Please pray for a friend

Yvette's youngest son, Patrick (18, graduated WHS '05, waiting to report to
the ARMY) was in Houston visiting middle son, Jordan (21, attending UTI in
Houston). They had been to a car show and were heading back to Jordan's
apt. Patrick was on his motorcycle and Jordan was following in his car.
Patrick took a turn a little fast and his back tire hit the curb causing he
and the motorcycle to be thrown over 200 ft. From all indications -
Patrick's body and head probably hit a metal pipe sign pole that broke off
from the force. Jordan saw the whole thing and phoned 911. Patrick was
life flighted to Hermann Memorial Hospital in Houston.

Patrick is on life support. The InterCranial Pressure from brain swelling
seems to be under control for now, but he remains in critical condition.
Early on - the doctors are giving single digit % for recovery based upon the
trauma and that has not changed. Yvette was told there is a rating scale of
3-15 with 15 being a functioning person like most of us. A 3 is brain dead.
He was at a 4. At best it is not good. Yvette has asked the doctors to
be realistic and frank with them. They do not want Patrick to live on life
support. There will be at least a couple of weeks before the full extent of
the situation comes to any kind of a place for "decision making". All
efforts and time to heal whatever can heal - will be exhausted before we
come to the end of the road.

He has a huge gash from over his left eyebrow to the back of his head where
the helmet broke and imbedded in his skull. Those helmets are rated very
highly against such a compromise so that in itself says a lot about the
force of impact and probably even more about the immediate brain damage
before the brain swelling even began. The upper femur of his right leg is
broken. It has been splinted and put into traction as of this morning. He
has some very minor scrapes to his left shoulder and forearm as well as a
little to his left hand. Visually - - with the exception of the cut on his
head, the injuries do not look to be an issue more than a band aid and a
cast could repair.

The family has a code that must be given before any information will be
provided over the phone, however, the "pod" at the Neuro Trauma ICU has
asked that calls be limited so they do not have time away from their
patients repeating the same information. I will try to keep everyone as
updated as possible, but feel free to call me. There are only 2 patients per nurse, but
having seen what I did yesterday - they are constantly on the move working
with their patients. It seems to be a really wonderful facility from what
we have seen as well as from what we have had others report. He is in the
best place for the best care possible. Family can't go in until 10:00 AM
on the even hours until 8:00 PM. The rules say there are only to be 3
suited up visitors for 20 min. The facility has been extremely generous
with letting a few more of us be with him and letting us stay for extended
periods. We are trying not to read too much into that, but they have been
wonderful.

When I phoned early this morning for a report - I was told that there is
still no response, no reflexes and no movement. They had done the traction
for the leg this morning. The ICP (InterCranial Pressure) is very low and
is no longer an issue so that is good.

This experience is (to me) sort of like sitting at the edge of the ocean. A
wave washes in and sort of bumps you around, but then you straighten up and
think that wasn't so bad. Then another wave washes over you with another
piece of information. I feel like I've been sitting at that spot as each
new realization of the situation washing over me. I believe the Lord can
and does work miracles, but I also believe he gives us free will. We are
praying that the Lord's will be done and that we are willing and able to
accept it. Please say a special prayer for Jordan.

Thank you all for your concern and your support.

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