Please Pray for Tomorrow

Tomorrow we meet with the Neuro surgery team and Lord willing the exit wound has healed enough for surgery this week. Please pray for the Lord‘s perfect timing and everything.🙏

Day #42/ #10 Trauma Unit

Just a sweet day of many visitors and sharing stories with Russell. We hope you have a blessed day with your families!

It’s strange how those words go together. Sweetness and pain. Brokenness and healing. But they do. God is moving in such AMAZING ways in so many lives. Conversations happening that would have never happened if it wasn’t for this. Fellowship with the body of Christ is continual every day and fills us up. Lots of tears and laughs.… Can’t believe I’m saying this, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world and I know that God has us EXACTLY where He wants us. His ways are perfect.

Russ’s pain was more managed today, although he did have some episodes of extremely intense pain. The doctors are continually working on that sweet spot with all his meds. As we know, God has created everybody different and there is no magic formula.

His trach size was decreased and his throat felt immediately better.

He was able to eat a little bit more today. Each nutritious bite will help his body to heal faster and better.

Philippians 3:12-14

Pressing Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already attained,[a] or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have [b]apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, 14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

* we have so many pictures we would love to share, but CaringBridge only lets us put six pictures up at a time. So we try to take as many pictures of you all as we can. They may not always make it on the site, but know that you are, dear to our hearts! I was able to encourage Russell today by showing him pictures of him in the ICU and his mind was blown away of how far he has come.

Tomorrow marks SIX WEEKS of the Lord changing our lives forever. There is so much unknown. So many questions unanswered. But God knows. We do serve a Sovereign and Almighty God. We continue to walk by faith and not by sight in this STORM. We continue to trust in the ROCK that is higher than us. We continue to be thankful for the hands and feet of Jesus because you are truly carrying us through this and we couldn’t imagine doing it without you! 💕

CT Scan: no fracture in his hip and femur. Praise God. The doctors believe it is nerve pain, which is one of the most excruciating pains a human body can endure.

⁃ trauma team’s plan is to lower his trach

⁃ lots of coughing. Still lots of secretions

⁃ neurosurgery today to evaluate how the wound is healing

⁃ He is gaining weight

Brokenness…. Oh that word. We can truly say we are so broken. We need your constant prayers. Especially for Russell. He is the one suffering. He is the one in pain. He is the one enduring an unimaginable fight. He said this is the hardest thing he’s ever had to endure. When you see your Earthley rock, broken and crying it breaks you on another level that is undescribable. It brings me to my knees, crying out to God for healing for Russ, healing for my body, for our kids who’ve been missing their dad being home for so long, and in a way mourning the life that we had…BUT we know that God is up to something. He is doing great and mighty things in our life and everyone around us. This doesn’t just affect us…It affects so many. Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to HIS purpose.”

Russ got a little more sleep last night thank God! He is still a bit tired though! He’s fighting a lot of pain in his legs today. Please pray the doctors come up with the best plan to help this challenge. It’s exhausting for Russell waiting for relief. There was an X-ray done yesterday to Russ’s right hip and femur area, because of his intense pain to this area. The results are unclear and suspicious. They have ordered a Cat scan to further investigate. Please pray.

 Colossians 2:6-7 “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”

Russ was granted permission to go outside for the first time in 5 weeks!!!!! Praise God!!!!

First, it was the luxury of applesauce, then a shave, and now sunshine! It’s amazing how he is so loving these things that we sometimes take for granted.

Day #39/ #7 Trauma Unit

The day started of with TONS of pain. We prayed over Russ and then he got more pain meds and nerve pain meds. Then he was able to do many things he has not done in almost 6 weeks.

Lots of FIRSTS :

1. Haircut

2. Sitting in a wheelchair

3. Going into the bathroom to brush his teeth

4. Going out of the room to ride around (we are waiting for permission to go outside with Russ)

Prayers

1. Pain Management

2. Good sleep

3. Decreasing soon in trach size

4. Rehab location and decision

5. PT will worker harder with him. Tolerance needed.

He feels like a NEW MAN!

Day #38/#6 Trauma Unit

Russ had a better night last night. Although he is still exhausted from the pain, ill fitting back brace and break through nerve pain, his spirits were very good.

The plan for today is to get a new more comfortable and better fitting brace, so he can get into a more relaxed position and a more comfortable bed.

Also, the Rehab Nurse, Cheri was in and was a great source of encouragement, support and information. She is reaching out to Dr Moser to tweak Russell’s nerve medication, in hopes of giving him relief from pain and the ability to get better sleep.

Please continue to pray for pain relief and that spinal surgery will happen soon. The constant pain, and solitude during the evenings and nights cause fear and anxiety.

Please continue to pray that Donna and the kids and supported physically, emotionally, financially and spiritually. The weeks and months ahead will be filled with hard work and difficult times. -Helen

Your days are numbered before the Lord. We are never promised tomorrow. If today was your last day, where would you go? If you have not accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, what are you waiting for?

I have been recently, before the accident, asking the Lord, how I can share His message and love. I never thought it would be this way, but as we know, God's ways are not our ways. So, Caring Bridge carry that message to those who need YOU today. -Donna

SUCH A GREAT DEVOTIONAL 😃(thanks sister for sending it!)

Fix Your Eyes on Jesus

Susie Larson 4-21-2025

Today’s Blessing

May God's opinion matter far more to you than man's opinion. May His dreams for you speak louder than your fears. May you refuse to read into situations that make you anxious. May you instead be proactive with your perspective. Guard your heart, renew your mind, and fan the flame within you. Every single day, take time to rest, let yourself laugh, and go out of your way to love someone in your path. May you be courageous in your convictions, clear in your purpose, and kind in all of your conversations. Refuse to borrow tomorrow’s troubles on today’s strength. God’s grace is available for you in this present moment. So stay present with God and your people. Don’t let your mind wander into fears that God has not called you to face yet. May Jesus' promise to be with you in every single moment be enough for you. This is where your faith counts.

2 Corinthians 4:18 NLT ~ So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Russ had a restless night last night. Little sleep with a lot of pain. The medical team is working on getting him more comfortable. Pt was in and worked him to fatigue, he did great. They are working on getting Russ a back brace that fits his new thin frame. Praying this happens asap because they can’t bring him out of bed again until he has more support. Respiratory was in and gave him his breathing treatments and they are happy with how his lungs sound. Russ is looking forward to getting a new, more comfortable bed, when he receives his new back brace. Please pray that Russ is able to get some solid sleep today, he desperately needs this.

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.

2 Corinthians 4:8

“The LORD gives strength to His people; the LORD blesses His people with peace.” Psalm 29:11

Russ’s hospital room has been busy today. Meeting with the Trauma Team and Neurosurgery, wound changes, chair sitting for the 1st time, haircut, shave, and therapies.

Dr. Root evaluated Russ’s wound. It looks great and healing BUT not healed enough for surgery. (Divine Detours are God’s Perfect Ways) Dr. Root will evaluate next Monday and HOPEFULLY surgery will be next week. Pray for God’s perfect timing, and hoping he can get the surgery done before being transferred to rehab. Please pray for the RIGHT rehab and God to make it clear to us where He wants Russ to get stronger.

We are trying to feed Russ good nutritious food that’s HIGH in calories. He’s not only lost the 40 pounds of fluid he gained in the hospital, but he’s lost 35 pounds of his own weight. Poor guy is skin and bones, but he will gain that back and will get stronger!

Helen and I are about to give him a haircut and a shave and make him feel humane again! He is currently sitting in a chair ready to go. 🥳 (taking a break. PT is here and the razors are terrible 🤪)

God is a God of Miracles.

I stand here and ponder how the Creator of the Universe LOVED/LOVES us so much that He sent His Son Jesus to die on the Cross for our sins. Receiving Him into our hearts has no stipulations… no works… no money…..IT’S A GIFT! Will you receive Him today as your Lord and Savior? All you have to do is ask! He is knocking on the door of your heart. Will you open your heart to Him today?

Miracles:

1. Jesus rose from the dead and is ALIVE at the right hand of God

2. If the bullet’s path was a SMIDGE to the left, Russ’s life would have ended instantly

3. After the first surgery, after being taken to the ICU, his blood pressure plummeted so low that he was rushed back to the OR to save his life… again.

4. A LARGE abscess/ infection was found on the base of the spine and family was called in to say goodbye because anywhere they would touch in the spinal column area could mean instant death…

5. BUT GOD… during the surgery there was NO ABSCESS FOUND… it was GONE (I still can’t wrap my mind around that)… God saved Russ’s life again…there was only a small infection in the skin.

6. So, God is STILL a MIRACLE WORKER and PROMISE KEEPER. He really does hold our lives in HIS hands and NOTHING can touch us unless HE ENGINEERS it or GRANTS PERMISSION!

7. We can and will TRUST HIM today, tomorrow, and forever!

Happy Resurrection Sunday!

May all of you have a blessed day celebrating our Savior!

Many of you have asked to make a meal and we are so thankful. Our April schedule is full, but the church has extended our meals through May. Thank you so much everyone for blessing us in this amazing and tangible way.

Sign up and details are here: https://takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=OEBW3612

Waiting… a few of you have texted me mentioning about waiting. The day after Jesus was crucified, the disciples were waiting for him to rise again just as He said He would. But I’m sure it was not an easy day for them.. Today I feel the same. Waiting… waiting to see how long it will take for Russ to have surgery, waiting to see how long he will be in the hospital and then how long in rehab. How long will it be until he comes home? Will he be able to walk again? What will he do to provide for the family? I think the waiting room is the hardest… But we know that God is ever so present in that waiting room. He is doing something. His timing is perfect. His grace is sufficient…https://youtu.be/YFs2t5LlD4E?si=kwV1cLKoOhWRGGsa (this song story shared by your friend is so fitting.)

Today was a pretty good day. Russ was in pain throughout the day, but he was coherent and we were able to have a lot of talks together. I am now his nurse… Doing oral care, adjusting his wedges, sucking out secretions out of his trach and mouth, and feeding him nutritious food from home. He was sad to see us go, but glad to know more visitors were coming to take care of him. I told him that he’s never alone. God will never leave him nor forsake him.

Psalm 118:24

“This is the day the Lord has made;
We will rejoice and be glad in it.”

This was the verse on the egg carton this morning. However, this morning, I did not feel like rejoicing. My body is struggling. My heart is broken as I listened to Russ this morning on the phone, crying, asking “why”, in pain, and missing his family. He has so much to process. So much trauma. So much pain. BUT GOD… today we rejoice and rejoice every day. Rejoicing is not a feeling BUT a CHOICE ! We make a CHOICE to press forward with Thanksgiving and live in today giving God the glory because He is a GOOD GOD with a GOOD plan. We don’t know the future, but we know no matter what, you will provide. You are Jehovah Jireh (the Lord who provides) and Jehovah Rapha (the Lord, who heals).

Saturday plan

-Begin to actively wean Russ off his pain meds.

-Hoping by Monday he can be on them on an only as needed basis.

-Remove his catheter and begin to expel urine naturally.

-Eat healthy protein packed natural foods.

-Monday the Neurosurgeon will evaluate if the exit wound is healing and surgery can be done

Russ continues to improve and has come A LOOOONG WAY…. His path is still LONG and HARD, but this is where we LEAN and CLEAVE unto the LORD even more!

We recently met with the Team. EKG was normal praise God as an initial thought may have been a heart attack. The Chest x-Ray was fluffy which still shows secretions.They’re going to give him some Mucinex and tweak his meds. No blood work (they call it a lab holiday) during the night to give him rest and are going to give him extra calming meds before he goes to sleep so hopefully he will have a good night. Another spa day in the works that includes his hair washed, etc.

We partook of the Lord’s Super with Communion and sang a hymn led by the Hospital Chaplain. I NEVER in a 100 years would have thought I would standing in a hospital room on day #33 praising God for saving my husband’s life while Jesus gave His life for mine. It was such a deep realization today on Good Friday.

Russ’s pain has subsided some but he has shooting pain in his right leg. His nerves are firing.

He’s more stable but still delirious. He is done with some of his therapies and receiving a massage from his sister.

We are still waiting on x-ray results to see what happened this morning. He is still having a lot of secretions.

We had a hot date with sourdough bread, butter, avocado, and egg. He even managed to eat some apple pie and homemade peanut butter eggs.

Lamentations 3:20-23

“My soul still remembers
And sinks within me.

This I recall to my mind,
Therefore I have hope.

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed,
Because His compassions fail not.

They are new every morning;
Great is Your faithfulness.”

YES 🙌 GREAT IS GOD’S FAITHFULNESS!!!!! AMEN 🙏

1 Peter 1:7

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ”

Russ’s nights continue to be ROUGH to say the least. PLEASE 🙏 continue praying for a good night’s sleep!!! He is sooo delirious.

Russ had a VERY ROUGH morning. He was in very bad pain in the right chest area. They repositioned him and gave him a breathing treatment which helped but not completely. Further evaluation is being done now. This was a NEW AND SUPER INTENSE PAIN! Please pray for a GOOD outcome!!!

Today is Good Friday and we remember Jesus suffering and dying on the Cross for our sins because HE LOVES US!!! Thank you Jesus for your Grace and Mercy.

Today was a good day!

Right now we are waiting for transport to the next level down, the trauma floor. There will be much less monitoring and much less beeping! Pray for a solid night of sleep tonight!

The swallow study was a success! When he got back the nurse said, “he can eat whatever he wants!” Feeding tube will come out once he gets a little more practice eating solids again. He said he’s ready for brunch with Donna tomorrow. Hot date!

Praise the Lord for the good things He is doing in Russell and all those around him!

Russell is extra kind and thankful towards all of the staff that help him, of course, not without a little humor. I can tell he brightens up their day. ☀️

You are the light of the world, a city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

Matthew 5:14-16 says, Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven

He’s on his way to the swallow study. Pray he can tolerated it and do well so he can start eating and drinking.

(using a lift to change beds to take him)

Day #32/ #2 IMU (Intermediate Care Unit)

Russ is very alert today! I walked in to his son Jacob performing pain relieving and strengthening exercises on Russell’s legs. Moving his right leg reduces the discomfort and pain as well as encouraging Russ as he realizes he has more movement and control over his right leg.

The plan is to do a swallow study today at 2:30, to ensure that he isn’t aspirating anything. If he does well, they will begin to introduce liquids and soft foods. Pray this is successful, Russ would like to eat and get the NG tube out.

Dr Coots (trauma doctor) was very encouraged with Russ’s progress and is hopeful that he can be moved to the 5th floor today or tomorrow. This is “step down” in his care and he should get more rest as the room requires fewer “bells and beeps”.

As Russ was working with Alicia he was able to follow her commands to bend his right ankle and pull his toes upward, “flection”. This is a huge step forward. Continue to pray that the damaged nerves will heal and regenerate. Pray that he continues to feel nerve sensation at an increased level daily. Helen

TODAY is the LAST day of antibiotics!!!!! Who hoo. Pray for that gut to heal!

Tomorrow is the Swallow Study. Please pray for all to go well and no pain. They are going to sit him STRAIGHT UP (with the clam shell brace of course) for the FIRST time since the accident. Pray ALL goes well!!!

Russ is experiencing A LOT of pain. It is being managed as needed but the meds knock him out and cause delirium. He is seeing mice 🐁 or maybe it could be a moth on the ceiling. 😬

Day #31/ #1 IMU (Intermediate Care Unit)

The other day a sweet sister had said to me, “I don’t know if Caring Bridge knows, but they are spreading the Gospel”. So thank you for platforms where we can share the power, love, and the Word of God. God truly is our ALL in ALL … El Shaddai (God Almighty) Join us as we all walk by FAITH and not by SIGHT in this STORM.

Psalm 139:23-24 “Search me, o God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Update, prayers, and plan

1. Healing of entrance wound is going well.

2. Goal is to get to rehab probably before surgery then come back for spinal fusion.

3. CT scan of abdomen to see if infection is gone and can get off the antibiotics.

4. Swallow study and hopefully getting off the feeding tube soon so he can start eating. He’s looking forward to that applesauce.

Philippians 4:6-7

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus”.

https://youtu.be/MT5nHhJwuOA?si=4SLz4a-rT5dtshGG

God is a shelter for us, but it sounds more like “God is a shelter for Russ”!! So appropriate for this time ❤️

Kylie did a great job decorating Russ’s window with scripture, pictures, and cards. We are not able to hang the hundreds of cards he’s gotten, but are awaiting the day he is able to sit and read them all. 💜

Please CONTINUE to ENCOURAGE Russ when you visit. This is the HARDEST road he has EVER been on!!

GRADUATION 🧑‍🎓 TIME!!!!

The Trauma Team will miss him… they said! It’s almost bittersweet in a way… they have become FAMILY, but we are THANKING GOD for the next phase of Russ’s journey. KEEP PRAYING!!!

This afternoon Russell had a luxurious four handed massage by Kylie and me while he listened to uplifting worship music. I say luxurious and uplifting but Russ is in need of encouragement. He’s worn out, frustrated and discouraged. As the pain meds are adjusted he is experiencing more discomfort. Please pray that God would continue to speak to him intimately as only He can.

Occupational Therapy had him doing some arm exercises that he seemed to be able to do pretty easily. More work ahead.

He did get a fresh shave and looks pretty handsome.

His new room is ready and hoping to move this evening!

Day #30 ICU update

Beautiful Hymn 377 May the Mind of Christ my savior

Psalm 139:7–10

“Where can I go from Your Spirit?

Or where can I flee from Your presence?

If I ascend into heaven, You are there;

If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.

If I take the wings of the morning,

And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

Even there Your hand shall lead me,

And Your right hand shall hold me.”

Remember to FIX your eyes on JESUS CONSTANTLY!

A few songs that have ministered to my heart today. May they bless you too.

The Afters- Lift Me Up

https://youtu.be/5qYnSGpVEcg?si=Q7FlCgBNAtRlDo3B

Jon Reddick-No Fear

https://youtu.be/GYtUec8mzak?si=kOmPSsXO0Sr_rMbQ

Prayers

1. Swallow Study this morning: please pray it goes well. This would mean he gets his feeding tube out of his nose. He needs to be able to tolerate sitting up and he’s currently in pain. *currently rescheduled. Neurosurgery is contacted if he can actually sit up straight.

2. He’s not able to use the speaking valve right now. Having trouble with the airflow. Back to writing things on the board. *trying again now

3. In a lot of pain. Pray for the right amount of pain meds to be administered.

4. CT scan needed for abdomen and pelvis to make sure infection is gone that went to his lungs. They don’t want to keep him on antibiotics if he doesn’t need it.

5. GI issues need to be resolved. Fiber uptake.

6. IMU today. Intermediate Care Unit. Graduating from the ICU

Day #29 ICU Update

Today is a VERY BUSY DAY.

This morning, Russell had speech therapy. He did great! The speech therapist said his vocal quality is great for being on the vent SO long. He really is making great strides. He was fed ice chips, spooned water, and given applesauce. He was so excited about the applesauce! They did not let him finish the applesauce because they need to do a swallow study first to see what he can handle. He even said he would do a contest during the study. His humor is definitely coming back.

Various therapies will continue today. Busy busy busy

Please pray for sleep. It’s not the best in the ICU… as expected.

Neurosurgery reported that the exit wound has to close up a little bit more before surgery. It’s too close to the spine. They can’t take any chances with any infections going into the hardware. It doesn’t need to be healed all the way. It looks really good though. No infection. Going to reassess possible surgery next week or week after. (God, we thank you for Devine Detours even though they are hard) Still possibly debating surgery overall or letting his spine heal on its own. Depending on what he can physically do or not. At some point, he should be moving to a step down room. Dr. Root is VERY ENCOURAGED by some of the movement in his legs. He’s moving a little bit more each day. His nerves are firing. There are still vital functions that he cannot do, so let’s keep praying and lifting these up to our Almighty God!

The docs say his progress is INCREDIBLE!!!!

Psalm 118:24 “ This is the day the Lord has made;

We will rejoice and be glad in it”. 

Palm Sunday Family Day

Russell is able to have the speaking valve A LOT today so we are soaking in every word, sharing stories, and laughing. He’s been having lots of conversations with God and sees that God has been moving in a MIRACULOUS WAY!!!

He may even write a book… stay tuned

Sunday Morning… 1 month in the ICU

Today marks ONE MONTH in the SICU (Surgical/ Trauma Intensive Care Unit)

God has carried us SO FAR and He has PRESERVED Russ’s life here on Earth. He is with us and God is surely working in MIRACULOUS ways!

Today we head to church. (I for the first time since that day)

Today we worship and praise the God above.

Today Russ is loved and cared for by his LOVING sister, Alicia, who is a Massage Therapist and has SUCH a COMPASSIONATE heart for him.

May you all be blessed for blessing us!!!!

Russ had a decent night, but was a troublemaker overnight. He pulled out his feeding tube, tore off blood pressure cuff, and ripped off the pulse ox. Feisty Marine!

Plan 🏃‍♂️and Prayers 🙏

-He is OFF the vent!!! Please pray it goes well!!!

-Possible Trach collar this morning

-Weaning final sedation meds today

-Chest x ray looks good but still coughing up a lot of secretions

-Delirium and agitation controlled and better

-All drains are out(who hoo)

Please continue to pray as Russ processes what happened, all the operations, and where he is going to be for rehab before he comes home.

Pray for thd kids… they miss their dad soooooooo much!!!! They are doing such a great job holding down the fort!

God is so FAITHFUL and I am CONSTANTLY reminded of ROMANS 8:28. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose”.

God is SOVEREIGN! His ways are PERFECT. We SHALL NOT be moved. So whatever you are going through know that God loves you and has GREAT plans for you! Nothing passes through HIS MIGHTY HANDS that He does not engineer or allow. He is ALWAYS working, moving, and refining.

Russ would love to hear about your day and your family when you come in. He asked that you move him, obviously this is a sensitive thing and you can massage him and help him straighten up gently, but that’s it. Ask the nurse before you do any moving at all.

James 1:12 “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him”.

Praise ⭐️

-No major events overnight

-EKG normal

-Both side drains are out

-Wounds are healing very well (entrance, exit, and abdomen after surgery)

-Will continue with therapies and hopeful get the speaking valve soon

Prayer 🙏 and Plan 🏃‍♂️

-Sleep: they are trying to cluster as many things, but he’s still in the ICU, which requires a lot of attention and work. Please pray he’s able to sleep more at night and take some naps during the day. He is exhausted.

-Vent settings (he’s currently on pressure support, which is great and needs to stay that way to get out of the ICU)

-Tightness in his chest: he is getting breathing treatments, which do help, but still has a lot of secretions in his lungs.

-He is also on a sedative to keep him comfortable and it needs to be weaned off before he goes to a step down unit.

-Spinal stabilization surgery is “scheduled” for next week

-Scheduled for a cardiogram just to make sure his heart is working well.

-Ultrasound of his left arm which is red, puffy, and swollen

-Strength, stamina, and endurance… he needs a lot of encouragement, kisses, massages, and hugs!

Russell continue to have a busy day with different therapies. He is still having a lot of secretions in his lungs so they ended up doing a Bronoscopy. He had a lot in his lungs and they will send the secretions to the lab to try to figure out what is going on. So please pray. He’s coughing a lot and can’t seem to get a break. He is receiving breathing treatments, which are breaking up a lot of the secretions.

He had a fun night playing charades with his friends, trying to tell them to put pressure on his feet and massage his arms and legs. Lots of laughs.

The nurses are so blown away by his improvement, literally improving in front of their eyes drastically! They just can’t believe it. But we can… Because we serve a great God! A good God with a good plan who has a purpose for each one of us. As you follow Russell’s journey and continue praying for him know that you are so important to us in so many ways, even if we don’t know you… God created you for such a time as this.

Day #24 Miracles DO Happen

Prayer Warriors range from church family to 2nd Graders to Strangers to Family to Friends to Europe to Africa to Brothers in Prison to ALL OVER the USA to Francesca Batisttalli (yup the FAMOUS Christian Artist is praying for Russ) to the Army of Angels!!! Russ is BATHED in PRAYER 🙏!

Lungs: Need rest, they worked hard yesterday. Breathing treatment and steroids needed. He is not able to clear his secretions. Vent settings needed to be increased. Vent is breathing for him for now. The x-ray overall looks better.

81.8 kg=180.338 lb (yay) He looks so much less puffy! A little more ways to go!

Radiology: 3:30pm check to

see if another side drain can come out. (Yay)

We just met with Dr. Root. He said that everything is going BETTER THAN EXPECTED!!!! He was SO SURPRISED!!! He is making incredible progress. Dr. Root is trying to figure out if his back can heal on his own or if he needs stabilization surgery, which could possibly be next week. PLEASE PRAY FOR WISDOM. It’s looking like the infections are gone, but they are testing to make sure. The exit wound has to be completely healed for any infection for surgery to happen. He continued to emphasize that this is still going to be a very long road, but (BUT GOD),

he is hoping the nerves are STUNNED not SEVERED. PRAY for FULL FUNCTION of ALL things!!!

PT went AMAZING! Movement everywhere except right foot. He did SO much better than yesterday and will keep making progress. Left leg is really strong… the PT said he made a BREAKTHROUGH today… SOOOO KEEP PRAYING… Fervently and without ceasing… our Heavenly Father is listening!

He would love visitors BUT please text us when you get here so we can switch out visitors as needed and fill you in according to his needs.

I Samuel 2:2

There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no ROCK like our God.

This afternoon I watched as physical therapy came in to get Russell moving. She suggested turning on some music and he requested praise and worship songs. As she lifted his leg to assist certain motions I could see his muscles engaging. His RIGHT LEG! He bent his knee and straightened his leg. Although weak, he was moving it! Maxine (PT) and I both remarked that God can do anything! We have seen God working in Russ. She encouraged me to do these small range of motion exercises any time now and massage for his stiff hips. Seeing her moving his legs around like she did was a sight to be held. They want him out of there! And so do we. Hard work ahead but we know he can do it!

Today they reported him losing 5 liters of fluid in 2 hours. That’s over 10 pounds! His feet looked practically normal. Breathing is going so well too. Praise the Lord! Praise God from whom all blessings flow!!

His hands are able to hold a marker and clipboard and he is able to write and express things more easily. He even drew a map because he wanted to know where the hospital is in relation to the Pagoda!

! This is important !

He asked for something very specific.

If you visit him he wants you to tell him about YOUR day. It wears him out trying to talk too much. It’s like trying to jump while you’re treading water. He still needs therapy to learn how to swallow and talk. So, yes or no questions are ok but he really wants to hear about YOU.

Join me in thanking God for His tender mercies and care. HE is SO, SO GOOD.

“Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses”. 1 Timothy 6:12

As we fight the good fight spiritually, so does this guy… and physically! He took his restraining boxing gloves off today! Our man is coming back. Keep praying for him. We know that he hears your prayers and feels your strength!

Fight, Russ, Fight!

Thank you for your prayers everyone!!!!

Today was a VERY busy day with the scan and therapy.

We got to talk to him for a little bit during speech therapy. He talked about God being 1st and the CENTER. He said he missed me and the family. We had other HEART TO HEART conversations 💕. God is working in miraculous WAYS!

He is TOTALLY and COMPLETELY EXHAUSTED.

***We are asking NO VISITORS today. Thank you for understanding. ***

Russ did not have the best night. He pulled out his NG tube (crazy guy) so he has a nurse guard at his side at all times, and was very confused this morning. Needs to rest as much as he can, although they are doing a lot with him today! We are letting him sleep as much as he wants to.

*Busy Day Today*

CT Scan and possible drain removal @11am

Physical Therapy @ 12pm

Speech Therapy this afternoon (he should be able to verbally communicate during this session only. Please pray it is productive. It’s been so hard bc he is trying to tell us things and we don’t understand)

He seems more calm now. He should move to a “step down” room (in another part of the hospital) hopefully by the end of the week where he will be working on many things with different therapy groups.

Psalm 35:20-21 “We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and shield. In Him our hearts rejoice for we trust in His Holy name.

Thank you for carrying us through this time!!!!

Yesterday morning as I was crying out to God, it was so clear He said to me…”I will carry you.” He surely is using the Body of Christ to do this. 💕

So many things to be thankful for!

Russell saw the occupational therapist today which was really a delight to see. He was brought up to a 45 degree angle to do some assessment activities which she said he did very well. He threw a balled up sock back and forth. He’s weak still, of course, but also surprisingly able to lift his arms and move them around. He is also getting better at communicating!

Praise God for the progress we can see today! Russell is being successfully weaned off of various meds and handling that well. His vent settings were minimal today so his lungs are in good condition and strengthening every day. He is continuing to lose the excess fluid and his hands and face are noticeably less swollen.

Thanking God for his nurse, Kendall, who was gracious in allowing me, Toni, and Donna in his room to comfort him. He seemed to need and want each of us for different reasons.

Please pray for peace of mind for Russell as he becomes more aware and comes to grips with his reality.

Russ is still sedated and loopy. He had a slight fever over night. We are playing the game of who can read his lips since he can’t talk.

Praises

-Lung are looking better that yesterday, Russ is calm

Prayers

-Weaning sedation, wounds and lungs continue to heal.

-Stays calm, relaxed and pain free

Plan for today

-Physical therapy session

We continue to FIX our eyes on JESUS in this STORM.

Today marks 3 LONG weeks since the life altering accident. It feels like 3 years. It feels like FOREVER, yet God is there holding us, carrying us, and strengthening us.

This is such a GREAT Devotional on the Refiner’s Fire… our Sanctification Process. Us being made into the image of God. .https://silentword.org/the-story-of-the-silversmith/

They are calling today REST and SPA day. Meds, slight sedation, gown and bed change, repositioning, and a shave.

Please continue to pray for wisdom for the doctors, for us as we figure things out, and my health. My body has hit a wall with my chronic illnesses. One of the issues is that we have had A LOT of mold in our basement where my office was. I was literally being poisoned without knowing it. The basement was remediated but so much still bothers me. I can’t sleep in my bedroom where there is carpet and we need to figure out how/ when we can rip carpets out and what to replace them with. How to mold/ dust proof our house. I need to be able to live in my house and rest and know that the environment is not making me still sick. Please please pray. If you have any ideas or can help please reach out to me. Thank you!!! 484-889-6055

Russ continues to slowly wean off of sedation. He is still somewhat confused and trying to figure out what happened to him. He’s going to get some more meds tonight to help him sleep well. Please continue to pray for this journey. There’s so much to process. The accident. The surgeries. The intubation. 3 weeks of sedation. Life. Family. Kids. Business. His Beard.

It is hard for the doctors to give us a timeline for anything, but I just keep thinking what the doctor said… “Our goal is to have him home by Thanksgiving”. Thanksgiving? Did they pick the wrong holiday? No, they didn’t, but whenever he comes home is God‘s perfect timing. God is a good God with a good plan and He’s working all things out for Good to those who love Him.

Thank you to those who have shared stories with us. We see God moving already. Many have drawn closer to the Lord during this time. Many tell us how God wakes them up through the night to pray for Russ. We were told that God woke up a woman who does not know us, but has been praying for Russ, three times during the night to pray for him! It feels like there’s always someone praying for him. 24/7. Different parts of the world. In different countries, I know people are praying. Crying out to God for healing. So thank you. I know I have said this before, but truly, your prayers are sustaining us and healing Russ!

Russ is doing well on the trach. The procedure went smoothly and as expected. He is currently being slowly weaned off sedation. He looks comfortable and resting. He should be able to talk in 1-2 weeks.

Please continue to pray for his pain and for his body to handle all of the heavy duty meds he is on.

“This season in which you find yourself may puzzle you, but it does not bewilder God. He can and will use it for His purpose”. Max Lucado

Russ had a stable night with no fever. He continues to be sedated and intubated. He is much more comfortable and able to rest.

The big step today is getting the tracheotomy. Please pray all goes smoothly and there are no complications.

As far as the spinal surgery, that will not be able to happen for AT LEAST a couple of weeks, but the timeline is so hard to tell. It just depends when the infection is gone.

So we continue to PRAY and TRUST our GOD with HIS PERFECT timing.

Thursday, April 3, 2025 Breathing is hard work.

Russ was extubated, it went well for about 15 to 20 minutes. But due to the extended time on the vent, he went into shock and his Blood Pressure shot up. The doctor decided to reintubate to protect Russ’s brain from oxygen deprivation. Tomorrow he will receive a temporary tracheotomy, while he receives respiratory therapy to strengthen his breathing muscles.

Please continue to pray. These are hard moments. We were excited to see that Russ recognized Donna, he also recognized me, and smiled when I talked about the children. But as breathing became more difficult, he became more agitated and desaturated pretty quickly. Please continue to pray for Donna and the kids as they face another disappointing day.

TODAY IS A BIG DAY!!!! Please pray all goes SMOOTHLY.

-X-ray lungs looks same (good news/ still healing)

- The plan is to back off on sedation after wound care change (this is very uncomfortable and painful)

- He is still retaining 30lbs of fluid

-Still has a low grade fever, but the overall temps have been trending down

-Back brace will be put on him before they extubate him and take him off of sedation.

-We should know within 12 hours or so if his lungs tolerate the vent/tube being taken out 50-50 chance, if he needs the trach, they will do that bedside tomorrow.

*Please continue to pray for Russ’s body as he has been through so much. He is NOWHERE out of the woods yet. He has a LONG road a head of him, but we are SO THANKFUL the Lord still has him on that road. At this point, we have no idea when the Spinal Surgery will be. He MUST BE INFECTION FREE/ FEVER FREE in order to get the surgery.

Pray for all of us. Many have been here DAILY at his bedside. Pray our TANKS (spiritual, physical, emotional) are CONTINUALLY filled moment by moment.

Pray for the Lord to sustain our households, children, and everyday logistics of life that we are trying our best to manage.

Pray for SAFE travels each day to and from the hospital and continued health and endurance.

We love you all SO MUCH and are SO THANKFUL for all the ways you are ministering to our family during this time especially in ways we don’t even realize we need. 💕

All Praise to God!!!!

God… you are soooo FAITHFUL! Thank you EVERYONE for meeting us in THE THRONE ROOM!!!

PRAISE GOD!!! Surgery went fantastic!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!

Doctors said “This was the best case scenario”

The infection was just below the skin and did not go up his spinal cord!!! Russ will possibly be off vent tomorrow!!!

Thank you for your prayers!!!!! God is GREAT!!!

Day #17 We PRAISE GOD in the STORM

May this NOT be a final goodbye.

Day #17 Storming the Gates of Heaven

Anyone wanting to pray for Russ today? You can join the prayer meeting specifically for his surgery today at Calvary Chapel Chester Springs, 217 Dowlin Forge Rd, Exton Pa. 1:00-2:00 pm. Let us storm the gates of heaven on behalf of Russ and his family

Normalcy on a NOT so normal day

Today we continue to lift up, Russ! We lift him up to the Lord Almighty and we are on our knees…Praying fervently and constantly. We storm the Gates of Heaven on behalf of this man we call a son, husband, father, friend, brother, and Marine!

But this morning was a taste of normalcy as these teenagers are laughing in the kitchen, eating food, and cleaning up. So thankful for the kids’ friends who can surround them with love!

MEET YOU ALL IN THE THRONE ROOM OF THE ALMIGHTY AND SOVEREIGN GOD!!!!

Please pray for Dr. Root and Dr. Moshkovsky as they do the procedure on Russell tomorrow at 1pm. Dr. M said he prays EVERY MORNING that God would guide his hands in surgery. We pray for THE GREAT PHYSICIAN and HIS HOLY ANGELS would be ever so present in the operating room guiding the surgeons’ hands and minds. Keep lifting up the WHOLE team as they do everything they can to save his life.

❤️‍🩹

No words needed…

Surgery tomorrow is extremely risky. The doctors have called family members to come in tomorrow morning to say goodbye including Sarah. Please be on your knees. praying.

ANOTHER DIVINE DETOUR….MRI showed a MASS at the base of the spine (area where he NEEDS surgery) which is an abscess/infection. This is news we were hoping NOT to receive today.

*Tomorrow will be surgery to clean it up, then Dr Root will clean infection from the wound, drain and wound vac placed on back. Might be extubated , they will evaluate. 

He Might be able to get the fusion surgery sometime next week BUT we really have NO IDEA.

There are lots of serious risks during this time such as Blood clots, Infections, heart issues, etc. His body has been through SUCH TRAUMA.

The doctor said that this is a REALLY tough situation to have an infection in the area where surgery needs to happen.

He continues to get TONS of meds. PLEASE pray for his body to be strong enough to handle all of this. There are so many side effects.

The HOPE is for him to be home by THANKSGIVING.

Jehovah-Rapha (“The Lord Who Heals” ) WE CRY OUT TO YOU!!!!

WE…ARE….BROKEN!!!!

As thunder and lightning ⚡️ rage outside, I miss Russell even more. I am not a fan of storms. He was/is my protector through them. He thinks they are exciting and fun and would sit in the garage with the kids eating popcorn watching the storm. But tonight he is not here to make it fun and it makes me think of the “storm” we have been in for the past 15 days. I think of being on the sea of Galilee in Israel, and remembering how Peter walked on the water to Jesus. The waves crashed and Peter feared and he started sinking until Jesus reached for him. So we must keep our eyes on Jesus, no matter the storm we are in and no matter how scary it can be at times because this storm is difficult!

Russell’s temperature went up again and he needed fever reducing meds. (Ugh this fever)

He also needed meds to up his blood pressure. He passed so much fluid that his blood pressure went really low as he passed 2 L of fluid in all.

MRI is scheduled for 10:30 PM. Please pray for no infection and no abscess anywhere.

Thank you for all of your messages, songs, scripture, meals, childcare, etc. You truly are carrying this burden with us! May the Lord be glorified in all of this.

James 1:2-3 “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.”

We continue to pray for healing ❤️‍🩹 for Russ.

We are getting positive reports today.

-Lung x-Ray looks better today than yesterday.

-Fever is decreasing

-Tentative date for surgery is Wednesday afternoon

-No infection detected (but he is on antibiotics so growth may not show in the lab)

-Kidney and gut function are good

Pray for:

-MRI is scheduled for today check for any abnormalities and see if any drainage is needed.

-Still retaining around 35lbs of fluid

- Pain is high and escalates especially during being shifted. (Plan is to increase pain meds)

-Possible meningitis, but no way to confirm with his spinal injury (being treated regardless)

-Vent settings are being decreased, if all goes well no tracheotomy will be needed

Thank you for lifting us up to the Great Physician.

March 30, 2025 7:56pm

Most of the day and evening was uneventful. Russ is turned every two hours to help with his breathing and pneumonia, his vent settings has stayed on the CPAP setting, and will be changed to a more supportive setting overnight. He has had all of his meds administered, and when he was recently turned, he was not as restless as he was last night. He remains very puffy and full of fluid. All of his vitals look good, nothing new to report. Please keep praying for healing and a good report in the morning. We need this Marine to kick the fever so he can get the Spinal surgery ASAP. This will allow him to sit up and breathe better on his own. It is so difficult to see such a strong man be so powerless in a hospital bed. May the Lord strengthen him physically and spiritually!

Day #14 …Mid Morning Update

Proverbs 2:6 “For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding”.

We REALLY need to pray for wisdom RIGHT now. Even though there is no immediate rush to do the spinal surgery right now, it is very important that it gets done SOONER than later. Russell cannot kick the pneumonia, fevers, and being on the vent if he is lying on his back. He needs to be able to sit up and breathe on his own. They want him off this vent ASAP! But his body just can’t handle it right now in the position he is in.

If Russell does not have the surgery soon, they will take him off the vent because it is not good for him to be on it for a long period of time and they will do a tracheotomy.

So far the abscess fluid around the entrance wound is showing NO infection so they are going back to thinking that the fevers he is having are from the pneumonia.

Russell is in such a delicate stage right now. There are many risks involved in either scenario here. But we know that God KNOWS and that HE gives wisdom so please pray with us right now that GOD would make it completely clear on what Russell needs!

Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart”. 

Weary…. God knew we would grow weary… in the everyday life, in trials, in the storm… Day #14 seems like we have been in this storm FOREVER with just still being in the beginning stage.

Russ continued being feverish over night with high blood pressure and high heart rate. He needed more sedation for his body to calm down. Even though I was hoping for a better day today and good news, I have to TRUST that this DIVINE DETOUR is God’s PERFECT Will.

Please continue praying for Russ and his healing. His body has been through sooo much! Pray our family as we figure out our new life. Please pray for me for endurance and healing as some of you know I have been battling some chronic illnesses and this new way of life has been so difficult for my body. BUT GOD….HIS WAYS ARE PERFECT and HE SUSTAINS. Meet us in THE THRONE ROOM.

Late afternoon we had another Divine Detour. Russ was coughing and the treatment and stress on his body spiked another fever and tachycardic episode. At present his heart rate and blood pressure have improved, he is still experiencing fever in spite of ice packs and fever medication.

Praise that Kylie and Donna were with Russ when the difficulty began and treatment was administered quickly.

Praise for the amazing team that is caring for Russ.

Pray for Donna, Pam and the children, tomorrow begins week 3 and they don’t have a resolution to the fevers. All of this is wearying and at times frustrating and overwhelming.

Pray, pray, pray for the fevers to resolve and disappear. Spinal surgery cannot take place otherwise.

Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

Psalm 27:14 “Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD”!

So we continue to wait and trust in God’s PERFECT timing in EVERYTHING!

Russ spiked a fever again overnight and his hemoglobin dropped again so he is currently receiving blood. Neurosurgeon would like him to be fever-free for 48 hours before doing the Spinal Surgery.

As of right now there has been no infection detected in the abscess fluid around his entrance wound. The team thinks the fever might be coming from the pneumonia in his lungs, but either way they’re trying to rule out all possible causes.

So we pray for the perfect timing for Russ to get the spinal surgery. Of course we want it done ASAP, but God‘s ways are not our ways and our thoughts are not His thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9) So we continue to trust in the Sovereignty of God Almighty!

Nurse Becky says Russ is doing well, fever staying low 36.9°-37° (98.6°) on Tylenol. They aren’t messing with anything tonight, tomorrow they will begin to reduce vent settings some more.

This Becky is the nurse who rushed him back to the OR for his second surgery last Sunday. She is happy to see him doing so well.

Please continue to pray for Russ‘s recovery. These are small baby steps toward His coming off the ventilator. With God, all things are possible, and Russ can make a full recovery.

Please continue to lift Donna and the children up. This is a heavy burden for them to carry, and it is our goal that they are supported through words of encouragement. I know that we all want to reach out, but sometimes asking for information or showing concern with helpful advice, Can be more than overwhelming.

Russell‘s procedure went well today, thank God!! In order to stop Russ‘s fever, they are treating him for a variety of suspected infections. His infected wounds have made progress today and are looking better. Russ will be reassessed on Monday and they will see if he can have his back surgery next week. Please pray that Russ continues to rest comfortably and continues to do well at the current vent settings, which is helping him strengthen his lungs. And please pray for resolution of Russ‘s fever. We thank God for the wonderful care Russ is receiving at this hospital.

Russell had a good night last night and is currently resting comfortably, still sedated and on vent. He is tolerating the vent settings well. The doctors are hopeful that he will continue to tolerate settings and therefore stay on the settings until surgery. He is however still running a fever. The source of the fever may very well be the abscess they found yesterday. They are taking him down at 1:00 for the procedure to drain and treat the abscess.

Please pray for a smooth procedure and continue to pray his fever goes away and his lungs continue to improve. Thank you so much for your continued support and prayers for Russell, Donna and their beautiful family.

So a lot going on with Russ today.

Praise that his vent settings were low enough that he tolerated the trip to radiology and got his CAT scan.

Praise that the CAT scan showed an abscess that has been the cause of his fevers.

Praise that there is a plan to drain the abscess, put in a drainage tube and culture the infection in order to hit it with the right antibiotics, all on Friday.

Pray for continued reduction of needed vent support, especially before Friday’s procedure.

Pray that the drain and antibiotics clear up all infection so that Russ can get his spinal fusion done early next week.

Thank you for loving on and caring for the Snyder Family, your words of encouragement and practical support has been a blessing. Please continue to lift them up in prayer.

Russell remains comfortable and sedated. The fever has decreased with the meds. He had another bowel movement and praise God there was no blood. The thought is that the previous blood is from surgery and not from an active bleed.

However, both of his gunshot wounds are infected and there appears to be an abscess where the bullet entered. The team is slowly decreasing his vent settings and prepping him for a CAT Scan which will tell us if he needs any further intervention such as a procedure to draw out the infected abscess fluid, etc.

CAT Scan transport operation is currently in progress.

Isaiah 40:31 “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint”.

Russell became feverish again overnight so he was given fever reducing meds. He also had a bowel movement overnight (great), but blood was found in his movement (concerning and not good). The team tried lowering his vent settings, but Russell’s body did not tolerate it well. The plan is to try to lower the settings very gently today and get a CAT scan of his abdomen to try to get some answers for the fever and blood in his bowels. He continues to be sedated and intubated. His lungs continue to slowly improve. He looks comfortable and not in pain.

So we continue to press on and know that our Great Physician is in control of all of these Divine Detours. Meet you in The Throne Room!

Give thanks to the Lord for His mercies are new everyday.

Of course, we are praising the Lord that Russ’s temperature broke over overnight. We are also praising God that he is tolerating his tube feeds, and it seems like his Digestive system is back on track. The staff stated that his breathing has improved with the new protocols in place to turn him and keep him moving every few hours. We are so grateful that there seems to be no systemic infection. All of the cultures have come back negative.

Please continue to pray as the team decreases the ventilator settings. In order for Russ to get certain tests, and surgery, it will require that his vent settings are lowered. Please continue to pray for Donna and the family as this is going to be a very long road ahead.

We just spoke to Dr. Root (Neurosurgeon aka Superman), unfortunately with Russ’ current status, although improving, his body is just not ready for surgery as there are too many high risks. We continue to pray through this Divine Detour and God’s PERFECT timing in every step.

Praise God Russell’s temperature is down to 97.5! Continued prayers for no fever and decreased vent settings so he can go for spinal surgery soon.

He has an uneventful night. No news is good news.

Last night nurse Aaron said that while Russ is critically injured and very sick, he is SURPRISED that he is not even sicker. Helen got to share with him that it’s because thousands are praying for Russ!!!!

Sooo keep praying 🙏 Your prayers are TRULY being heard and are making a HUGE difference. Meet you in the THRONE ROOM our knees!

A wise friend said, “We know God is sovereign. Therefore, nothing that is happening right now is outside of His control and His allowance.

We know that He’s good. Therefore, we trust His perfect plan, even though we don’t understand it. We lean into Him with faith like a child and trust in His goodness. “

Psalm 23 and so many others have been so close to my heart.

The Lord the Shepherd of His People

A Psalm of David.

23 

The Lord is my shepherd;

I shall not [a]want.

2 

He makes me to lie down in [b]green pastures;

He leads me beside the [c]still waters.

3 

He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake.

4 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil;

For You are with me;

Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;

You anoint my head with oil;

My cup runs over.

6 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

All the days of my life;

And I will [d]dwell in the house of the Lord

[e]Forever.

God knows the end of the story . He knows the beginning from the end. His ways are perfect. So we continue to trust in the mighty work that He is doing. 

I love this text from a friend, “Russ will get through this and still run his empire, it may look different, but he will get back to leading. We will help him get there.

Donna, just like we were saying yesterday…our husbands are doers/ workers and that’s what they excel at, one way or another they rise to the occasion”.

Life will NEVER be the same for us, but whatever the Lord engineered or granted access to, is the best! 



For those considering visiting. Please understand, that Russ needs to be kept very quiet. This is in order to aid healing, and prep for surgery, hopefully in the near future.

The requirements for visiting are; please look for Donna, Helen, or Toni, when you come to the ICU floor. Please do not go directly back to Russ‘s room. When you are allowed to go in, please do not disturb Russ while he is resting. If he opens his eyes and acknowledges you, you may speak to him to calm him down or let him know that you are there. We are asking people to keep visits to 15 minutes or less. No Visitors After 7:00pm to allow a smooth transition between day and night shifts.

Donna is encouraged by peoples visits to the lobby, showing your love and concern that way has been a balm to her spirit.

There were some good reports this morning. Russ is doing better on the vent options, his oxygenation is staying up. However, he has gained almost 18 pounds of water weight since yesterday. The plan, is to adjust dosage and delivery method of medications in order to reduce the amount of liquid that is going into his body. This will aid in better lung function. Using a rotating bed is going to be difficult for the nursing staff because in order to care for Russ’s wounds they would have to transfer him to a flat bed every time he requires treatment, which can cause agitation and pain. Neuro has allowed today’s terrific nurse, Aaron, to use wedges to rotate him to increase his lung capacity. They are adding some meds as necessary to deal with the breakthrough pain which causes a lot of the agitation and unrest.

Continue to pray against any infection that would postpone much needed spinal surgery.

Russ had a restful night and we are encouraged that he didn’t spike any high fevers. He still has a low grade fever and is being tested for any suspected infections.

It is still necessary to keep Russ calm and to avoid stimulating him which can cause agitation.

PRAYERS: That the fever would resolve, no infections present ( which would postpone spinal surgery)

Donna, continued strength to persevere through this trial.

Kids, Holy Spirit peace.

Thank you for your continued prayers today. It’s been another long day for Russell. He has not liked the ventilator doing so much work for him. His fever has been on the low side but continual all day. We are praying his new and improved bed arrives at the hospital asap and soothes him and strengthens his lungs right away.

Russ is going to get a new bed that will allow him to adjust a little more from strictly lying on his back. Praise God! Also, there are no blood clots. Results on sepsis will take longer to get back.

Surgery is definitely being postponed for now. He is in acute respiratory distress been running a low fever for 3 days, At this point he is too high of a risk for surgery. Their goal is possibly the end of this week for surgery, but he needs to be fever free for a few days and his lungs need to improve. They are looking still to rule out infection in these areas; abdominal fluid from surgery, sepsis and possible meningitis.

The MRI was done last night and there is no abscess on the spine, which is fantastic news. The MRI was able to show that the bullet did go through the bundle of spinal nerves that were in the area of L4 and L5. However, what is permanent and not permanent cannot be determined, and will not be able to be determined for several months.

What is needed desperately right now is prayers for Russell‘s lungs to improve and for the hospital staff to find an infection if it is hiding.

Prayer warriors pray!

Please pray for the strength and function of Russell’s lungs. He is in respiratory distress and struggling. More details to come.

The doctors have scheduled the MRI today to check the damaged spinal area to rule out abscess. The spinal surgery is canceled for now. They will not perform surgery if infection is present. Pray that the fever is not from infection but rather from inflammation from the lungs not inflating fully. They are doing a great job adjusting the ventilator setting to get him breathing the best he can.

Pray that the MRI reveals the best case scenario!

God knows the details.

God cares about the details.

God is IN the details.

We are thankful for the opportunity to trust Him, every step of the way.

Russell‘s fever has not been terrible but up and down (101.4 rn) and will most likely cause them to put surgery off tomorrow. Dr. Root’s partner will be in soon to talk with Dr Musso about that. At this point because they’ve looked everywhere for infection and haven’t found it, they’re thinking that the fever is due to the collapse lungs and Russell not being able to take a deep breath. His heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels have been excellent.

Praise:

Russ’ breathing stats were stable through the night and he is getting rest.

Pray:

Please pray that he kicks this infection! Pray for his fever to subside.

Psalm 12

1I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber;

4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand;

6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

7 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life;

8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.

HE IS ABLE!

HE IS WORKING!

HE IS ANSWERING OUR PRAYERS!

AMEN and AMEN! The strong Marine is improving. After some needed adjustments, he is more comfortable and stable. He looks so peaceful right now sleeping. If he continues to improve, the team will move forward with the MRI tomorrow.

Prayers needed for a restful and uneventful night!

Praise:

The doctors are all on top of Russ’ respiratory condition and they are being proactive and trying to keep optimizing his lung function.

Pray:

They had to up the ventilator settings to give him more help. Unfortunately, that means he will not be able to get the MRI today. Pray that his lung function stays stable and does not decrease. He is still fighting this lung infection and feverish.

The important part is the surgery on Monday. And we know that everything is in God’s timing and He goes before us, goes before Russell and is still in control.

HE IS ABLE!

HE IS WORKING!

HE IS ANSWERING OUR PRAYERS!

Russell had a tough night. He was very agitated which is to be expected. We are trying to keep things as quiet as possible but any noise outside of the room wakes him up and the constant beeping of machines irritates him. Please pray he get good rest. He is still intubated and sedated until surgery on Monday. MRI of the spine is scheduled today.

***update: Russ has about 40lbs of fluid retention so they will aggressively go after that today and hope they can relieve some of the agitation in his abdomen. High sedation will continue until at least when the MRI is done.

Pray for Dr. Cortes (Trauma and Surgical Critical Care) performed abdominal surgery on Russ 3 times.

Pray for Dr. Musso (Surgical Critical Care) who and his team are over Russ’ everyday care, protocols, etc.

Pray for the blessed nurses that are here constantly taking care of his MANY needs.

Pray for Dr. Root (Neurosurgeon) who is performing Russ’ spinal surgery on Monday. Pray for the Lord to guide Dr. Root’s amazing surgical hands, but most of all that the Lord Almighty’s Hands would be EVER SO present in guiding EVERY single move. May the Power of God rest upon the surgeon and the large medical team that will be in the room. It’s kind of ironic but Dr. Root looks like Clark Kent. So we pray for Superman to put on that cape on Monday that is guided by the Holy Spirit and do a MIGHTY work!!! Our special man gets to be worked on by a Superhero….Dr. Root and The Creator of the UNIVERSE!!!!!!

Praise that the ultrasound and CAT scan found no abscess or blood clots. And that even though Russ is on the vent he has had a very restful day.

Please continue to pray for Russ and his family. Please pray for Russ as his body fights, the infection in his lungs, and that he would be able to have full lung capacity. He is experiencing some lung collapse and they are using the vent to make sure he is properly oxygenated. He also needs prayer for the retention of fluid, which is exacerbating the issue with his lungs.

It is our hope that Donna is able to go home in the evenings shortly after 5 o’clock to spend time with the children. When visiting close to or after 5 o’clock, if you encounter Donna, please hug her then encourage her to go home. Donna needs rest as much as Russ.

Russ’s team of drs. just left, they were doing full assessment on everything. They are going to do a CT scan of his chest and abdominal area, to make sure there is nothing else going on that caused his respiratory event last night. 

They need to rule out specifically blood clot in lungs and abscess in abdominal area, out of precaution. He has been a bit tachycardic (heart rate high) since last night, so that is also leading them to look out of caution. Hopefully you know this already, but he has had feeling above his right knee, for few days when they assess him. When I just found that out, I began to ask questions about his bladder and bowel function outlook…

Also, he has lost a little weight that he gained since coming here, which tells them that his body is absorbing some of the fluid, without being given a diuretic, which is good news.

Praise:

Russell is much more comfortable with his breathing and they should be able to keep him still enough for the MRI today showing nerve outlook. Getting him comfortable is a win. Also his abdominal wound is healing very well.

The neurologist is still set on Monday for surgery in order to get him able to sit up and get his breathing better on his own.

Pray:

Please pray Russ would be able to remain calm and that the MRI shows the best possible scenario. Wisdom is needed for the team caring for him.

On the worst day, on the best day, and everything in between, God will use this for good.

We appreciate all of the visitors who want to pray over Russ and express support. Today he needs very little interaction so he doesn’t feel the need to try and communicate through the tube and get frustrated. You are welcome to come visit today but it may be only in the waiting room.

We are thankful for these opportunities to trust the LORD!

Russell was intubated again over night because he was not comfortable. He was tiring out too much.

The team did a Bronchoscopy and got a lot of mucous out.

He is more comfortable and sedated. The doctors are not sure how long he will be intubated.

He has Pneumonia-Infection on left lower lung and is getting antibiotics . He also had a fever .

This is such a Day by day analysis.

MRI may be today.

Please Pray! 🙏

The Lord is gracious and His mercies are new every morning so we pray for relief for Russell tonight. The doctors have adjusted medication and he’s currently on a BiPAP. If he does not do well then he will need to be intubated again. So we pray and hope this does not happen and that he gets some sleep tonight. Good night, friends and loved ones! You may never know how much we appreciate you and all you are doing on this side of heaven. Blessings, Donna

It was a rough day for Russ. He is experiencing pain and confusion. The doctors are adjusting his meds and protocols to help make him more comfortable.

Pray that he is more comfortable tomorrow and that he is able to get the MRI in preparation for Monday’s spine surgery.

Please continue to pray for Donna, and the children; Jacob, Adam, Kylie, Ben and Sarah as they try to navigate life with Russ in the hospital.

If you come to visit Russell please bring a brief, written note of encouragement, and/or Bible verse on any piece of paper or note card for quick reference when things get tough. These will serve as tangible reminders of your prayers and concern. ❤️

Currently he is experiencing tons of pain. Please pray!

Good morning my prayer warriors, I got to the hospital at 8 AM this morning. Even though Russ is more awake and with it today, he is struggling. He seems to be delirious, telling me things that did not happen. I have learned that this is called sundown syndrome for patients in the ICU struggle during the night, do not sleep, and are completely delirious. It was very difficult to see today. Please please pray for comfort and peace. The MRI is not happening today because he is on high flow oxygen and cannot get off of it. So we are taking it day by day. Please pray he gets sleep tonight. He needs little short naps during the day, but does need to be awake most of the time so he can sleep tonight. Pray that the night nurse gives him a break and he’s able to rest. I will be talking to them again later to make sure. The sooner he gets out of the ICU the sooner he can get more sleep, and his body can be regulated. But right now this is where he needs to be so just continue to pray for the Lord’s hand to be upon his body and give him rest. In Christ, Donna

Thank you so much for your continued prayers and lifting us up. I can say 100% that I feel I’m being carried by the Lord through the body of Christ. Don’t stop! Continued prayers for pain management. It’s interesting how in one moment he is loopy and imagining things and the next he is saying something completely coherent. He asked me when are we going home… I held it together and I said, “not today”. He said he doesn’t like the bed and makes his back hurt… I told him it’s not the bed even though I’m sure it’s not the most comfortable bed he’s ever been in. I told him he’s had a severe spinal injury.He doesn’t fully understand the extent of the trauma he has endured. He doesn’t understand that life may be different. He’s frustrated as expected. He remembers what happened, being terrified, and thinking he would die and then everything went white. So we continue to pour the love of Christ into him. We continue to surround him with encouragement, God‘s word, and godly fellowship. Through all of this, may the Almighty God be glorified!

Blessings, Donna

Sweet Reunion. Kylie and Adam are here. Russ was just give more pain meds bc his pain was intense. He said, “The ceiling panels are not supposed to be moving, are they?” We had a good laugh.

“Wait on the Lord, Be of good courage and He shall strengthen your heart, wait I say on the Lord!” Psalm 27:14

My sister in law shared the previous YouTube video. It is certainly a MUST listen to. May you be blessed.

March 19, 2025

Russell‘s tube has been taken out. He was confused at first. He’s starting to come around and talk and was asking questions on what happened, but now he is remembering. Please continue to pray as this is going to be a long recovery but we serve a great God! If you are a fellow believer in Christ, we will meet you in The Throne Room! If you do not know, Jesus as your personal Savior, reach out to us, and we will pray with you. God is a God of miracles! He is knocking at the door of your heart and using this gut wrenching situation to bring you to Him! Open your heart to Him ! Do not delay! He loves you and has a plan for you.

Our Great God: https://youtu.be/NscHCa395-M

I also wanted to add that he will be getting an MRI of his spine tomorrow and surgery for the spine is planned for Monday. Please please please pray that his nerves are intact and that it’s just inflammation and not permanent damage. We serve a great God!

Tuesday, March 18, 2025

We are crying out to God and we know that there are thousands of people praying for us! So thank you to all of you who have come alongside us to pray, make meals, take the kids, visit, and carry us in so many different ways. God is so good and we cannot do this without you!

They are beginning to take Russ off the ventilator, and he moved his right leg! Which is a miracle because he couldn’t move it after the accident. Although, we are not out of the woods yet at all, we are praising God for these miracles that he has given us. Please continue praying. Meeting you all in the Throne Room