Wednesday, October 17, 2007

October 17, 2007 9:03am

Here come more troops! Mark's favorite (and only) sister Karen is flying in from Utah today and his parents will arrive there tomorrow. Karen will stay for a week and his parents will stay indefinitely.

We are so grateful to Stephanie's family for the immediate support that they have shown for Mark and Stephanie! Nickie was there before we could blink and she came in from Alaska. It couldn't have been an easy trip. And Christi was barely kept from flying in from Trinidad to take care of everyone and everything like the nurturer she is. It is no surprise to anyone since we all recognize how wonderful Stephanie is, and so she must have come from a fabulously warm and loving family!

And of course, friends from home are a huge help, too! The huntin' buds were stayed in Canada until Stephanie was settled. Everyone is helping Clayson feel like he's having the vacation of a lifetime! Mark and Stephanie truly appreciate everything you're doing and have already done.

Please feel free to read and add your own supportive comments to each of the blog postings. They're a great support to Stephanie and before we know it Mark will be trying to work from a laptop so he'll be able to read them all, too!

Thank you!

Mark's Family

11 comments:

Unknown said...

I posted this earlier but in the wrong place ;)

Stephanie:

I am so happy to hear that Karen is coming out and that Marjean and Warren won't be far behind.

That being said I wanted to run something by you...I know that Justin and Steven would like to see their dad but I wasn't sure how you would feel. My dad and I are willing to bring them but if you'd rather just my dad come that will work too. We just want to do what is good for you and to help in any way possible.

We have done some investigating and if we drive across the border they won't have to have passports. They have to have a photo ID to get in and a certified birth certificate to get back into the US. If you would like to discuss it, give me a call or you can email me. :)

I just want you to know that you guys are all in our every thought, prayer, and in our hearts. We love you all and pray that God's speed will be with Mark and that His unfailing arms be around you.

I love the words to the song How Firm a Foundation:

"When through the deep waters I call the to go,
The rivers of sorrow shall not thee o'erflow.
For I will be with the thy toubles to bless.
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.

When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My Grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply.
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design,
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine.

The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose
I will not I cannot, dessert to his foes;
That soul, through all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no never, no never forsake.

October 17, 2007 7:35 AM

Jeff Young said...

Stephanie,

Just wanted to let you know that we are praying for you both and am so excited about Mark's progress. Do not hesitate to call upon me if I can help in anyway.

Jeff

Stephanie said...

Dear Family and Friends,
Mark's doctor was in this morning and reported that he is showing improvements. His respiratory functions are better...needing less help from the ventilator. The antibiotic's seem to be fighting the infection. No fever throughout the night. He has developed a rash probably due to some of the antibiotics but they working to specifically identify the exact type of bacteria. White blood cell count is higher than he would like but not unexpected. His hemoglobin levels have been good. Kidney's seem to be back to normal. Plan for the next 24 hours is to continue the antibiotics and perform a baseline ct scan. They will not attempt to wake him today.

All our love,
Stephanie & Nickie

Darrin said...

Stephanie,
Stay Strong and get plenty of rest. Mark is getting his rest now and you both will need your strength later. I talked to Manley today and he says these are not set backs but rather all part of the healing process. Nickie you are exactly what Stephanie needed. Thank God you were able to come so soon and stay so long! Thank you for the updates. God be with all. Now go get some rest

Stephanie said...

Oh my goodness!!!! I have the absolute best friends in the entire world. The waiting room volunteer just wheeled in a humongeous box!!! It was overflowing with everything we have been needing and missing. The robe you sent for Mark was awesome...I wrapped it around me and did a little dance around the waiting room. Everyone here can't believe the American support we are getting. I'm gonna be the cutest, sweatsuit wearing, gourmet popcorn eating, carmex wearing, Oprah reading, comfortable puffy eyed wife in this Canadian hospital!!! OK I must admit the pictures made me cry, Sarah's brutally honest comments made me laugh and I am amazed you all really know me so well. It was perfect, for a brief moment I didn't want to leave the BOX because I felt like I was home. I am getting by on faith minute by minute and your unconditional love is working. Gotta run check on the sleepy (but still really sexy) American dude in ICU.

Love, Stephanie

Stephanie said...

Christina,
Thank you for unconditional support. I will call you to discuss plans for the boys asap.

Love, Stephanie

Louis Burge said...

Stephanie:

Shannon and I are thinking of you and Mark and will do anything we can to help you. Please call if anything comes to mind. 573-703-3166.

Our prayers are with you.

Louis Burge

Mary Mitchell said...

Stephanie,
Out thoughts remain with you and our prayers for you and Mark and family. Sarah keeps us updated at least twice a day and we rejoice in the progress Mark is making each day. Sarah said Clayson is doing just fine. He and Will were asleep by 9pm last evening and slept like puppies all night. Your wonderful friends love you and support you and I know you feel the strength all the way from Sikeston.

All our love, Bill, Mary, and Chris

Julie Millington said...

Stephanie:
You and Mark are in our thoughts and prayers. If we can help in any way, we are available!

Steve and Julie

Unknown said...

Stephanie,
Just want you to know you and Mark are in our thoughts and prayers.

God Bless,
Jed & Janilyn Anderson

Calbert0 said...

Today was a great day in Confluent history! Everything went so good, Mark will be so proud. We miss you both so much. Take care, hope to see you soon.
Calbert