Sorry, it's been a couple days since the last post--in some ways time goes so slowly and then other times it seems we can't keep up with the days that fly past.

Brent is doing really well in rehabilitation and is making progress everyday. Still working on the left shoulder trying to get more range of motion. It will be several more weeks before he will be able to bare weight on it.

Today we had a conference with everyone involved in Brent's recovery; Social Worker, Doctors, Nurses, Physical Therapists, Representative of the Arkansas Spinal Commission and it sounded like several others. (I was working in Georgia, and was on a conference call with them) Everyone seemed happy with Brent's progress.

The decision was made to keep Brent in Baptist Rehabilitation until February 8th. At that time he will have to come out of rehab. until he is cleared to bear weight on his shoulder. We don't have an exact time frame on how long this will be, anywhere from a few weeks to a month is a good guess. We are looking at two options; the first will be to get a handicap apartment for Brent and Kathy will stay with him, I will still fly back and forth--working Monday thru Thursday then staying in Little Rock, Friday thru Sunday night. With all the support Brent has with PV Church of Christ and the Singles Group this option has great merit. The other would be to bring Brent home to Leesburg where he could stay with us. This also has merit, so I guess where I'm going with all this verbiage is that we need your prayers that the best direction for Brent will become clear.

Brent continues to have an amazing spirit, he is so strong in his love of God--I stand in awe! I can't begin to thank everyone who continues to visit and lift his spirits! Thank you so much PV, and West Orange Church of Christ! Don't think we could have made it this far with out your support!

Brent loves visitors! (forgive him is he is asleep when you come) Your welcome to call his cell phone also, if he is out of the room just leave a message.

A message from Brent

First off I want to thank everyone for there continued love and support through this very tough time. Things in my life are a lot harder now but with prayers and support I am trying hard to make it through it. Everyday is a new trial to overcome! I never thought my life would take a turn like this but I know that the Lord has a plan for me! I know that i need the Lord to help me through this and I know that he can do miraculous things to those who believe in him. I have been praying non-stop since I have been awake to do so. My parents and friends tell me stories about the first few weeks but my memory is not to keen from all the medications. The one thing that I do know is that I have an amazing support group and a lot of people care for me. It is so touching to know how many people pray on my behalf.
My prayer is that I will continue to get better everyday. I also pray that the Lord will give me complete healing and that I can use this experience to somehow bring glory to him. I love you all and have so many thanks that I do not know where to begin. My life is different now but I am still the same Brent. Please keep praying for me and we can make it through this together!
P.S. I want to give a special thanks to my church family at PV and all my Christians friends who continue to support me! My mom has been with me from the beginning she is the best mother a guy could ask for and I am so lucky she is my mom! My dad and brother and sister visit me often and they boost my spirits they are angels! My family is awesome! My Singles minister Hans has been so generous to come and work out with me through my physical therapy I can not thank him enough and everyone else! I love you all so very much

IN HIM,
BRENT

Today has been a good day for Brent, both morning and afternoon physical & occupational therapy went well. Brent is getting a little more range of motion in his left shoulder each day. Tonight I asked Brent if he wanted to get in his motorized wheelchair and go exploring the hospital. He thought that would be a good idea, so Brent, Bryan and I went all around Baptist Hospital. Ended up in the cafeteria, Brent was able to eat a good dinner--pizza, yogurt, and a Sprite. (Hey--in guy language that's a great dinner!)

Check back tomorrow, Brent said he wanted to write everyone a note on his blog!

We know that God is answering each and every one of your prayers for Brent, it is so awesome to be able to see the progress Brent is making both mentally and physically! Brent has such a positive attitude, and is smiling and pulling his practical jokes on both Bryan and myself. Just a few minutes ago, Brent was eating some chocolate candy and asked Bryan if he wanted some--Bryan said sure--Brent handed him an empty box. (it's one of those things where you would of had to be here)

We have been asked if Brent can have visitors, yes he can! Late afternoon (after therapy) and early evening are best for him.

Pete & Kathy

Sorry that we haven't added to the blog as we should, I flew back to Florida to work this week and haven't been able to keep up with things as I should.

The next decision we have to make is where to move Brent when he comes out of Baptist Rehabilitation in about two weeks. Jeff S. with Pleasant Valley Church of Christ has connections with a very promising place in Little Rock, Kathy and I will meet with them Friday. The other option is to move Brent back to our home in Florida. Kathy and Brent have talked and it is looking like he may want to stay in Little Rock those 5 to 6 weeks. Brent has several Doctor appointments over that time period, so staying in Little Rock makes sense. We will know more by the weekend. It's so neat to see God working in Brent's life, many have asked what we are in need of--it seems our needs are met before we know there is a need.

Before I go further a word of thanks to Hans O. --he has taken over and filled in as a father for me while I'm working. Hans comes in the morning, goes to therapy and has learned how to help Brent. After therapy he stays with Brent so Kathy can get some lunch. Hans your awesome, what an example to Brent! Thank you!

Today Chuck, the pulpit minister with Pleasant Valley came and spent an hour with Brent, encouraging and praying with Brent.

There are so many more that I can't begin to name everyone who have supported, visited, prayed, and loved Brent. The Singles Group at Pleasant Valley is awesome, what an example!

The following came in an email to me from Kathy;

Brent's therapy is going well. Today he worked mostly on strengthening his right arm. He played a Play Station game that had camera hooked up so he could see himself. The therapist put a weight on his arm to make it more difficult. He was having to wave his arm in all different directions. He got a good work out. He is having to try and sit up and balance by himself, and having to put on his own shirt and today he practiced putting on a sock. He is having to do all of these things with mostly using one hand. Brent's own words " the small things we take for granted like putting on a shirt, are exhausting to him" . His left shoulder was sorer today because he is having to move it more in therapy. He gets kidded alot about wearing a Gator hat ( Hans says when he comes to the gym looking for Brent he just looks for the orange Gator hat). Dr. Kiser said they expect Brent to be at BHRI about two more weeks. We will have a more definite date next Tuesday, when we have a family meeting with the Dr. and therapist. Brent is so appreciative of every little thing and gives God the credit for providing him with small miracles each day.

Many of you have asked how to leave a comment on the blog-

For those of you trying to leave comments but are unable to, here is what to do:
After reading a blog at the bottom you will see "14 comments" or "leave comments". Click on that to read others comments or leave one of your own. On the right side of that page there is a box where you can write a comment. Scroll down and you will see underneath "Choose Identity" a link that says "No Google Account? Sign up here". Click that. That does not mean that it makes you a new email account. They didn't word that very well. On the next page all you need to do is enter in a preexisting email address twice along with a password for this site. You will also need to enter a display name. First and last names would be appreciated so the family knows who is leaving the post. Then you finish the word verification and acceptance of terms and click the continue arrow. On the next page you will be able to leave a comment. From then on all you need to do is re-enter your email address and password whenever you want to leave a comment.

As usual, not much goes on during the weekend. Kathy and I were able to attend services at Pleasant Valley Church of Christ, I flew home after lunch today. I plan on working during the week, and will try to get back up either late Thursday night or Friday morning. Kathy is staying with Brent, as she has since the accident on December 8th.

Brent had one session with physical therapy today, talked to him for a few minutes on the phone. He indicated that it went well. Brent is starting to get some good movement in his left arm, and it doesn't seem as sore as before. Most of the therapy is on his left arm and shoulder, trying to get a better range of motion in the arm. It will still be 5 to 6 more weeks before he will be able to place weight on the shoulder. We are extremely happy with his progress, and with Baptist Rehabilitation.

Thank you so much for all your continuous prayers offered in Brent's behalf. We firmly believe God is answering those fervent prayers, and great things are in store for Brent!

Brent is able to read the blog and keeps up with the posts, thank you so much for all your encouragement! Your faithfulness is amazing, and really helps us keep a positive attitude!

Pete, Kathy & Brent

Today has been a fairly easy day for Brent, he is still in considerable pain but it seems to be diminishing in intensity. We are starting to get into a daily routine and that too is helping, we know what is going to happen from one hour to the next.

The rehabilitation routine on the weekends is less intense than during the weekdays. Still go thru the same routine but it only lasts about half as long.

The way things are looking, we believe that Brent will be able to have short visits starting the first of the week. He is so sorry and disappointed that he hasn't been able to see everyone! We appreciate everyones love and concern, wish we could put into words the feelings we have!

Brent just ask me to tell everyone--in his exact words--- "I love you all, and feel so lucky to have such wonderful Christian friends. Keep me in you prayers, and God will work everything out"

Pete , Kathy & Brent

Today has been a very busy day for Brent--Baptist Rehabilitation is run like a well oiled military organization, with a lot of love and compassion!

This morning Brent sat in a wheelchair for the first time--no he didn't care too much for the experience! He is having a lot of ups and downs right now, as would be expected. Overall his strong faith in God is keeping him going right now. I look over thinking that he is fast asleep, then after what seems to be a very long time I see him stirring. He wasn't asleep, but praying. Brent is sure teaching me a lot about having a strong faith to live by!

Brent's breakfast comes a few minutes after 7, after breakfast we go down to the first floor to therapy. He is working with two different therapists, both are amazing--matter of fact this whole facility is amazing. Occupational Therapists works with Brent one on one for about 45 minutes, then there is a break and then the Physical Therapists works another 45 minutes. After that he is rolled back into his room to rest before lunch. The same process is repeated after lunch. Therapy is 7 days a week, with Sunday being a little abbreviated. One thing we are seeing is that all the work is keeping Brent's mind focused and that is a good thing!

Today after running some tests, one came back elevated, this test is to determine the possibility of blood clots forming in the legs. So this afternoon after therapy, Brent was taken over to the main part of the hospital to have a CT scan preformed to determine if there were any clots. We have not heard the results of the scan yet.

Brent is still having pain in both his left shoulder and back, as we would expect. This morning the doctor prescribed a "Fentanyl skin patch" that is placed on Brent's shoulder, three days at a time. This patch seems to have helped.

Tonight Brent is resting, hopefully he will be strong enough to have visitors very, very soon! We are so thankful for all who have come up to visit Brent and to encourage him!

Pete & Kathy

Brent was transfered from UAMS over to Baptist Hospital Rehabilitation today around noon, it's only a few miles but the trip took a lot out of him. He was transfered by ambulance, and the transfer was rough on him. Once here we were impressed with the quality of care he received from the very moment he was rolled thru the doors. He will have the same team working with him thru his stay here.

We still don't have everything in place or understand completely how this process will work. One of the major obstacles to the rehab. is the condition of his left shoulder. It looks like he will be here at Baptist for anywhere from 7 to 14 days. During that time we as a family will learn how to care for Brent, and all the special needs he will have. After that initial time Brent will be discharged, we will need to care for him about 4 to 6 weeks while his shoulder heals. Brent won't stay here since the bulk of the rehab. will need to be done when he can bear weight on his shoulder. Brent's health insurance has a cap on rehabilitation expenses, Baptist doesn't want to use all his insurance coverage limits while he is unable to proceed with rehab. At this time we will either try to find a place here in Little Rock wheelchair accessible for our stay or bring him home to Leesburg (Fl) for this 4 to 6 weeks.

Today Dr. Kiser ran several tests on Brent to determine the extent of the injury to his spine. Dr Kiser met with Brent, Kathy and myself, we wish the test result had come back more positive. The end result is that Brent will only have about a 5% chance of regaining use of his legs again. This is preliminary, as the rehab. progresses they will continue to look of additional signs of possible improvement.

Our family would like to thank each and every one who have left posts, sent cards - emails, flowers, food, notes of encouragement and in general have supported our family in ways I can't begin to express! There is no way, we could conceive of going thru this without you, forgive me if we haven't sent personal thank you notes to everyone as we should, but trust us when we say -- Our family is so very thankful!

Pete & Kathy

Thursday Jan 17, 2007

Brent has requested that no one except family come by and see him. He is having a very tough time with the transition over to baptist which is scheduled for today at 12pm. We understand that people are excited to celebrate Brent's birthday with him, however he would like some time alone and has requested no visitors at this time. We will be posting ASAP concerning visitors dropping by and ask that you please check the blog here or at PV Singles before making your way down to the hospital or Baptist rehab.

Jay



If you want to send Brent a birthday card or any other letter or card we encourage you to do so. Brent and his family find a lot of comfort in these. You can still send mail to:

1611 Wagon Wheel Dr
Little Rock, AR 72211


Thank you again for all of your prayers.

Today has been busy for Brent, just a beehive of activity around him--doctors, nurses, physical therapists, social workers, more doctors........you get the picture. Brent is worn out, and is soundly asleep now.

Two social workers from Baptist Rehab. came over and let us know they plan to accept Brent tomorrow before noon. This is bitter sweet news, good from the standpoint the Brent will finally start the rehabilitation process but as we learned today he will not be able to have continuous rehab. due to his shoulder. The way we currently understand things, Brent will be an inpatient at Baptist for only 7 to 10 days. During that time he will start learning to care for himself, and some very basic things. After that, he will be discharged from Baptist until his shoulder is healed enough to support his weight and the stresses of rehabilitation. This will take somewhere between 6 to 8 weeks, from the date of surgery. Another words, we will have to keep him somewhere for about 4 to 5 weeks. We are still not sure of this process, the Social worker indicated that either we would need to have a place for him or the alternative would be a skilled nursing facility. Our intentions are to find a place that is wheelchair accessible and care for him, he will have home health coming to care for him, I assume everyday.

Once we get over to Baptist tomorrow, I'm sure things will be clearer---just don't know enough at this time to comment further. Brent and our family continue to ask for your prayers in this, that we become clear on the course of treatment and for Brent's peace of mind and pain. (as I wrote this morning--he is off all morphine now--he's having a hard time)

Pete & Kathy

Brent has been taken off Morphine and is only taking oral pain medication now. The doctors were just in, their current plans are to move Brent over to Baptist Hospital Rehabilitation either late today or tomorrow. This move is dependent on how Brent tolerates coming off the Morphine. His left shoulder and back are still very painful!
Brent has a lot hitting him right now and is a little overwhelmed, we are trying to take the big things and break them down into small problems that he can handle one at a time. He is very apprehensive about this move into rehabilitation, knowing there will be a lot of pain and pressure placed on him. He will not only have the physical healing but also the mental aspect of this process to deal with.
We'll post more today as details become clearer, we ask not only for prayers of healing but also prayers of peace for Brent.

Jan. 15th- day 39.

It is looking like Brent will be moving to Baptist Rehab by the end of the week. With this being a big move for Brent, Pete was able to arrange his work schedule to be with Brent during this time. Pete will be flying himself to Little Rock and should be arriving around 4:30 this evening. Brent is thrilled that his mom and dad will be here while making this move to rehab. Please pray that Pete will have a safe flight.

I wanted to share with you a little bit of our conversation last night with Brent. Which was very touching to me. We were talking about how when we face trials that we are to consider them pure joy. Not if we face trials, but when we face trials. God is never going to give us anything that we cannot handle. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. We just need to trust in him. Brent told us, that God has given him a talent of being able to talk with people, and now God is giving Brent his podium. Brent cannot wait to tell his story and the things that God has done for him throughout this process. God has surely shown his presence throughout this processes of healing. It is amazing the comfort you find in God's word at times like this. It has a calming effect, that Brent has told us, is better than medicine.

Isiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Jan. 14th - Day 38

Today has been filled with even more accomplishments. Physical therapy visited early this afternoon to work with Brent's balance, and his ability to sit by himself. Brent was able to sit up again today, working on his balance. Yesterday it took three people to make him comfortable while sitting up, today it took one hand, occasionally just 2 fingers!:) He was able so sit up around 15 minutes. What a huge accomplishment! Keep it up Brent!
Respiratory visited Brent to assess his breathing. He has improved, and will now be having only two treatments a day, as apposed to three times a day. His breathing is doing much better.
Occupational therapy was also able to visit working on Brent's range of motion, and giving him tools to help himself through this process of rehab.
A representative from Baptist rehab was able to visit with us today, informing us that the initial rehab process should start this week.
It has been a very busy day. Please continue to keep Brent in his prayers. He has told us several times that it is so great to know he has so many people praying for him. When we asked him what he would like us to pray for... he listed the following:
- pray for strength mentally, physically, and spiritually.
- pray for the pain to ease.
- pray that we are making the best decisions concerning rehab.
- pray that Brent will be able to give God all his worries and concerns.
- and most importantly that God will use this situation to glorify HIM!

Thank you all for your prayers.

Update: 10:00pm
Brent was able to sit up in a recliner tonight for three hours!! Great job!

Jan. 13th- Day 37.
Brent told us today has been the best day ever in his entire stay here at UAMS. Brent has been able to get some much needed rest. He was able to work on his range of motion exercises earlier today and seems to be getting a little more movement than he was yesterday! Way to go Brent! His back is also continuing to heal. His lung is continuing to improve. They will continue to do breathing exercises with Brent once he enters rehab to make that lung even stronger. He still has a long road ahead of him but his desire to fight is evident. He is to do exercises in reps of 10, 3 times a day. He always goes the extra measure to do a few more than he has to.
Around 4:00 today, physical therapy came to work with Brent. The objective was to get him sitting up in bed, with minimal pain. I think Brent was a little hesitant to let the three women try to move him, but he let us. We were able to get Brent sitting up 90 degrees in bed, with his feet on the floor.-with minimal pain!:) After a few minutes, the pt told him he could lay down. He requested to stay sitting up just a little be longer. He sat up easily 7-10 minutes. He did wonderful!! He said it felt so good to finally be able to sit up! Brent has had a great day, working hard toward his recovery.
Pete and Bryan had a safe flight back to Florida today. It was great to have the entire family here for a few days.
Thank you all so much for your prayers. We cannot thank you enough! Brent also expresses his appreciation to each and everyone of you. We can't imagine going through this without the support that you all have granted our family. What a blessing it is to be a part of God's family!!