Rachael Richards and her daughter, Lydia, were in a very bad car accident on 28 March 2024. They are the wife and daughter of Rev Joshua Richards. Rachael is in intensive care in one hospital and Lydia was treated and released at another hospital. Please pray for peace of mind and soul for the Richards, and for the medical team treating them that they might pay attention, do their very best and be open to God’s guidance. Pray also for what we desire as a good result.
Updates are below, the newest first. This will be updated as more comes in.
1600 8 May 2024 Update
Part One - Today is the big day! Pray for Rachael as she has some discomfort and also just for general preparation of going home today. Praise God as far as I know everyone was safe in the tornados in our area and we will be going home this afternoon on a sunny day.
Part Two - We. Are. Home. So many answers to prayer and so much still left to pray for. Thankful for the little things
2041 7 May 2024 Update
It Couldn't Be Done
Somebody said that it couldn’t be doneBut he with a chuckle repliedThat “maybe it couldn’t,” but he would be oneWho wouldn’t say so till he’d tried.So he buckled right in with the trace of a grinOn his face. If he worried he hid it.He started to sing as he tackled the thingThat couldn’t be done, and he did it!Somebody scoffed: “Oh, you’ll never do that;At least no one ever has done it;”But he took off his coat and he took off his hatAnd the first thing we knew he’d begun it.With a lift of his chin and a bit of a grin,Without any doubting or quiddit,He started to sing as he tackled the thingThat couldn’t be done, and he did it.There are thousands to tell you it cannot be done,There are thousands to prophesy failure,There are thousands to point out to you one by one,The dangers that wait to assail you.But just buckle in with a bit of a grin,Just take off your coat and go to it;Just start in to sing as you tackle the thingThat “cannot be done,” and you’ll do it.-Edgar Albert Guest
This poem was read at graduation today by the chaplain at OSU Dodd Hall. Rachael, along with 20 or so others completed all the therapies and received a diploma and a T-Shirt. Now Rachael can say she has graduated from Ohio State, with a degree in strength, heart, and determination. During a brief speech, Rachael shared that she was "blessed" to have made it this far with all the support. After avoiding 4 tornados, all three of our kids going to the doctor or hospital for their own ailments, 86 visitors in two hospitals, 15 cards, countless donations, support, and prayers, we will spend our last night in the hospital, with tomorrow's discharge day being number 42 in both hospitals since March 28th. Today Rachael had some balloon therapy with her hands, and wheeled her wheelchair 150 feet, her longest yet. We received our new walker, toilet chair, and shower chair, and soon our new wheelchair. I can barely type this without tearing up, it has been such a long journey and a longer one to go, but thanks to all the prayers and support and a loving God, I can echo the sentiment of this poem; without Christ, "it couldn't be done."
2125 6 May 2024 Update
Had a busy day with therapies, and today I practiced setting Rachael in her shower chair and lifting her up onto a step in her wheelchair. Rachael washed and dried our clothes entirely by herself. We received lots of instructions for preparing to discharge, such as how to get our house ready, and things we would need to order, and had two visitors back to back. I also began the process of packing so discharge would be quicker. Also we are waiting on referrals for in-home therapy. Please pray they are accepted so Rachael can continue the progress and so we can be together with the kids while she is doing them. Her energy level increases each day, as does her memory. Tomorrow is graduation from OSU Dodd and Wednesday is discharge day. Praise the Lord!
2217 5 May 2024 Update
Took Isaiah to church again. He was a little more clingy than normal. I sensed he is ready to be home. Lord willing,we will all be back together again in the near future. Brought him to the hospital after church to see Rachael and Rachael's folks brought Hannah. Rachael was able to change Hannah's diaper without assistance. Lydia is still with our midwife friend Sarah and is doing well. Rachael had a good day, still head and spinal pain, but is doing more things independently. Premier Health in Dayton and OSU Dodd in Columbus have been amazing. Just two more days of therapy until discharge day this Wednesday. Unless things change dramatically, there's a chance my regular updates will start to slow down as she continues to improve, and as life gets much busier for me. I have been trying to use the time Rachael has been sleeping to plan, process, and prepare. You all have been incredible with help, prayers, support and then today I discovered our church has started a meal train for us when we return home. What a blessing. The way Hannah is staring up at her big brother Isaiah in the photo below accurately describes just how awestruck by all of the support we have received, and the love God has shown us. Too much for words. We thank God for all of you.
2133 4 May 2024 Update
It was great to have a day with no scheduled therapies. Rachael was able to rest up, but we still had a few firsts today. Rachael practiced using her walker with me in the room briefly, we went outside twice in the wheelchair which is the first time she went to a building besides a hospital since March, she recorded me twice and listened to me play the piano which helped her sensory and motor skills, and she gave a Gospel tract to the Muslim cashier at the hospital cafe. Most importantly, we were able to have a "date night" of sorts and talk. Physically she still has headaches and back aches, but every day she shows improvement in one way or another. For a praise item, Paul Carpenter came to the rescue again and was able to discover that the water problem at the house we were having was actually due to an incorrect valve that someone had turned on by mistake, causing the "leak". So when we return home we will have water! There are so many different things that people have offered to do, have said, and given that I will just save a later post for it but we are so thankful and do not deserve anything. The kids are doing well, and Lord willing tomorrow I get to take Isaiah to church. I never thought I would be typing this so soon, but there is the outside chance Rachael could return to church in a matter of weeks! All glory to God!
2120 3 May 2024 Update
The force might have been at the James Cancer center, but the Holy Spirit was with us today at Dodd Hall. In addition to practicing everything laundry related, Rachael's catscan yesterday was good enough it was decided she no longer needed her IV! Today was her first day without it. No more loud beeping at random hours of the night. She is truly getting better every day. I would say it's amazing, but honestly it is the prayers and support of all of you that's making it happen. Praise God for His mercy!
2215 2 May 2024 Update
Rachael had a good day overall, but a little scare in the morning. Her blood pressure was higher than normal, and she was having irregular heartbeats, so she had a catscan. Results are tomorrow, but at the moment it doesn't seem to be anything serious. Today we practiced getting Rachael in and out of our van, packing up the wheelchair, and lifting her up and down a step. Everyone else is good to my knowledge. Thank you for praying, and especially for all those who responded to my requests in the last post!
2130 1 May 2024 Update
It's hard to believe it is May already. How ironic May is "mental health awareness month" and here we are. Today, therapies were somewhat slower-paced and more focused on what to prepare for mentally, physically, and emotionally. Rachael had a better day physically, but she was still pretty worn out. The kids are still doing well. God has clearly been seeing us through. Today a nurse asked me if I was an ordained minister. I told her I was, and this provided me with a great opportunity to tell her that our relationship with Jesus and the support we have received is what has helped us navigate this journey. I then went onto explain how the greatest concern we had was for those who Spiritually were lying on the bed hooked up to IV's because they were not right with God, even if everything looked okay on the outside. She said she agreed and that people who had God in their lives seemed to improve and have a better sense of reality. Praise God for the opportunity to share. While much progress has been made with Rachael, and while we have received an abundance of assistance, my greatest need is for prayer in the following areas coming up in the near future:
1. We have a major water leak in our backyard and virtually no water pressure as a result, which means no water, no showers, laundry, dishes etc. Please pray I could find someone to fix before we head back home on May 8th.
2. Our entry way into our bathroom is not wide enough for a wheelchair to fit through as it is an older house; pray Rachael would be able to access with a walker.
3. Pray I could find a really good system to organize the day, and also a filing system for the mountains of paperwork we have. Caring for 4 people, meals, when to take medicine, diapers, laundry, cooking, cleaning, yard work, one on one time with each person, consistent family worship, church, etc.
4. Wisdom on how to navigate Rachael's needs. For Rachael this will be navigating the aftermath of her TBI which in her case means helping her with memory, navigating emotions and the subsequent triggers, working with in home therapists to help her physically, and of course just trying to love her as her husband. What most people don't understand, is that while in many ways Rachael may appear to be just like her old self she still has a long journey, and there are many things she simply will either not be able to do again, or not do as well or as quickly. While I suspect most of you are sensitive to this, it still goes without saying; please be respectful and patient with both of us in terms of what you say and expect of us in the months and years ahead as it will be a process of trial and error.
5. Wisdom for navigating the children's needs. For Isaiah, this would mean being able to have quality one on one time from both parents. He is high energy, and very smart and loves to be around people. For Lydia, she is autistic, so her needs are completely different. She is totally okay being left alone but because she can't say many words, navigating her sounds and body language will be critical. For Hannah, her greatest need is food
As always, thank you for praying!
2130 30 April 2024 Update
Therapies, therapies, therapies! Thats how I would describe today. Today Rachael was able to take her first attempt at walking in over a month, in addition to baking chocolate chip muffins! She also practiced transferring getting into and out of a car, writing her own song lyrics and memorizing them, and counting money. All the kids are doing well, and my mom is improving from her covid symptoms. Praise God for more answers to prayer! Thank you for continuing to pray for healing Rachael's pain and for energy. She will need it; especially this week!
2030 29 April 2024 Update
God is on the move! And apparently, Rachael is also! After a trial run on an exercise machine, Rachael was given a new wheelchair that allows her to control it. She was able to lift herself off the bed, into her chair, into the bathroom, back to her chair, down the hallway, into the elevator, and into the gym for her therapy all without any assistance on my part! Today she was also more alert, and some more of her memory started to come back. She is also eating better! The headaches are still the hardest part, but overall she is doing great. The kids are all doing well. Pray for my mom who is recovering from Covid. Praise God for all the answers to prayer thus far!
2100 28 April 2024 Update
Today marked exactly one month since Rachael was hit in the car accident. She had a great day today, ate better and had slightly less head pain. It’s truly hard to believe how well she has progressed over the last month. She has an intense week of therapies coming up so prayers appreciated for energy and continued progression. Also, prayers appreciated for the upcoming May 8th discharge day. Many decisions still need to be made. But God has guided the whole time, so even with the uncertainties, there is an inner peace I have that God will work this out as well. I'm glad I got to take Isaiah to worship God with the church today. It is such a blessing to go to a church that not only preaches and teaches strictly Scripture, but is family integrated, allowing children to worship with the families, instead of being separated into age-segregated classes. I'm not faulting churches that don't offer this; I was, after all an Awana leader for 12 years. However, there is a reason that so many youth leave church. They are used to being spoon fed things that will excite, and entertain them and when they get to adult worship, they get bored and leave the church. In this short clip at the end, you will see Isaiah singing "It is well with my soul". Children are the heritage of the Lord. Suffer the children to come to Christ! And what better place than corporate worship. This song, especially, will always mean a lot to me since it was the first song that came to my mind when people came to see Rachael the first day she was admitted. Someday, I pray the souls of not just our children, but all who someday repent and trust in Christ alone as the all sufficient Savior, can say in one accord "it is well, with my soul"!
2100 27 April 2024 Update
We are one day away from the day that changed our lives forever. How fitting, then, that today Rachael finally got to see Lydia (the one she saved in the accident). All the kids are doing well and so is Rachael. She still has head pain (the main prayer request) and is low on energy, but she is still improving every day. Thanks be to God!
1930 26 April 2024 Update
Rachael did great today with all her therapies, and today she had an extra one with two eye doctors. Praise report they said both eyes are fine! She did have some nerve damage to her left, but it is possible that within 6-12 months it could correct itself on its own, possibly without surgery! All the kids are doing well also. Praise the Lord for His mercy and grace!
2000 24 April 2024 Update
Rachael had a slow start today, but she ended up doing great and initiated wanting me to take her outside! And she also folded five of her shirts! Thought I would share a video for the update since this was another big milestone for her. Supposedly less than two weeks away from discharge day!Thank you for praying!
2300 24 April 2024 Update
Sorry this is a little late, it was an eventful day! Physical therapy cleared me to lift Rachael in and out of her wheelchair. So no more assistance from nurses! Now we have freedom to leave the room when we want to use bathroom, or go outside etc. She had another great day, stayed awake and alert longer, had pain but didn't seem to notice it as much. OT had her assemble a small shelf, then had her fold clothes and put them on the shelf. PT had her stand up in a walker and do some exercises. Speech therapy had more of a question and answer session, asking her questions like what was the name of her church, and getting to know her. I'm hearing rumors that OT may start getting ingredients for recipes so Rachael can try cooking next week! The end of the day was highlighted by separate video calls with Isaiah, Lydia, and Hannah. This was the first time Rachael got to talk to Lydia since she saved her in the accident. Other than Isaiah who is having a bad cold, the girls seem to be improving. For prayer, continue to pray that Rachael's headaches would go away, and for her memory to continue to improve. Lots to praise God for, including the incredibly long list of people who have visited, given cards, given gifts, and prayed. There's not nearly enough space to list everyone who has helped, just know you are loved. If you are still planning to visit, you can come anytime between 6am-8pm, but the best window of time to visit is 4-7pm as Rachael's therapies end and she's had time to rest. PM or text me with any questions
1845 23 April 2024 Update
Rachael did very well today. Briefly sick this morning, otherwise she killed it in all three therapy appointments. Drew a picture with crayons, tried leg stretching exercises, and stayed awake much longer today. I only got updates from Isaiah and Lydia today, but it sounds like they are doing great. She also had a catscan for precautionary purposes, and it was stable. For prayer, pray Rachael's headaches would go away and the different medicine combinations they are trying would continue to result in less pain. She is making daily progress thanks in part to your support and prayers. Thank you!
1730 22 April 2024 Update
Rachael continues to slowly progress. She rested a lot more today. Was able to play a timed game with occupational therapy with each hand and did very well. She also got to eat breakfast sitting up in her wheelchair. The kids all have various levels of illness, but only Hannah officially tested for Covid. Pray that they would all heal up soon. Not much else to share on my end, other than the Carpenter family seems to be on the mend. Thank you for praying!
1840 21 April 2024 Update
Rachael and I talked on the phone today for first time since accident. She is definitely able to process things better. The doctor gave her a special nasal medicine that seemed to help with some of her head pain (the primary problem). She also still has eye, ear, and back pain. She probably thinks I am a pain too
1700 20 April 2024 Update
Good day again for Rachael, she ate much better today. She still had pain but not as intense as yesterday. The big news today was she got to see Hannah! Initially Hannah just wanted me to hold her but this gave Rachael a chance to recollect, after the accident, some of the songs she sang to the kids. After awhile she remembered, and Hannah started to warm up to her again. Interestingly, the first song that Rachael sang to her without someone else initiating it was Amazing Grace. Some photos forthcoming but I will share what I have so far. Thank you for praying!
1800 19 April 2024 Update
Rachael did great again today! She was extra tired and sore however she wowed the speech therapist with how well she did from the previous day. I also got to push her in her wheelchair for the first time to an open air of the hospital where she defeated me in a game of connect four. The big news today was Rachael finally got to see Isaiah for the first time in 22 days! It was obvious he was glad to see both of us. Lydia and Hannah are still recovering but doing well.
1130 18 April 2024 Update
Rachael had trouble sleeping due to head pain, but her first day of intensive physical, occupational, and speech therapy went very well! She stood up briefly and also got to try out her new wheelchair. The infectious disease team says because of the results of her central nervous system (CNS infection) the plan is to keep her here at OSU Dodd for 4 weeks with a tentative release date of 2 May 2024. Hannah was released from Children's. She does have covid officially as does her grandpa, Jeff, but the symptoms are more akin to colic. They are both doing well. She will be staying with him in the meantime. Thank you for praying!
1630 17 April 2024 Update
1. Rachael was discharged from Miami Valley at 12:37 today and we are now comfortably settled into our room at OSU Dodd Hall in Columbus. If you visit, text or PM me in advance so I can give you parking and room directions. She ate better today and is resting and settling in well. Visiting hours are 6am-8pm but **please** let me know in advance when you plan to visit. The hospital does not require it, and children are welcome, however due to Rachael's sensory condition and vigorous rehab program, I am asking all visitors to arrange a time to visit with me in advance with so that she is not overloaded. There is a Panera and Wendy's within walking distance, and a playground adjacent for anyone bringing children. I'm being told most patients stay here 3 weeks or less.
2. Last night Hannah (our youngest) had major breathing problems. Sarah took her to ER and rode in an ambulance with her to Nationwide Children's. She has Covid. Her grandpa Jeff visited her and as a precautionary has to stay with her in a locked room for 5 days.
3. Isaiah and Lydia are both doing well, although even Lydia had a scare with tornado warnings in her area.
4. Both the Carpenter and Ballentine families, who have helped watch our kids and helped in other areas are dealing with various forms of illness and fatigue.
5. I still have laryngitis, although not quite as bad. Lots to pray for, and lots to praise God for. As always, thank you all for everything!
0830 17 April 2024 Update
Attention prayer warriors; start your engines! It's about to get real!!
1. Rachael is getting discharged from hospital today. She is having lots of pain and this morning she was very sick (likely a response to medication). Pray for her transition to rehab at OSU Dodd Hall
2. Hannah, our youngest, was taken to the ER in Bellefontaine early this morning with breathing troubles. It sounds like she has Covid.
3. I have laryngitis, which is making it difficult to talk to all the doctors, different hospitals.
4. Paul Carpenter, who helped watch the kids over the weekend, is also having breathing troubles (likely related to past pneumonia). ER trip for him is pending.
5. My parents are watching Isaiah in Columbus, Sarah is watching Lydia in Belle Center (one of her kids recently had surgery and there is possible sickness there as well) and Rachael's dad Jeff took off work to care for Hannah in Columbus (if she is transferred). Pray they do not get sick!
Needless to say, the battle is real but nothing will shake us!!
1520 16 April 2024 Update
After all the prayers, it has been confirmed that Rachael will be discharged from the hospital tomorrow! She will be transferred to OSU Dodd Hall in Columbus, OH for rehab. So if there are any visitors near the Dayton, OH area that would like to see Rachael here one last time, today is your last chance! She has been a little weaker today, not eating as much. I think she just needs more rest. As expected, she has had a lot of pain in her head, but also some dizziness, and some vision trouble in one of her eyes. Pray that a little rest would take care of that.
1930 15 April 2024 Update
Another good day for Rachael. She was a little weaker in the morning, but by the afternoon and evening she not only sat up on her own several times, but she ask me if I could read the Bible to her! She was also able to read some things on her phone. She surprised speech therapy in how well she did with her memory. And, of course, chocolate lover she is, she ate her entire brownie
1800 14 April 2024 Update
Rachael had a great day. Rested well, followed more commands, and communicated a lot better. I could tell people were praying! I also got to see the kids again on a dinner invitation from the Carpenters. So thankful for the Ballentines, Lewis's, family, and others helping to care for the children, and drive them from point A to point B. I am hearing rumblings about an imminent discharge which would be amazing had you seen the condition Rachael was in prior to today. Please pray for this transition to go well whenever it happens! So thankful, as always, for all the support of every kind during this challenging time. We could not get through it without God working in and through you!
0600 13 April 2024 Update
She slept a lot more today and ate better. She talked quite a bit while she was awake and I couldn't help but think about what she repeated more than anything Can we go home to see the children in Belle Center? Had I been in her shoes, the first thing out of my mouth would have likely been about my pain and discomfort. The last thing she did before her accident was save Lydia's life. One of the first things she did after her own life was saved was ask about the children. That tells you all you need to know about Rachael. Now all that's needed is time. And patience for God to work His healing power in His time. Thank you for your prayers and support!
0600 12 April 2024 Update
After a good visit with the children, I got back to see Rachael and was told I had 20 minutes to pack our stuff as we were going to be evicted from the ICU! We got settled in the trauma unit last night. Praise the Lord! For visitors, there are no changes except for the elevator to take and the room. PM me If you are planning to visit and I will give you updated room info. As of now she has no feeding tubes, and she is eating on a specific diet. Although prior to her being on a fixed diet, I was able to sneak in a piece of beef jerky and one of my mom's homemade chocolate chip cookies which she ate (don't judge!) For prayer, pray Rachael would regain more memory and respond more to commands. She is talking a lot, but lots of repetitive, incoherent sentences. Although a praise is one of the words she continues to repeat is Jesus! Overnight I heard her saying the Lord needs to save all these people. Also prayer for my family as a whole in general, for the children, and the families who are watching the children now and in the near future.
0600 11 April 2024 Update
Yesterday was definitely one of the hardest days for Rachael and I, but by God's grace we got through it. Rachael has been taking lots of baby steps; conversing more, eating food, and sitting in a chair with her helmet. Also, she got the feeding tube out of her nose today, hopefully for good! And Lord willing could be moved to trauma unit as soon as one opens up. Thanks to the Lewis family, I was able to see all my kids for an extended visit at Chick-fil-A in Dayton. Man, it was so good to see them again. Progress, but a long road ahead. Many needs remain and many unknowns exist. But I believe in a faithful God who sovereignty carries out His will and will get me through.
0600 10 April 2024 Update
She is doing so much better! Yesterday PT helped her stand up on her own and she put a sock on her foot by herself! She has been conversing a lot more and today besides talking about wanting the children and parents she said The Lord needs us to be here. Yesterday I also was blessed to meet Jesse, the man who life flighted her to the hospital, and was treated by a visit of 14 Mennonites from my old church Bethesda Fellowship. Today speech therapy had her try a swallow test which she passed with flying colors. Now she is attempting to eat solid foods for first time since accident! Pray for Isaiah who has a stomach bug, and that it won't spread; Lord willing I will get to visit the kids tomorrow! Pray for a good visit. And thank you all for your gifts, support, and prayers!
0600 9 April 2024 Update
She had a great day yesterday. Speech therapy had her taste ice cubes so see if she could swallow, which she did successfully. Physical therapy had her sit up in bed, which she did almost by herself. They let me give her a hug too. She has been conversing more, and overall has been in a good mood all things considering. Today, Lord willing she will get to put on her new helmet to protect her head. Thank you for praying!
0600 8 April 2024 Update
She had a great day yesterday in terms of rest and talking more coherently. Her MRI didn't work out due to movement, so will have to have another soon. But she says things like Can you help me and Honey come here. She also called me darling, and this morning said sit with me. She also asked how are the children. I showed her some photos and videos. She still can't say any of our names, but she seems to know who we are.
0600 7 April 2024 Update
She woke up a few times last night saying things like honey come here and when she saw me, I saw her give me an air kiss. Her eyes have not been centered when she opens them but fever appears to be gone. She is currently having another MRI on her brain and neck. She has been, ironically enough resting well on the Lord's Day. Another nursing student from Cedarville has been helping. It seems like when we have a shift of a nurse who is positive and upbeat, Rachael seems to improve. So pray that continues. And as always I appreciate all your prayers and support. Joshua+
0600 6 April 2024
Her fever has been up and down but at the moment is gone. The swelling around her eye appears to be gone as well. Beyond that, after speaking to the doctor it sounds like there are a lot of unknowns, and a LOT of different doctors and tests/scans today. Pray for more answers, and energy and rest for Rachael. The kids last I heard are doing well also. Pray for one of the children of the families watching our kids for recovery from surgery. This has been an additional burden on a lot of people now and will likely be as time goes on. If you are still interested in helping our family and wondering how, PM or text me the way in which you are willing and I can let you know what is needed. Many needs have been met, but there may be areas I have not considered either for our family or for the families who are helping us indefinitely. Thank you for your help and prayers.
0600 5 April 2024
She slept well last night. This morning the doctor had to stitch up a hole on her scalp from surgery. As a precautionary, she is having an MRI to ensure there is no infection. She is still talking with deep breaths, but primarily repeating words like okay and please can you help me. Having pain in stomach area. Also has had a fever of 102. The swelling in her eye has gone down some. The MRI should be around 1030 this morning and take an hour so I will update more later or tomorrow. Thank you for praying!
0600 2 April 2024 Update
Rachael had a great day yesterday and a great night. She is nodding, pointing, and looking multiple directions more, and resting well. Still on ventilator. They tried her breathing on her own yesterday which she did briefly but they decided she needed a little more time. The prayer request would be for her to get strong enough that she can follow commands quicker without thinking. The kids have been in excellent hands, and are eating and sleeping well, and having fun. It is truly mind-blowing how the body of Christ has come together to not only care for our families physical needs, but Spiritual also. I have had almost 40 visitors, some driving 6-10 hours round trip. Some dropping their plans, and leaving large families to stay for hours just to make sure I am okay. And even with what appears to be more stormy Ohio weather headed our way, I can truly say in more ways than one I'll praise You in this storm. There is Light at the end of the tunnel. Joshua+
0600 31 March 2024 Update
I was told that depending on how she responds/doesn't respond to commands, that she could very likely have some type of aphasia. Please pray God would deliver her from that possibility; especially after the encouraging news this morning about her brain. And thank you all again for...everything Rachael is still fighting. The urgent specific prayer for her would be responding to commands from doctors and nurses and cooperating. That way she can get off oxygen and try to talk. The doctor still thinks there is a good chance she will recover acceptably. That is all for now.
0118 30 March 2024 Update
Update on Rachael. And it is a praise item! The nurse woke me at 2am to update me that Rachael has more bodily movement and can respond with her head in a nod, can turn her head side to side, and she has been moving her left arm! Up until today she had only been able to move her right arm and right leg. Praise God!
Here are specific requests for Rachael as of now:
· Pray that Rachael could respond to commands (wiggle your toes, give me thumbs up etc)
· Pray that if she responds to the above, that she could come off oxygen. Her lungs are okay!
· She is able to see and hear. To what extent I am unsure so pray that she can hear, see, talk, etc as much as before
· Pray she can move her left leg. Her left foot does have a small hairline fracture.
· Pray when the nurses do her regular tests that Rachael would cooperate. She always was a little stubborn
Requests for our kids:
· Pray for family and friends watching and caring for them over the days, weeks, and months ahead. Isaiah is 5, Lydia is 3, and Hannah is 1. Because of their ages, they of course have specific needs. Pray specifically not only for their physical needs being met, but especially for their spiritual needs.
· Praise God for good health, especially for Lydia as she had been in two car accidents over the last few months and has shown no signs of injury either time. Because she has autistic tendencies, there is no way for her to talk and communicate what she needs, how she feels, and now her mother is in the same condition.
Requests for me:
· Pray I would get my wife and closest friend back the way she was. And if not, that God would prepare me emotionally, Spiritually, and physically for what changes to expect.
· Pray I could see my kids soon. I miss them dearly, but I cannot leave Rachael.
· Pray that I would have the joy of Jesus during moments of condemnation.
· Pray that God would give me confidence in Him during Spiritual attacks; particularly as it relates to how I treated Rachael prior to accident. That God would give me discernment with triggers that cause attacks, because I need to be strong for Rachael!
· Pray for my personal walk with God; prayer life, time in the Word etc.
· Pray for wisdom related to finances, bills etc.
· Pray for patience and peace with God's will and timing.
· Praise God for all the visitors and pray God would send more! Visiting hours are 8am-8pm at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, OH. PM or text me for room info.
Most importantly,
· Pray that God would reveal how He wishes to be glorified by this ordeal,
· He would be preparing me for opportunities to share the Gospel and empathize with nurses, other patients, visitors etc now and perhaps friends or family in the future.
Of course, praise God for all the prayer warriors all over the WORLD and for all the answered prayers and (from my viewpoint) unanswered prayers. For so many churches and church leaders praying, for so many hugs, calls, cards, words of wisdom, encouragement etc. I love you all!!!
0430 29 March 2024 Update – Good Friday
Thank you so much to everyone who has prayed, offered to help, and visited me at the hospital. Some people drove many, many hours just to be here and pray. I have no words for my gratitude. I just want to say I am humbled and overwhelmed with joy for the support shown during this difficult chapter in our family thus far. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to all of you. As far as updates, the situation is fluid, but Lydia was released from the hospital. She is fine. Our other children are being watched by my parents, bless their hearts, and are also doing well.
For those of you who were unaware of exactly what happened, you have my permission to share this: Rachael walked across the street to get the mail at our house, and Lydia was with her. Apparently she ran a little too far ahead of Rachael and somehow a truck struck Rachael causing her to fall and hit her head. By God's grace, Lydia's life was saved I suspect Rachael protected her from the truck. Rachael, however was not so lucky. She has a major laceration to the back of her head and had to be life-flighted to ICU. She is in stable condition (as of this post). She had to have part of her skull removed and plastic surgery was performed successfully. The team at the hospital has done an outstanding job of caring for her.
Needless to say, life is about to change significantly for us. I have no idea if the woman who said I do over 7 years ago will ever be the same again. I do not know how our three children will be able to handle mommy not being around indefinitely. There are many more questions. One thing is for sure, God is in control and all things work together for good to those who love God.
If anyone wants any additional info or has any questions, please send me a PM or text me if you have my number.
Love in Christ,
+Joshua
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