Saturday, June 21, 2008

Saturday Salutations

We were not able to meet with the doctor this morning before this blog was posted, but he apparently told Kathi’s nurse that he was surprised at the progress she has made since he saw her on Thursday. He is the doctor who met her in the ER and began her care. And he seems to be pretty realistic and conservative with his words, so this was very encouraging to hear.

We stood by her bed this morning and held her hands and talked to her. As we were talking to her, she tried to open her eyes, but was not successful. But she did turn her head toward our voices on her own. Small, sweet miracles every day – that’s what we want!

She is running a fever and they are worried about her developing pneumonia, but they said it’s pretty common and they are ready for it. The swelling in her face has decreased dramatically, although there is still “road rash.” Her intracranial pressure (the pressure in her brain) has remained very stable.

We have passed the 72-hour mark, which is somewhat of a milestone, too. Visitation is still restricted to family only and will continue at least through this next week. So – we will continue to pray. We know that God loves Kathi more than any of us do, and that He has her in the palm of His hand.

Kathy Hurd, Kathi’s cycling buddy, has had surgery to stabilize some of the fractures in her back and has been moved out of the ICU into a regular room. She is awake, alert and talking with her family. Way to go, Kathy! There are no firm dates for rehab or discharge. Kathy’s husband, Gary, stopped by to check in on Kathi yesterday and it was good to see him. Continue your prayers for them and their children.

Many of you have asked how you can tangibly help and express your love to Kathi and her family during this time. At this time we don't have a lot of answers, but we are suggesting that those who want to make a replacement donation of blood on behalf of Kathi, do so with BloodSource. BloodSource does have an office in Folsom and their hours of operation are M-W (11-1:15;2:30-6), Thursdays (9-12:15; 1:30-4) and Fridays (8:30-1). Their Bloodmobile will also be at Lakeside Church on Sunday morning, July 20th.

27 comments:

Cindy said...

Thank you so much for the update on Kathi. Praise the Lord for the progress she is making. Small steps are so huge in her recovery and I am so thankful that our marvelous God is taking such care with her. Kathi touched so many people and has so many people concerned and praying for her, as well as praying for all of you that are surrounding her there at the hospital. I pray for strength and endurance for you and for Kathi. Thanks, too for the update on Kathy. God Bless You! Cindy D

Heather Bystrowski said...

We look forward to these updates. Thank you lord for your care and love! We are so blessed to have such a great group praying for our friend! I love you lord! WHOOO HOOOO

Katie said...

Glad to have an update! Continuing to pray for healing!

Karen Dighton said...

Kathi,
Our Lord is holding you in His wonderful healing arms. He is guiding and directing that wonderful medical staff that is taking care of you. He won't let go and we thank Him for that wonderful promise. We love you Kathi and we love Lord for who You are. Karen D

bonnieg said...

Thank you for the good news! Hang in there, Kathi! Lakeside and beyond are praying for you. God is working as always! Love, Bonnie

T2 said...

Thank you so much to those who are updating the website.

Dear K4~
I'm praying for you throughout each day and for your family, too. Being so far away from you, these postings are a lifeline to me. You are close to me in thought and spirit and I'm looking forward to the day you say hello again to this world! Love to you.

Lil said...

Kathi, May God bless your with his love and healing power. You are a beautifull, caring and loving Sister at Lakeside. We pray for your recovery

Hugs,
Lil

4j's said...

We are blessed to see God's amazing work through Kathi as she continues to make progress. Way to go Kathi, you keep trying to open your eyes, we are all looking forward to seeing those beautiful eyes upon us soon. I continue to pray for health and healing for Kathi and her very loving family.
johanna

shamiD said...

Kathi,

Just returned back home from the 4:30 service at Lakeside. What a comfort it was to be in the presence of the rest of your Lakeside Family. I feel so lucky to be a part of Lakeside and to have become friends with you.

Kathi, you have held my hand many times while we have sat and prayed together. I want you to know that today I am holding your hand, and I am praying for your recovery.

God you are so great. Thank you Lord for holding Kathi in your hands and healing every single one of her injuries.

In Jesus' name. AMEN. Shami & Cami Davis

Cherie Denna said...

These posts are such a blessing to everyone. What a treasure for Kathi once she is able to open her eyes and read the prayers, and expressions of love recorded here for her. God truly is holding both Kathi and Kathy in the palm of His hand. I was envisioning Kathi up before the congregation, "telling her story for His glory!" What a glorious day that will be! May the Lord pour His grace upon you, our precious Lakeside family. "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty." (Psalm 91:1) You are a mighty warrior Kathi! In His Light, Cherie LaLanne

K3 said...

Way to fight, K4! My family and Grace Church continue to pray constantly. You have a great and loving family who wait by your side. Much love....K3

Amy said...

Thank you so much for putting this blog together. I just learned about this this evening and am just in disbelief. I appreciated being able to learn what happened and what is happening. I will continue to pray for Kathi daily and many times at that.

I know Kathi through Lakeside Church and have learned so much from her in Stepping Stones. Kathi is such an amazing person and a warm and wonderful leader.

I know like most people I wish there was something more that I could do but I believe in prayer. I also believe that praying is no small task. I believe that prayer is about the most important thing that we can do.

I too will include all of those who are physically and emotionally supporting Kathi.

God bless you all!

Amy Gaal

K1 said...

May God continue to show his power and healing hands in your steps to recovery. You've influenced so many lives, and I'm so glad you're a part of mine. Continuing to pray diligently for you and your family.

Lynn said...

Kathi,
Thank you for updating the blog what encouraging news...Praise God!

Pastor Brad had all of us in the congregation hold hands today at the 6:30 service as we prayed for you, it was a very powerful prayer
time at Lakeside church...Many tears and prayers were lifted up to our Lord Jesus tonight! Hearts are being changed Kathi!!! You are a remarkable women and I really miss seeing your smile and giving you hugs when I come in for service!! I am realizing just how many lives you have touched and are touching through this tragedy!!
Praises to God for your beautiful heart and your Love for all who come in your path! Thank you for the sweet blessings you continue to give us! Love you sister, Lynn

Lendyloo said...

Dear Kathi,
You have touched so many people in so many places. We love you & are praying for you as are many from FBCEG. You are in the arms of the greatest Healer of all & we are trusting Him for a full recovery. Our hearts hurt that you are going through this. You're a special lady! God Bless You! Don & Lenda Snyder

gksilva said...

Kathy,
When I picture you, I picture your smiling face. You are always smiling, and I love that about you! I want your smile to return soon! I, and so many others, are praying for your complete and total recovery. I pray, too, that you will have an amazing testimony of God's power, compassion, and grace in your life, as a result of this tragedy. You are a true blessing to so many.
Love,
Kim

it'sallgood said...

My wife and I are members of Rolling Hills Christian Church. We learned about your tragedy Thursday afternoon from a friend in our small group. I continue to read the posts and updates on an hourly basis and you grow heavier and heavier on my heart. GOD is so good, and this situation continues to teach me that HIS grace is beyond my comprehension. Kathi, I don’t know you but I have grown to love you through these beautiful people you know, that you have touched and served, and most importantly the out pouring of love for you. You have done so much for the Lord, and the testimony you will deliver once you recover completely will touch so many more lives and we can’t wait to be witness to it.

Our dearest Lord, I thank you for your grace and the ever-lasting love which you continue to show both our sisters. We know nothing is too great for you and I pray that you heal them both. Their full recovery will be for your glory and there are no two better people, which will testify about your love than these two sisters. In your glorious name, Amen.

Thanks for these updates and to all of you, which share your love. God Bless you all. Kathi and Kathy, you are in our prayers and the Lord is holding you close! The Contreras family.

Anonymous said...

Kathi - My thoughts and prayers have been on you since I heard the news of the accident. I pray that God will bring both you and your friend Kathy a full and speedy recovery.

I thank those who are updating the blog with the news of how you are doing. It's comforting to be able to know what's happening.

God bless you!

Debbie Werolin :)

Rodger and Lynne Schmidt Mozambique said...

Way to go girl! Keep fighting!

We love you,

Schmidts in Mozambique

Krista said...

Thank you so much for all your prayers for Kathi. It is amazing to see how many people from near and far Kathi's life has touched. When I saw Kathi yesterday, I read some of the comments to her so that she could hear your encouraging words. Thanks so much for your great support of Kathi, Theresa and Dave.

Krista

Krista said...

Thank you so much for all the prayers and support for Kathi and her family. It is amazing to see how near and far Kathi's life has touched. When I saw her yesterday, I read some of the comments found on this page to her so that she could hear your words of encouragement. Thank you for your continued prayers.

Krista (Kathi's cousin)

Carrie said...

Kathi:

We just learned of your injuries last night from Brad. We are praying for you and seems like you are making good progress. Carrie told me about how excited you were about getting your new bike. Then we learned about what took place. We often wonder why this stuff happens. However, we know you love the Lord and He loves you. You have a ton of people pulling for you including good Doctors. We will continue to check the site to see how your progress is doing! Keep fighting and let our prayers do the rest!

John & Carrie

Carrie said...

Kathi:

We just learned of your injuries last night from Brad. We are praying for you and seems like you are making good progress. Carrie told me about how excited you were about getting your new bike. Then we learned about what took place. We often wonder why this stuff happens. However, we know you love the Lord and He loves you. You have a ton of people pulling for you including good Doctors. We will continue to check the site to see how your progress is doing! Keep fighting and let our prayers do the rest!

John & Carrie

Jen said...

I did not know Kathi, as I am new to this church. But I have heard her on Sundays. She strikes me a very powerfully strong woman of faith. You can see God in her.
We may never know why this happened but I firmly believe that nothing happens by coincidence! This is all a plan. Possibly God wants to reach some of her unbelieving riding friends, or to reach this young lady who hit her.
She seems to be making great progress. I am a nurse and have been for many many years. These are signs that make us clap for joy!
God is good to us and his angels are standing watch over Kathi. She is in God's hands. He is good!!
Thanks for the updates. We must all keep the faith and reach out to her biking friends and to this young lady.
She is in my prayers.
Jen

Anonymous said...

Hi Kathi,

Ever since Wednesday when I first heard of your accident, I have checked your blog morning, noon and night, reading with much anticipation each and every recovery step you are making. I miss your warm smile and inviting nature I grew accustomed to at Stepping Stones and Lakeside services. For a seeker/new Christian you are a beacon of light for those wishing to know God as you do. I wanted to Thank You for the wonderful stories you have shared about your life experiences… including this one (via your blogging friends). It is through your powerful relationship with God, your loving Christian “extended” and immediate family and your inner strength that we WILL hear in your own words about this great journey. I’m positive God is speaking to you right now, telling you he is hearing prayers from all corners of the globe – asking him to hold you close, help with your recovery, guide your doctors and comfort your loved ones. I pray that you feel our love through prayer!
All our best, The Van der Veers.

Debra said...

We met Kathi many years ago when she first came to Elk Grove,and showed up with a friend for our Seafood Gumbo Superbowl party. She became a part of our family that very day. We love you Kathi, and know that God has you cradled in His arms. We are praying that you will continue to recover, and be able to see all the people who love you so much very soon. Dave and Teresa we are praying for your strength during this difficult time and thanking you for keeping us all updated on Kathi's progress. If there is anything at all that we can do for you please do not hesitate to let us know.
God Bless You, and your family,
James,Debra,and Nate Stevenson

Michelle Ernster said...

Just wanted to let you know Kathi, that the ladies from FBCEG Women's Bible Studies are lifting you up in prayer, as well as so many others from our church. We are praising God for all of your progress and continue to trust our Great Physician as you continue to recover.

We are also praying for Kathy and her family as well.