Donna’s note:  if you leave a comment/joke/funny story for them here, I can forward her this post and she can read it to him.  Let’s leave the family some words of comfort and encouragement!  

On Saturday, Jarrad was thrown from the ladder as it slipped along the house. It was about a 12 foot drop. He was taken to [hospital] where within 5 hours he was in surgery to have his T1-T6 fused. His spinal cord was almost completely severed. He is paralyzed from above the waist (middle of his stomach) down. This is called a severe spinal cord injury. His surgery went really well (there was a threat that he would be a quadriplegic if swelling continued but God has answered those prayers and he has upper body mobility). He did puncture a lung and fractured his left hand. HMMM, I think that is it.

NEW ish NEWS
Bad news first – We found out today that Jarrad does not qualify for short term disability because he has not been working at the company for a year nor does he qualify for FMLA because of the year thing. Scary. But I am looking at other avenues for aid. I have a great brother in law who spent all afternoon on the phone looking for stuff I could apply for.
Good news – Jarrad wanted chocolate tonight! He was craving it. YEAH! I read him some of your posts and letters and that made him laugh. He started his therapy today – just sitting up. And he brushed his teeth and was able to feed himself a little with assistance. Then he had a Valium and fell asleep.

Blessings – neighbors who took up a collection to finish painting the house. Friends and neighbors who are taking care of dinners for us for the next 2 months. Friends and family who are helping navigate the mine fields of paper work. All the prayers that I know are surrounding us and lifting Jarrad and I up.

Specific prayer requests – the the spasms stop. Jarrad asked for prayer so that he could manage the pain. Pain is a good thing because he can feel it. But it also makes it difficult to sleep. Pray that paper work goes smoothly and doesn’t get rejected. Pray for my clear head because all I want to do is bury my head in the sand and I can’t. I think that catches us up. If I forgot something, I remind me. I hope you are all well and hug all your loved ones extra tight for me.

Donna’s note again:  Please share this on FB and Twitter so that your friends can pray for him too – thank you!  You’ve been great at sharing, let’s see if we can hit 20 shares today!!

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