Daily update on Jeremy's progress.

Our heartfelt thanks continue to go out to all family and friends for their continued prayers and support. We are continuing to expect miracles each day and we will be very careful to thank God for all He has done and will continue to do and we will give Him all of the glory.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Today's Update

Thursday, July 3  Jeremy had a great visit with his neuropsychologist yesterday.    They talked about all of the new advances in robotics.    Japan has a full body suit that will enable motion and you can try it and rent it for the low cost of only $1,000 per day.    The good news is that this technology is beginning to be on the market and if Jeremy is not able to regain the use of his hands, fingers, etc. there are many possibilities for the future.    He is going to start some steroid therapy for a couple of months in an effort to gain some strength and increase his appetite.    He is also changing some of his other meds to try to get him sleeping better so he will be able to feel better during therapy, etc.    Hopefully, this will be the catapult that has been needed to get the road to recovery moving forward again.     

Thursday, June 19   Jeremy is still having to struggle through the negative effects of the antibiotics and the nausea and not being able to eat.    He's not gaining any weight and not getting any stronger yet.    He had the opportunity to meet a wonderful gentleman, Jay, who was injured when he was in high school and was very inspiring.    He took the time to show Jeremy his van and visit with him about all he is able to do.    He also suggested rehab at Shepard Center in Colorado.   We're working on getting Jeremy strong enough to be able to do more rehab.    The hail from the storms on Tuesday night were pretty wicked and beat up the trailer that we haul Jeremy's wheelchairs in.   The wind actually moved the trailer 2 feet from where it was parked.    Hopefully, tonight's storms will just blow on over. 

Sunday, June 2   Jeremy went to our neighbor, Sal's, graduation party this afternoon.    It was really good to see him out and visiting with everyone.    It was 106 here today so we didn't stay as long as we would have liked to because of the heat.    Jeremy is still struggling with the negative effects of the strong antibiotic he's been on.    He got very depressed and upset this week because his therapist thinks he needs to be in a rehab hospital to get some additional help and he doesn't want to have to be in a hospital setting again.    We are going to try to locate some additional outpatient rehab and, perhaps, some therapists that are experienced with dealing with spinal cord injuries.     There are many people out there that have Jeremy's level of injury and are much more independant -- able to feed themselves, drive, etc., but we are having a difficult time locating someone who knows exactly how to get Jeremy to that level.   

Monday, May 5   We had a great afternoon.   It's been a little cloudy and windy outside so Jeremy wanted to come in and sit on the couch to see if Zeus would sit in his lap.  Zeus has just grown so much that he doesn't fit in the chair with Jeremy anymorel.    He was able to sit in the corner of the couch and stay balanced and didn't have any of the usual blood pressure problems with sitting up.   Zeus sat in his lap and they took pictures with Lindsay and Chloe.    Jeremy looked so good and he said he felt almost normal.   

Saturday, April 26   Many apologies as I didn't realize how long it been without an update.   Grandma is out of the hospital and doing better and regaining her strength.    Jeremy has a slight UTI but has been doing really good with his new PT.    He is getting more strength in his upper body.   Yesterday, he was in his manual wheelchair and propelled himself.   This has been one of his biggest goals -- to be able to be in his manual chair for longer periods and push it by himself.   He is loving the warmer weather and has a true farmer's tan.   He pulled up the legs on his shorts a couple of inches today because they were so light and is now truly sunburned above his knees but he's still smiling about being able to be outside.    He is wanting to get some pictures taken with Zeus.    Zeus is now about 80 pounds and still thinks he's the 4-pound lovable puppy who used to sit on Jeremy's chest.   Don and I still are doing the tag-team thing because we are still without a nurse.     He's hoping to work on his own My-Space page so he can get back in contact with some of his friends and classmates.

Wednesday, March 26  Great News -- Jeremy is completely stent free and stone free.   Hopefully today's visit to Lubbock was the last of the kidney stone issues.   He had another awesome PT session yesterday.   He is tired and sore from both, but in great spirits.    Thanks for all the prayers and support during this extremely long journey.    We are all so hopeful that the PT and OT will progress much faster without these obstacles.    We do have a prayer request.    Jeremy's grandma is in the hospital in OKC for the third time in three weeks due to complications that started when she was trying to have kidney stones removed.   She is doing better but is expected to be in the hospital for a week or so to clear up infection at the incision site.    

Saturday, March 22  It's been a couple of busy weeks.   Jeremy started PT and OT at Synergy this week and we are all very encouraged about what's happening already.    They have a great plan to get Jeremy more independent.   He was rolling on his side and pulling himself up (with assistance) but he's done more with them than he did with the previous therapist all last year.   It really did wear him out but he's very excited about what he will be able to do soon.    We are very hopeful that the test results for the KUB will be good this week and he will be able to get the stent taken out.  

Saturday, March 8   Jeremy got to go for his physical and occupational therapy evaluation this week.   He is really excited about it  because the new therapists already have a great plan to get him doing a lot of activities on his own again.    The therapists are very positive and we can't wait to get started over there.    Aunt Karen came to Odessa this week and did a "makeover" on our living room for us.   It's so relaxing and beautiful and a much-needed change for all of us.   Jeremy is looking forward to daylight savings time and some warmer weather.   The day he went for his evaluation was only 40 degrees with lots of wind and it took him several hours after we got home to really get warm again.      We still haven't been able to find a nurse but we got a wonderful surprise viisit from Moses this week.  We're hoping we can find a way to get him working for us again.    

Tuesday, February 26   Jeremy had lithotripsy with the scope yesterday in Lubbock.   The doctor is hopeful that the stones are broken up small enough to pass.    We'll wait three weeks and go back for another KUB and, hopefully, the stent will come out for good.    Our nephew, Matt, got to visit with Don and Jeremy at the hospital yesterday so it made the trip much more enjoyable.    Jeremy's going for his therapy evaluation next week and can't wait to get going.    He's wanting to get in his manual chair all of the time.    Lindsay auditioned for the Junior Roughneck Dance Squad this week and was one of eight girls chosen.    She's hoping Jeremy will be feeling better and go to the Roughneck Games to watch her dance.    The weather is warming up and Jeremy is enjoying more time outside and his tan is returning.   

Thursday, February 14   Well, we sure hoped to have some great news and be able to make a fresh start.    Jeremy went back to Lubbock yesterday for the tests but there are still stones and another infection.  He will go back next week for another lithotripsy but they are also going to do a scope to try to "fish" out the larger stones.    Jeremy went to Synergy Physical Therapy this week and he was looking forward to beginning a new therapy routine and having an occupational therapist.    We were all encouraged after the therapy visit but a little bummed out that the stones were still there and he'll have to deal with the stent for a little while longer.  

 Sunday, January 27   Jeremy returned to Lubbock on Tuesday to have the lithotripsy performed.   He has been very sore, bruised and tired since they returned home.   Lindsay had a nasty case of the flu and has been home all week so Don and Jeremy took the trip to Lubbock without mom.   It's a beautiful day outside today so we're hoping Jeremy can get out and get a little sunshine as that always helps improve his state of mind.   He's hoping to get to feeling better quickly and hit the therapy very hard.    It all goes well, the stent will be removed the second week of February and we should be done with all of the kidney stone issues.  

Sunday, January 20   Jeremy turned 19 on Friday and Aunt Karen came down to visit.   We all truly enjoyed her visit and it was a good birthday.   She got to see Zeus and he's almost 50 pounds now.   He looks like a big, mean doberman but he's a softy and so much entertainment.    Jeremy goes back to Lubbock this week to try to zap the last kidney stone.   Hopefully, that will be the last of the urology issues and he can start pursuing some more serious physical therapy very soon.    We're still looking for a nurse or two.     

Thursday, January 10   We went to Lubbock yesterday in hopes of having the stent removed.   However, once we got there and they did the KUB, there are still kidney stones and one is blocking the kidney on the right side.   Jeremy will have another lithotripsy next week in hopes of getting rid of these final stones and then hopefully the stent will come out in a couple of weeks.    We're still looking for nurses again.    We haven't had any nursing help since we got home.    Jeremy is also hoping to get to go to OT this year since we haven't been able to find one who will come out here.   He got some computer simulation games for Christmas and is really enjoying them.   He said he wasn't sure he'd be able to play them but he's doing a great job.     

Thursday, December 27  Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.   We got to go to Oklahoma City and visit Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Steve and Klayten.   We were all surprised because Klayten had grown so much but we haven't seen him in three years.  We really enjoyed getting to visit and see how he's matured.   Jeremy made the trip all right but got a little tired out.    He has eaten very well.   He said that if he were around Grandpa's cooking all of the time that he wouldn't need the meds to stimulate his appetite.   Zeus and Chloe were in good hands with Jean and Gary.   Chloe got out and received an escort home from the Hobbs police department so we know she's in good hands.   We'll start the New Year without a nurse again.    Deborah has taken another position with Nurses Unlimited and Moses is not with them anymore.     We will miss him tremendously.   He has been with us almost since the beginning and won't be replaced easily.   

Wednesday, December 19  Jeremy finally got to go to Lubbock for surgery yesterday.    Everything went pretty good.   The old stent was removed and was severely infected.    Dr. Nicholson said that now that the stent is out, that would probably eliminate the source of the major infection.   The kidney stones on the other side were able to be busted up easily and the new stent is scheduled to be removed on January 9.   After surgery, his blood pressure was elevated so we were at the hospital until around 7:30.   We still were able to come home and he's been in very good spirits.    Jeremy was up today and is just tired.   Once again, thanks so much for all the prayers and support.       

Thursday, December 6   We got the test results back from Jeremy's labs.   A normal white count is 5,000 and his is up to 30,000 so the infection is worse than expected.    His protein was also low and now we're just waiting to see if he will still be able to go forward with the surgery.   He has been eating a little better this week and has been up in his chair again every day but he gets tired easily.   We got his standing frame this week so when he gets to feeling better, at least he's got that to work on.    Thanks for all the prayers and words of encouragement.   They are greatly appreciated and much needed.

Friday, November 30  Jeremy went to the doctor earlier this week and he ordered a long list of tests to try to figure out what was going on and why he's been feeling so bad.   He had gotten pretty dehydrated so it took a couple of days before they were able to get a sucessful blood draw.    We should have the results of the tests early next week.   They also put him on Megase to try to stimulate his appetite so he could eat.    Still just praying that he will be strong enough for the surgery on the 11th so he can move forward with therapy. 

Tuesday, November 27   Jeremy got a visit from Grandma and Grandpa a couple of weeks ago that he truly enjoyed.    He was really feeling good and glad to have Grandpa's cooking and biscotti around.   He had to postpone his surgery in Lubbock because shortly after that he got to feeling very bad.   Since then, it's been downhill.  He hasn't felt this bad and been in bed so long since right after we returned from Baylor.   He had some of his meds changed and has suffered from some pretty traumatic withdrawal symptoms.   He's lost his appetite completely and has lost weight again.   Prayers and positive thoughts would be greatly appreciated.   His surgery in Lubbock is rescheduled for December 11 assuming that we can get him strong enough to handle it.   Zeus is about 3 inches taller than Chloe but still a puppy at heart and they are both providing comic relief.

Wednesday,  October 31    Sorry, I didn't realize it had been so long since the site was updated.   We have a wonderful addition to the house and owe a great big thank you to Cliff Self and Jason.   They worked tirelessly on this creation and it's great.   We had been wanting to add a porch so that Jeremy could be outside easier and not worry about the weather.    We now have a wonderful concrete porch out front that is sloped on the side so that we don't have to worry about a bulky wheelchair ramp out front anymore.   Jeremy is able to roll right up to the door now and ring the doorbell on his own.   He loves sitting out in the sun and he's enjoying this everyday.   

Zeus is as tall as Chloe now and they are still providing much-needed entertainment.    Although Zeus is growing quickly, he still likes sitting near Jeremy's face.   We keep teasing him that it's not going to be much fun or easy to breathe when Zeus is full grown and wanting to sit on top of his chest.   

Jeremy will be going back to Lubbock to continue the treatment for the kidney stones the week of November 12.          

October 8   It's been an interesting couple of weeks.    Zeus is so much fun.    Chloe and Zeus romp, play and provide an abundance of entertainment for all of us.    It won't be long until Zeus in taller that Chloe, but for now he's so cute because he's a little clumsy.   A huge thank you to Dr. Elrod (vet) and JoBeth for taking such great care of Zeus.   Jeremy had his first non-medical outing last week.    They went to PetSmart and shopped.   Zeus has a black studded Harley Davidson collar and new UT leash.   Jeremy said so many people were talking about how cute Zeus was that they didn't even worry about the wheelchair.    It was a great first outing and hopefully there will be more to come now.

The kidney stones have been problematic and putting a huge damper on the progress at HealthSouth.   He went for more tests at the hospital on Friday.    We are awaiting the results to determine the next steps and whether they can remove the stent and start treatment on the other side.   In the meantime, HealthSouth has been put on hold.  They hope to resume the standing, etc. as soon as Jeremy can tolerate it again.      

On  Saturday, we had some wonderful help getting the lot cleared.    Many thanks to David and Deborah, David, Jason, Jennifer, Justin and Karen.    Ya'll have been a tremendous blessing and we appreciate it so much. 

Sunday, September 23   Jeremy, Don and Lindsay traveled to get Zeus yesterday.   (pics are posted under the "family" link)    They were on the road most of the day but Jeremy is really excited.    Zeus is only 7 weeks old and just adorable.     Back to HealthSouth tomorrow for some more standing and working on getting on the Autoambulator.   

Thursday, September 20   The week after the surgery was a little rough.   Jeremy had several days of high fever and feeling so bad that he even wasn't even able to get up.   He's doing much better now and has even pushed his manual chair down the block by himself several times lately.   He's been over at Health South working on the tilt table and he's close to being able to go in the standing frame.   He's been wanting a doberman puppy since he was first in the hospital and we think we have found one in Abilene.   He is so excited so we hope it works out and we have a new addition this weekend.  

Wednesday, September 5   The trip to Lubbock yesterday for the lithotripsy was sucessful.   Everyone we encountered at Texas Tech University Medical Center was friendly and professional and it made the day so much better.    The doctor feels that the surgery was a success.    Jeremy has no meat on his bones anymore and his temp dropped to 94.4 in post-op, so he was there for a while shiverying under warming blankets before he could go into recovery.    It was a long day but definitely much better than having to travel to Houston and we got to be home last night.    Jeremy continues to work hard at the therapy and standing and he's getting more control over his abdominal muscles.     

Monday, August 27   I guess for a while it will continue to be mixed news.   They did a culture of Jeremy's heel last week and it tested positive for MRSA but they have him on antibiotics and, hopefully, it will not delay the surgery to get rid of the kidney stones.    Jeremy has been in his manual chair for as much as    5 hours at a time over the past week.   He's working extremely hard at extra weights, tilt table and being up as much as possible.    He started Odessa College today.   This semester's classes will be taken online so that he can continue therapy and get the surgeries taken care of.      

Thursday, August 16  Things continue to steadily improve and go in the right direction.   Jeremy went to HealthSouth for the AutoAmbulator but they want him standing up first because it takes so long to get him suspended in the device and they want to make sure he can tolerate being upright.    He's been on the tilt table for a couple of days and doing very well.    While he was up yesterday, they measured him and he's 6'3" now.    He better not grow a whole lot more because the AutoAmbulator will only accomodate someone 6'5".    His ankle is getting much better and he's been in good spirits.    We have an appointment for lithotripsy for the kidney stones on the right side the first week of September.   His doctor feels that once these are taken care of Jeremy will feel much better.      

Tuesday, August 7   Jeremy has had a busy couple of weeks.   We had to go to Midland's wound care center on Thursday because he has a very bad pressure sore on his right heel from his wheelchair.   The treatment had been keeping it too damp and it had grown but we hope the agressive treatment will clear it up quickly.   On Monday, we went to HealthSouth Rehab in Midland for an OT evaluation and Jeremy's upper body had gotten substantially stronger since November.   This is really a tremendous advancement because Jeremy has not had OT services since January.   They have been unable to find an OT to do the evaluation and Jeremy has continued to stretch and lift weights daily on his own.   He also has more feeling in the back of his arms since November and the only place he could not feel and identify touch was on the outside fingers of his left hand.   We will be going to Midland for OT Rehab now on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.   This makes finding suitable transportation that much more important but we are continuing to look.    Also, thanks to DARS (Department of Rehabilitative Services) he will get to use the AutoAmbulator in Midland two days a week for a month.   If this helps and they see progress, they hope they can get some more time approved.    The AutoAmbulator is a gait-training device which also can other pathways and signals return in some injuries.  We are very hopeful that with all of Jeremy's other progress,  this will speed up the recovery process.      Jeremy's friend, Wes, just returned from ProjectWalk and saw some wonderful results so we are also hoping that door will open soon.    

Monday, July 23   We had a real good trip to ORH today for the CT scan and KUB.   It took longer to get registered than it did to get the tests run.   Jose, the x-ray technician that took care of Jeremy, was wonderful -- very professional and personable.   They did find large kidney stones on both sides instead of just the left side, but at least now we have an appointment to get a game plan going and get these taken care of.     

Friday, July 20   The trip to the urologist yesterday was great.   He ended up being the brother-in-law of Lindsay's kindergarten teacher who we dearly love and still stay in touch with.    He was just as disgusted as we were that we could not find a urologist in Midland or Odessa who was willing to take Jeremy as a patient.    Jeremy will be going to Odessa Regional Hospital on Monday for a CT scan and KUB study to learn a little more about the kidney stones and then we'll go back and find out how he's going to treat them.    Jeremy was up all day traveling and then when he got home, he stayed up and was in his manual chair for a while also.    Today is the 2nd anniversary of his accident and there were many mixed emotions.    Luckily, his therapists says since he's continuing to make improvements that we should ignore the doctors who tell us that what doesn't come back after two years will not come back.   Blessings to everyone who has continued to pray and support Jeremy and our family through this.   It was a little cloudy and rainy so he didn't get outside like usual and I think he'll be better when the clouds and rain go away and he can spend more time outside again.                 

Wednesday, July 18   Jeremy was real excited on Monday because he was in his manual chair and was able to do wheelies.   There are anti-tip bars on the back of his chair so it is safe.    It takes a lot of upper body strength and control to be able to do that and he surprised his therapist, his nurse, dad and himself.    We're off to Lubbock to the new urologist today.   Prayers for a postive outcome would be greatly appreciated.      

Sunday, July 8  In spite of having to be on antibiotics to fight an infection, Jeremy had a really good week.   We got the best fireworks show on the 4th of July because we live so close to the firework stands ad we all sat out in the front yard from about 9:00 to almost midnight.   The weather was absolutely beautiful and Sal and his girlfriend came over and visited with Jeremy for quite a while that night.    Jeremy has been walking Chloe around the neighborhood.   They tie her leash onto his chair and off they go.    He says it gives him something fun to do and Chloe does a great job staying with him.    On Friday afternoon, Jeremy was able to get in his manual chair.    Bill with Mobility Unlimited came out and worked on it for a long time at the first of the week and made some major changes.    Jeremy was able to push himself about 140 feet and said it finally felt comfortable.    He really wants to be in the manual chair for college and he feels like it will make transportation so much more accessible.   After fighting for months, we finally found a urologist in Lubbock who is willing to take care of the kidney stones and we will be going to Lubbock in the middle of next week.   We'll keep looking forward to the forward progress.      

To see pictures before the run, click on the Friends section of the site.

Wednesday, June 27  Jeremy has been going outside every day, up in his chair more and more every day and gaining more upper body strength all of the time.   He's starting to get a little more feeling through his abdomen also.    Our big problem continues to be the lack of a urologist that will see him.   We have called so many doctors and offices and have gotten so many excuses -- the latest one being that they don't have room for a wheelchair.   Because of the time that has lapsed since the stent was placed, his local providers feel that it's absolutely necessary that we get this taken care of immediately and we keep running into brick walls.    We were in contact with the hospital today and they have put us in touch with a patient advocate to see if there is anything that can be done.    We still have to get the kidney stones taken care of so that Jeremy can start using the standing frame and getting ready for the autoambulator.    If anyone knows a urologist or has any advice on how to better work the system, we are open for any advice.     In the mean time, he's looking so much better and gaining a little more weight and loves to visit with friends if anyone would like to stop by or call.

June 14   We've had another mixed couple of weeks.   Last week Jeremy got out every day and came up to the store several times.   He's been working out up here and has gotten a beautiful tan because he's spending so much time outside.   We're giving him a hard time because he's dark on the front and white on the back.   This week they've found another infection and have him back on some very strong antibiotics that are keeping his stomach torn up so he's not getting up and out every day.   We have been blessed by a new nurse so that Moses will not be alone.   She seems very nice and almost over-qualified and very enthusiastic so we're hoping this one will be a keeper.   Hopefully the antibiotics will work quickly and Jeremy can pursue the rehab.    He's been advised by HealthSouth that he needs to be standing (assisted, of course) and doing as much aerobic activity as possible to get him ready for the autoambulator.    His friend Wes, that he met at TIRR, is at Project Walk in California for rehab and he's giving Jeremy reports about how intense it is and what to expect.  

Monday, May 28   Well, it's official.   Jeremy graduated from OHS with honors.   We are very proud of him but I think he's already a little bored because he's used to getting up for school every day and now we're having to discover what his next immediate goals will be.   Lindsay also was promoted to 6th grade on the "A" honor roll, but we're all looking forward to sleeping a little later for a while.    We now have a standing frame for Jeremy at the store.   Mr. Montes was a former patient of Jeremy's physical therapist and his wife donated his standing frame.   Johnny went and got it yesterday for us.   Thanks so much to both of them.  The standing frame will allow Jeremy to stand and keep his bone density up so that he will be strong for other types of therapy.   He also had a meeting today with Vince from Health South in Midland.    They now have an auto ambulator and they are hoping to get Jeremy some therapy on it.   They only acquired the equipment about 6 weeks ago and usually we would have to go to Dallas or Houston to have the opportunity to use this kind of equipment.   We'll pray that all of the paperwork goes through and Jeremy will be working out in Midland soon.

Sunday, May 20  We got to attend church this morning at Central Baptist.   It was a wonderful service and they acknowledged Jeremy's achievements of being able to catch up after the long hospital stay and graduate with his class.   He was presented with a beautiful Bible and the marathon shirt that David ran in.   David Johnson introduced The Bader Family and Moses to the congregation and we had an opportunity to finally meet so many of the people who have helped in so many ways.   This was David's last Sunday at Central so it was great to be there for that and he got to talk about the run and his experience running with Moses.   Jeremy said he really enjoyed it and it went by much faster than he expected.    He wasn't feeling great this morning and got chilled so we left after the service but it was really awesome.   Jeremy was really pleased to see people several people he knew and was especially touched that the Rhodes were there and was glad to meet so many of the members at Central.   More good news -- He was able to sit up on the side of the bed for about 30 minutes yesterday during therapy.   His blood pressure didn't bottom out and his elbows have straightened out enough that he was able to use his arms to help balance himself.         

Friday, May 18  It was an incredible 100K run for David Johnson and Moses.    They started at Satellite Specialties at 6:00 last night.   There was a small group gathered to start the 100K Jeremy's Grad Gift Run.   Started it off with a prayer and off they went.    They ran all night and David's wife, son Davy and his friend Nick were there every 2 hours with supplies (i.e., water, new shoes and protein) to keep them going.    Moses made it 60 miles and David finished up the entire 63 miles at the store at around 10:00 Friday morning.    It was in the mid 50's most of the evening and some thunderstorms on Friday morning also.    Thanks so much for their strength, stamina, encouragement and dedication.    Anyone who would still like to donate to the run may do so through Central Baptist for the next couple of weeks.   Again, a huge thank you to David and everyone who helped.   We had also received some great news from DARS this week.    If Jeremy goes to college in the fall like he has planned and maintains a 2.0 GPA, they will cover his college expenses.   Also, on Tuesday, Jeremy and Moses were out exploring the neighborhood and Jeremy got a terrible spasm in his back and had to come in.    Once again, it's a mixed blessing.    He could feel the spasm down in his lower back and could feel our fingers pressing on his back, but he was in terrible pain all night.       

Friday, May 11   Jeremy got the news that he had passed the rest of the exit level TAKS tests and was commended on the Social Studies section also, so he will definitely graduate on schedule.    The Odessa American came out and took photographs yesterday as they are planning on doing a story about David Johnson's 100K run for Saturday's paper.   Jeremy enjoyed the afternoon outside yesterday but ended up with a beautiful sunburn -- he even got the tops of his thighs and knees burned but wanted to be outside again today.   It's been very pretty here and the rain and storms have finally all stopped.        

Thursday, May 3    Jeremy had a very wonderful visit from David Johnson, the running preacher, this afternoon.  He is going to run again for Jeremy, but this time he is going to run his first 100K run.    He will be running on May 18 (tentatively) and start and finish either from the house or our stores and all collected donations will go towards Jeremy's therapy this summer.  He has been such a tremendous blessing to our family.   Jeremy has agreed to go to Central Baptist (Pastor Johnson's church)  Sunday, May 20, and this will be his first real public outing since he's been home.    If you would like to donate in support of this run, please contact David Johnson or Central Baptist Church in Odessa.    Jeremy is working real hard on trying to finish up all his school work for his last six weeks and is looking forward to graduating at the end of May.         

Saturday, April 28   Went to the doctor yesterday.   Jeremy's swelling in his elbow had subsided a little, but the doctor ended up draining it with an 18 gauge needle and took off 35ml of fluid.    His elbow is pretty sore today and it's got a compression bandage on it to keep it from swelling up again.    When we got out of the doctor's office yesterday, Jeremy went up to the store and got to see his gym and what we're doing to get him a place to work out.   He was out for quite a while yesterday and we're hoping he'll continue getting out and get to feeling better now that the elbow is taken care of. 

Friday, April 20    We spent from 7:00 until after midnight last night in the emergency room.    At around 6:45, Jeremy felt something funny in his elbow.   Within a matter of minutes it was extremely puffy and swollen and we didn't know if he'd been bit by something or what.    Come to find out, his bursa sac in his elbow had ruptured and it could take 2-3 weeks to absorb, but it shouldn't be problematic for long.    It's just very swollen, bruised and tight and he can't lift himself to help move or get dressed for a while.   We'll have to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn't become infected.   Jeremy said the emergency room experience was in the top 5 worse experiences of his life -- not because of the waiting but because of the unyielding stares.  I would have told him it was just his imagination, but I had noticed also.  He was thinking he would start getting out more, even his in power chair, but after last night he doesn't want to go back out until he can be in his manual chair.    After midnight, when we were driving home, he wanted to drive by OHS and he was very emotional.    He had his final Chemistry TAKS test yesterday and his final History TAKS today.   He said he had forgotten some of the chemistry but he finished the history in just over an hour.     With the stress of TAKS finally being over, we're looking forward to a much better weekend. 

Tuesday, April 17   We got the results of Jeremy's Math Exit Level TAKS test and he got commended performance on it also.   Still dealing with a couple of issues with the kidney stones but we have some good news.   Jeremy is starting to have more feeling in his arms and fingers.   Since the accident he's not been able to feel anything past his third finger on either hand.    He's always had them take blood there because he didn't feel it.   He is starting to have more sensation in the last three fingers on his left hand and more feeling on the underside of his left arm also.    This is good news, especially since he's still seeing improvement so far after the accident.   We're waiting patiently for more movement too.     Jeremy also got a great gift in the mail.    Chad Reed, Yamaha motocross rider that Jeremy follows, and Rider Down sent him a signed pair of his goggles from a recent race.   They are hanging on his wall with the jersey where Jeremy can see them all the time for inspiration.

Tuesday, April 10   Jeremy got the results of his English Exit Level TAKS test today and he passed with commended performance.   We also got the results of the blood work and everything was normal.   Perhaps the antibiotics just did their thing again to keep Jeremy feeling a little rotten.    It's good to know we're not looking at anything wrong with the bloodwork this time though.  Grandpa's pecan pies and great cooking must have done their job because Jeremy is having a better week.    His therapist, Cheryl, had a new granddaughter yesterday --Congratulations to them.    Jeremy said it was kind of a wierd thought that he could actually go to the hospital just as a visitor and not as a patient.     

Friday, April 6   Grandma and Grandpa got into town Thursday afternoon and Jeremy got his homemade pecan pies.  He is really enjoying them and then Grandpa cooked his famous prime rib this afternoon.    That should help add some pounds.    Jeremy is not feeling great and they took blood this week to try to determine if there was any other underlying infection that was causing problems.    He is working on his computer a couple of hours every day and is feeling more and more comfortable with it.   

Friday, March 29  Well, it seems as though it's always a mixed report -- First, the great news.    Shawn from riderdown.org came to visit Jeremy today with a wonderful gift.    It was a fantastic day and then all four of us took a drive this evening.   A huge thank you to Rider Down and Shawn for the tremendous way they support fallen riders and their families.

We're still trying to get the urologist and some of those issues resolved and trying to hang in there because Jeremy is still set to graduate with honors at the end of May.      

Friday, March 16   This week was spring break for ECISD and we were all hoping to get a little bit of rest but we've been busy working.   Jeremy had a great visit yesterday from Rex from Assistive Technology Resources out of Dallas.    He was doing an evaluation for the Department of Rehabilitative Services in hopes of getting some equipment to allow Jeremy to control some things in his environment by himself.    Since we are around Jeremy every day sometimes we don't see the improvement but it's been about a year since Rex had seen Jeremy and he was able to hit several targets on a key pad with his fist and also put on a pair of headphones by himself.    This was great news because this will allow serveral types of technology to be utilized.    We will just have to determine what is best for Jeremy but things are finally looking up in finding some equipment to help him become more independent. 

Sunday, March 4  Well, the TAKS testing went very well.   The bad news is that Jeremy has had a bout with either the flu or a stomach bug twice since then and he's having a hard time regaining his strength and his appetite.   He seems to lose weight so fast now and he really doesn't have any extra to lose.    We are actively seeking a urologist in our area to do the lithotripsy and get those kidney stones broken up so that we can get him going again.    He's had considerable pain with the kidney stones this past week also.   

If you want to read more about the Rider Down Foundation, check out www.riderdown.org.    They really are an awesome group and have provided much encouragement.   Also, Jeremy has a new e-mail address -- jeremybader@clearwire.net.    Please feel free to e-mail him anytime and hopefully he'll be able to answer himself very soon.         

Thursday, February 15   Didn't realize it had been so long since the site was updated -- sorry.    Jeremy is continuing to have a good appetite and enjoy those german chocolate cupcakes from Fat Jack's Bakery.    He is getting ready to take the exit level TAKS tests Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week.    He wasn't able to take them last year and this is his last chance.    He's still on the honor society and has gotten some scholarship offers for college so this is very important.   

He has learned to control the remote for his TV with the side of his thumb and can really work his Ipod very good on his own.   He got to try a biofeedback machine on his fingers yesterday.    A big thanks to Synergy for allowing him the opportunity to try the machine.    He is having what they call trace-plus movement in his hands and fingers.    The biofeedback machine is utilized to maximize the movement and retrain his brain on when and how the fingers and other muscles are moving.    Jeremy is so excited about it that he told me to get my checkbook ready yesterday morning.    If you don't know, Jeremy is a very talented guitarist and has quite a collection but has always wanted a Les Paul Custom guitar with Marshal Amps.    I told him at Baylor that when he got his fingers moving and could play that guitar for me, I would find a way to get him his dream guitar.     So if you happen to see me on the street corner with a can begging, you'll know that those fingers are moving again and I'm going to keep that promise one way or another.   

Friday, January 19    We celebrated Jeremy's birthday yesterday.   It was a quiet but very special evening --a german chocolate cupcake from Fat Jacks was his birthday cake of choice and it was fantastic.  Jean was able to come over and celebrate with us.    There were just several converations of all the things to look forward to this year.   Jeremy is looking forward to hunting and fishing and so we'll figure out a way to make that happen.    He got a pair of Nike Shox and we are all visualizing and eagerly awaiting the day when he will be using those shoes for more than keeping his feet warm.   Jeremy's therapist brought him a great card with his gift with a dog that looked like Chloe and on the inside it said, "Do I smell food?"   It gave us all a great laugh because Chloe can be completely quiet and hidden until she smells food in Jeremy's  room and then she's right up there with that long nose in the middle of it.     We all had the opportunity to visit about all of the little things we are grateful for and it made this birthday more special than we ever thought it would be.     Cold and wet weather has enveloped West Texas so we will bundle up and keep warm this weekend.

Saturday, January 13   It's very cold here and we're all just trying to keep warm and awake.   Not a lot has been happening.    We're still working on trying to find a solution for the stent and the kidney stones so that Jeremy will be able to go back to serious rehab.    He turns 18 on Thursday, the 18th.   It seems like on all those special dates we think back and reflect on what all has happened and we've talked alot lately about how great the first part of 2005 was because of all the fun going on, etc., and how hard it has been since then.   We will continue to hope and pray that this year will bring new hope, continued healing and progress and positive steps forward.     

Monday, January 1    Happy New Year to all.    This has been a very laid-back week.    School is out and Jeremy's OT is out of town for the holidays, so it's giving him a chance to catch up on his rest.    His appetite has definitely improved the past couple of days.   We are hoping to get to the store so Jeremy can try out his new weight bench but it's been pretty cold here and he still has  a hard time keeping his body temperature regulated and warm.   He's has a few more small movements in his right thumb but it still gets fatigued quickly.

Sunday, December 24   Merry Christmas everyone.    Jeremy has had a better week.   He was excited that his grades were good enough that he was exempt from taking end of semester final exams.    Both kids are out of school til January 8 and we're looking forward to the break.   The stent is still problematic, but  not as bad as it was.   We had hoped to get to go to Oklahoma City for the holidays, but with the concerns over the kidney stones, etc, we'll have to look forward to that trip another time.     We were able to find a gym for Jeremy that he can roll his chair into and work his upper body.    It was a floor model from Sam's and we can't wait to get up to the store and let Jeremy try it out.    It was way too large for the house but we think it will help tremendously with his therapy.      

Tuesday, December 12   The stent that was placed to help with the kidney stones has given Jeremy fits for a week now.    He's been in terrible pain and had other problems that have kept him from participating in school and rehab.    We don't really know if it's the kidney stones or the stent but he has really been in a great deal of pain at times and we are working on finding a solution.    Now for the good news, his OT had to come out for his re-evaluation and he's gained quite a bit of strength in his arms in just the past two months.   This was even after having a rough night last night.    We can't wait to see what he'll be able to do when he's really able to get the rehab going more consistently.    We almost have the back of Don's store cleaned out so we can get the mini rehab gym for Jeremy started.    Our hope is that he'll be able to get out of the house more and we'll find some equipment that he can work out on more often. 

 Saturday, December 2  It's been a very busy week.   Jeremy had school and therapy all week.    Don and   Moses took out the stitches yesterday and the site still looks a little irritated.   Hopefully, it will heal as good as the scar has from his neck surgery.    You have to look real close to see that one.   We're working on cleaning out the area in the back of Don's store so we can set up some weights and therapy equipment since we really don't have room for anything out here at the house.   We're still working with DARS to get Jeremy a voice activated computer so he can do his homework on his own.     He is really looking forward to the new devices and therapy that is getting him towards his goal of being more independent.      

Thursday, November 23   Happy Thanksgiving everyone.    First, we all want to say thanks for standing with us this year -- praying, crying, hoping and taking care of us.  It was one year ago that we got to come home from the hospital.     We appreciate all of the support.  Jeremy was up visiting yesterday.  The calvary arrived -- Grandma and Grandpa got here from OKC and there's a table full of goodies and Jeremy can't wait for Grandpa to cook.   He's also trying to talk Grandma into cooking some meatballs for him.    Therapy went very well this week.   With his trach site finally being closed, he's actually sounding like himself again.  His voice is more full and deep and he says it's much easier to talk.    Stitches come out the first of next week.  

Did anyone happen to see the USA Today story about Jimmie Johnson winning the NASCAR Nextel Cup?    He started out in motocross, blew out his knee, and 19 years later he's the NASCAR champ.   You never know what might happen if you keep on believing and following your dreams.  

Saturday, November 18   Don and Jeremy got back into town at around 4:00 a.m. this morning.    By the time we got things unloaded, etc. it was about 6:00 so they are both very tired.    Jeremy looks like he's been in a war zone.    His neck is bandaged all the way around with about 3" of gauze and it is very sore.    It's hard for him to talk or laugh.   His feet are still bandaged up from the procedure to remove the ingrown toenails.    His fingers were bandaged (I thought from the botox shots) but they finally told me this morning that when they took the casts off his fingers, they had accidentally cut his fingers with the saw.    He did not get to bring the chair back home from TIRR for his manual chair, so we're back to trying to get that fixed again for home.    Jeremy lost another 4 pounds while he was in Houston, so we're hoping that he'll feel more like eating for Thanksgiving.    Grandma and Grandpa are coming for the holiday and Jeremy loves Grandpa's cooking.    Jeremy said he just wants to catch up on his sleep and hopefully his spirits will improve as he gets to feeling better.    With the 3 procedures in 3 days, he is worn out.  We're all glad that they are home and I think Chloe missed Don and Jeremy as much as we did.    

Friday, November 10    We did get to travel to Houston on the 31st.   Jeremy was admitted to TIRR on Nov.1 and it was an extremely busy day full of tests and evaluations.   Here's the good news:  He has a great team of therapists and doctors and they are working overtime to get as much done as they can in his two-week stay.   Rafferty, his OT, was able to change the back in his manual chair and make several other adjustments and Jeremy was able to push it on his own much better than before.    They got him on some medication so that his blood pressure doesn't bottom out when he is up and exercising.    He's been working on a bow-flex that is specially equipped for wheelchair access and working with a hand cycle to strengthen his arms and shoulders.    He also tested a device that allowed him to pick up playing cards and game chips and they hope to get one made for him as soon as his fingers relax.    Jeremy had a fever of 101.4 over the weekend and was unable to eat very much.

On Monday, November 6, they put full plaster casts on his arms so that they could try to get full extension of his elbows.    When he is able to straighten out his arms, it will possible for him to start trying to transfer himself from his bed to wheelchair, etc.    The casts were cut off Tuesday but Jeremy was extremely sore.   He will wear the casts for 8 hours at night until he reaches full extension of his elbows.  Jeremy is set for discharge from TIRR on the 14th but will stay in Houston for botox injections in his fingers on the 15th.    They feel the botox will relax his fingers and allow them to be in a more functional position for some of the braces and adaptive devices.    On the 15th, he is scheduled for surgery to close his trach stoma.    It had healed, but unfortunately, it had not healed closed.    

Now for the not-so-great news:    He had a test yesterday and had a very bad reaction to the contrast dye.    They found several large kidney stones that are actually problematic.   The new urologist that was consulted believes that these stones can be broken up and that is much better than the first prognosis.   They are going to insert a stint for now and then they will do the other procedure when Jeremy returns to TIRR in January.  The doctors were somewhat concerned that he may not really strong enough for all of these procedueres, so they are doing the kidney stones after the others have been completed.    He has lost more weight and has been nauseous and not able to eat.   They are considering re-inserting the feeding tube.   He is down to 124 pounds and at 6'2", he is way too skinny and truly needs the nourishment for strength and healing.    He is just very tired and beginnning to get a little overwhelmed with all that's happening.

Don is still down in Houston with Jeremy and has not been able to leave the hospital to get any real rest.     I had come home for Lindsay's recitals and science fair, but she ended up with bronchitis also.  We'll keep praying and expecting the best.    We are grateful that Jeremy is in a place that can handle these complications and we're hopeful that they will be taken care of.

Monday, October 30  We will be traveling to Houston tomorrow.   Jeremy is really excited and nervous.   TIRR is one of the top spinal cord rehab facilities in the country so we're really looking for great things.   I'll try to keep everyone posted but I'm not sure how we'll access the internet for now.    Thanks so much for your continued prayers and support.

Friday, October 27  We got word today that there is still not a bed available at TIRR.    We're supposed to check back on the 30th.    Jeremy had a great OT, PT session and school today.   He got word this week that he's been accepted in the National Honor Society.   He's trying so hard to keep his grades up so he can have the NHS sash for graduation and have those great numbers on his college application.    Don took him out for a ride and they looked at trucks.   They also came by the store so Jeremy could say bye to Jean before she left.    The National Day of Healing is tomorrow.  We know that so many have supported Jeremy in prayer and we truly appreciate it.   Would you also please consider joining us again tomorrow in prayer?    Thanks.  

Tuesday, October 24   Unfortunately, we are not in Houston at TIRR.   Jeremy came down with pink eye  and it's highly contagious so he was not able to be admitted for therapy.    We are setting a new goal of October 30 but that will again depend on availability of beds, et cetera.  We were hoping to get to Houston and back asap.    Jean has kept Lindsay and kept the store running while we've been gone and they move to Hobbs, NM on the 31st.    We don't know what we'll do without her because their family has been a true blessing, but we wish them all the best in Hobbs.    

Saturday, October 21  Today's school and therapy went good.   Jeremy's chemistry teacher, Mr. Petersen, stopped by to introduce himself and help with some questions Jeremy had about some experiments.   They had a great visit.   Jeremy is  still having some tummy and bladder issues and we are praying that they will not interfere with the trip to Houston tomorrow.  

Friday, October 20   Jeremy has been trying hard to get his tummy problems under control this week.    We did hear from TIRR yesterday and they will admit Jeremy on Monday.   Because TIRR is so full, Jeremy will be in a ward and not in a semi-private room.  He still wants to go and is excited about seeing what therapy they will have to offer and what he might be able to bring home to work on also.   We're hoping that he will be able to get his trach site taken care of -- it still has about an 8mm opening.    We're told that when the trach site fully closes, he should get back his sense of smell and that should help increase his appetite.   They also told us that they will try to adjust his wheelchairs or get him one that would be more appropriate for his type of injury.   We had a specialist come out and look at his manual chair and found out that the reason he can't sit in for any length of time is because it is not properly fitted to him.   The chair leans back and puts too much pressure on his neck, there is not an adequate foot rest and it is not appropriate for a quadriplegic injury.  But since it was ordered by the OT at Baylor for Jeremy, it looks like we will have to make this chair work or find a way to purchase another one on our own.  

School is going very well.    Ms. Aranda is fantastic and so encouraging.    Jeremy has a 4.0 grade average now.    He says that he really wants to pursue engineering but after all he's been through, he might consider something in the medical profession if he felt he could be an encouragement and positive influence on people.

David Johnson, the running preacher, brought by a check for Jeremy from the runs that he did.    We want to thank him and the folks at Central Baptist Church for everything.   We were not members there but they have wrapped their arms around our family and given us so much love and encouragement.    We hope to be able to pass on their amazing example of kindness and caring.   They say they are a small church, but their impact has been huge.   Jeremy hopes that when we get back from Houston that he'll be strong enough and feeling good so that we can go worship with them and thank them in person.  

The nursing problems just keep on and after speaking with the case managers at Interim yesterday, we have finally realized that they have no intention of attempting to make things better.    They called Jeremy's regular nurse this morning to try to get him to go somewhere else.    Thankfully, Moses is committed to taking care of Jeremy.   We are prayerfully considering what our next move should be.  If anyone has any advice or knows of a reputable nursing agency, we are open to any suggestions.       

Thursday, October 12   The roller coaster ride continues -- we will not be going to TIRR on Sunday   because they are so full there are no beds available right now.    They hope to be able to admit Jeremy on October 23.   Other than that, it's been an okay week.    Lindsay and Jeremy both had the stomach flu at the first of the week but are doing much better now.    Jeremy is actually okay with having another week to get ready for the trip to rehab.  

Friday, October 6  It's been a very busy week, but a very good week.    West Texas Motocross Park held their benefit race for Jeremy and raised $2300.    A huge thank you to them for the continued support and prayers.    Jeremy wanted to get out there but had some tummy problems and by the time Don and Lindsay got out there, everything was over.    Walter Brooks from Odessa read the OA article about Jeremy and gave us a 1994 handicap accessible van.    Jeremy is so tall that we can't get him  in the van while he's in the wheelchair, but we can transfer Jeremy into the front seat and lean the seat of the wheelchair back and get it on the lift so that we can at least get him and his chair around town for now.   Thanks, Mr. Brooks, for your generosity.    School is going very good.    Straight A's except for an 89 in English.    Got word today that the extensive therapy visit for TIRR (Texas Institute for Rehabilitation and Research) in Houston has been approved for two weeks beginning October 16.     We are making plans for the trip now.    The pressure ulcer on Jeremy's back is healed.   His appetite is good.   Don't we all wish we could eat cheesecake and chocolate cake and not have to worry about weight?    The therapists are continuing to work him very hard and he's hoping that his stomach cooperates and he can go out to the CAF Airshow tomorrow.    

Thursday, September 28    Jeremy has had a good week for therapy.    His PT has him learning how to balance himself on his side and helping him sit up on the side of the bed and balance.    It's a lot of work but he's loving it and seeing some great results.    Monday night, he was able to move his right thumb about 1/2 inch up and down with lots of effort, but praise God, it is moving.   The benefit race is at West Texas Motocross Park this weekend.    We're not sure about the schedule but Jeremy wants to try to drive out there and watch for awhile.     After his visit from Shawn from Rider Down last week and a conversation they had about some of the motocross racers, Jeremy said he realized that it's not the good times and the "wins" that determines what someone is made of, it's when you have to fight through the hard times that determines your character.  We're all still learning, growing and fighting but it's really great that we have support and prayers and we're seeing more forward progress.             

Friday, September 22   It's really been a roller coaster week -- no nurses for quite a bit of the week and ups and downs with moods and tummy problems.   However, tonight was absolutely fabulous.   Jeremy got a visit from Shawn Hall who is the injured rider advocate for Rider Down.    His visit was extremely positive,  refreshing and supportive.    Jeremy was just expecting to visit with him about motocross, etc., but he got a wonderful surprise.    He brought autographed motocross posters from several of the top riders of all time -- Travis Pastrana, Chad Reed (Jeremy's favorite Yamaha rider), Ryan V., and many others.   He also brought a Rider Down T-shirt, cap and wristband.    But for the real kicker -- Jeremy now has an autographed Chad Reed jersey hanging on his bedroom wall.   After their visit, Jeremy said he is so encouraged and motivated to do more to get well.   Tonight he said he realized that he could still be involved with motocross even if he couldn't ride again.  He knows he could be encouragement to other riders that have gotten hurt.    I haven't seen smiles on his face like that in a long time.   If anyone is interested, riderdown.org is the website for the organization and their mission is helping fallen riders up.     They are accepting donations of used cell phones, pdas, etc. and that information is also on their site.     

Thursday, September 14 We got home from Houston very late last night. TIRR will be recommending Jeremy for admission but there are a few things to be done first. Jeremy's pressure ulcer must be completely healed. They want some tests run and want him to try to gain some more weight. The nurse kept referring to Jeremy as "Slim." The doctor also said he was quite bony. He was a little disappointed that he wasn't admitted on Tuesday, but TIRR looks like a first class facility and they are convinced that they will be able to help Jeremy use more of what he has to become more functional. They are so positive and focus on what can be done instead of what Jeremy won't be able to do. After his appointment on Tuesday, we drove down the coast and took the ferry over to see the Battleship Texas. Although Jeremy was in the truck for most of the past three days, he seems to be holding up very well. The long drive in the truck seems to irritate his skin so we will be looking very hard for an affordable van to accomodate his chair that will make the trips back and forth to Houston. We had rented a U-haul to transport both of his chairs this time and the lack of parking in Houston makes that very inconvenient. We also got to stop in San Angelo for a little while and visit with Terry and Karen on the way in. Jeremy really enjoyed the visit. He is sleeping late today but has said he will keep a positive attitude and work real hard the rest of this month to get back to TIRR.

Friday, September 8 The marathons went very well even though they started late due to rain.  Pastor Johnson said the terrain was different -- downhill and he was somewhat sore.    He completed both marathons -- Congratulations.   Jeremy had a good week.    School is going very well.    Therapy is also going well.    Jeremy was able to take his t-shirt off nearly by himself yesterday.   His sleeve just got caught on his elbow and since he doesn't have any "grip" yet, he had to have a little help.    This is just another one of those baby steps that we're so happy about.    We're all set to go to Houston.    I got the confirmation call this afternoon that everything was a go for his evaluation on Tuesday.    Jeremy's OT knows someone who did an internship down at TIRR and was telling Jeremy what he had to say about how positive the atmosphere was and how much they did.   Jeremy is really excited because he said he knew that therapy would be hard work, but it seems like they really try to make it fun as well.           

Sunday, September 3  David Johnson came out to the house and Jeremy got to meet and visit with him.   He enjoyed their visit and was pleased to find out that neither one of them were "morning people."    We're waiting to hear how the first marathon that Pastor Johnson ran today went.   We are constantly reminded how we are all connected.   Pastor Johnson knew Jeremy's occupational therapist and our neighbors, the Arnolds.   Jeremy continues to be excited about the evaluation next week at TIRR.    He said tonight that sometimes he just wished that we could just fast forward through the extensive therapy and he would already be attending school and being more independent and looking back on this part of it as a memory and being able to help someone else.  

Thursday, August 31   Yesterday Jeremy was invited to go to a barbecue at Patterson Drilling.    They were debuting a new rig and Jeremy got to visit with several of their employees and learn about it.    He truly enjoyed it and learned alot.    Since it was an outside event, he just got to ride in Don's truck and they didn't have to worry about how to transport the power chair.    Thanks so much to Patterson Drilling.

After he got home, he had a little setback and a rather frustrating afternoon, but we're hoping after a good night's sleep that will all be behind.

The OA article came out in today's paper.   http://www.oaoa.com/news/nw083106b.htm is the link for those of you who would like to see it.    "The Two Runs for Jeremy's Ride," event is this weekend.   Pastor David Johnson, the running preacher, of Central Baptist Church will be running 2 back-to-back marathons in New Mexico this weekend and the donations will be going towards Jeremy's van and FES bike.    He is also responsible for getting the attention of the Odessa American so that we could get Jeremy's story out.     We will be praying for his safety, strength and endurance.     One 26-mile marathon is hard enough, but one on Sunday and another one on Monday is huge.    Thanks to Central Baptist Church for their loving hearts and willingness to help.     

For additional progress details please see the Progress Archive Page

"Is anyone among you sick?   Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, annointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him."    James 5:14-15