Sunday, December 14, 11:20 PM

Today was an emotional day. Some bring more tears than others and it really just seems to come sporadically. There were many conversations today that involved tears -some sadness and some joy. Sitting in here at night when the lights are dim, the hall is pretty quiet and it's just me and him usually elicits some tears. Unless I'm writing on here I can't take my eyes off of him, waiting for his eyes to open or him to move.

Today he was in and out of the sedation a few times. I already told you about this morning with Rachel and then my mom. Well, after that, Rachel and I were in the room with him this afternoon. We put the CD player on and played the song healer and he started waking up. We told him that he was in an accident, but that he was OK and that we were all here. He was squirming in the bed and as his face continued to squint we realized me might be trying to talk. So, we told him that he couldn't talk right now, but when he got a little better he'd be able to. We told him everything was OK and that we loved him. His eye was open and he wiggled his foot on command. He was there and he understood what we were saying. So we kept telling him that we loved him. It wasn't long before he was asleep again and he hasn't woken up since.

I was so glad to know that he could hear and understand that we love him and that we're there, but it was hard to see. To see the frustration and him uncomfortable and not really understanding all that was taking place. . .Just a few minutes ago, standing by his bed, I just began telling him again how much I love him, and thanking the Lord that he's still here. The latter was followed by more tears, but this time - tears of thanksgiving for God's mercy and grace.

Here in the hospital and especially in the ICU you see so many families come in at the lowest point - where we were nearly 3 weeks ago. They've just gotten the news that a loved one was seriously injured and they are unsure if they'll make it. Life is hanging in the balance. Tonight i talked to a man whose son has a severe stroke and heart attack. They are still in the first 72 hour crucial period and are unsure how things will turn out. His son is only 45 years old. . . Just about 25 minutes ago a young man was out in the hallway all alone crying. Dad went out to talk/pray with him and found out that his fiance was walking and got hit by a car tonight. They're unsure if she'll make it through the night. . . We've met many more people and each of them has an equally sad story that would make your heart break for them. Each one of them - some member of our family has gotten to speak to them about the Lord in some capacity. We've given out books of God's promises to some. To others it's been a simple listening ear and a prayer at the end of a conversation. We're in this with them in a way. We're all going through many of the same emotions and feelings. The difference - many of them don't know the God we do. They have yet to know him as their salvation, yet alone as their healer, comfort, peace, refuge, etc. I believe God is already starting to use Jonathan's situation to touch many lives, and I know many, many more to come.

thank you all for your prayers - please continue. Also, please do not forget to bring back the pieces of cloth for the prayer quilt. We have handed out many, but have only gotten a handful back and would like to get started on that for Jonathan a.s.a.p. So, please get them in as soon as you can.


*They are still limiting visitors to family and clergy. If you decide to come to the hospital please be aware of that. There will always be some family in the ICU waiting room. All visitors should make there way there*