Wed., June 1

2:45pm

(It's been 5 weeks today since the Tornado struck and claimed Jennifer's life, and left Garrett in critical condition. There is now so much happening, I started a newer post so you wouldn't have to scroll all the way down "Week Five". If you've never read Garrett and Jennifer Jones' story, you can view the archives and click on the beginning. The words in italics are from Facebook entries, mostly from Garrett's dad, Frank.)

Hey everyone. The Dr. in chg talked to us this morning to tell us how critical Garretts situation is. They give him hours, a day or two at best. His condition has worsened such that the heart will soon be involved, if God does not interve...ne. And they have nothing else to offer if that happens. If he does flatline, we hav a DNR in place. But too many healings came on deathbeds in the Bible, so I'm still expecting a Miracle. Multitude of family & friends here. Love to all of you from the Jones Family. 

9:45 pm Wed.

Darra McCrorie just posted this a few minutes ago....I just talked to Frank and he will post in a few hrs. but he told me just to give a quick update on Garrett. His oxygen level is up from 37 to 42. Also his ph and carbon dioxide levels are moving in the right direction. Praise God!!!! God is listening. He is still very sick and we must not quit praying. Pray without ceasing.

10:45pm Wed.

Garretts condition continues to decline. His blood oxygen has decreased to  32 (fair level is 50, good = 60) which is not organ sustainable for any length of time. We are staying at the hospital tonight, just as we did last night. We realize that God can still step in and turn this whole thing around, but we also realize it may be His will that Garrett join Jennifer and his brother Brandon. I won't give up hope until He stops the heart. Our family cannot even begin to express or gratitude and love to all who have willingly joined us on this Garrett Coaster. We do know that Garrett is a Christian. I confirmed this with him when he could still communicate with us. I had to be 100% sure as his earthly father. Wherever this journey takes all of us, please know that you have been praying not only for our son and Kevins brother, but also for a brother in Christ. You are and have been sharing our burden, and we are at a loss for words to describe how you are touching us.
Still expecting a miracle.

Thurs. 6/2  9am update

Garrett's condition is still very critical. Oxygen stats have only shown micro improvement, and he's in a very dangerous range.  Blood pressure medicine is helping to keep his pressure up, and it's still a minute to minute, hour to hour situation.  We feel your prayers and are strengthened by them.

Thurs., 3pm

Aunt Stephanie here. I spoke with Frank about an hour ago; there have been no changes. The doctors are only checking arterial blood gases every 12 hours now, and we're not sure why, so oxygen updates are much less frequent than before. His blood pressure is holding okay with the meds he's on.

Frank and Janell have had a multitude of visitors today, so they are not alone up there, but Frank has not been able to get online to send out any updates--not that there is much to say right now, except to thank everyone for all their prayers and support. There are so many comments out there now, he is missing some of them, but wants you to know they are feeling the prayers lifting them up.

My personal opinion? We need to pray for each other, too, that we are given the wisdom to know what to ask for, and to stay strong ourselves in our resolve to "pray without ceasing", because You Know Who doesn't like prayer and will try to interfere any way he can. Please pray for the family and friends who drop everything to come be with Frank and Janell and Kevin and Marlo, who watch the kids or feed the dogs or bring snacks or bring an encouraging word or run errands.
And pray that the physicians and staff will stay strong and hopeful and vigilant in this fight, that they will find the resources they need to keep going.

Still praying for that miracle of Biblical proportions, Lord.

5pm update
Garrett went up just a little on his blood gas oxygen level, and we're so thankful for microsteps. But I believe the doctors are concerned about us putting too much emphasis on it so they aren't doing it as often. OK. If I need it I will make waves, and believe me this 2#@ lbs can make a wave! But we're being blessed with many visitors, many friends and family.



I understand a lot of folks don't know what ARDS is, so I'll try to briefly explain. The lungs are made up of air sacs, which gather oxygen and infuse it into the blood. Due to long exposure to the ventilator, and the irritation of the pneumonia and fluids in the lungs, these air sacs get calloused, for lack of a better word. They then become stiff and don't want to open and let oxygen in. And then this process just spreads across the surface of the lungs. This is now what we are fighting, and the doctors have done all they can do. We are also having trouble keeping his blood pressure up, so medication is being given for that. But it's just about maxed out as well.



Your prayers are what sustains us, and they are so needed and such a blessing to us. Thank you. Expecting a Miracle!

10:15pm Thurs.
Not much to report from North Pavillion 9th floor Trauma ICU. Garrett has had a couple events today where his blood pressure dropped a bit, but it was quickly restored, and the Garrett Coaster Continues. I'll take this short update to remind one and all of how much we have loved on and prayed for the staff up here. I've been told by staff people that our family has made a difference in how patients families are viewed, more so than any other family has. This is not blowing our horn, but showing to you the results of your prayers lifting US up. We are , unknowingly, ministering to them. So keep praying for them and Garrett, and us as you have been, and this will be added unto you