from davey:
In case you don't know, we were moved out of ICU last night (Tuesday) and are now in a "regular" room. Katie continues to move forward on the physical front. All her vitals are good and getting better. Her white blood cell count is down and her fever (which the Dr's think is more of a response to the surgery rather than an infection) is down. Her blood pressure is good, though it continues to be managed with meds. Today a therapist sat her up and Katie chewed up a few pieces of ice, which is a big step forward. However, she fell asleep after a few minutes and was not able to eat anything solid so she continues to get nutrition through the IV. It looks like she will be able to eat pretty soon.
Our interactions with her continue to be very encouraging (read Chad's posts). This morning I was rubbing her back and feet and she said, "that feels great, thanks babe, I love you". And the voice that said those words was the same as the voice that said those things before the surgery. Those who know Katie well know that rubbing her was basically my second job. She continues to be frustrated with the restraints, and we are hopeful that we will be able to remove them shortly. She also asked me how her headache was? I'm assuming she meant her head and I told her that everything is going great. I played a short video of the girls for her and she was very excited to hear their voices, though she didn't open her eyes to see them. She told me "thanks".
Speaking of the girls, there is an area that is in need of prayer. Last night I had to tell them that it might be a few months before mommy was able to be home. Tayler cried for quite a while and Aubree was really quiet. We spent the last few minutes before sleep praying and talking about mommy. All in all they are doing very well, my concern is that as family leaves they will be less and less distracted and be able to think too much. Oh, well, we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
Right now she is off getting her MRI which will give us some more details regarding bleeding and swelling in the brain, though we are not real concerned about it.
Again, I can't begin to express enough thanks and gratitude for all of the prayers and encouragement that we have received. It's actually a little overwhelming, but please keep it up. This blog is actually the best way to contact us as we are all reading it quite frequently. It's fun to sit around as an extended family and look at the comments that you are posting.
Again, please don't send flowers as Katie will not be able to enjoy them for quite a while. Rather send a gift to Two Rivers Church and they will make sure that the family gets it.
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39 comments:
I am checking this site often and am keeping your family in my prayers!
Thank you for updating us on a regular basis! I appreciate having specific and detailed requests to bring to the Lord.
Angie (DeArment) Hubbard -
(I went to Emmaus with Kyle and Karen)
me, too, Ang, i am checking this site as often as i can on my breaks at work and i am amazed at how God is healing her - she made a wonderful sentence when you were massaging her feet that is FANtastic!!!!! Praise our God.
I do not know you Davey or Katie personally, but my husband Stephen was at Emmaus with both of you. I was at Emmaus with Kyle, Karen and I believe James was there then also.
We have been praying for your families and for Katie since we heard about all of this last Thursday. Our church family here in WI is also praying for you.
Being a mother of 4 boys (one who happens to be a "Sawyer", and one that was just born 5 weeks ago) Katie has been so heavy on my heart! This afternoon as I was praying for her, I asked the Lord to please not let her miss too much of Sawyer's early months. I know how quickly babies change in those first months to a year. The thought crossed my mind that it would be really neat to video tape Sawyer (and the girls) every day or so. That way Katie will be able to see how he grew and changed. I just know that as a mother that is something I would really treasure!
We will continue to pray for Katie and for complete healing! The lord has been so good! It has been so exciting to see Him work!
Stephen & Nicki (Gates) Williams
WI
I'm glad you mentioned the girls this time. I have been praying for your children too... that God will give them an unexplainable peace and understanding of their role in their Mother's recovery, and the God's will send people into their lives to love on them and provide for their physical needs as school approaches. I check this site often and pray for you all continuously throughout my day...
Susan Morris (friend of Chad & Mindy)
Praying with you all...may God grant continued new mercies for you every morning as He promises that He will...Angie Sears (for the Sears family, Nielsen Family and Amy (Nielsen) Miller family too)
Just heard the news. My brother Tim and I are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers! Please continue to let us know what you and your family may need.
Stacy (Burns) Young-childhood friend.
So thankful to hear the progress that Katie is making everyday! We continue to send up our prayers for your family. In times like this, I always am reminded that God will never give us more than we can handle. I know your whole family is very strong! LKet us know if there is anything we can do to make your life easier right now!
Love, Damon, Amy, Callan and Easton (Nielsen) Miller - friend of Katie's from high school
Davey - thank you so much for all the updates. I find myself checking this blog as often as I can. I can totally hear Katie's voice when you write some of the things she is saying. :)
Know we will continue to pray for complete healing for Katie and we will also continue to pray for your girls. So much for them to understand at such a young age. My heart aches for them.
Hugs from IL
Brandon and Jessica
You're an awesome husband and dad, even though you "married up" by getting Katie :)
Nonetheless I'm tearing up at work while reading this, Bro. Your kids are wonderful.
Hang in there even when the road gets long. We're all praying for you up here at Kaio.
b
Our whole family's thoughts are with you. I look at this blog every day as well hoping to hear the reports. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Please give our love to Sue as well.
Sherry Brooks (Watts) (neighbor from Grant Street and former babysitter of Chad, Kyle and Katie)
wow, how cool that her voice sounds the same! God is performing an amazing miracle right before our eyes!
We continue to uplift you all in prayer. I've been thinking a lot lately about those 3 sweet children of yours who are no doubt missin' their Mama. Even little Sawyer must be feeling the loss of having Mama close.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you many times throughout every day. Our children are now praying too for Miss Katie and her family. We check the blog often for specific updates and items for prayer. And it's always wonderful to read how well she's progressing.
Love, hugs and prayers,
Kathy and Bob Kerwin
Uncasville, CT
Our Katie (7) got to pray at lunchtime today. I reminded her to pray for Miss Katie, and she very emphatically declared, "We need to pray for the Blooms AllTheTime!" I heartily concur. Glad for the updates; thanks for mentioning the girls.
We love you all.
Laurel Smith
Davey - I heard this song today and I thought of you and your family. What
a living testimony you are and an encouragement to us as we walk through
this life. Know what we are praying for you here in Brenham, TX.
Boomer and Paula (Routley) Headley
LEGACY
I Will Praise Your Name
Words and Music: Josh Wheeler
http://www.legacymusiconline.com/music.html
In my darkest hour,
When my tears fall down
And it feels like I'm all alone
When the storms rush in
When the light grows dim
And it feels like I'm falling down
God I know you're there watching over me
And through all these storms I'll sing
Chorus
I will praise your name
And I will lift my voice
Cause you alone are God
My life is in your hands
I will praise your name
And I will lift my voice
Cause you alone are God
Your worthy of all praise
Lord I give my life
A living sacrifice
To live for only you each day
But in the times I fall
And fail to hear your call
And my fear gets into to the way
God I know your there watching over me
And through all these storms I'll sing
Chorus
Lord I Give my live
A living sacrifice
To live for only you each day
Thank you for the continual updates - it is helpful to know how to pray for you all. I have my family and all my friends praying as well.
I ache for you all and especially for those 3 sweet kids. We are praising God for the miracle he has done in Katie the last few days and are praying for continued healing in her body.
Liesl & Bryan Dunlap
Nashville, TN
I was able to listen to the radio interview on Monday and it was very well-done, Davey, praise the Lord. Katie and you all are in our prayers several times a day. Greetings and blessings to all the Clarksons and Blooms.
Justin Smith, Dubuque (Best Usher in Kyle and Karen's wedding)
I have been reading these posts daily. Thank you for keeping us updated with specific requests for praise and prayer. My kids and I pray for Katie often. My sisters and I have all been praying together for the family as well. God is a truly awesome God and is doing great things through Katie and your family. God bless you all!
Laura (Cannon) Harrington
Twin Lakes with the Clarksons and Emmaus with Kyle and Karen.
Ps. 34:4, 7, 8, 10b
I sought the Lord, and He answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and rescues them.
O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!
…they who seek the Lord shall not be in want of any good thing.
Praying for you all.
Eric & Sara Sanger
Steve and I continue to marvel at Gods grace and the encouragement you have been to us while reading your thoughts and emotions during this trial. Our prayers continue here in Parnell (Williamsburg, IA area) for Katie and you, Davey as you go through each day. We are so thrilled to hear of Katie's progress and pray for full recovery over time. Barb & Steve Wilson
We just got home from the hospital.The Lord is awesome and powerful and worthy to be praised!!! Rick and I both went in to see Katie, then later Sue and I went into her room. Sue stood on one side of her bed holding her hand and I was on the other side holding her hand. I told her who I was and that I loved her. She nodded her head. As we held her hands, I prayed and she nodded her head again after I said, "Amen." Katie has been in several Bible studies with me and the girls know my favorite passage is Psalm 23, so I recited it to her. She nodded her head as I was reciting it and said, "thanks," when I finished. It was not a mumbled thanks, it was a very clear, audible, "thanks." Praise the Lord, He is at work, doing miraculous healings in Katie's body and mind.
Praying without Ceasing,
Ronda
We continue to check this website and are glad for the resource to track Katie's progress and the family's thoughts. It is fascinating to me (Kelly) to read from the other side as I have gone through some scary health issues myself. So glad that you have a loving church family and an amazing group of friends. It sure is hard being away from family especially at times like this. Y'all are definitely in our thoughts.
~ Kelly (Medhurst) & Peter Bailey
hi davey,
mark and robin ross here. we just wanted you to know that we are continuing to pray for you and katie and your whole family as God grows you through this ordeal. our God is big, strong, and mighty and always good and loving no matter what!
praying in alaska,
mark and robin
Davey and family,
Matt and I are continually amazed at this journey and how God is getting glorified. What Satan intends for evil, God is making GOOD. Because he is good. To say that our faith has been increased is an understatement. I know it doesn't make this any easier, but God is working miracles in our life through this. We love you and we are just blocks away if you need anything.
Matt and Emily Alberhasky
Jack and I from St. Marys, Ont. are praying for you and your family. Thank you for keeping us informed through this blog.
great news!!
i admire your guys strength it's been an encouragement to me i LOVE you both so much, and God has blessed us with such an awsome family!
Love Your Brother James
Just wanted you to know that everyone at Camp Elim in Colorado is praying for Katie. Johnny was here when he got the news and we've been reading the blogs each day. We have our staff prayer meeting each morning and 7:30 and Katie is on our ongoing list! Thanks for keeping us updated with this site. We will miss having Kyle & Karen with us next week but know they are needed there.
Dan & Teri Faulkner for
The Staff at Camp Elim
I will definately include your kids in my prayers. I pray all day long for Katie and your family. Our God is a good God and while we don't always understand what He's doing, we are assured that He is faithful.
Davey & Katie (and family),
Doug Engle from Hutchinson... Just wanted to let you all know that we have been praying fervently at the Gospel Chapel, not only at the meetings, but there are many people that are praying individually, and thanking God that He has seen fit to be healing in His perfect timing, just the fact that despite the obvious frustrations... that there is visible improvement, encouragements, and humor (can't forget that)... it gives us out here opportunities to not only mourn with you, but to praise with you...
Davey, you're one of the fittest men I know (passionate whether teaching or serving, physically, musically, relationally) and I have no doubt that while your faith is being tried these days, that God is faithful in using you to speed your wife's recovery... seeing God's strength thru you is an encouragement to me to want that same for me as I go thru stuff.
Davey and family, my heart has been heavy ever since I heard about Katie Friday morning and I have prayed often throughout the days and nights. Thank you for taking the time to update us and know that there are so many who care. This song came to my mind for you right now:
GOD OF OUR YESTERDAYS
- - by Matt Redman
When we were in the darkest night
And wondered if our eyes would ever see the light
You were there, Lord
When we were in the stormy gale
And wondered if we'd ever live in peace again
You were there, Lord
You were there in the struggle
You were there in the fight
You were there all the time
We praise You - the God of our yesterdays
We praise You - the God who is here today
We praise You - our God as tomorrow comes
So whatever lies ahead
Whatever roads our grateful hearts will come to tread
You'll be there, Lord
We will fix our eyes on You
And know that there is grace enough to see us through
You'll be there, Lord
You'll be there in the struggle
You'll be there in the fight
You'll be there all the time
We praise You - the God of our yesterdays
We praise You - the God who is here today
We praise You - our God as tomorrow comes
We thank you - for grace in our yesterdays
We thank you - for peace in our hearts
We thank you - for joy, as tomorrow comes
We will trust you, God
You're always closer than we know
Always more involved and in control
We will trust our lives to You -
The One who was and is and is to come
We praise you...
In Christ,
Valerie (Elifritz) Seals,
Des Moines
we are so encouraged that katie has been moved out of icu! what an answer to prayer!! dan and i continue to pray for the whole family! you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers! we love you guys!
-dan and cyndi
I have been praying for Katie! I know God does miracles as He totally healed my sister!! Strength and peace to you!
Kristin Hurd
I just found out that this Sunday I get to speak at a church in Moldova. I will be leaving the camp and traveling to the capital to speak..the title of my message is Redefining Hope..the story of what God is doing here will be told..it is an honor to get to be a leader with you at Two Rivers
Rob Randazzo
Davey,
For you to hear Katie's words and true voice after you rubbed her back made me sob. I can only imagine the joy that gave you. God is so good to give you His hope and His peace in special situations like this.
The last two nights, at exactly 3:55am, the Lord has woken me up with Katie on my heart. Years ago, I told the Lord that when I wake up with someone distinctly on my mind, I will immediately pray for them. Since hearing of your situation on Monday, He has woken me up numerous times, of which I am very thankful, as we want to be praying "around-the-clock" for you. So, I'm not sure what has been happening at 3:55am in Katie's body, but know that I've been praying here in Chicago, for her, for you, for your girls, for Chad and the rest of her family and for the doctors and nurses caring for Katie.
Continue to grab ahold of your ROCK and your REFUGE, ever-present in times of great need.
Lovingly, Alysa Correll Clark
alysa,
many times i have heard if God wakes you at a specific time, he might be speaking to you through the actual time. 3:55 made me immediately think of Is. 35:5, which i had to look up....
Isaiah 35:5, "then will the eyes of the blind be opened & the ears of the deaf unstopped"....the entirety of Is. 35 is amazing, but i love the "concidence" of this verse...no doubt our God knows exactly what Katie needs!
Yes & Amen!
I just wanted to say something that may or may not be a help, but to possibly give a little insight to Katie. Davey said something on one of the blogs about Katie being a control person. I know exactly how that is, because I have had those issues too. God is working with me on them. What I wanted to share with you was what God spoke to me back in December when myself and my family were going through some changes in our lives, and were getting ready to go through some more changes. The following was written from a conversation tha God and I had twice, part was written about 11 or so years ago and the other part (actually the beginning) was written back in December. I pray God will use this to help you. I know that He has been calling me to trust Him more these past weeks, months, and years. Here it is and thank you for your encouragement. Marci H. Asheville, NC
“TRUST ME!”
(modified 12/07)
“Trust Me” He said as a blind fold was placed over my eyes.
“But it is so dark and I cannot see anything” I cried.
“Trust Me” He said.
“How will I know where to go or what to do?” I asked.
“I will show you as long as you Trust Me.”
“I am scared Lord. It is so dark in here. There is so much that I cannot see and do not understand.”
“Will you Trust Me to take care of your needs?” I heard Him gently ask.
“What needs Lord?”
“Your need for control. I know your heart better than you do My child. I want You to Trust Me and let Me be in control of your life.”
“That scares me Lord. Can I trust you?”
“Yes!” came His firm and quick reply.
“There‘s more,” He continued, “more needs that I want to take care of”
“What other needs Lord?” I asked.
“Your need for boundaries.”
“Boundaries? I don’t understand.”
“Boundaries are your safety zones. These help you to feel safe, and when they are removed you are unsettled and fearful.”
“I do not understand what you are wanting to do here Lord. I understood about the control. You want to be in control and for me to trust You with complete control of my life.” I said
“That is correct.”
“Now about the boundaries. Will you explain this a little better.”
“Yes, I want you to Trust Me when the boundaries are not seen. Let Me be Your boundaries. Let Me be your safety.”
“O.k.” I replied hesitantly
“There is one more. This one is not really a need so much as a desire. You want to know what is going on. I want you to be able to Trust Me when nothing is going like you think it should- when chaos seems to reign.”
“Isn’t that like the area of control?” I asked.
“Yes and no.”
“That doesn’t make sense Lord, will you please explain your answer?”
“Yes, it is like the area of control in that you want to be in control, but it is also different because you will not or do not have control of the situations happening around you or to you. Will you Trust Me to take care of these things, these areas on your life?” He asked with such love in His voice.
“I have so many questions Lord.”
“Trust sometimes involves unanswered questions,” was all He said.
“How can I do these things Lord?”
“One step at a time. Just Trust Me,” He said.
“But how? I’m so unsure,” I replied.
“Trust Me,” He repeated.
“I’m afraid I may fall,” I worried.
“Trust Me,” He answered,
“and everything will be just fine.”
“But what if I mess up,” I cried?
“Then I will be there to help you,
As long as you Trust Me,” He assured.
So I let go a little and trusted Him warily.
I fell and He picked me up.
I messed up and He helped me fix it.
I turned away and He waited patiently until I came back.
Day by day I learned to trust Him more and more.
“Trust Me,” He said.
“I do!”
We have been following Katie's progress thru James and Erin and just found out about the blog. Please know we are praying. This brings back so many memories of Daniel's brain injury. All we can say is God is so good. His mercies are new every morning...Great is His faithfulness. He WILL see you through this trial! He is so faithful! TIME...you are dealing with the brain. Keep trusting. Keep singing. Keep praising. Take one day at a time and don't look back. Keep looking forward! "Now unto Him Who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think according to the power that works in us." Eph. 3:20 Much love and many prayers--
Jay and Sue Stratman
continuing to lift you all up in prayer...
love you guys!
I want to echo what Niki Williams said about baby Sawyer and the girls. That is an awesome idea to video them as often as possible. (I know it's not always convenient. Maybe just take a clip every night at bedtime.) But I, too, as a mother couldn't imagine missing out on my tiny baby changing and growing. I think it would me so much to Katie.
You are all so much on our hearts. This seemingly terrible situation has already brought abundant glory to God and strengthened our faith.
Love, Andy & Jenica Moffitt
Ankeny, IA
Davey and family,
Wayne and I continue to hold Katie up to the Lord. We are also praying for you as you deal with the "daily"; for the children as they become more aware of events.
I is comforting to know how great and powerful a God we belong to; to trust Him completely for everything. He has already shown His power in a mighty way through Katie. Praise Hime!!
Our love,
Wayne and Genene
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