Dear Family and Friends,
As Christmas fast approaches I felt I should give a brief update. Kevin has seen a couple of new doctors since my last posting but not much else has changed. I will be taking him for an MRI of his spine tomorrow. The orthopedic surgeon wanted to see if there was any damage that might possibly be the cause of his neuropathy as well as the fact that he does not have full range of motion in one of his legs.
The wheels of progress continue to turn slowly as Kevin is still waiting for Worker's Compensation to make a decision on his settlement. The latest report from the neuro-ophthalmologist has come in and hopefully that will speed things up a bit.
Kevin is on Christmas break from Coastline for the next six weeks. He and Sarah will be traveling to the Bay area to visit with her family for Christmas and Keith and Kim will spend Christmas with her family. So, we will celebrate our family Christmas this Saturday.
My prayer for each of you is that you will have a most wonderful Christmas, that God will bless you with His Joy and Peace, and that you will once again reflect with praise and gratitude for His most precious gift to you...Jesus.
Merry Christmas,
Tami
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
November 18, 2008
Dear Family and Friends,
It has been a long time since I have given you an update but that is mostly because there hasn't been much to report. Since the last update Kevin has seen an orthopedic surgeon and an internist. Both of these appointments were necessary in the process of determining settlement with Worker's Comp. Kevin's attorney is still trying to have him declared 100% disabled. We are hopeful that within the next six months a settlement can be reached. God has continued to provide for Kevin and Sarah's financial needs but they have had to make some big changes. Please continue to pray that the settlement process will move quickly.
Kevin is still attending Coastline Community College and busies himself by doing their laundry and cleaning the apartment. He works out almost daily in their apartment's fitness room. However, the internist he recently saw told him he would do better to join a gym where he could swim. He told him because of his vertigo issues regular exercise might not be the best thing for him but swimming would give him a full-body workout. I think Kevin may be looking into that. There is a gym within a short walking distance from his apartment. Kevin keeps looking for something he can do hobby-wise that would keep him occupied during his spare time, but choices are limited.
We would still appreciate your prayers for the future as Kevin tries to figure out what he can do employment wise. He and the rest of us are still hard-pressed to figure out just what he could possibly do. We continue to trust God for his future and know He will take care of both of them. This morning in my quiet time with the Lord He once again brought me to Philippians 4:4-7 which says, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I indeed had to confess I have been anxious for the future for Kevin and Sarah and saw once again I have much to rejoice about. Kevin is still with us and is doing well in spite of his limitations. It is just that my heart as a mother still grieves for what he has lost. I am being vulnerable as I tell you it has been a most difficult year and a half with Kevin's accident and my brother's suicide earlier this year. I would ask your prayers that I will continue to rejoice in the Lord and that He will guard my heart and mind with the peace only He can give as I continue to lift my prayers and concerns to him, with thanksgiving.
On a more personal note, for the past year we have been wondering what is going to happen to Everett's job. The company where he works is consolidating and we still don't know what that means as far as his job goes. Rumors are flying but we continue to wait for the facts. We would appreciate your prayers that God would protect his job.
We continue to be encouraged by your love and prayers. You are a huge blessing to us all.
Love,
Tami
It has been a long time since I have given you an update but that is mostly because there hasn't been much to report. Since the last update Kevin has seen an orthopedic surgeon and an internist. Both of these appointments were necessary in the process of determining settlement with Worker's Comp. Kevin's attorney is still trying to have him declared 100% disabled. We are hopeful that within the next six months a settlement can be reached. God has continued to provide for Kevin and Sarah's financial needs but they have had to make some big changes. Please continue to pray that the settlement process will move quickly.
Kevin is still attending Coastline Community College and busies himself by doing their laundry and cleaning the apartment. He works out almost daily in their apartment's fitness room. However, the internist he recently saw told him he would do better to join a gym where he could swim. He told him because of his vertigo issues regular exercise might not be the best thing for him but swimming would give him a full-body workout. I think Kevin may be looking into that. There is a gym within a short walking distance from his apartment. Kevin keeps looking for something he can do hobby-wise that would keep him occupied during his spare time, but choices are limited.
We would still appreciate your prayers for the future as Kevin tries to figure out what he can do employment wise. He and the rest of us are still hard-pressed to figure out just what he could possibly do. We continue to trust God for his future and know He will take care of both of them. This morning in my quiet time with the Lord He once again brought me to Philippians 4:4-7 which says, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." I indeed had to confess I have been anxious for the future for Kevin and Sarah and saw once again I have much to rejoice about. Kevin is still with us and is doing well in spite of his limitations. It is just that my heart as a mother still grieves for what he has lost. I am being vulnerable as I tell you it has been a most difficult year and a half with Kevin's accident and my brother's suicide earlier this year. I would ask your prayers that I will continue to rejoice in the Lord and that He will guard my heart and mind with the peace only He can give as I continue to lift my prayers and concerns to him, with thanksgiving.
On a more personal note, for the past year we have been wondering what is going to happen to Everett's job. The company where he works is consolidating and we still don't know what that means as far as his job goes. Rumors are flying but we continue to wait for the facts. We would appreciate your prayers that God would protect his job.
We continue to be encouraged by your love and prayers. You are a huge blessing to us all.
Love,
Tami
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
October 1, 2008
Dear Family and Friends,
It's been a very busy and somber month for Everett and I as we lost a dear friend from church and then two weeks later Everett lost a cousin who had fought cancer for the past seven years.
As I stated in the last Blog, Kevin was to give his testimony at school. After he gave his "speech" his teacher opened up a time for questions. All in all, I understand it was well received and of course, was a great opportunity for Kevin to share his faith.
The weekend of September 19th, Everett and I spent four days in San Diego for a much needed break. That Saturday, Kevin and Sarah and Keith and Kim joined us and we spent the day at Sea World. The weather was perfect, the crowds were minimal, and we had a great time. We were first in line to enter our first show of the day and we chose seats up close for Kevin's sake, or so we thought. Fortunately this was a show where the audience was not soaked. However, when we came out of the show Kevin told us he was unable to see most of it because we were too close. Because of his narrow field of vision we needed to be up higher so he could gain a wider visual range. Needless to say, we took to higher ground for the rest of the shows. As we stood mindlessly waiting to be let in for the Sesame Street show, I in uncharacteristic fashion (ha, ha), began to clown around. At one point, I stood directly in front of Kevin, crouched at bit, put my finger to my lips in a gesture for all of them to hush as I whispered, "Quiet, I'm hiding from Kevin". We all had a good laugh, including Kevin. I know it was a silly moment, but it was the first time in almost a year and a half that we all felt comfortable and safe enough to make light of a very difficult circumstance. For me, it was a very freeing and giddy moment. In some small way I felt I had finally come to terms with the fact that my son was now almost blind. Truthfully, I still have moments when I lapse and become sad or fearful for Kevin, but God has helped me to not dwell on those moments and always softly assures me that He is in control and that Kevin's future is fixed squarely in His grip. I am reminded of Psalm 37:23-24 which says, "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand." Yes, we and Kevin are safe in His hands.
After our day at Sea World we took them all to an old-fashioned diner Everett and I had visited the previous evening. This diner was built on site of a local film studio and was aptly named "Studio Diner". The food was great and portions were huge. After an appetizer of buffalo wings, Kevin ordered a salad as he is watching his weight, but we all laughed as he finished his plate, my plate, Everett's plate and Sarah's plate. Keith loving calls him the human garbage disposal.
Not much else has changed. Kevin and Sarah are still waiting to see how Worker's Comp. will finalize his case. His lawyer seems to think things are looking favorable for him and that there shouldn't be any dispute that Kevin should be considered 100% disabled. We would still appreciate your prayers regarding this.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
It's been a very busy and somber month for Everett and I as we lost a dear friend from church and then two weeks later Everett lost a cousin who had fought cancer for the past seven years.
As I stated in the last Blog, Kevin was to give his testimony at school. After he gave his "speech" his teacher opened up a time for questions. All in all, I understand it was well received and of course, was a great opportunity for Kevin to share his faith.
The weekend of September 19th, Everett and I spent four days in San Diego for a much needed break. That Saturday, Kevin and Sarah and Keith and Kim joined us and we spent the day at Sea World. The weather was perfect, the crowds were minimal, and we had a great time. We were first in line to enter our first show of the day and we chose seats up close for Kevin's sake, or so we thought. Fortunately this was a show where the audience was not soaked. However, when we came out of the show Kevin told us he was unable to see most of it because we were too close. Because of his narrow field of vision we needed to be up higher so he could gain a wider visual range. Needless to say, we took to higher ground for the rest of the shows. As we stood mindlessly waiting to be let in for the Sesame Street show, I in uncharacteristic fashion (ha, ha), began to clown around. At one point, I stood directly in front of Kevin, crouched at bit, put my finger to my lips in a gesture for all of them to hush as I whispered, "Quiet, I'm hiding from Kevin". We all had a good laugh, including Kevin. I know it was a silly moment, but it was the first time in almost a year and a half that we all felt comfortable and safe enough to make light of a very difficult circumstance. For me, it was a very freeing and giddy moment. In some small way I felt I had finally come to terms with the fact that my son was now almost blind. Truthfully, I still have moments when I lapse and become sad or fearful for Kevin, but God has helped me to not dwell on those moments and always softly assures me that He is in control and that Kevin's future is fixed squarely in His grip. I am reminded of Psalm 37:23-24 which says, "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, and He delights in his way. When he falls, he will not be hurled headlong, because the Lord is the One who holds his hand." Yes, we and Kevin are safe in His hands.
After our day at Sea World we took them all to an old-fashioned diner Everett and I had visited the previous evening. This diner was built on site of a local film studio and was aptly named "Studio Diner". The food was great and portions were huge. After an appetizer of buffalo wings, Kevin ordered a salad as he is watching his weight, but we all laughed as he finished his plate, my plate, Everett's plate and Sarah's plate. Keith loving calls him the human garbage disposal.
Not much else has changed. Kevin and Sarah are still waiting to see how Worker's Comp. will finalize his case. His lawyer seems to think things are looking favorable for him and that there shouldn't be any dispute that Kevin should be considered 100% disabled. We would still appreciate your prayers regarding this.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
Monday, September 8, 2008
September 8, 2008
Dear Family and Friends,
This past Sunday, Keith, Kim, Everett and I joined Kevin and Sarah at First Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton as Kevin was scheduled to give his testimony to their Sunday School class of about forty people. It was encouraging to all of us to hear him speak from his point of view as to what had happened to him. As he has no memory of the first couple of months following the accident he has filled in the blanks with what his family has told him. He says he is the lucky one not to remember what went on, that it was most certainly harder for Sarah and the family. He is very thankful to God for sparing his life and for giving him such a good recovery. He is extremely grateful for his wife, Sarah, and for her steadfastness and her love and devotion to him. Kevin wants very much to serve the Lord and is waiting on God to show him how He wants to use him for His purposes in the future.
Each week in one of Kevin's classes at Coastline the students are given an assignment of goal setting. Each week they are to come up with something they want to accomplish by the end of the week and come up with strategies of how they will accomplish their goal. Last week Kevin set the goal of having his outline finalized by Saturday for his testimony he was to give at church. When his teacher read his goal, she told him she wanted him to give his speech to the class this Wednesday. Kevin explained to her that this would include a lot of references to God, the Bible, etc. She said that was okay. So, you could be praying for Kevin as he gives his testimony once again, but this time to a teacher and fifteen students who for the most part are not Christians. In Kevin's testimony on Sunday he told how he had already been witnessing to a couple of the students.
Kevin has been declared "Permanent and Stationary" by Worker's Comp. Negotiations for settlement are now underway, but it will most likely be a bit of a long procedure. Kevin's attorney is negotiating with Worker's Comp. attorneys to have Kevin declared 100% disabled, mostly because of his eyesight. Just exactly what 100% disabled means is hard to define, but it does not mean that Kevin will not be able to work in the future. Kevin is very motivated to be able to have some means of gainful employment but that will still be a bit farther down the road.
I once again want to thank everyone who continues to keep Kevin and the rest of us in your prayers. We are blessed beyond words for the love you continue to heap upon us.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
This past Sunday, Keith, Kim, Everett and I joined Kevin and Sarah at First Evangelical Free Church in Fullerton as Kevin was scheduled to give his testimony to their Sunday School class of about forty people. It was encouraging to all of us to hear him speak from his point of view as to what had happened to him. As he has no memory of the first couple of months following the accident he has filled in the blanks with what his family has told him. He says he is the lucky one not to remember what went on, that it was most certainly harder for Sarah and the family. He is very thankful to God for sparing his life and for giving him such a good recovery. He is extremely grateful for his wife, Sarah, and for her steadfastness and her love and devotion to him. Kevin wants very much to serve the Lord and is waiting on God to show him how He wants to use him for His purposes in the future.
Each week in one of Kevin's classes at Coastline the students are given an assignment of goal setting. Each week they are to come up with something they want to accomplish by the end of the week and come up with strategies of how they will accomplish their goal. Last week Kevin set the goal of having his outline finalized by Saturday for his testimony he was to give at church. When his teacher read his goal, she told him she wanted him to give his speech to the class this Wednesday. Kevin explained to her that this would include a lot of references to God, the Bible, etc. She said that was okay. So, you could be praying for Kevin as he gives his testimony once again, but this time to a teacher and fifteen students who for the most part are not Christians. In Kevin's testimony on Sunday he told how he had already been witnessing to a couple of the students.
Kevin has been declared "Permanent and Stationary" by Worker's Comp. Negotiations for settlement are now underway, but it will most likely be a bit of a long procedure. Kevin's attorney is negotiating with Worker's Comp. attorneys to have Kevin declared 100% disabled, mostly because of his eyesight. Just exactly what 100% disabled means is hard to define, but it does not mean that Kevin will not be able to work in the future. Kevin is very motivated to be able to have some means of gainful employment but that will still be a bit farther down the road.
I once again want to thank everyone who continues to keep Kevin and the rest of us in your prayers. We are blessed beyond words for the love you continue to heap upon us.
Grace and Peace,
Tami
Saturday, August 2, 2008
August 1, 2008
Dear Friends,
It's been two weeks since our final family conference at Centre for Neuro Skills. Yes, CNS discharged Kevin as of July 18. So what does all this mean? I'll do my best to answer that question. Kevin is still under the care of Dr. Prasad, the same physician who has been overseeing his case since he first went to CNS in Bakersfield. However, Dr. Prasad is in the process of collecting reports from all the doctors Kevin has seen to put together his "Permanent and Stationary" report for Worker's Comp. Kevin had his neuropsychological evaluation yesterday, has to have a new endocrine study done, and we are not sure whether they are going to do another ENG on his vestibular system. Dr. Prasad, for some reason, doesn't feel the need to repeat that study. I'm not sure what else has to be done before his final report can be made.
By law Kevin's employer has to see if there is any job that he can be retrained for that they can offer him following his accident. Of course, Kevin's injuries are too severe to allow him to do any kind of work for his former employee. Worker's Comp. has declared him permanently disabled.
In the meantime, Worker's Comp. has cut Kevin's income significantly until final settlement can be reached, and it is a real concern and burden. Kevin and Sarah's attorney is working to see if some sort of advance on their settlement can be made so as to not put Kevin and Sarah in a financial bind. We would appreciate your prayers toward that end.
We did have some hard-to-take news at the family conference as well. We had been told Kevin had 30 degrees of vision in his left eye which places him just above the legally blind status. However, the final report from the neuro-ophthalmologist states that he has only 20 degrees of vision in his left eye which does makes him legally blind. You will recall he has no vision at all in his right eye. This news, too, has been a bit unsettling. However, we nor Kevin are really discouraged. Kevin still has hope that someday God may restore his vision. Meanwhile, we all keep trusting God to take us through each day as it comes and trust Him for the outcome.
Kevin finished his summer semester at Coastline a week ago and has three more weeks off before the fall semester begins. He has been busy around their apartment cleaning, doing laundry and organizing things.
I'd also like to ask your prayers on Sarah's behalf. She has been a bit "under the weather" for a couple of weeks now. Please pray she will be feeling well soon.
Love,
Tami
Friday, July 4, 2008
July 4, 2008
Dear Friends,
I realized I haven't posted an update since before Kevin's appointment with the new doctor on June 16. The appointment went well. However, she will not be his new doctor, at least not at the present. She recommended he continue his care with Dr. Prasad who has been seeing him since he first came to Centre for Neuro Skills. She did recommend Kevin have a few things done before he is declared "permanent and stationary" (permanent and stationary is a term Worker's Comp. uses to say they have done all they believe they can do to get the patient as good as they can). The doctor recommended Kevin have a neuropsychological evaluation. I don't know what all that entails. She recommended he have an ENG to determine whether he has something she called central vestibulapathy, a condition that is contributing to his imbalance. However, if I understood her correctly, there is really nothing that can be done for it. She also recommended he see an internist as well as an endocrinologist. Our next family conference is July 18 and hopefully some of these things will be in the works.
Kevin still hasn't received his new glasses. Not sure what the holdup is.
Kevin and Sarah just celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary this past Sunday and they were able to take a few days off. They went up North to visit with Sarah's family and then came home through Monterey and spent Sunday evening where they honeymooned.
Kevin is in full swing with his summer semester at Coastline College and OCTA (Orange Co. Transit Authority) has been very good at picking him up on time each morning and returning him home each afternoon.
Could you all be in prayer with us for the following?:
1. Pray that Worker's Comp. will agree to the recommendations the doctor prescribed before Kevin is declared "permanent and stationary".
2. That God will provide for Kevin and Sarah's financial needs.
3. That his glasses would arrive soon and be beneficial.
4. That we will all be patient as we trust God for Kevin's future.
I hope all of you enjoy your day off. I will be cooking as all the kids are coming for dinner. God's blessings to all of you and Happy 4th of July!
Love,
Tami
I realized I haven't posted an update since before Kevin's appointment with the new doctor on June 16. The appointment went well. However, she will not be his new doctor, at least not at the present. She recommended he continue his care with Dr. Prasad who has been seeing him since he first came to Centre for Neuro Skills. She did recommend Kevin have a few things done before he is declared "permanent and stationary" (permanent and stationary is a term Worker's Comp. uses to say they have done all they believe they can do to get the patient as good as they can). The doctor recommended Kevin have a neuropsychological evaluation. I don't know what all that entails. She recommended he have an ENG to determine whether he has something she called central vestibulapathy, a condition that is contributing to his imbalance. However, if I understood her correctly, there is really nothing that can be done for it. She also recommended he see an internist as well as an endocrinologist. Our next family conference is July 18 and hopefully some of these things will be in the works.
Kevin still hasn't received his new glasses. Not sure what the holdup is.
Kevin and Sarah just celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary this past Sunday and they were able to take a few days off. They went up North to visit with Sarah's family and then came home through Monterey and spent Sunday evening where they honeymooned.
Kevin is in full swing with his summer semester at Coastline College and OCTA (Orange Co. Transit Authority) has been very good at picking him up on time each morning and returning him home each afternoon.
Could you all be in prayer with us for the following?:
1. Pray that Worker's Comp. will agree to the recommendations the doctor prescribed before Kevin is declared "permanent and stationary".
2. That God will provide for Kevin and Sarah's financial needs.
3. That his glasses would arrive soon and be beneficial.
4. That we will all be patient as we trust God for Kevin's future.
I hope all of you enjoy your day off. I will be cooking as all the kids are coming for dinner. God's blessings to all of you and Happy 4th of July!
Love,
Tami
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Dear Family and Friends,
I apologize for not updating you sooner. Everett and I attended the family conference last Friday as Sarah was unable to take off work. CNS is bringing Kevin into the clinic on Fridays only now. They expect that they will be releasing him in six to eight weeks.
I will be taking Kevin to his appointment with a new doctor in Long Beach on June 16. This doctor, a physiatrist, will now be managing Kevin's care.
Kevin has one more week of a three-week break from classes at Coastline College and then will begin the summer semester. During this break I have had him over doing chores for me that I am unable to do such as weeding, washing windows, taking down curtains, washing and waxing my car, as well as helping to fix up an antique coffee table for me. He is still entertaining the idea of taking a math course at Fullerton College in the Fall as well.
We still covet your prayers as this journey continues. Kevin is still at a loss as to what he will be able to do in the future as far as a job and taking care of his family which he very much wants to be able to do. As he says, "I just keeping trusting God to show me what it is I am to do".
Love,
Tami
I apologize for not updating you sooner. Everett and I attended the family conference last Friday as Sarah was unable to take off work. CNS is bringing Kevin into the clinic on Fridays only now. They expect that they will be releasing him in six to eight weeks.
I will be taking Kevin to his appointment with a new doctor in Long Beach on June 16. This doctor, a physiatrist, will now be managing Kevin's care.
Kevin has one more week of a three-week break from classes at Coastline College and then will begin the summer semester. During this break I have had him over doing chores for me that I am unable to do such as weeding, washing windows, taking down curtains, washing and waxing my car, as well as helping to fix up an antique coffee table for me. He is still entertaining the idea of taking a math course at Fullerton College in the Fall as well.
We still covet your prayers as this journey continues. Kevin is still at a loss as to what he will be able to do in the future as far as a job and taking care of his family which he very much wants to be able to do. As he says, "I just keeping trusting God to show me what it is I am to do".
Love,
Tami
Friday, May 23, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Dear Family and Friends,
Our Family Conference for last Friday was rescheduled for next Friday, May 30, so I really haven't much to report. I took Kevin earlier this week to pick out new frames which have been sent to the neuro-ophthalmologist in Bakersfield to make his new lenses. Hopefully these will give him a little better depth perception and possibly widen his peripheral vision as well.
Kevin will finish his first semester at Coastline this week. He will have a couple of weeks off before starting the summer semester. Kevin is thinking of taking a math course at Fullerton College next Fall as well as going another semester at Coastline.
We are sensing that Centre for Neuro Skills will be discharging Kevin soon as they have done about everything they can for him. We'll probably hear about that at the May 30th conference. So toward that end, we are looking for a physiatrist in our area who can take over the care of his medical needs.
Thank you once again for your prayers, and I'll let you know what happens at the next conference.
Grace and Peace to You,
Tami
Our Family Conference for last Friday was rescheduled for next Friday, May 30, so I really haven't much to report. I took Kevin earlier this week to pick out new frames which have been sent to the neuro-ophthalmologist in Bakersfield to make his new lenses. Hopefully these will give him a little better depth perception and possibly widen his peripheral vision as well.
Kevin will finish his first semester at Coastline this week. He will have a couple of weeks off before starting the summer semester. Kevin is thinking of taking a math course at Fullerton College next Fall as well as going another semester at Coastline.
We are sensing that Centre for Neuro Skills will be discharging Kevin soon as they have done about everything they can for him. We'll probably hear about that at the May 30th conference. So toward that end, we are looking for a physiatrist in our area who can take over the care of his medical needs.
Thank you once again for your prayers, and I'll let you know what happens at the next conference.
Grace and Peace to You,
Tami
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Dear Family and Friends,
May 7, 2007, started out just like any other day except I was busy getting ready for our trip to Hawaii. Everett and I were scheduled to leave on May 12 to celebrate a belated 35th wedding anniversary. But then the phone rang and our lives were forever changed. It's hard to believe that only a year has passed. In many ways it seems like ten.
On the anniversary of Kevin's accident I just wanted to reflect a little and thank so many wonderful people. I have tried on several occasions to go back and read through the entire Blog but find I just can't do it without having to put it down because my eyes fill with tears. Even though we have been so blessed in Kevin's recovery there is still so much that is very painful. Everett and I have both gone through some pretty bad experiences in our lives but they all pale in comparison to the pain of watching your own child suffer. But today I do not want to focus on the negative but rather on the blessings. As I have reflected over the past year, I am continually reminded of how God placed so many wonderful people in our path to help ease the pain of our journey just a bit.
I am blessed to have my dear friend, Karin, who right from the start was in constant contact with me and immediately started and maintained a prayer chain; who eased my burden by phoning so many of my friends and family so I wouldn't have to; who let me call her at all hours just to cry, vent, scream, or whatever I needed; and who later helped with getting the Blog started. Thank you, Karin.
I am so grateful to Jan, Sarah's mother and a registered nurse, who came and spent almost six weeks while Kevin was in the ICU. She was invaluable to us as she helped explain medications, medical procedures, and the myriad of things going on in the ICU. The doctors and nurses didn't always have the time to explain every detail going on so it was such a blessing having Jan to give us a better understanding of what was happening and why. And, I know it was such an emotional help to Sarah to have her mom at her side at a most critical time. Thank you, Jan.
I want to thank all who came to visit us while we waited for endless and agonizing hours in the ICU. Your visits were such an encouragement and your wonderful gifts of food and other goodies helped sustain us. Thank you, all.
Staying in a hotel for six weeks, eating every meal out, gas to Riverside and back, staying in hotels almost every weekend for six months while Kevin was in Bakersfield, meals out again, as well as gas back and forth, was a huge financial dilemma. But God provided exceeding abundantly for all our needs through so many of you. My heartfelt thanks go out to Scott Kincaid (Kevin's employer) Moses (Kevin's supervisor) and his work crew, Redeemer Church, Biola University, Bound By Grace of EV Free Fullerton, Computer Specialists, Inc., and Threads of Friendship Quilting Group for their huge financial contributions. There are countless individuals who gave so generously to us as well, some anonymously, and I apologize that I don't name you one by one because I am sure to leave someone out. Thank you, dear friends.
I want to thank Guy and Barbara, our neighbors, who looked after our house and property while we were in Riverside and weekends in Bakersfield. It was so nice not to have to worry for one minute about it knowing it was in excellent hands. They kept our yard in better condition than we did. Thank you, Guy and Barbara.
I can't possibly thank all of you enough who prayed and prayed and prayed some more and are still praying. Your prayers were and are felt and have encouraged us in ways you will never know. I thank little Eli and Emma Lister, quite possible two of the most steadfast prayers, and only 4 and 5 years old. You two really touched my heart. Thanks to you all.
When I asked that cards of encouragement be sent to Kevin I was absolutely blown away by the response. Each day a handful of cards was delivered to Kevin's room and later to his apartment at CNS. I know these were a real source of encouragement to Kevin. Thank you.
Our whole family was blessed to have Wayne and Connie, our dear friends in Bakersfield. When they found out Kevin was coming to Bakersfield, they immediately rolled out the red carpet to us. They became a safe harbor to us on our weekends to Bakersfield and treated us like family. They fed us, encouraged us, loved us, and blessed us in so many ways. Thank you, Wayne and Connie.
I want to thank my dear friend, Michelle, who suggested the idea of starting this Blog and offered to maintain it. This venue has been a blessing to me and to so many others. Thank you, Michelle.
I also want to say how grateful I am for my family. An experience like this can either make you or break you, but our family rallied around one another as we trusted God to bring us through. I am so thankful for Kim, Keith's lovely bride. Kim can turn the gloomiest of days into sunshine with just her presence. She just has that quality about her. Thank you God for the blessing of Kim. I am so thankful to God for bringing her into Keith's life at just the right time. I am so glad Keith has her love and support to lean on during this trying time. I don't often tell him, but I admire Keith's strength and commitment to family. I know it was so difficult for him to work full time, drive out to Riverside almost daily for six weeks and have to deal with all the emotional and physical fatigue, not to mention he was just beginning a new marriage. I love you, Keith.
Sarah is absolutely amazing. She is the best thing that ever happened to Kevin. Her quite and gentle spirit is such a blessing. But don't let that fool you...she is a rock. I am so grateful for her love, devotion, and loyalty to Kevin. About thirty years ago when I started praying for the women who would one day be wives for my sons, I couldn't have imagined two women more wonderful than the Godly women He brought into our family. Thank you God for the blessing of Sarah.
Of course I have to thank God for blessing us with preserving Kevin's life. I am so thankful for the progress Kevin continues to make and how he continues to trust God for his future. Though the future looks like a big blank canvas to us, we know God has the whole picture already painted. I love you, Kevin.
And thank you God for Everett, my dear husband of 36 years. There is not a more steady man than Everett, one who loves his family dearly. I could not have made it through this without him by my side. I love you, Everett.
Before I close, I want to give you a little update on Kevin's trip last week to Bakersfield. He met with Dr. Suter, the neuro-ophthalmologist, and she has determined Kevin may do well with blue-green lenses. This may help with his depth perception and may possibly increase his peripheral vision. So he is waiting for them to be made. Kevin also had an assessment of his ability to operate power tools. He was told he should not use power saws and was told he could use some of the other power tools but only if he is supervised by someone who knows how to handle power tools well. This was disappointing but Kevin took it in stride. Please be in prayer for our next family conference on May 16 where we hope to gain better insight into how Kevin's future will be managed.
So to all my dear friends, thank you from the bottom of my heart. For your love, prayers, encouragement, gifts of time, money, hospitality, and so much more, which you all so unselfishly have given me and my family, I pray the Lord's blessings be heaped upon you. My cup overflows with thanksgiving to God for the wonders He has performed. To God be the glory!
Grace and Peace to you all,
Tami
May 7, 2007, started out just like any other day except I was busy getting ready for our trip to Hawaii. Everett and I were scheduled to leave on May 12 to celebrate a belated 35th wedding anniversary. But then the phone rang and our lives were forever changed. It's hard to believe that only a year has passed. In many ways it seems like ten.
On the anniversary of Kevin's accident I just wanted to reflect a little and thank so many wonderful people. I have tried on several occasions to go back and read through the entire Blog but find I just can't do it without having to put it down because my eyes fill with tears. Even though we have been so blessed in Kevin's recovery there is still so much that is very painful. Everett and I have both gone through some pretty bad experiences in our lives but they all pale in comparison to the pain of watching your own child suffer. But today I do not want to focus on the negative but rather on the blessings. As I have reflected over the past year, I am continually reminded of how God placed so many wonderful people in our path to help ease the pain of our journey just a bit.
I am blessed to have my dear friend, Karin, who right from the start was in constant contact with me and immediately started and maintained a prayer chain; who eased my burden by phoning so many of my friends and family so I wouldn't have to; who let me call her at all hours just to cry, vent, scream, or whatever I needed; and who later helped with getting the Blog started. Thank you, Karin.
I am so grateful to Jan, Sarah's mother and a registered nurse, who came and spent almost six weeks while Kevin was in the ICU. She was invaluable to us as she helped explain medications, medical procedures, and the myriad of things going on in the ICU. The doctors and nurses didn't always have the time to explain every detail going on so it was such a blessing having Jan to give us a better understanding of what was happening and why. And, I know it was such an emotional help to Sarah to have her mom at her side at a most critical time. Thank you, Jan.
I want to thank all who came to visit us while we waited for endless and agonizing hours in the ICU. Your visits were such an encouragement and your wonderful gifts of food and other goodies helped sustain us. Thank you, all.
Staying in a hotel for six weeks, eating every meal out, gas to Riverside and back, staying in hotels almost every weekend for six months while Kevin was in Bakersfield, meals out again, as well as gas back and forth, was a huge financial dilemma. But God provided exceeding abundantly for all our needs through so many of you. My heartfelt thanks go out to Scott Kincaid (Kevin's employer) Moses (Kevin's supervisor) and his work crew, Redeemer Church, Biola University, Bound By Grace of EV Free Fullerton, Computer Specialists, Inc., and Threads of Friendship Quilting Group for their huge financial contributions. There are countless individuals who gave so generously to us as well, some anonymously, and I apologize that I don't name you one by one because I am sure to leave someone out. Thank you, dear friends.
I want to thank Guy and Barbara, our neighbors, who looked after our house and property while we were in Riverside and weekends in Bakersfield. It was so nice not to have to worry for one minute about it knowing it was in excellent hands. They kept our yard in better condition than we did. Thank you, Guy and Barbara.
I can't possibly thank all of you enough who prayed and prayed and prayed some more and are still praying. Your prayers were and are felt and have encouraged us in ways you will never know. I thank little Eli and Emma Lister, quite possible two of the most steadfast prayers, and only 4 and 5 years old. You two really touched my heart. Thanks to you all.
When I asked that cards of encouragement be sent to Kevin I was absolutely blown away by the response. Each day a handful of cards was delivered to Kevin's room and later to his apartment at CNS. I know these were a real source of encouragement to Kevin. Thank you.
Our whole family was blessed to have Wayne and Connie, our dear friends in Bakersfield. When they found out Kevin was coming to Bakersfield, they immediately rolled out the red carpet to us. They became a safe harbor to us on our weekends to Bakersfield and treated us like family. They fed us, encouraged us, loved us, and blessed us in so many ways. Thank you, Wayne and Connie.
I want to thank my dear friend, Michelle, who suggested the idea of starting this Blog and offered to maintain it. This venue has been a blessing to me and to so many others. Thank you, Michelle.
I also want to say how grateful I am for my family. An experience like this can either make you or break you, but our family rallied around one another as we trusted God to bring us through. I am so thankful for Kim, Keith's lovely bride. Kim can turn the gloomiest of days into sunshine with just her presence. She just has that quality about her. Thank you God for the blessing of Kim. I am so thankful to God for bringing her into Keith's life at just the right time. I am so glad Keith has her love and support to lean on during this trying time. I don't often tell him, but I admire Keith's strength and commitment to family. I know it was so difficult for him to work full time, drive out to Riverside almost daily for six weeks and have to deal with all the emotional and physical fatigue, not to mention he was just beginning a new marriage. I love you, Keith.
Sarah is absolutely amazing. She is the best thing that ever happened to Kevin. Her quite and gentle spirit is such a blessing. But don't let that fool you...she is a rock. I am so grateful for her love, devotion, and loyalty to Kevin. About thirty years ago when I started praying for the women who would one day be wives for my sons, I couldn't have imagined two women more wonderful than the Godly women He brought into our family. Thank you God for the blessing of Sarah.
Of course I have to thank God for blessing us with preserving Kevin's life. I am so thankful for the progress Kevin continues to make and how he continues to trust God for his future. Though the future looks like a big blank canvas to us, we know God has the whole picture already painted. I love you, Kevin.
And thank you God for Everett, my dear husband of 36 years. There is not a more steady man than Everett, one who loves his family dearly. I could not have made it through this without him by my side. I love you, Everett.
Before I close, I want to give you a little update on Kevin's trip last week to Bakersfield. He met with Dr. Suter, the neuro-ophthalmologist, and she has determined Kevin may do well with blue-green lenses. This may help with his depth perception and may possibly increase his peripheral vision. So he is waiting for them to be made. Kevin also had an assessment of his ability to operate power tools. He was told he should not use power saws and was told he could use some of the other power tools but only if he is supervised by someone who knows how to handle power tools well. This was disappointing but Kevin took it in stride. Please be in prayer for our next family conference on May 16 where we hope to gain better insight into how Kevin's future will be managed.
So to all my dear friends, thank you from the bottom of my heart. For your love, prayers, encouragement, gifts of time, money, hospitality, and so much more, which you all so unselfishly have given me and my family, I pray the Lord's blessings be heaped upon you. My cup overflows with thanksgiving to God for the wonders He has performed. To God be the glory!
Grace and Peace to you all,
Tami
Monday, April 28, 2008
Monday, April 28, 2008
Dear Family and Friends,
We had a good answer to prayer in that Kevin was accepted in the ACCESS program. This is the transportation system through OCTA for seniors and people with disabilities. For a small fee, about $2.25 each way, Kevin can call ACCESS and be picked up at his door and be taken anywhere he wants to go within Orange County and then be returned home again. This will give him a bit more independence. However, Kevin has been doing quite well on his own as he often runs errands by walking to Lowe's or Wal-Mart or one of the many other stores in his area.
We would like you to be in prayer as Kevin will be taken to Bakersfield this Tuesday for an appointment with the neuro-ophthalmologist to see if he would benefit from colored glass lenses that may help increase his field of vision. Kevin's eyes are one area he seems to have a lot of difficulty with. Even though he has very limited vision his eyes are hypersensitive to light. He is particularly sensitive to fluorescent lights and sunlight. He often has to wear his dark glasses indoors as well as outdoors. He often has to wear a hat outdoors as well to keep the sun out even more.
While in Bakersfield on Tuesday they will also be taking him to the Centre for Neuro Skills for his power tool assessment. As a mother, it is difficult to know exactly how to pray. I would very much like him to be able to do the things he once enjoyed but I also worry for his safety. The Centre is concerned not only about his limited eyesight, but that he also has a delayed reaction time. So, please pray that they can make a correct assessment of Kevin's ability to handle the tools and whatever the diagnosis that Kevin will accept it as he is quite determined to get back to his hobby.
Grace and Peace to you all,
Tami
We had a good answer to prayer in that Kevin was accepted in the ACCESS program. This is the transportation system through OCTA for seniors and people with disabilities. For a small fee, about $2.25 each way, Kevin can call ACCESS and be picked up at his door and be taken anywhere he wants to go within Orange County and then be returned home again. This will give him a bit more independence. However, Kevin has been doing quite well on his own as he often runs errands by walking to Lowe's or Wal-Mart or one of the many other stores in his area.
We would like you to be in prayer as Kevin will be taken to Bakersfield this Tuesday for an appointment with the neuro-ophthalmologist to see if he would benefit from colored glass lenses that may help increase his field of vision. Kevin's eyes are one area he seems to have a lot of difficulty with. Even though he has very limited vision his eyes are hypersensitive to light. He is particularly sensitive to fluorescent lights and sunlight. He often has to wear his dark glasses indoors as well as outdoors. He often has to wear a hat outdoors as well to keep the sun out even more.
While in Bakersfield on Tuesday they will also be taking him to the Centre for Neuro Skills for his power tool assessment. As a mother, it is difficult to know exactly how to pray. I would very much like him to be able to do the things he once enjoyed but I also worry for his safety. The Centre is concerned not only about his limited eyesight, but that he also has a delayed reaction time. So, please pray that they can make a correct assessment of Kevin's ability to handle the tools and whatever the diagnosis that Kevin will accept it as he is quite determined to get back to his hobby.
Grace and Peace to you all,
Tami
Monday, April 14, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
Dear Friends,
Kevin's medical conference on Friday went well. At present he is going to the Centre once a week (Fridays) and they plan to cut that down even more next month. We are still trying to get an appointment with Dr. Suter, the neuro-ophthalmologist in Bakersfield, and an assessment of his use of power tools will be scheduled at the Bakersfield Centre on the same day as soon as they finally get an appointment scheduled with the doctor. Kevin may have to take some of his own tools as the Centre does not have everything he uses.
We had many problems with the transportation service Worker's Comp. used to get Kevin to and from school last week. He missed school Monday and Tuesday because no one showed up and I made a mad dash to get him to school on Wednesday as no driver arrived that day either. We made some complaints and they have arranged for a new transportation service to take over this week. The old company managed to barely get him there on time Thursday and Kevin said it was a harrowing ride home. I talked to Kevin a little while ago and he said the driver was early picking him up at his apartment today and was waiting for him when he got out of class. So far so good!
His appointment with OCTA went well last Tuesday but it will be several weeks before we learn if he has been approved for their services so please keep praying he will be approved.
CNS has recommended Kevin look into the possibility of taking a course at Fullerton Junior College in a vocational field of interest such as CAD (Computer drafting).
Kevin has been managing his afternoons at home very well. He usually has some homework to complete and he has been real good about doing laundry, cleaning the apartment, and helping with meals. That, of course, makes Sarah very happy. So all in all things are progressing pretty well.
Thanks for your continued encouragement and prayers,
Tami
Kevin's medical conference on Friday went well. At present he is going to the Centre once a week (Fridays) and they plan to cut that down even more next month. We are still trying to get an appointment with Dr. Suter, the neuro-ophthalmologist in Bakersfield, and an assessment of his use of power tools will be scheduled at the Bakersfield Centre on the same day as soon as they finally get an appointment scheduled with the doctor. Kevin may have to take some of his own tools as the Centre does not have everything he uses.
We had many problems with the transportation service Worker's Comp. used to get Kevin to and from school last week. He missed school Monday and Tuesday because no one showed up and I made a mad dash to get him to school on Wednesday as no driver arrived that day either. We made some complaints and they have arranged for a new transportation service to take over this week. The old company managed to barely get him there on time Thursday and Kevin said it was a harrowing ride home. I talked to Kevin a little while ago and he said the driver was early picking him up at his apartment today and was waiting for him when he got out of class. So far so good!
His appointment with OCTA went well last Tuesday but it will be several weeks before we learn if he has been approved for their services so please keep praying he will be approved.
CNS has recommended Kevin look into the possibility of taking a course at Fullerton Junior College in a vocational field of interest such as CAD (Computer drafting).
Kevin has been managing his afternoons at home very well. He usually has some homework to complete and he has been real good about doing laundry, cleaning the apartment, and helping with meals. That, of course, makes Sarah very happy. So all in all things are progressing pretty well.
Thanks for your continued encouragement and prayers,
Tami
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Dear Family and Friends,
Just wanted to give you a quick update and leave you with a prayer request. Kevin started the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Program at Coastline on Monday. He attends classes Monday through Thursday for four hours a day. As a result of student orientation on Saturday, we believe this is a good next step for Kevin. Not only will they continue cognitive rehabilitation, they will teach him to use a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) which will help serve as his memory, and they will help him set and reach his goals for the future.
Here is our prayer request: Transportation to and from school has not been worked out. I have been taking him to school in the mornings and CNS has been picking him up in the afternoons. Costa Mesa is about an hour away and this is something I am not able to do every day for the next two years. He could take the bus but he would need to catch it about 6:15 a.m., ride for almost two hours, and then walk the last mile to school. Kevin has an appointment with the Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) next Tuesday afternoon to see if he qualifies for their program of transportation for people with disabilities. For a small fee this service would pick him up at his apartment and take him directly to the school. So please pray that this would be made available to him.
Thanks so much, and God bless you all,
Tami
Just wanted to give you a quick update and leave you with a prayer request. Kevin started the Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Program at Coastline on Monday. He attends classes Monday through Thursday for four hours a day. As a result of student orientation on Saturday, we believe this is a good next step for Kevin. Not only will they continue cognitive rehabilitation, they will teach him to use a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) which will help serve as his memory, and they will help him set and reach his goals for the future.
Here is our prayer request: Transportation to and from school has not been worked out. I have been taking him to school in the mornings and CNS has been picking him up in the afternoons. Costa Mesa is about an hour away and this is something I am not able to do every day for the next two years. He could take the bus but he would need to catch it about 6:15 a.m., ride for almost two hours, and then walk the last mile to school. Kevin has an appointment with the Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) next Tuesday afternoon to see if he qualifies for their program of transportation for people with disabilities. For a small fee this service would pick him up at his apartment and take him directly to the school. So please pray that this would be made available to him.
Thanks so much, and God bless you all,
Tami
Friday, March 28, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
This is a message from me, Kevin, to all who have been tracking my initial injury and continuing recovery from my accident. If it were possible I would like to personally thank everyone, but at this time the Blog my mother put together is the best means I have to communicate my gratitude to all of you.
I want to start off by thanking you all for your interest, prayers, and support. Without all of your prayers I would not have come as far as I have. On the same note it is absolutely overwhelming to me to comprehend how many people who have offered prayer on my behalf. It is my only hope that God will provide and bless you all the way he has me.
It has been a long journey but I still have a long way to go. I am not discouraged because God has been with me and I know he will continue to guide and strengthen me.
If you would like some specific things to pray for fortunately there are only a few problems that persist. My vision is greatly reduced. I only have partial vision in one eye that the doctors say might heal and increase. I have a inner ear disorder that affects my balance which is suppost to remain. The last thing is my future vocation is unclear and I am seeking direction on future employment. Again I thank you all.
A special thanks to all who attended my 27th birthday party and generously gave me a gift. Is is again beyond my understanding why there are so many who care.
Love,
Kevin
Dear Family and Friends,
Kevin asked me to proof and correct what he wrote but I decided against it as I felt it would be more meaningful just the way he wrote it. You can see he did quite well without my help anyway.
Kevin has been accepted into Coastline Community College and is supposed to start classes on Monday. Kevin, Sarah, Everett and I are visiting the college tomorrow for student orientation. Please be in prayer as they are trying to find a way to get Kevin to and from the college which is in Costa Mesa. They have looked into the bus system but he would have to be at the bus stop by 6:30 a.m., would have to transfer two or three times, and it would be about a three-hour trip each way.
Kevin was recently seen by a neuro-optometrist in this area and he believes Kevin would benefit by colored lenses of some sort that may help increase his field of vision. He is referring him back to Dr. Suter, whom he was seeing in Bakersfield, as she has the equipment necessary to test just what color lenses would give him the best benefit. Dr. Suter is quite booked at the moment but they hope to get him in as soon as possible. When they are able to make this appointment they will also take him to the Bakersfield Centre where they can test his ability to use power tools. As you many remember this was previously scheduled to take place but had to be postponed because of the wedding he was in.
I just wanted to remind those of you who missed it the first time about the little gizmo you can find under all the pictures on the Blog. If you put in your email address it will alert you whenever there is an update to the Blog. This is quite handy as I am not making updates as routinely as I once was.
May God bless you all with His love,
Tami
I want to start off by thanking you all for your interest, prayers, and support. Without all of your prayers I would not have come as far as I have. On the same note it is absolutely overwhelming to me to comprehend how many people who have offered prayer on my behalf. It is my only hope that God will provide and bless you all the way he has me.
It has been a long journey but I still have a long way to go. I am not discouraged because God has been with me and I know he will continue to guide and strengthen me.
If you would like some specific things to pray for fortunately there are only a few problems that persist. My vision is greatly reduced. I only have partial vision in one eye that the doctors say might heal and increase. I have a inner ear disorder that affects my balance which is suppost to remain. The last thing is my future vocation is unclear and I am seeking direction on future employment. Again I thank you all.
A special thanks to all who attended my 27th birthday party and generously gave me a gift. Is is again beyond my understanding why there are so many who care.
Love,
Kevin
Dear Family and Friends,
Kevin asked me to proof and correct what he wrote but I decided against it as I felt it would be more meaningful just the way he wrote it. You can see he did quite well without my help anyway.
Kevin has been accepted into Coastline Community College and is supposed to start classes on Monday. Kevin, Sarah, Everett and I are visiting the college tomorrow for student orientation. Please be in prayer as they are trying to find a way to get Kevin to and from the college which is in Costa Mesa. They have looked into the bus system but he would have to be at the bus stop by 6:30 a.m., would have to transfer two or three times, and it would be about a three-hour trip each way.
Kevin was recently seen by a neuro-optometrist in this area and he believes Kevin would benefit by colored lenses of some sort that may help increase his field of vision. He is referring him back to Dr. Suter, whom he was seeing in Bakersfield, as she has the equipment necessary to test just what color lenses would give him the best benefit. Dr. Suter is quite booked at the moment but they hope to get him in as soon as possible. When they are able to make this appointment they will also take him to the Bakersfield Centre where they can test his ability to use power tools. As you many remember this was previously scheduled to take place but had to be postponed because of the wedding he was in.
I just wanted to remind those of you who missed it the first time about the little gizmo you can find under all the pictures on the Blog. If you put in your email address it will alert you whenever there is an update to the Blog. This is quite handy as I am not making updates as routinely as I once was.
May God bless you all with His love,
Tami
Monday, March 17, 2008
Monday, March 17, 2008
Dear Friends,
What a wonderful celebration we had on Saturday! I can't tell you how blessed we all were by the great number of you who came by to welcome Kevin home and wish him a happy birthday. We were a bit apprehensive as to how he might respond to so much attention focused on him, but he seemed to relish it all as he tried to make sure he spoke to everyone who came. If you knew Kevin before his accident you know he was never much of a talker, especially not to people he had never met before, so it amazed us that he was so at ease with the situation.
As I talked with so many of you, I was humbled that so many people who had never met us before have cared enough to keep us in their prayers for these past ten months. You all have touched my heart in such a way that I have no words to describe it. I have prayed that the Lord would heap His blessings upon each of you for the love you have shown our family.
I know that everyone who talked with Kevin was surprised at how well he looked as well as how well he is doing. However, it really isn't that amazing because we have an awesome God who hears the prayers of His children and He has been gracious to answer your prayers on Kevin's behalf. We still covet your prayers, though, as Kevin still has a long way to go.
Kevin was taken to Coastline Community College today for some initial testing and will return later for more interviews to see if they believe he is a good candidate for their brain injury program. Sarah will be interviewed as well. So, please keep praying that there will be an opening for him if this is where God would want him to be.
God Bless You All,
Tami
What a wonderful celebration we had on Saturday! I can't tell you how blessed we all were by the great number of you who came by to welcome Kevin home and wish him a happy birthday. We were a bit apprehensive as to how he might respond to so much attention focused on him, but he seemed to relish it all as he tried to make sure he spoke to everyone who came. If you knew Kevin before his accident you know he was never much of a talker, especially not to people he had never met before, so it amazed us that he was so at ease with the situation.
As I talked with so many of you, I was humbled that so many people who had never met us before have cared enough to keep us in their prayers for these past ten months. You all have touched my heart in such a way that I have no words to describe it. I have prayed that the Lord would heap His blessings upon each of you for the love you have shown our family.
I know that everyone who talked with Kevin was surprised at how well he looked as well as how well he is doing. However, it really isn't that amazing because we have an awesome God who hears the prayers of His children and He has been gracious to answer your prayers on Kevin's behalf. We still covet your prayers, though, as Kevin still has a long way to go.
Kevin was taken to Coastline Community College today for some initial testing and will return later for more interviews to see if they believe he is a good candidate for their brain injury program. Sarah will be interviewed as well. So, please keep praying that there will be an opening for him if this is where God would want him to be.
God Bless You All,
Tami
Monday, March 10, 2008
Monday, March 10, 2008
Dear Friends and Family,
Yesterday was yet another example of God's answer to prayer. Shortly before Kevin's accident he had been asked by his good friend, Kevin D., to be a groomsman at his wedding. As Kevin D. visited our Kevin several times while he was in the ICU as well as at Kindred before he had to leave for the Philippines, it was so uncertain whether our Kevin would be rehabilitated enough to perform this duty. But Kevin D's faith and confidence never wavered as he was confident our Kevin would stand at his wedding. Last evening, in a beautiful ceremony in San Juan Capistrano, God's answer to prayer walked down the isle and stood up for his friend. All through the ceremony I couldn't help but give God thanks for all He had done in bringing us this far.
Kevin is continuing his out-patient therapies at the Centre for Neuro Skills in Encino. He is now going three days a week, and the other two days a therapist comes to his apartment and works with him there. Kevin has a great yearning to get back to using his power tools. The Centre, for the moment, is cautioning him to wait until they are able to send him back to the Centre in Bakersfield for a day where they are better equipped to assess his ability to safely handle them. He was supposed to have gone last Thursday but had to cancel as he had the wedding rehearsal to attend. We would ask your prayer for this matter as it would give Kevin much pleasure to return to the hobby he loved as well as being the fix-it man around his apartment.
We are so excited about the response we have had that so many of you will be attending the Welcome Home/Happy Birthday party for Kevin this Saturday, March 15. If you haven't made your RSVP you can still do so at kevinscelebration@gmail.com. This will give you the opportunity to meet Kevin and his family and enjoy a piece of birthday cake. We know you will be blessed by seeing in person how wonderfully God has answered your prayers. Once again this will be a very informal time, so if you can only drop in for a few minutes or can stay the whole time, we would love for you to come by even if you haven't RSVP'd! The time and place once again is 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Redeemer Church Family Center, 15151 Cordova Road, La Mirada, CA, located at the corner of Imperial Highway and Cordova Road.
Looking forward to seeing you all this Saturday,
Tami
Yesterday was yet another example of God's answer to prayer. Shortly before Kevin's accident he had been asked by his good friend, Kevin D., to be a groomsman at his wedding. As Kevin D. visited our Kevin several times while he was in the ICU as well as at Kindred before he had to leave for the Philippines, it was so uncertain whether our Kevin would be rehabilitated enough to perform this duty. But Kevin D's faith and confidence never wavered as he was confident our Kevin would stand at his wedding. Last evening, in a beautiful ceremony in San Juan Capistrano, God's answer to prayer walked down the isle and stood up for his friend. All through the ceremony I couldn't help but give God thanks for all He had done in bringing us this far.
Kevin is continuing his out-patient therapies at the Centre for Neuro Skills in Encino. He is now going three days a week, and the other two days a therapist comes to his apartment and works with him there. Kevin has a great yearning to get back to using his power tools. The Centre, for the moment, is cautioning him to wait until they are able to send him back to the Centre in Bakersfield for a day where they are better equipped to assess his ability to safely handle them. He was supposed to have gone last Thursday but had to cancel as he had the wedding rehearsal to attend. We would ask your prayer for this matter as it would give Kevin much pleasure to return to the hobby he loved as well as being the fix-it man around his apartment.
We are so excited about the response we have had that so many of you will be attending the Welcome Home/Happy Birthday party for Kevin this Saturday, March 15. If you haven't made your RSVP you can still do so at kevinscelebration@gmail.com. This will give you the opportunity to meet Kevin and his family and enjoy a piece of birthday cake. We know you will be blessed by seeing in person how wonderfully God has answered your prayers. Once again this will be a very informal time, so if you can only drop in for a few minutes or can stay the whole time, we would love for you to come by even if you haven't RSVP'd! The time and place once again is 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Redeemer Church Family Center, 15151 Cordova Road, La Mirada, CA, located at the corner of Imperial Highway and Cordova Road.
Looking forward to seeing you all this Saturday,
Tami
Monday, March 3, 2008
Friday, February 29, 2008
Dear Friends,
Our Family Conference this past Tuesday at Centre for Neuro Skills in Encino was encouraging. They are continuing to work on Kevin's balance, memory, organization, awareness skills, etc. Last Friday he was taken to the Braille Institute and they will be working with him as well. The Braille Institute will soon send someone to his home to teach him techniques for maneuvering around his apartment as well as his community. The Centre is investigating which mode of transportation, such as Access or the Orange County Transit Authority, would best meet his needs at home and help him file the necessary paperwork.
The Centre also believes Kevin would greatly benefit by attending Coastline Community College's Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Program. This two-year education program, located in Costa Mesa, is designed to provide structured cognitive retaining for adults with traumatic brain injury. The ABI program emphasizes cognitive retraining, socialization and career development to promote individual responsibility and independence. Students in the program learn strategies to compensate for deficits in verbal skills, memory, figural skills, critical thinking, attention and organization. The program teaches students to apply these skills to practical, real-life home and work environments. The Centre will be helping Kevin with registration and the application of funding for people with disabilities.
There is much going on and we continue to ask for your prayers as Kevin makes adjustment to all these things. If Coastline is where Kevin should be, please ask the Lord to have a spot available to him as we understand there is quite a demand for this program. Pray also that it will not be a financial hardship for him and Sarah. Pray that Kevin and Sarah's relationship will grow stronger through this journey as they continue to trust the Lord.
Again, I want to invite everyone of you who has followed Kevin's recovery process to join us Saturday, March 15, as we celebrate the goodness of the Lord at a Welcome Home/Birthday Party for Kevin. You can read all the details in the last Blog report. You can RSVP at kevinscelebration@gmail.com.
Love,
Tami
Our Family Conference this past Tuesday at Centre for Neuro Skills in Encino was encouraging. They are continuing to work on Kevin's balance, memory, organization, awareness skills, etc. Last Friday he was taken to the Braille Institute and they will be working with him as well. The Braille Institute will soon send someone to his home to teach him techniques for maneuvering around his apartment as well as his community. The Centre is investigating which mode of transportation, such as Access or the Orange County Transit Authority, would best meet his needs at home and help him file the necessary paperwork.
The Centre also believes Kevin would greatly benefit by attending Coastline Community College's Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Program. This two-year education program, located in Costa Mesa, is designed to provide structured cognitive retaining for adults with traumatic brain injury. The ABI program emphasizes cognitive retraining, socialization and career development to promote individual responsibility and independence. Students in the program learn strategies to compensate for deficits in verbal skills, memory, figural skills, critical thinking, attention and organization. The program teaches students to apply these skills to practical, real-life home and work environments. The Centre will be helping Kevin with registration and the application of funding for people with disabilities.
There is much going on and we continue to ask for your prayers as Kevin makes adjustment to all these things. If Coastline is where Kevin should be, please ask the Lord to have a spot available to him as we understand there is quite a demand for this program. Pray also that it will not be a financial hardship for him and Sarah. Pray that Kevin and Sarah's relationship will grow stronger through this journey as they continue to trust the Lord.
Again, I want to invite everyone of you who has followed Kevin's recovery process to join us Saturday, March 15, as we celebrate the goodness of the Lord at a Welcome Home/Birthday Party for Kevin. You can read all the details in the last Blog report. You can RSVP at kevinscelebration@gmail.com.
Love,
Tami
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Friday, February 22, 2008
IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE!
We have so much to celebrate and be joyful and thankful for. All of you have been a huge part of Kevin's journey and we want to invite you to join us as we celebrate Kevin's 27th birthday and his homecoming.
The celebration will take place Saturday, March 15, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., in the Family Center of Redeemer Church, 15151 Cordova Road, La Mirada, CA 90638. Come for just a few minutes or stay the whole time.
This will be a very informal time for you to greet Kevin and enjoy a piece of birthday cake. We know there are many of you who have never met Kevin or any of his family, and we would love to meet you as well and thank you for your encouragement through this long journey. Kevin really has no comprehension of how vast his support system has been through all of this, and we believe it would be a real blessing for him to see each of you and realize just how many people have surrounded him with prayer. We know you will be blessed by seeing in person how wonderfully God has answered your prayers.
For those of you who know Kevin personally, we ask that you keep this celebration a secret. There is no need to bring a present as you have already blessed him and us with the gift of your love, support, encouragement and prayers. To make sure we have a piece of birthday cake for you we would ask that you RSVP by emailing me at kevinscelebration@gmail.com and let me know if you think you might be able to attend.
This is not the end of the journey as Kevin still has more recovery ahead so we ask for your continued prayers. We really hope that you can join us for this special celebration.
Love,Tami
We have so much to celebrate and be joyful and thankful for. All of you have been a huge part of Kevin's journey and we want to invite you to join us as we celebrate Kevin's 27th birthday and his homecoming.
The celebration will take place Saturday, March 15, 2:00 - 4:00 p.m., in the Family Center of Redeemer Church, 15151 Cordova Road, La Mirada, CA 90638. Come for just a few minutes or stay the whole time.
This will be a very informal time for you to greet Kevin and enjoy a piece of birthday cake. We know there are many of you who have never met Kevin or any of his family, and we would love to meet you as well and thank you for your encouragement through this long journey. Kevin really has no comprehension of how vast his support system has been through all of this, and we believe it would be a real blessing for him to see each of you and realize just how many people have surrounded him with prayer. We know you will be blessed by seeing in person how wonderfully God has answered your prayers.
For those of you who know Kevin personally, we ask that you keep this celebration a secret. There is no need to bring a present as you have already blessed him and us with the gift of your love, support, encouragement and prayers. To make sure we have a piece of birthday cake for you we would ask that you RSVP by emailing me at kevinscelebration@gmail.com and let me know if you think you might be able to attend.
This is not the end of the journey as Kevin still has more recovery ahead so we ask for your continued prayers. We really hope that you can join us for this special celebration.
Love,Tami
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Dear Friends,
Wanted to give you a brief update. We are thrilled to report that Kevin is now home! We were able to bring him home with us Friday evening.
Centre for Neuro Skills has a facility in Encino and Kevin will be an outpatient there starting tomorrow. He will be going every day for therapy for the next two to three weeks. After that he will probably go two to three days a week for however long they feel is necessary. He will be picked up at his apartment and returned home each evening. Worker's Comp. is working out all the details for his continued care such as what therapies and doctors he will need to be lined up with that are closer to his home. Please pray that the best doctors for his continued care can be found that will accept Kevin's Worker's Comp. insurance.
I want to thank you all for your prayers following the loss of my brother, Scott. A very nice Memorial Service was held for him this past Sunday. My older brother, Terry, and my dad are visiting with us until Thursday. I haven't seen either of them for several years so we are having a nice visit in between trying to deal with the loss of Scott as well as take care of Scott's affairs.
God bless you all,
Tami
Wanted to give you a brief update. We are thrilled to report that Kevin is now home! We were able to bring him home with us Friday evening.
Centre for Neuro Skills has a facility in Encino and Kevin will be an outpatient there starting tomorrow. He will be going every day for therapy for the next two to three weeks. After that he will probably go two to three days a week for however long they feel is necessary. He will be picked up at his apartment and returned home each evening. Worker's Comp. is working out all the details for his continued care such as what therapies and doctors he will need to be lined up with that are closer to his home. Please pray that the best doctors for his continued care can be found that will accept Kevin's Worker's Comp. insurance.
I want to thank you all for your prayers following the loss of my brother, Scott. A very nice Memorial Service was held for him this past Sunday. My older brother, Terry, and my dad are visiting with us until Thursday. I haven't seen either of them for several years so we are having a nice visit in between trying to deal with the loss of Scott as well as take care of Scott's affairs.
God bless you all,
Tami
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Dear Friends,
Just a quick update as I have so very much to do before my brother's memorial service on Sunday.
We have had word from the Centre of Neuro Skills that Kevin will be released this weekend. Praise the Lord! It is our understanding that he will be an outpatient for two to three weeks at their Clinic located in Encino. They will pick him up and bring him home on the days he is to have treatment. We will find out more tomorrow at our next family conference as to what the rest of the "game plan" for rehabilitation will be. It may be awhile before I can give you details as I should have family coming to town on Saturday and much more of my brother's stuff to attend to.
Do pray for our family. My brother, Terry, called yesterday to say his wife is very ill and most likely will not be able to come. Terry is feeling like he is getting it as well and I am waiting to hear from him today whether he thinks he can still come along with our dad.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Kevin and the whole family.
Love,
Tami
Just a quick update as I have so very much to do before my brother's memorial service on Sunday.
We have had word from the Centre of Neuro Skills that Kevin will be released this weekend. Praise the Lord! It is our understanding that he will be an outpatient for two to three weeks at their Clinic located in Encino. They will pick him up and bring him home on the days he is to have treatment. We will find out more tomorrow at our next family conference as to what the rest of the "game plan" for rehabilitation will be. It may be awhile before I can give you details as I should have family coming to town on Saturday and much more of my brother's stuff to attend to.
Do pray for our family. My brother, Terry, called yesterday to say his wife is very ill and most likely will not be able to come. Terry is feeling like he is getting it as well and I am waiting to hear from him today whether he thinks he can still come along with our dad.
Thank you for your continued prayers for Kevin and the whole family.
Love,
Tami
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Dear Friends,
This has been a most trying week to say the least and it is very difficult for me to write this. Just to put your minds at ease, everything is fine with Kevin and our next family conference is February 8. We are hoping and praying he will be able to come home for good at that time.
Quite unexpectedly my younger brother, Scott, passed away on Friday the 25th. His death has hit the whole family very hard. Most of the responsibility of his affairs is upon my shoulders. My older brother, Terry, who lives in Albuquerque is doing all he can to help and has been great at giving me advice on how to handle things. We are planning a memorial service for February 10. My brother, sister-in-law, and my dad will be coming and stay with us for about a week. Please be in prayer for our family at this time as we make preparations for the memorial, deal with the loss of Scott, travel safety for my family coming to town, etc., etc.
God is merciful and will not allow the righteous to be shaken. He is our strength and refuge.
Love,
Tami
This has been a most trying week to say the least and it is very difficult for me to write this. Just to put your minds at ease, everything is fine with Kevin and our next family conference is February 8. We are hoping and praying he will be able to come home for good at that time.
Quite unexpectedly my younger brother, Scott, passed away on Friday the 25th. His death has hit the whole family very hard. Most of the responsibility of his affairs is upon my shoulders. My older brother, Terry, who lives in Albuquerque is doing all he can to help and has been great at giving me advice on how to handle things. We are planning a memorial service for February 10. My brother, sister-in-law, and my dad will be coming and stay with us for about a week. Please be in prayer for our family at this time as we make preparations for the memorial, deal with the loss of Scott, travel safety for my family coming to town, etc., etc.
God is merciful and will not allow the righteous to be shaken. He is our strength and refuge.
Love,
Tami
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Dear Friends,
Kevin had his appointment with Dr. Cooper yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately, the report was not what we were hoping for. He confirmed the original diagnosis that there will be no recovery in his right eye due to atrophy of the optic nerve. He also said there might be a little more recovery in his left eye but does not expect any dramatic change as there has been damage to the optic nerve there as well. He said Kevin will never be able to drive again. This was very hard to take. The good news is that what little eyesight Kevin does have is 20/20.
So friends, please keep Kevin and Sarah in your prayers as they trust God to take care of their future.
Love,
Tami
Kevin had his appointment with Dr. Cooper yesterday afternoon. Unfortunately, the report was not what we were hoping for. He confirmed the original diagnosis that there will be no recovery in his right eye due to atrophy of the optic nerve. He also said there might be a little more recovery in his left eye but does not expect any dramatic change as there has been damage to the optic nerve there as well. He said Kevin will never be able to drive again. This was very hard to take. The good news is that what little eyesight Kevin does have is 20/20.
So friends, please keep Kevin and Sarah in your prayers as they trust God to take care of their future.
Love,
Tami
Monday, January 14, 2008
Monday, January 14, 2008
Here's an update to the last blog entry...
Kevin has an appointment with Dr. Cooper, a neuro-ophthalmologist at Stanford Medical Center, this Friday at 1:00 p.m. He will be driven there by one of the therapists. This is about a four-hour trip. Please pray for their safety and that Dr. Cooper will be able to give us an accurate diagnosis of the condition of Kevin's eyesight so we know for sure what we are dealing with.
Late Friday evening, after his return from Stanford, either Everett or Sarah will be picking up Kevin in Bakersfield to bring him home for the rest of the weekend. We'll all be celebrating Sarah's birthday on Saturday. Monday is a holiday for Sarah and she has permission for Kevin to have a long weekend as well and not return him to the Centre until Monday.
Tami
Kevin has an appointment with Dr. Cooper, a neuro-ophthalmologist at Stanford Medical Center, this Friday at 1:00 p.m. He will be driven there by one of the therapists. This is about a four-hour trip. Please pray for their safety and that Dr. Cooper will be able to give us an accurate diagnosis of the condition of Kevin's eyesight so we know for sure what we are dealing with.
Late Friday evening, after his return from Stanford, either Everett or Sarah will be picking up Kevin in Bakersfield to bring him home for the rest of the weekend. We'll all be celebrating Sarah's birthday on Saturday. Monday is a holiday for Sarah and she has permission for Kevin to have a long weekend as well and not return him to the Centre until Monday.
Tami
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Dear Friends,
Sarah, Everett and I went to Bakersfield on Friday for our family conference. Of course, we went into the meeting expecting to have a release date for Kevin before the end of this month. As this did not turn out to be the case, I can say it was a great emotional let down. We know it is all for Kevin's good, but it is hard just the same, especially for Sarah. It will still be another four to six weeks before Kevin can come home. Our next conference is scheduled for February 8, and we are hoping that that weekend he will come home for good, but we are braced for the fact that it may be a couple more weeks beyond that. It is not that there is anything troubling going on that needs to be fixed but just that they want to give Kevin every benefit of their services to give him the most opportunity for success in the future.
During the conference we were given a better picture of just how much eyesight Kevin does have. He doesn't have eyesight in his right eye and has only about 1/4 of his eyesight in the left. They will continue exercises hoping to increase his field of vision in the left eye. They did say, however, that he has acclimated very well to his limited vision.
And, praise to the Lord, Dr. Cooper at Stanford Medical Center in Northern California has agreed to see Kevin. We should know by Tuesday when his appointment will be. We can only hope that we will get a better prognosis than we've already received. Whatever the case, God will bring us through and continue to take care of Kevin and Sarah. Of course, I am praying for a miracle that Kevin will have his eyesight fully restored.
Once Kevin returns home he will continue needing medical care. Please be in prayer that the right doctor can be found to oversee his care. I was relieved to learn that Worker's Compensation will be responsible for all transportation to and from doctor appointments.
I wanted to point out that Michelle, the keeper of the Blog, has added a little gizmo which you can find under the pictures of Kevin and Sarah. If you put in your email address the Blog will alert you whenever a new message has been added. This is especially handy since I am not updating the Blog as often as before. I want to thank Michelle publicly for the great job she has done designing the Blog and her faithfulness in getting updates posted almost as fast as I can send them to her. Michelle, you are a blessing and I love you.
Love,
Tami
Sarah, Everett and I went to Bakersfield on Friday for our family conference. Of course, we went into the meeting expecting to have a release date for Kevin before the end of this month. As this did not turn out to be the case, I can say it was a great emotional let down. We know it is all for Kevin's good, but it is hard just the same, especially for Sarah. It will still be another four to six weeks before Kevin can come home. Our next conference is scheduled for February 8, and we are hoping that that weekend he will come home for good, but we are braced for the fact that it may be a couple more weeks beyond that. It is not that there is anything troubling going on that needs to be fixed but just that they want to give Kevin every benefit of their services to give him the most opportunity for success in the future.
During the conference we were given a better picture of just how much eyesight Kevin does have. He doesn't have eyesight in his right eye and has only about 1/4 of his eyesight in the left. They will continue exercises hoping to increase his field of vision in the left eye. They did say, however, that he has acclimated very well to his limited vision.
And, praise to the Lord, Dr. Cooper at Stanford Medical Center in Northern California has agreed to see Kevin. We should know by Tuesday when his appointment will be. We can only hope that we will get a better prognosis than we've already received. Whatever the case, God will bring us through and continue to take care of Kevin and Sarah. Of course, I am praying for a miracle that Kevin will have his eyesight fully restored.
Once Kevin returns home he will continue needing medical care. Please be in prayer that the right doctor can be found to oversee his care. I was relieved to learn that Worker's Compensation will be responsible for all transportation to and from doctor appointments.
I wanted to point out that Michelle, the keeper of the Blog, has added a little gizmo which you can find under the pictures of Kevin and Sarah. If you put in your email address the Blog will alert you whenever a new message has been added. This is especially handy since I am not updating the Blog as often as before. I want to thank Michelle publicly for the great job she has done designing the Blog and her faithfulness in getting updates posted almost as fast as I can send them to her. Michelle, you are a blessing and I love you.
Love,
Tami
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