Andy's E-mails

Date: Tuesday, October 01, 2002 21:44:07
Subject: Andy

Hey Friends,
I'm writing to ask you for prayer for Andy. He's been in the hospital at Vanderbilt since Friday. He had been to the ER 5 times in 2 months as I think you know. His school called Friday around noon and he was having another headache (which seemed like it may have been a seizure). Something is very wrong.

Tomorrow morning, we believe they are going to do a spinal tap. Hopefully, this will answer some questions. The problems have been inexplicable. His head ached from Thursday until yesterday. He's had a lot of medications and sometimes doesn't know what's going on, but most of the time he does. His vision is not totally right. Hopefully, this is all temporary, but we need the doctors to figure out what's going on. They've done MRI's, CAT scans, blood work and EEG's. Still, they are scratching their heads Please pray that they will do the necessary tests, be it a spinal tap or whatever....and that those tests will reveal the problem....that it be treatable...and is treated successfully. ALSO, it is very important to pray for Andy as he goes through these tests. He is very brave and has tolerated an awful lot. A spinal test is a horrific experience. I know because I've had five of them, when I was 13. I had meningitis. Anyway, we appreciate your thoughts and prayers and any prayer chains would be appreciated.

While typing this, Susan called. She has stayed every night but one with Andy. I stayed Sunday night and will Wednesday night. We've got to keep Greg going as well. Anyway, the doctor's had mentioned that depending on what they find in the test results, it may actually be necessary to do brain surgery. I don't even want to think about that...

Please pray for our situation.

Thanks,

Alan

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Date: Saturday, April 26, 2003
Subject: Farther On

We had grown tired and weary, worn down from the long journey. We needed a place to stop and rest. Our horses were thirsty and hungry. It wasn't even mentioned on our map, but it should be all right to spend the night, even though it did kind of look like a ghost town... We were wrong. In fact, everything was wrong. We seemed to have a sad, sick feeling of hopelessness in this unfriendly sinkhole of a town. The food didn't taste good. It was difficult to sleep, worried by the sights and sounds surrounding us, not knowing where tomorrow may take us or leave us. Concerned about how early the darkness fell. Wondering when the day would break. Knowing we had to make a move or risk being jailed in this lowdown world of it's own. A place in which we don't belong, yet seemingly invited to stay as long as we choose.... as long as "we" choose ...We choose? ..... Right! ... Well, we choose to dust ourselves off, grab our saddened hearts, tender souls and scrambled brains and see what lies farther on.   

The sign on the way out of town said, "Thanks for leaving Discouraged". This was the absolute worst place to stay. The one town we'd tried to steer clear of.

Occasionally, we all can get lost in our everyday concerns and end up spending time in places like these. Satan owns this town and many others just like it. An inconspicuous little hole in the wall that we wind up in when we we're not paying attention at the fork in the road and we end up on the "forked" road. We've got to be careful. They are scattered everywhere. Towns you don't even know the name of until you get the wherewithal to leave. Then you realize. With names like Self-pity, Doubt, Worry, etc... Satan runs 'em all and they're open all night.     

The most wonderful part of this journey is that very shortly after leaving "Discouraged", there was a very refreshing sign..... It read....Renewed Hope ahead... Ten Seconds..... We made it in five. 

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Hey Everyone,

Here we are in Renewed Hope. Hope you're all doing fine. Andy had a CT scan early today and the results were unchanged (good). Despite having Adivan, after several hours, he seemed to be more alert than he has been in the past few days. He was able to take his medicine with applesauce and sip some apple juice. He has spoken a few words. These things had not been happening the past few days. A key finding was the fact that his Dilantin level was very high. This may well have been the reason for his recent lethargy.

Andy was happy to see his grandmother, Memi, (my mother) and his Uncle Ron and Aunt Jan. I think he actually laughed once. I'll write again soon.

Happy Trails,

Alan

P.S. PLEASE PRAY for Andy to continue to hold his own. Gradual improvement would be nice also. PLEASE PRAY for one of the surgeons to step forward and help Andy ASAP. We have felt your prayers and have been lifted up by them as