please use the email to contact the church for details**
Hello Everyone,
Greg sent an email with the following information:
The church set-up the following email address: loveforangela@emmanuelfellowship.com to be used for individuals interested in providing meals for Troy, Angela, Rachel and Anna when the time is right (probably not for another 4 weeks).
If you could post this on the blog, that would be great - please have them provide their name, telephone number and email address (if applicable). But remember, we won't likely be contacting anyone on meals for several weeks. Thanks, Greg
Hello Everyone,
Greg sent an email with the following information:
The church set-up the following email address: loveforangela@emmanuelfellowship.com to be used for individuals interested in providing meals for Troy, Angela, Rachel and Anna when the time is right (probably not for another 4 weeks).
If you could post this on the blog, that would be great - please have them provide their name, telephone number and email address (if applicable). But remember, we won't likely be contacting anyone on meals for several weeks. Thanks, Greg
Update as of 2:21pm AZ time
Hello Everyone,
Greg called and said that Angela is stable right now. Her doctor had decided to keep her sedated during most of the day and evening, waking her in the mornings to do some reflex tests and check to see that she can open her eyes and so forth. This will last for the next few days. He is in no hurry to keep her awake because he needs to be sure there is as little movement as possible for her brain to heal.
Her CAT scan didn't show anything new and looked like her doctor expected it to look. This is good news as it means that right now there are no new developments over the injuries already present.
Greg said the nursing staff is doing an excellent job of protecting Angela's environment and educating visitors on what to do and not do during their few minutes with her. The family is very happy with her nursing team.
He also mentioned that Troy seems to be doing well at this time. He mentioned that he is peaceful and has been able to get some much needed rest. **Note: Callers, please keep your calls to a minimum during the next few days to allow him time to regroup and also time with the girls. Tonight he will be spending time with Rachel and Anna allowing them to ask questions and explore their feelings with him. Please pray for them this evening. **
Greg called and said that Angela is stable right now. Her doctor had decided to keep her sedated during most of the day and evening, waking her in the mornings to do some reflex tests and check to see that she can open her eyes and so forth. This will last for the next few days. He is in no hurry to keep her awake because he needs to be sure there is as little movement as possible for her brain to heal.
Her CAT scan didn't show anything new and looked like her doctor expected it to look. This is good news as it means that right now there are no new developments over the injuries already present.
Greg said the nursing staff is doing an excellent job of protecting Angela's environment and educating visitors on what to do and not do during their few minutes with her. The family is very happy with her nursing team.
He also mentioned that Troy seems to be doing well at this time. He mentioned that he is peaceful and has been able to get some much needed rest. **Note: Callers, please keep your calls to a minimum during the next few days to allow him time to regroup and also time with the girls. Tonight he will be spending time with Rachel and Anna allowing them to ask questions and explore their feelings with him. Please pray for them this evening. **
**FUNDRAISER: Sponsored by Tracy Nickell
Tracy wrote:
I am currently setting up an Avon fundraiser to help Troy and Angela with any financial needs that come their way. My idea was to take brochures and order forms to Angela's work, their church, the girls old pre-school, and even at Troy's work. If our sales are large enough we can earn up to 40 percent profit to be forwarded onto Troy. I am hoping to get friends from each of these places to use as a reference point. Together I know we can make this a great success. If any of you have any other ideas on where to place brochures or would like to take some to work let me know. Tracy Nickell 552-0481. For those of you from out of town you can order by going to www.youravon.com/tnickell. We will only receive 20 percent profit by ordering on-line but it's better than nothing. All orders must be received by February 6th. Sherri if you would post this on the site with one of your updates so that it reaches more people that would be great. Thanks, Tracy
I am currently setting up an Avon fundraiser to help Troy and Angela with any financial needs that come their way. My idea was to take brochures and order forms to Angela's work, their church, the girls old pre-school, and even at Troy's work. If our sales are large enough we can earn up to 40 percent profit to be forwarded onto Troy. I am hoping to get friends from each of these places to use as a reference point. Together I know we can make this a great success. If any of you have any other ideas on where to place brochures or would like to take some to work let me know. Tracy Nickell 552-0481. For those of you from out of town you can order by going to www.youravon.com/tnickell. We will only receive 20 percent profit by ordering on-line but it's better than nothing. All orders must be received by February 6th. Sherri if you would post this on the site with one of your updates so that it reaches more people that would be great. Thanks, Tracy
Morning Update - As of 9:49am AZ time
Hello Everyone,
Greg sent an email. So far this morning things seem to be going ok. Angela had a CAT scan and some reflex tests. One side seems to be responding better than the other, but not sure if that is good, bad, or neutral at this time. I'll post again if I hear more news.
Have a blessed day today,
Sherri
**UPDATE: Message from Greg -
Angela's brother Tony (Air Force stationed in Qatar) is on his way home and has missed a commercial flight connection in Amsterdam. Not sure when he'll get to Omaha, but prayers for safe travels and making connections the rest of the way would be good. Thanks.
Greg
Greg sent an email. So far this morning things seem to be going ok. Angela had a CAT scan and some reflex tests. One side seems to be responding better than the other, but not sure if that is good, bad, or neutral at this time. I'll post again if I hear more news.
Have a blessed day today,
Sherri
**UPDATE: Message from Greg -
Angela's brother Tony (Air Force stationed in Qatar) is on his way home and has missed a commercial flight connection in Amsterdam. Not sure when he'll get to Omaha, but prayers for safe travels and making connections the rest of the way would be good. Thanks.
Greg
A Word of Encouragement
It's 2:16am and I am unable to sleep. I'm sure like many of you, thoughts of Angela keep circling my mind and I suppose by staying awake like this the past few days, I somehow feel as if I'm "staying" with her even though I can't be by her side for now. Something special between us when I come home to Nebraska is going for coffee together. I drink it (too much) every day, all during the day. I admit ... I really love coffee. I have fasted from it since the morning of the 8th as a gesture to The Lord of my pleas for her. I have learned much about the power of fasting and prayer from my precious father-in-law. He and Troy and my husband completed a three day fast and prayer for me only weeks ago because of some health issues I've been facing.
Tonight I was searching the Bible for a passage to post that would bring comfort and hope to all of us. Instead what I found was more precious and I want to go ahead and share it with you because we're all in this together. It brought more comfort and peace to my heart than I could have imagined.
While searching scripture I came across Isaiah 52:13 through chapter 53:12
This passage of The Word shares a compelling description of Jesus and what he endured while he was here. It was chapter 53 verse 10 that struck me afresh this morning. "Yet it was the Lord's will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer, and though the Lord makes His life a guilt offering, He will see his offspring and prolong His days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in His hand."
I have struggled in my faith "today" (it will be tomorrow when you read this) by being so protective of my sister that I almost wanted to beg the Lord to stop her suffering. All the images of what she must be going through flooded me and I fell apart. I called my mom to anchor me so that when the family called I could be strong for them and not show my feelings too much. All day I had an excruciating headache and I was so frazzled with feeling helpless and wanting to take this away from Angela... and I'm only her sister-in-law. I can't begin to imagine what Troy or her family is feeling. I have been in prayer for the peace of The Lord to flood her, and to flood them, but I fell to desperation today. I almost was angry at God... it took alot of willpower to pray through that, seek His face and remember that God gave Angela life and He is in charge of it.
But my Father is kind...and He is full of mercy and compassion. I have learned to trust Him even when I am scared out of my mind and looks like His back is turned. There is a small voice deep inside that reminds me that He is eternal and sees things on a much, much grander scale ... an eternal scale that I can't see. He sees the action and consequence deep into the future and His hand authors and guides it all.
So in the wee hours of this morning The Holy Spirit taught me something. He said that when Jesus was being tortured, the people watching Him go through the torture grieved and wailed and were feeling much the same way many of us are feeling now. There was no awe inspiring power that made them calm... they were scared too. They wanted it to stop too. It was because the full understanding of what God the Father was doing through Jesus wasn't realized by them until later. They just saw their loved one, in His young 3o's, an innocent man, being tortured, humiliated, and killed by people who overpowered them and they couldn't do a thing about it. They had to watch it and know that they were helpless to stop it.
Why did The Holy Spirit share this? It was because He said, for me (and maybe some of you too) what I'm feeling is completely normal and God is not offended by those feelings of terror. But He said, Angela's life is more precious to God than to anyone and He is using each and every detail of this time for His purpose. Angela is a glory to God. Her life is a glory to Him.
He reminded me that this life is only temporary and whatever Angela must face will be wiped away in time and she will be perfected again for an eternity. That this season is just a vapor in time, but her life is secure for eternity with Him. Just the same as what Jesus endured was just a vapor in time....but the consequences of that day and time have reverberated down through the ages and are still alive and making changes in people's lives every day. If God had stopped, for the comfort of those who were crying out to Him... the result would have been a far greater tragedy.
He asked me to trust Him no matter what happens and although He didn't have to (because He IS God) He shared that Angela's pain will not go unpaid and that she will be well rewarded for what she is enduring now. He also kept reiterating over and over that this event is working in more than just Angela & Troy's life. There are things He's working in all of us who are sharing this experience that will have everlasting benefits. We can't see all of the details, but I believe what He told me. I know that even as I write, my love for Him has grown just that much more, and my relationship with Him has been strengthened by trust just that much more... I've learned to lean on Him just a little more.... all benefits I have because of my precious sister-in-law.
Angela, I love you so much... I miss you like crazy. I can hear your voice in my head and I keep remembering the last time I was home and you and Sheila and I went out for dinner at that buffet. We had so much fun.... I really hope that we get to have more times like that together.
God bless you sweetheart (((HUG)))
Tonight I was searching the Bible for a passage to post that would bring comfort and hope to all of us. Instead what I found was more precious and I want to go ahead and share it with you because we're all in this together. It brought more comfort and peace to my heart than I could have imagined.
While searching scripture I came across Isaiah 52:13 through chapter 53:12
This passage of The Word shares a compelling description of Jesus and what he endured while he was here. It was chapter 53 verse 10 that struck me afresh this morning. "Yet it was the Lord's will to crush Him and cause Him to suffer, and though the Lord makes His life a guilt offering, He will see his offspring and prolong His days, and the will of the Lord will prosper in His hand."
I have struggled in my faith "today" (it will be tomorrow when you read this) by being so protective of my sister that I almost wanted to beg the Lord to stop her suffering. All the images of what she must be going through flooded me and I fell apart. I called my mom to anchor me so that when the family called I could be strong for them and not show my feelings too much. All day I had an excruciating headache and I was so frazzled with feeling helpless and wanting to take this away from Angela... and I'm only her sister-in-law. I can't begin to imagine what Troy or her family is feeling. I have been in prayer for the peace of The Lord to flood her, and to flood them, but I fell to desperation today. I almost was angry at God... it took alot of willpower to pray through that, seek His face and remember that God gave Angela life and He is in charge of it.
But my Father is kind...and He is full of mercy and compassion. I have learned to trust Him even when I am scared out of my mind and looks like His back is turned. There is a small voice deep inside that reminds me that He is eternal and sees things on a much, much grander scale ... an eternal scale that I can't see. He sees the action and consequence deep into the future and His hand authors and guides it all.
So in the wee hours of this morning The Holy Spirit taught me something. He said that when Jesus was being tortured, the people watching Him go through the torture grieved and wailed and were feeling much the same way many of us are feeling now. There was no awe inspiring power that made them calm... they were scared too. They wanted it to stop too. It was because the full understanding of what God the Father was doing through Jesus wasn't realized by them until later. They just saw their loved one, in His young 3o's, an innocent man, being tortured, humiliated, and killed by people who overpowered them and they couldn't do a thing about it. They had to watch it and know that they were helpless to stop it.
Why did The Holy Spirit share this? It was because He said, for me (and maybe some of you too) what I'm feeling is completely normal and God is not offended by those feelings of terror. But He said, Angela's life is more precious to God than to anyone and He is using each and every detail of this time for His purpose. Angela is a glory to God. Her life is a glory to Him.
He reminded me that this life is only temporary and whatever Angela must face will be wiped away in time and she will be perfected again for an eternity. That this season is just a vapor in time, but her life is secure for eternity with Him. Just the same as what Jesus endured was just a vapor in time....but the consequences of that day and time have reverberated down through the ages and are still alive and making changes in people's lives every day. If God had stopped, for the comfort of those who were crying out to Him... the result would have been a far greater tragedy.
He asked me to trust Him no matter what happens and although He didn't have to (because He IS God) He shared that Angela's pain will not go unpaid and that she will be well rewarded for what she is enduring now. He also kept reiterating over and over that this event is working in more than just Angela & Troy's life. There are things He's working in all of us who are sharing this experience that will have everlasting benefits. We can't see all of the details, but I believe what He told me. I know that even as I write, my love for Him has grown just that much more, and my relationship with Him has been strengthened by trust just that much more... I've learned to lean on Him just a little more.... all benefits I have because of my precious sister-in-law.
Angela, I love you so much... I miss you like crazy. I can hear your voice in my head and I keep remembering the last time I was home and you and Sheila and I went out for dinner at that buffet. We had so much fun.... I really hope that we get to have more times like that together.
God bless you sweetheart (((HUG)))
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
**Surgery Successful** Update as of 12:48pm AZ Time
Hello Family & Friends,
Angela has just come out of surgery successfully. Thank You Lord Jesus \O/
Here is what happened and what to expect over the next 7 days:
* This morning a lobe on the aneurysm (that was not visible on Angela's previous CT scans) ruptured. She stopped breathing and the neurosurgeon called his partner to come in so surgery could be done to clamp bleeding and stop it. The doctor called Troy to come in.
*Angela is on a ventilator and will be until they are sure she can breathe on her own. They had to remove a large part of the bone from her right side skull in order to allow the brain room to expand due to swelling. Greg said he did not think they were going to keep her sedated and that she will be allowed to wake up.
*The same risks apply as last time over the next 7 days. There is a risk of spasms that could lead to stroke. She has an increased risk for pneumonia & bladder infection while she is on the ventilator.
*The family is doing okay given the circumstances. They are relieved and thanking God for His intervention. ****The doctor was in amazement because he stated "most patients who have a second rupture like the one she experienced die almost immediately." He was so glad that that didn't happen for her. Mom Kohls said the amazement on his face was very apparent. (That's JESUS all the way!!! We serve an AWESOME God!!!)
Angela has just come out of surgery successfully. Thank You Lord Jesus \O/
Here is what happened and what to expect over the next 7 days:
* This morning a lobe on the aneurysm (that was not visible on Angela's previous CT scans) ruptured. She stopped breathing and the neurosurgeon called his partner to come in so surgery could be done to clamp bleeding and stop it. The doctor called Troy to come in.
*Angela is on a ventilator and will be until they are sure she can breathe on her own. They had to remove a large part of the bone from her right side skull in order to allow the brain room to expand due to swelling. Greg said he did not think they were going to keep her sedated and that she will be allowed to wake up.
*The same risks apply as last time over the next 7 days. There is a risk of spasms that could lead to stroke. She has an increased risk for pneumonia & bladder infection while she is on the ventilator.
*The family is doing okay given the circumstances. They are relieved and thanking God for His intervention. ****The doctor was in amazement because he stated "most patients who have a second rupture like the one she experienced die almost immediately." He was so glad that that didn't happen for her. Mom Kohls said the amazement on his face was very apparent. (That's JESUS all the way!!! We serve an AWESOME God!!!)
As of 9:38 am Arizona Time
Hi Everyone,
Greg (Angela's brother-in-law) called and said that they don't expect Angela's surgery to be completed until between 12:30 and 2:30pm Omaha time. The surgery team said to expect it to take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. I will post just as soon as I hear from the family that she is out of surgery.
Thank you everyone so much for your prayers and support. Different people in the family have mentioned how blessed they feel by all of the love and support being offered by you. You really make a difference to them.
Greg (Angela's brother-in-law) called and said that they don't expect Angela's surgery to be completed until between 12:30 and 2:30pm Omaha time. The surgery team said to expect it to take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours. I will post just as soon as I hear from the family that she is out of surgery.
Thank you everyone so much for your prayers and support. Different people in the family have mentioned how blessed they feel by all of the love and support being offered by you. You really make a difference to them.
*PLEASE PRAY* - As of 7:21am Arizona Time
** Note: Hi everyone, I just wanted to post very quickly and ask please don't call Troy for a little while until this situation settles down a little bit today. The family is just trying to get through the next little while. They love everyone and thank you so much for your love and support. They are relying on the blog/journal at the moment in order to keep everyone informed today. Please check the blog for updates**
Dear family and friends,
Mom Kohls called and said that Angela stopped breathing and that she is being taken back into surgery. This time the team will be going through the skull.
Please lift Angela, Troy, & the family members in prayer. Please pray for Angela's medical team as well.
I will post again just as soon as I hear word from the family about how her surgery went.
Love,
Sherri
***UPDATE: 7:57 AM**
Hi everyone,
Mom Kohls & Troy just called again now that Angela is safely in surgery. Troy explained that Angela's brain is swelling & the medical team has to remove her skull cap in order to make room for her brain at the moment.
I didn't keep him on the phone for long or ask any questions because I could sense his inability to communicate at the moment. He is just gripped with the fear of it all. He said he would have Mom K. call me when Angela is out of surgery.
Please pray for The Lord's peace to flood all sides of the family
Love,
Sherri
Dear family and friends,
Mom Kohls called and said that Angela stopped breathing and that she is being taken back into surgery. This time the team will be going through the skull.
Please lift Angela, Troy, & the family members in prayer. Please pray for Angela's medical team as well.
I will post again just as soon as I hear word from the family about how her surgery went.
Love,
Sherri
***UPDATE: 7:57 AM**
Hi everyone,
Mom Kohls & Troy just called again now that Angela is safely in surgery. Troy explained that Angela's brain is swelling & the medical team has to remove her skull cap in order to make room for her brain at the moment.
I didn't keep him on the phone for long or ask any questions because I could sense his inability to communicate at the moment. He is just gripped with the fear of it all. He said he would have Mom K. call me when Angela is out of surgery.
Please pray for The Lord's peace to flood all sides of the family
Love,
Sherri
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
As of 7:38pm Arizona Time
Hi Everyone,
I have not heard from Troy or any family members since earlier today when I posted the last update. Please continue to pray for Angela's progress since her surgery last night.
I have not heard from Troy or any family members since earlier today when I posted the last update. Please continue to pray for Angela's progress since her surgery last night.
LINKS & INFORMATION
Caregiver Information & Support:
http://www.birf.info/support/caregivers/forcare-index.html
http://www.birf.info/support/caregivers/helpful.html
http://www.birf.info/support/caregivers/respite.html
Organizations & Information on Aneurysms
http://www.bafound.org/
http://www.thecni.org/stroke/aneurysm.htm
Brain Injury Links
http://www.bindependent.com/hompg/interact/com/links.htm#Brain%20Injury
Nebraska
For any questions regarding service or assistance in Nebraska, please contact The Brain Injury Association of America's National Family HelpLine at (800) 444-6443 or FamilyHelpline@biausa.org
Company Name: Brain Injury Association of Nebraska
Contact Name: Genenne Didier
Address: PO Box 124
City: Gothenburg
State: NE
Zip: 69138
Phone: (308) 537-7875
Fax: (308) 537-7663 (call first)
Website: www.biausa.org/Nebraska/bia.htm
Email: bi13135@nebi.com
NATIONAL TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY WEBSITES:
B Independent
Brain Injury Association of America
Brain Injury Information Network
Brain Injury Resource Center
Brain Injury Ring
Frequently Asked Questions About TBI
Guide to Traumatic Brain Injury Resources Produced by NIDRR Grantees
National Association of State Head Injury Adminstrators
National Resource Center for Traumatic Brain Injury
Perspectives Network
Research and Training Center on Community Integration of Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems
Traumatic Brain Injury Survival Guide
http://www.birf.info/support/caregivers/forcare-index.html
http://www.birf.info/support/caregivers/helpful.html
http://www.birf.info/support/caregivers/respite.html
Organizations & Information on Aneurysms
http://www.bafound.org/
http://www.thecni.org/stroke/aneurysm.htm
Brain Injury Links
http://www.bindependent.com/hompg/interact/com/links.htm#Brain%20Injury
Nebraska
For any questions regarding service or assistance in Nebraska, please contact The Brain Injury Association of America's National Family HelpLine at (800) 444-6443 or FamilyHelpline@biausa.org
Company Name: Brain Injury Association of Nebraska
Contact Name: Genenne Didier
Address: PO Box 124
City: Gothenburg
State: NE
Zip: 69138
Phone: (308) 537-7875
Fax: (308) 537-7663 (call first)
Website: www.biausa.org/Nebraska/bia.htm
Email: bi13135@nebi.com
NATIONAL TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY WEBSITES:
B Independent
Brain Injury Association of America
Brain Injury Information Network
Brain Injury Resource Center
Brain Injury Ring
Frequently Asked Questions About TBI
Guide to Traumatic Brain Injury Resources Produced by NIDRR Grantees
National Association of State Head Injury Adminstrators
National Resource Center for Traumatic Brain Injury
Perspectives Network
Research and Training Center on Community Integration of Individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems
Traumatic Brain Injury Survival Guide
WAYS TO HELP
**Update: As of 1:54pm** Greg called and said Angela's family (Greg & Chanin will be the points of contact) is working on organizing efforts to help Troy & Angela. Please feel free to click on "comments" at the end of this post if you can volunteer in one of these areas or another area that comes to mind.
I have Greg's phone number and email address so that I can pass the information on and get you together with Greg & Chanin to coordinate the details.
Please pray & search yourself to see if you are the perfect candidate for one of these Helps. If you would like to volunteer for any of these Helper positions please click on "comments" at the bottom of the post. These are ideas that I thought of as ways to help Troy & Angela. I may have more to add as time goes by.
Troy said he appreciates so much how many people have offered to help him. THANK YOU : )
1) Prayer partners:
People dedicated to praying every day for Angela, Troy, their girls, Angela's family, & Angela's medical team. If you are a prayer partner please click on "comments" at the end of this post and let Troy know you are standing with them in daily prayer.
2) Drop off/pick up Minister:
This volunteer is needed as a central person where Troy or Angela's family can have things dropped off or picked up at.
For instance if you are volunteering as the laundry minister Troy would drop off the laundry here and the laundry minister will pick it up and then deliver it back to this location for Troy to pick up; or if you are donating vitamins, gift cards, meals, or any other gifts this will be where Troy or his family can pick them up from and volunteers can drop the items off at.
This person or family will need to be someone or a family who sees Troy and/or Angela's family pretty frequently. Perhaps a fellow church member, Pastor, or close friend or family member. This is an important helper position that will bless the family by reducing the stress and time of going back & forth or having numerous visits to their home if they need to rest.
3) Care provider for Rachel & Anna:
Anna needs all day care or preschool. Troy wants to keep her as stable as possible instead of having her go from one person to another (He thanks everyone who has helped so far!) Anna's care provider is a very important person so we are asking The Lord for just the right one whether it be a person or a daycare facility.
Rachel needs to be picked up from school and brought safely home each day. She needs a positive person for this ministry to help her feel hopeful and secure while mommy recovers.
4) Laundry Minister : )
During the next week or so, I'm sure someone who will minister by taking care of Troy & the girl's laundry would be such a blessing and one less task for him to have to take care of.
5) Dinner Minister
Over the next 7 days especially if you can provide a healthy meal for the girls for dinner please let us know.
6) Gift Card for the grocery store nearby, Walmart , or local gas station:
If you would like to stop by the grocery store, Walmart, or local gas station (maybe Q.T.) & pick up a gift card this would be a wonderful & practical way to help Troy while Angela is recovering.
7) Vitamin Minister:
Specifically Vitamin C; B vitamins; odorless garlic... anything that boosts immunity. Troy needs to keep up his strength to care for his family.
I have Greg's phone number and email address so that I can pass the information on and get you together with Greg & Chanin to coordinate the details.
Please pray & search yourself to see if you are the perfect candidate for one of these Helps. If you would like to volunteer for any of these Helper positions please click on "comments" at the bottom of the post. These are ideas that I thought of as ways to help Troy & Angela. I may have more to add as time goes by.
Troy said he appreciates so much how many people have offered to help him. THANK YOU : )
1) Prayer partners:
People dedicated to praying every day for Angela, Troy, their girls, Angela's family, & Angela's medical team. If you are a prayer partner please click on "comments" at the end of this post and let Troy know you are standing with them in daily prayer.
2) Drop off/pick up Minister:
This volunteer is needed as a central person where Troy or Angela's family can have things dropped off or picked up at.
For instance if you are volunteering as the laundry minister Troy would drop off the laundry here and the laundry minister will pick it up and then deliver it back to this location for Troy to pick up; or if you are donating vitamins, gift cards, meals, or any other gifts this will be where Troy or his family can pick them up from and volunteers can drop the items off at.
This person or family will need to be someone or a family who sees Troy and/or Angela's family pretty frequently. Perhaps a fellow church member, Pastor, or close friend or family member. This is an important helper position that will bless the family by reducing the stress and time of going back & forth or having numerous visits to their home if they need to rest.
3) Care provider for Rachel & Anna:
Anna needs all day care or preschool. Troy wants to keep her as stable as possible instead of having her go from one person to another (He thanks everyone who has helped so far!) Anna's care provider is a very important person so we are asking The Lord for just the right one whether it be a person or a daycare facility.
Rachel needs to be picked up from school and brought safely home each day. She needs a positive person for this ministry to help her feel hopeful and secure while mommy recovers.
4) Laundry Minister : )
During the next week or so, I'm sure someone who will minister by taking care of Troy & the girl's laundry would be such a blessing and one less task for him to have to take care of.
5) Dinner Minister
Over the next 7 days especially if you can provide a healthy meal for the girls for dinner please let us know.
6) Gift Card for the grocery store nearby, Walmart , or local gas station:
If you would like to stop by the grocery store, Walmart, or local gas station (maybe Q.T.) & pick up a gift card this would be a wonderful & practical way to help Troy while Angela is recovering.
7) Vitamin Minister:
Specifically Vitamin C; B vitamins; odorless garlic... anything that boosts immunity. Troy needs to keep up his strength to care for his family.
Specific Prayer Requests From Troy
The following are the issues most important to Troy at the moment.
1) Please focus your prayers on the next 7 days for Angela. Getting sick could cause her brain to swell & result in a stroke. Please pray for The Lord to command the functioning of Angela's bodily functions and sustain them toward health & recovery. Especially ask that He prevent Angela's stomache from working against her.
2) Troy desperately wants to keep as stable an environment as possible for Rachel and Anna. He is in the process of making arrangements for their daily care. He does not want them shuffled around from person to person if at all possible. Specific prayers include: Picking up Rachel from school; Daily care for Anna; Care for Anna during the day once Angela comes home; Care for the girls once Angela comes home.
3) Financial wisdom & direction during this time
1) Please focus your prayers on the next 7 days for Angela. Getting sick could cause her brain to swell & result in a stroke. Please pray for The Lord to command the functioning of Angela's bodily functions and sustain them toward health & recovery. Especially ask that He prevent Angela's stomache from working against her.
2) Troy desperately wants to keep as stable an environment as possible for Rachel and Anna. He is in the process of making arrangements for their daily care. He does not want them shuffled around from person to person if at all possible. Specific prayers include: Picking up Rachel from school; Daily care for Anna; Care for Anna during the day once Angela comes home; Care for the girls once Angela comes home.
3) Financial wisdom & direction during this time
A Message From Troy 1/9/07 10:21am AZ Time
When Troy called this morning he said "There are so many people who have offered to help if they can, people I work with, friends, ..... so many people. I can't believe how many! It just blows me away, and is SUCH a blessing"
Update as of 1/9/07 10:21am Arizona Time
Angela made it safely through surgery and is in recovery now. The team said her procedure went well. She had alot of fluid on the brain which was a great concern, however here is God's hand in all of this-----> Today when Troy came in the room she recognized him right away and Angela asked where the girls were. Then when they were talking about little Anna possibly having to go to daycare, she asked "How are you going to afford that?" SHE IS PROCESSING THOUGHT!!!! WHOOOOHOOO!!!! THANK YOU LORD, YOU ARE SO AWESOME!!! \O/
Now, she has a catheter attached to her head to drain fluid and the team said her latest CT scan shows that the coil procedure took nicely and they were positive about her status.
The next 7 days are pivotal for her. The surgeon team said the obstacle she faces is getting sick which could cause her brain to swell and possibly cause a stroke. So we really need to focus our prayers on asking The Lord to spare Angela from getting sick to her stomache. The bible shows us He knows the count of the very hairs on our head, so asking Him for this is putting our faith in the fact that Jesus is Lord over all of Angela's physical well being and all the parts of her body and their functioning.
"For The Lord is good and His mercy endures forever" !
Now, she has a catheter attached to her head to drain fluid and the team said her latest CT scan shows that the coil procedure took nicely and they were positive about her status.
The next 7 days are pivotal for her. The surgeon team said the obstacle she faces is getting sick which could cause her brain to swell and possibly cause a stroke. So we really need to focus our prayers on asking The Lord to spare Angela from getting sick to her stomache. The bible shows us He knows the count of the very hairs on our head, so asking Him for this is putting our faith in the fact that Jesus is Lord over all of Angela's physical well being and all the parts of her body and their functioning.
"For The Lord is good and His mercy endures forever" !
Monday, January 8, 2007
Update 5:06pm AZ Time
Dad Kohls just called and stated that the surgeon has changed his decision to clamp the aneurysm through surgery into the skull. Instead they are going to do a coil operation. **Please see links at end of page for more information and other patient testimonies from those who have gone through suffering a burst aneurysm**
This operation requires going through the groin area with a catheter and inserting a platinum coil into the aneurysm essentially to drain it and "starve" it.
Although, it is a scary idea, actually this procedure has a very good success rate for patients, and I felt encouraged that Angela would not have to endure brain surgery. She does have quite a bit of blood on the brain.
Some more encouraging news: Angela recognizes Troy and is talking a little bit. She is aware of what is going on which is GREAT news since she is able to recieve information and process it. THANK YOU LORD JESUS!!! YOU ARE AN AWESOME GOD!! \O/
She should be going in for surgery sometime this evening, so let's pray for The Lord to put His hands in the surgeon's hands and for angels to be posted within the operating room to keep the enemy away.
I'm reminded of a battle that the Israelites fought once. They began praising The Lord and worshipping Him as they moved toward the enemy.... well their enemies got so confused that they actually slaughtered one another and the Lord's people won the battle with sheer PRAISE!!! Here is what they sang: "For The Lord is good and His mercy endures forever!"
Let's worship The Lord for how much He loves His daughter Angela and for the progress she is making so far. Let's praise Him that she is talking, she has smiled a couple of times, and she recognizes her hubby.
Let's worship Him that He has provided Angela with friends and family around her who love and support her.
This battle is not ours, but The Lord's.... Amen.
LINKS:
http://www.westga.edu/~wmaples/brain16.html - Patient Testimonies
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=dc-embol&bhcp=1 **GOOD INFO ON ANGELA'S PROCEDURE**
This operation requires going through the groin area with a catheter and inserting a platinum coil into the aneurysm essentially to drain it and "starve" it.
Although, it is a scary idea, actually this procedure has a very good success rate for patients, and I felt encouraged that Angela would not have to endure brain surgery. She does have quite a bit of blood on the brain.
Some more encouraging news: Angela recognizes Troy and is talking a little bit. She is aware of what is going on which is GREAT news since she is able to recieve information and process it. THANK YOU LORD JESUS!!! YOU ARE AN AWESOME GOD!! \O/
She should be going in for surgery sometime this evening, so let's pray for The Lord to put His hands in the surgeon's hands and for angels to be posted within the operating room to keep the enemy away.
I'm reminded of a battle that the Israelites fought once. They began praising The Lord and worshipping Him as they moved toward the enemy.... well their enemies got so confused that they actually slaughtered one another and the Lord's people won the battle with sheer PRAISE!!! Here is what they sang: "For The Lord is good and His mercy endures forever!"
Let's worship The Lord for how much He loves His daughter Angela and for the progress she is making so far. Let's praise Him that she is talking, she has smiled a couple of times, and she recognizes her hubby.
Let's worship Him that He has provided Angela with friends and family around her who love and support her.
This battle is not ours, but The Lord's.... Amen.
LINKS:
http://www.westga.edu/~wmaples/brain16.html - Patient Testimonies
http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=dc-embol&bhcp=1 **GOOD INFO ON ANGELA'S PROCEDURE**
Things I love about Angela
Oh my gosh!! Her cooking is YUMMYLICIOUS!!! She makes the best meals!!
Going to Starbucks for coffee! Whenever I'm home in Nebraska we girls make a b-line for the coffee shop and a great time of laughing and talking together. Awesome...Awesome : )
Her crafting talents amaze me! She always has the neatest ideas and the most fun! She made our daughter Grace a beautiful cozy fleece blanket one year that she still has and loves.
Thrift store shopping together!! Oh yeah baby!! Look out! hahahahaa!!!
Her sense of humor and easy going nature. I love it! Angela is so cool! She makes it fun no matter what's going on and where we are.
I have been so blessed to have Angela for a sister-in-law... she is more than I could have wished for by far.
Going to Starbucks for coffee! Whenever I'm home in Nebraska we girls make a b-line for the coffee shop and a great time of laughing and talking together. Awesome...Awesome : )
Her crafting talents amaze me! She always has the neatest ideas and the most fun! She made our daughter Grace a beautiful cozy fleece blanket one year that she still has and loves.
Thrift store shopping together!! Oh yeah baby!! Look out! hahahahaa!!!
Her sense of humor and easy going nature. I love it! Angela is so cool! She makes it fun no matter what's going on and where we are.
I have been so blessed to have Angela for a sister-in-law... she is more than I could have wished for by far.
Update 1/8/07 1:07pm AZ time
Troy called and said that the surgeon wants to move Angela to a different facility. The aneurysm is in the middle part of the brain which poses additional risks for surgery that the current facility is not equipped to handle. The surgeon at the new facility will perform an operation to clamp the aneurysm, and the surgery requires entry through the skull.
Troy admitted being very scared and frustrated that he can't do anything to alleviate Angela's pain. He mentioned that last night she said "my head hurts, my head hurts" every 2-3 mins. although she is being given massive amounts of morphine and other medications. It broke his heart to see her this way. He's also scared about the surgery risks. Please pray for him and for Angela's family as they go through this with her.
Troy had to go, in order to make arrangements for the girls and make a few more calls. We did not get to pray together at the time, but I told him we are praying for them.
He also loved the idea of this blog so that everyone can talk together and know what's happening. He said he would let us know what room she is in and so forth once they get her safely transferred to the new facility.
Troy admitted being very scared and frustrated that he can't do anything to alleviate Angela's pain. He mentioned that last night she said "my head hurts, my head hurts" every 2-3 mins. although she is being given massive amounts of morphine and other medications. It broke his heart to see her this way. He's also scared about the surgery risks. Please pray for him and for Angela's family as they go through this with her.
Troy had to go, in order to make arrangements for the girls and make a few more calls. We did not get to pray together at the time, but I told him we are praying for them.
He also loved the idea of this blog so that everyone can talk together and know what's happening. He said he would let us know what room she is in and so forth once they get her safely transferred to the new facility.
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