Kari breathed on her own for about 10 hours today, but because that was tiring, she is now back on the ventilator for the night. Monday she is scheduled for a tracheotomy, though there is some talk that if she seems to be strong enough, the doctors may consider not doing one. It takes a few days to a few weeks for someone to be weaned off the ventilator, however, and so they will probably go ahead. This will allow them to remove the big tubes that have been going down Kari's throat. These are very irritating and have caused her much pain and frustration ever since she came to the hospital. These have caused so much agitation that they have had to keep her more sedated than they, or the family, would like. On the whole, the tracheotomy is probably a better, safer idea, though it would be wonderful not to have to have one.
Jan Hirschy of Richland Center, WI, said she appreciated these updates because it helped them to pray. There are so many forms that can help focus our prayers. At the St. Charles church Friday night, pastor Derin Fowler used the ACTS form: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication. Sometimes our pastor at Friendship UMC, Rev. Jaimie Hanna Williams, will use a centering prayer based on concentrating on our breath and body. In this case in particular that might also help us focus. As you pray relax and be aware of your breath; then focus especially on your upper spinal cord. Pray and imagine Kari's spinal cord renewing and healing at the C5 vertebra, then imagine this renewing, this healing moving downward to the cord enclosed by the C6 vertebra and lower and lower. Ask the God who created us, saved us, and sustains us to meet Kari just there at the place of her injury and heal it, moving with renewing, wakening mercy downward inch by inch, millimeter by millimeter.
These are just techniques, of course. Though they are good and profound ones, they must be driven by our earnestness, by our love for God and Kari, by the deep trust of children approaching a gracious parent. Abba, Father, we say and put our faith there. Thank you for praying so earnestly no matter how you are moved to do so.
--Richard R. Guzman
5 comments:
I'm very happy to hear that Kari continues to show the strength we all know and admire so much in her! It is a great gift to know the power that we all are putting into her healing.
I have continued to ask my friends to focus themselves on Kari, and I am convinced that this will make a difference in Kari's and Aaron's life, and all their friends' lives.
This is wonderful, wonderful news! We continue to pray today for Kari's strength!
We prayed for Kari last night at church. Our pastor prayed that God would regenerate Kari's spinal cord and that he might use Kari's healing as a physical, tangible, visible example of the healing He wants to do in our hearts and lives to reach many people. Keep fighting and keep flashing that beautiful smile, Kari! We love you.
There is a verse I was thinking of when I was praying for Kari, Aaron and their families today. It's Ephesians 3:20 which says, "Now unto Him which is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us." Don't you love that? It reminds me how omnipotent God truly is.
When I looked this verse up, the whole passage was a beautiful prayer, which I will copy below. It's in the good old King James Version:
For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
3:15
Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,
3:16
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
3:17
That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
3:18
May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;
3:19
And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
3:20
Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,
3:21
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
Much Love,
Heather Velloff
We're so happy that Kari was able to breathe on her own for so long. This is a great sign. We will continue to pray for Kari and Aaron-- for continued strength and progress. We praise God for all the wonderful family and friends who are supporting and loving you.
Sincerely,
Colleen and Paul Josephson
(Christina Beatty's parents)
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