More about the injury

I was reminded of which of my kids don't handle this type of accident well and which do. A couple were almost hysterical in their panic, some fairly neutral and a couple became withdrawn and fearful. I think we've gotten most of them past that and comforted. The amount of blood and the way it was dripped into a couple of rooms, all down his clothes (and my wife's), probably freaked them out the most. I don't recall any of the other kids bleeding that much or that fast before. I just had to send some of them outside so that we would be better able to calm him down. My wife did real well with that whole blood thing for as long as she could. Once the paramedics were there, she was able to take a few minutes away and lay down. She had gotten very pale and sickly looking. I'm proud of the way she held that off for as long as she did.

It was interesting to watch my son as different things would happen. He was fairly predictable in how he reacted to each activity. Granted, he was miserable and didn't want anyone to mess with him. He would fight as hard as he could to keep the paramedics, nurses and doctors from touching him. No matter how much they talked to him, he wouldn't be convinced that they weren't going to cause him more pain and discomfort. I realize that this is typical for his age. Fortunately, my wife was able to settle him down between each new poke and prod.

When the stitches were finally in, and he was released from the board that they strapped him to, he stood up on the gurney, stomped his foot, folded his arms and gave everyone a look that communicated his indignance very clearly. I almost started laughing and wish I'd had my camera. It was classic behavior and helped everyone know that he was going to be just fine.

My wife is doing the best she can to keep him settled today. He's his old self and wants to race around the house and do all his usual activities.

Close Call!

Last night my youngest son got knocked down onto the fireplace slate and gashed the back of his scalp. He and my wife took an ambulance ride to the local children's hospital and I followed a little later. He ended up getting a CT scan and four stitches (along with a little trimmed hair). Results of the scan are normal.

He never lost conscientiousness and didn't throw up at all. There was a good bit of blood as is usual for this type of wound, but not enough to cause them to give IV fluids. We were in and out in less than 4 hours.

He was doing fine when I left this morning for work. I checked in on him and he popped up to look at who was turning on his light. Wanted to know where his stickers were that they gave him at the hospital. I told him they were on his bed and to go back to sleep.

More later.

Skillet (the passing of the drum torch) and a personal update

Lori Peters is leaving Skillet and that makes me sad.
She is arguably one of the most talented female rock drummers (not to mention rock drummers in general) I've ever heard. She will be replaced by a new 18 year old drum prodigy (I hope) named Jen Ledger.

The following is from an email from John Cooper (founder of the band):

"Hey Panheads! We are out on tour bringing the rock to Winter Jam and loving it! Thanks to all of you who have already come out and supported us!!

I am writing an email to let everyone know about a change in the life of Skillet. Some of you already know, or have been speculating that Lori our drummer is no longer with Skillet. Unfortunately, this is the case. Lori told us about two months ago that she feels that it's time for her to come off of the road and start a new chapter in her life. We are of course going to miss her!! I wanted to let you all know sooner but the task of finding another drummer and getting prepared for this tour right on top of Christmas was overwhelming. On top of that Lori was finishing up the year and helped us train a new player so it was a bit premature to make any announcement.

Lori’s last show with us was New Years Eve where we rocked it out together for one last time! She is going to miss all of the loyal fans who have been so supportive of the "coolest chick drummer ever!"

Lastly, we wanted to wait to make this announcement after we had a new drummer in place so there would not be those who think that Skillet is over. We are far from it! So as you know know we are losing an awesome girl drummer, and replacing her with another awesome girl drummer! We will let you guys know more about the new member soon, but for now, her name is Jen Ledger; she just turned 18; and she is looking forward to rockin your faces off!

As always, stand and be strong
John Cooper"



In other news...
My recovery continues. Still not able to use my left hand for much more that typing and sometimes holding a glass. My time off from work is quickly coming to an end. I've accomplished almost nothing on my list that I made of things to be fixed/repaired while off from work. I'm resolved to that end now, though I wish it were different. At least the bills are still getting paid. I'm thankful for the sick leave I've been able to use. Can't imagine having to take this time off without a regular (albeit reduced) paycheck coming in.

One of these days I'll post a couple of pictures of my hand as it heals. Not too bad looking for those of you with weak stomachs.

Please keep my oldest in prayer. She is still living with us and still unemployed. She has been given a couple of deadlines for getting her life back on track. Hopefully she will begin to take some initiative in the next few days.

Please also pray for my second. She will be starting again at a new college in a few days and there are still many details to be worked out. The main one being financial assistance.

Going on down the list... my next three are all struggling in school and haven't got the best of grades so far this year. I'm sure most of it is their lack of motivation, but the fact remains that they somehow need to get back on track and work very hard to be able to finish the year well. I don't know how to motivate them. This has always been hard for me. I don't want to be too strict and cause them anguish. I want to push, but not break their spirits. My wife is so much better at this encouragement thing.

The younger school aged kids are all doing well. Their work hasn't gotten that hard, yet.

The youngest ones are fine. Their life consists of play mostly. They have that down pretty well. They just need me to be more playful with them...

That's all for now.

Recovery and Rich Mullins

It's been odd being so out of touch with work for such a long period of time. Reality of it is that I don't miss it at all.

The surgery went well and without any complications. I now have no numbness in my fingers for the first time in years.

I had my 12 stitches removed a few days ago and it feels like my hand might split apart without the support. They taped the surface and say that the hand should continue healing well in the next few days. I'm wearing a brace to protect it.

I can't put much pressure on it at all. The Doctor says it'll be a couple more weeks before I get full use back. I think it'll be much longer.

I still plan to return to work full time on Sunday the 20th (day shift). I should be able to perform the majority of my tasks without assistance, although I don't think I'll be able to do a lot of grip and pull related activities with my left hand.

I'm bored and unable to tackle my list of chores, so I've been feeling kind of useless. Hopefully this changes as the healing progresses. Seems unfair to have all this time off from work and not be able to accomplish anything that needs doing around the house.

During my time off, I've been exploring GodTube videos and came upon some old concert footage from Rich Mullins. Seeing this old footage reminds me of how much I've loved Rich's music over the years and of how the Lord has used this talented man (even in death) to minister to me.

Here's a link to a series of concert videos that someone posted. When one finishes, click on the "next" link under "User's other videos" for the next one. Some really great stuff to remind you of the great talent Rich had.

Rich Mullin's videos

PRAY!

My heart is heavy as I type this...
My prayers go out to the Hasenbalgs and Chapmans. I can't imagine the pain of losing a child since it has never happened to me. Pray for their hearts to be comforted by the only One who truly understands.

The following is from Jim Houser's blog:

Hard Morning

Friends, I write with a heavy heart this morning. I'd appreciate your prayers on behalf of close friends.

Some very sad news I wanted you to know. Kerry Hasenbalg, wife to Executive Director of Shaohannah’s Hope Scott Hasenbalg, lost her baby last night just 3 weeks from delivery. Apparently, there were 2 knots in her chord which ended her life but in Scott's words... "we know she is in greater arms than ours."

Please pray for this amazing man and women as they grieve.

Also... Steven’s father had a mild heart attack last night as well. It appears he is stable at this time, and the doctor's don't think the damage was severe. He woke up in the nite and was taken immediately to the hospital about 10:00pm with chest pains. They took him straight in and started working on him. Though stable, he's still having some pain so he's still in critical care.

As you know SCC is in the UK at a very special songwriter gathering. Pray for Steven as he walks through this time.

Lots to pray about here and we call you to it now, and thank you in advance.

Quick Update

Surgery went well. I have zero numbness in my left hand (I used to have nearly constant numbness). I am struggling with keeping the splint and wrapping on. My arm itches terribly!

I have 5 more days before I can remove the covering.
The pain has been manageable. I've taken only about a dozen pain pills since Monday.

The hardest thing is not being able to use my hand. Today was such a nice day and we were trying to do some work in the yard. I felt so helpless. Couldn't even rake leaves well.
It was a good day anyway, though. We still got a lot accomplished and had fun with the kids.
Tomorrow I will be able to do more...

Thanks for praying!