Everyone is Out and Better!

What a great weekend! David got out of the hospital last weekend and Matt got out yesterday!

It has been over a month since I came here to post. I guess that is the result of getting back to the hectic schedule of life.... and that is a good thing.

Kevin is doing well and was released from the doctors and physical therapist last week. But, it stuck me last night that I cannot imagine what it must be like for David, Matt and their families to just reach their homes for the first time in several months. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them. We pray that their life will get back to the hectic pace of "normal" very soon.

But, I also know that none of us will ever be the same. They guys will continue to deal with physical healing and psychological scars. But we will also continue to rely on God's mercy and grace. As parents we will stand back and watch what God has in store for the lives of the four guys and one girl that were hospitalized - the three additional guys that were in the hole with them that night - and the 1100 students that survived that day. We know that Union University will never be the same - but in many ways it will be better than ever before. We have seen why it is such a special place - with faculty, staff and students that love each other and love God.

If you saw on TV yesterday, we had a minor earthquake in our area. Last night I noticed what Kevin had posted on his Facebook status last night. It says: "Kevin has now survived both a tornado AND an earthquake...any other natural disasters want a piece of me?" His roommate Scott (who we love) showed his status was: "Scott has survived a tornado, earthquake and hurricane - where is the sunami?

I love the healing that humor can bring...

Kevin was in Somerville last night when the entire town turned out to welcome Matt back home. They were lined-up along the roads with signs, smiles and waves to let him know that we are all glad he is back - back on the road for recovery! Check-out some great photos on Matt's blog. The link is on the right.

As we continue to remind ourselves...."we are so blessed."

Still getting better...

Thanks to those that continue to visit here. I am sorry for the lack of updates. I have been out of the country on business.

Kevin is progressing. We went to Jackson last week to see him play basketball. Even though we know that he should not be playing, we also know that sports are a big part of his life and this is a chance to be "normal" - so we are thankful to see him play but worried about his health. He told me last night that he is paying for the decision - with some serious back pain. Please pray that he will continue to progress. Doctors tell us that the back pain and leg pain will eventually end.

Of course we are thanking God every day for his recovery. Kevin went to Chattonooga over the weekend to spend some time with David. He was very excited to spend some time with his close friend - and to see him getting better.

Jason Kaspar is still dealing with a lot of pain - the details are on the blog that his mom keeps - see the link on the right.

Matt is also progressing - and we hope to see him when we go to Jackson this weekend.

Please pray for all of the guys.

Kevin asks for your prayers....

This was a tough week - Kevin got a call on Thursday telling him that his friend and fellow student that was trapped with him - Jason Kaspar - had a couple of seisures and is back in the hospital. He is now doing OK but needs your prayers. Kevin spent some time this week with Matt who is still in the hospital in Jackson. He is planning to go to Chattanooga next weekend to see David who is in the rehab hospital there. Please continue to pray for all the guys and their families.

If you are new to the blog and have not read the details of the story. Please checkout the stories on the right site. Or you can go to this new link that we found this week. This one mentions Kevin's mom (and the glue in our family) Susan. http://www.jacksonsun.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080210/NEWS01/802100331

New video

Thanks for checking back in. Kevin is doing well. He is back into a pretty steady routine. He loves living in the apartment (no curfews). He is doing physical therapy for his back and he told me today he hopes to start playing intra-mural basketball in 8 to 10 days. That sounds like my son.

People continue to add photos and vidoes to the internet. Here are a couple of videos that are on YouTube:

• Photos and music Video - http://youtube.com/watch?v=xZAtLIBZ7gw&feature=related
• Kevin telling his story to a reporter with photos added - http://youtube.com/watch?v=HrmmdWkDyaM&feature=related

There are more videos and articles and photos listed to the right.

Kevin is writing his story. We are praying that God will use his story to draw others closer to Him.

Doctor says all good..

Kevin saw the doctor today and got good news. The MRI did not show any damage to his back. He allowed him to start back physical therapy with a focus on his back and legs. This is great news and we expect to see him back on the basketball court as soon as possible.

Thank you for your prayers!

Prayer request..

The posts have been positive lately and for that we are thankful.

However, please take a moment and pray for Kevin. He is still experiencing some serious pain in his back and the doctors are concerned that the issues may be a disc problem. He has pain shooting down his legs. He goes back to the doctor on Monday.

On a better note - checkout the blogs of the other guys to the right - good news! Jason Kaspar is planning to go back to Union soon and will be moving in with Kevin and Scott soon!

We visited Kevin today and his new apartment is "sweet!"

Close to normal...

New apartment, first class back, studying (maybe), fourth meal, friends, girls, Jason out and planning to move in with him, new car, FEMA interview, radio interview, friends, teachers, church, late nights, Memphis/Tennesse game party planned.... happy.... closer to normal.

THANKFUL!