They moved Carl to a bigger room on the orthopedic floor this morning. The room we were given last night was so tiny, our family barely fit in it, let alone any visitors. Thank you Lord for that unexpected blessing!
Tessa brought her guitar along today so we spent some time singing around Carls' bed. It was a very precious time and the presence of Jesus was definitely here with us. Carl loves to hear his kids sing.
The doctor came in to see him this morning and is cautiously pleased with what he sees up to this point. He said Carl is not out of the woods yet, but is making progress. He does not believe they will need to do another blood transfusion right now. (We may post some information later about donating blood in case he does need to have that transfusion before his surgery.)
Today marked Carl's first physical therapy session. They do not waste any time in getting a patient to sit up! It was intensely hard work and Carl did it like a trooper. Thankfully his upper body is intact and he has strong arms to help pull himself up. He is sound asleep now, and probably will be for awhile due to the workout it gave him.Tomorrow the goal is to get him on a wheelchair.
Tessa brought her guitar along today so we spent some time singing around Carls' bed. It was a very precious time and the presence of Jesus was definitely here with us. Carl loves to hear his kids sing.
The doctor came in to see him this morning and is cautiously pleased with what he sees up to this point. He said Carl is not out of the woods yet, but is making progress. He does not believe they will need to do another blood transfusion right now. (We may post some information later about donating blood in case he does need to have that transfusion before his surgery.)
Today marked Carl's first physical therapy session. They do not waste any time in getting a patient to sit up! It was intensely hard work and Carl did it like a trooper. Thankfully his upper body is intact and he has strong arms to help pull himself up. He is sound asleep now, and probably will be for awhile due to the workout it gave him.Tomorrow the goal is to get him on a wheelchair.
Carl is having some trouble with his eyes: he says that when he focuses on someone's face and looks away, he still sees the face for a few seconds, a delayed reaction of sorts. It's disconcerting to see double--I believe it is a side effect of the heavy narcotics.
The nurses are constantly monitoring him (I do mean constantly!) since it is important that he does not develop a high fever or infection or blood clots.
Many of you have asked how you can pray specifically. Here's our request for today and for the forseeable future:
The doctors have repeatedly told us that at best, Carl will limp after he is able to walk and that he will have to live with pain for the rest of his life. My take on that bit of information is that, while I don't want to live in denial, I also don't want to just accept that verdict as final. Would you ask the Lord to COMPLETELY heal his legs so that he can walk normally again someday and that he will eventually be pain-free? I figure that no one, not even the doctors, really knows the outcome yet, so why not just ask God for the best-case scenario instead of the worst?
One of the kids will probably post later. They enjoy reading everyone's comments on the blog!
Fan
23 comments:
DEAR SMUCKER FAMILY... BEEN THINKING ABOUT YOU ALL AND PRAYING FOR CARL'S HEALING... THANKING GOD FOR SPARING HIS LIFE! SPECIFICALLY BEEN PRAYING CIRCULATION INTO HIS LEGS. PLEASE LET US KNOW IF WE CAN BRING A MEAL OR DO ANYTHING FOR YOU.
LOVE AND BLESSINGS,
GIDEON AND RHONDA LAPP
I will be praying for a complete healing for Carl, and am standing with all of you for that! Sharon (from CLW)
Dear Carl and Family,
We continue to think and pray for you every day. You are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. We will be praying for Carl's complete healing in every way. We Love You!
Love, Chet, Sharon, Heather and Brianna
Hey Guys! You're in my prayers. I'm believing that God will COMPLETLEY heal Uncle Carl right along with you. Peace.
Tyler is very concerned about giving his "Thomas bandaid for Uncle Carl's broken leg"!! :-)
We'll be in later this week to deliver it!
We love you so deeply and my thoughts are not my own lately, they are with you Fan, day and night, (mostly night!!!)
TIGHT HUG,
Janelle
Carl, we hope you had a restful day, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Gordie & I were in today when you were doing physical therapy, he sounds like you were tired out after that. We will try again on Monday night. You are surrounded by many friends and a wonderful family.
Emy
Praying for Carl and your whole family. Thank you for keeping us updated through the blog. You have an amazing family :) *Miss you mandi! I am here for you and your family if you need anything.
Nichole, Nick and Brynn
hey smuckers,
it is great to know that you are all doing well. We are continuing to pray for complete healing.
see you all soon,
John and Heidi
Hi Fan, Carl, and kids,
I heard about the accident yesterday and my thoughts have been with you constantly since then. I'm so sorry that you're having to deal with this very emotionally and physically (for Carl) experience. But how cool that you computer savvy kids have set up this blog! I'll be checking it daily. And clearly you have a lot of support and love surrounding you during this traumatic experience.
Love, Kate Beiler
We've been thinking about all of you since I got the phone call from Bonnie Thursday morning. Don't worry about things at the office - we've got it all covered!
Lisa & Bill Warren
Hi Carl,Fan,and family,
Just as our Zambian children saw that the Lord is their Shepherd the same is true for you. He will meet your every need and lead you beside quiet waters. He will restore your soul. When you walk through the dark moments you will not fear for He is with you. He anoints your head with oil and goodness and love will be with you as you dwell with Him!
We are with you all the way. You have our prayers and love.
Chad,Brenda,and kids
Hello Smucker family,
Just wanted to let you know that we are all thinking and praying with you. Three years ago, Merle crushed the heel of his foot when he fell 13 feet from a plank. It was a tough time for us and it was especially hard for me to see Merle in so much pain but with God and all the support from friends and family, we were able to get through that journey and I know you will too. Fan, I even cried a few times and it's OK to cry. That really helped me to release the frustration and the disappointment that I had but God's grace is sufficient and he will be there each and every step of the way. We have learned to have a lot of patience through that time and we didn't always believe what the doctor's reports were either. So keep believing what God's reports are. As of today, Merle's foot is doing fine. We will continue to pray and believe for a complete healing for Carl's legs. We love you guys.
The Esh family
We love you guys and are hooking right up with you in believeing for a quick and FULL recovery. You are an amazing and awesome family. love ya loads - Courtney and Jordan
Good morning Carl,
Got up this morning with you on my mind. I'm praying that you will feel God's presence with you today.
Love ya man, Gordie
Hi Smucker Family~
Thanks so much for keeping us informed on your blog. We appreciate that, and are enjoying the great pictures.
We are praying for you all.
Hang in there, focus on a day at a time.
Love, Joey & Christine Sauder
Hi Carl, Your tenacious spirit will be a strong positive in your healing process. :)!! Praying for you and your family. The Shenks Dave emptied in Herlong, CA this am and will be on his way home tues. (no worries we've got the west coast covered)
Thanks for the word on how to pray. I agree with you Fan, ask God for the best! We will be praying to that end.
Love,
Erin, Jeremy, Asher, and Baby Girl
Carl -
We are all pulling for you here at Auntie Anne's! You are one of the most determined people I know, so I am sure we'll be walking and talking together soon.
Chuck Blair
Carl, Fan and family,
I stopped in today around noon to see you and to check out your new digs but the police (Mandi & Carson) said you were getting a bubble bath (actually they did say sponge bath). They held us (Merle and Don Esh were along too) in the cell (the waiting / lounge room) for about 30 minutes when they said we'd have to come back later in the day. I really don't think they told you who was there because I know you would have gotten them to push you out of the room to see us had you known.........that's funny, go ahead and laugh, it'll do you good like medicine!
Seriously, we are praying for a complete healing and wanted to let you know that our family is with you and your family during this time. We want to help out in any way we can, so please let us know.
We love you guys!!!!
Andy, Ruth, Ashley & Katie Toms
PS. Do you think if we pay the cops off next time they will let us in the room?
I'll be back in to see you another day real soon!
Dear Big Dad family, you are great troopers and you will prevail with the love and support from many. Keep singing kids, keep the faith Fan, and the rest of your family and friends will continue to lift you high each day. Carl 'the marathon runner' is what I see! - Don Hess & family
Hi Carl and Fan and family,
Been thinking about you all a lot and praying for you. Carl, you are a strong man and we know that you will come up against all odds. We are believing for complete healing!!
It is great to keep up with you all on your blog.
Fan, you are strong even through this very tough time. Keep smiling that beautiful smile!!
Love,
Dave and Sadie
Carl & Family,
You certainly are in our thoughts and prayers. May God continue the healing process. When things happen in our lives, we are reminded that "God is the blessed Controller of all things." We are sure this will be a very special time for each of you as you watch God work in wonderful ways. We love you - Robert and Pauline Stoltzfus
Carl and Fan,
Pat and I heard about the accident, and have been thinking a lot about you and praying for you during the past few days. I'll be in PA later this month and will try to see Carl at that time.
Omar
Springfield, MO
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