From his mother’s heart...

From his mother’s heart:

Brett had a wonderful time at his birthday party at 29 Dreams - as did we all. Thank you again Tim and Kathy L. for everything. Brett was not in much pain if any. I would like to thank all of you who came to be with him. I know some of you would like to have come but just could not make it, but I thank you for your thoughts. Many of you brought gifts for Brett and we were all grateful for that (although it was not necessary) we thank you all. He received some really nice shirts, money, gift cards, peanuts, cards, and I don’t even know what else. Some of the cards were hilarious! His aunt Beverly even bought him a new motorcycle (need I mention it was a toy motorcycle). I would especially like to thank Mr. Will Ratliff and his sweet wife Carolyn for coming by the party. That meant so much to all of us.

Brett has been feeling so good lately, but it seems that the rain upsets his comfort. Last night, at the weekly FBR meeting, he was in a lot of pain. Usually if he feels bad he can hide it. But last night he hurt so badly he could not pretend that he didn’t. He could not hold his head up, but I told him that his friends understood. He had driven us out there, but I had to drive us home as the tears rolled down my cheeks. The next morning the ground was wet so we figured it must have been the coming of the rain that affected his pain level.

God is so good to always give us what we need even before we ask it of him. I just feel the need to share some of the ways God has blessed us. (These are not in any particular order).

1. Before Brett’s accident, God sent Mark C. to talk to Brett about a different career choice.
2. He led us to a church where the Pastor and the people truly have a heart for others. Our pastor, Donald Jennings, came to the hospital the night of the accident and stayed with us until about 3:00 in the morning. He was the first one back the next morning with a basket full of goodies. If ever we needed a pastor to sit with us and pray with us it has been through all of this. Keep in mind that he and his wife had just had their third son. Needless to say a huge thank you to his wife, Laura, for letting him minister to us at this time in their lives!
3. In January, God gave me the desire to read my Bible through in a year. (That has helped me so much!)
4. He had Brett to become friends with Dr. John O. a super guy – not to mention a friend of the Chief of Staff at UAB.
5. He had Dr. Alonso (the best orthopedic surgeon in B’ham) to be the doctor to operate on Brett. He also had many other very good doctors and nurses to care for Brett while he was in the hospital.
6. David was on his way to New Jersey and God saw to it that he was able to catch a flight back to B’ham within about 30 minutes.
7. God arranged for us to be able to stay in the hotel next to UAB the whole time Brett was in the hospital. Because of family, friends, and our church we never had to pay for one night!
8. He spread word quickly to so many friends and family the night of the accident that Stacey and I did not have to sit alone in the waiting room. We were surrounded by many friends that first night and every day and night after.
9. He gave me my dear friend Candice and her daughter, Emily, who came to my house and cleaned it from top to bottom and washed all of our clothes and brought clean ones back to us at the hospital. She and her husband also own a medical company and they brought Brett a TENS unit late one Friday night.
10. He gave us friends and family who brought food, snacks, change, magazines, lotion, antibacterial lotion and wipes, toothpaste and toothbrushes, etc., etc., etc., to the hospital for us.
11. He gave us our friends the Rays who have called or sent cards everyday to let us know that they are still praying for Brett. Many of our friends continue to call and check on Brett as well.
12. He made us to be financially sound enough that I do not have to work.
13. He placed David in a company that has a wonderful owner and great people to work with. (The company also has great medical benefits - thank the Lord for that!)
14. He gave us friends that would help us and support us through these tough times.
15. He gave Brett a very strong will. (It was hard to deal with when he was young.)
16. He gave us as parents the kind of love for Brett that is unshakeable.
17. He gave Brett a sister that loves him dearly.
18. He has opened doors to the world of prosthetics that we had no idea existed.
19. God has opened a door with a fitness club for Brett to work with Chris L. (owner and great guy) who is a personal trainer. His business is not just a business – it is a ministry.
20. God gave Brett a great attitude. (When he is hurting, it is hard to see.)
21. He gave Brett his life!

Brett lived through this horrible accident. With his brachial plexus torn and his nerves ripped, his collar bone, clavicle, and scapula removed, his arm gone, and even some of the muscle in his chest removed, Brett survived! Brett lived to celebrate his 18th birthday! Through doctors, nurses, friends, and prayers of saints, God gave us this great blessing!

God gave us all the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, His Son. May we all always be mindful of how good God is.

There are so many other things that God has done for us – so many that I have probably forgotten most of them by now. God led our pastor to preach a sermon that was so hard to hear, but so needed in our lives. You can listen to this sermon – it is probably one that everyone needs to hear.

http://www.sermonaudio.com/search.asp?SourceOnly=true&currSection=sermonssource&keyword=donaldjennings&keywordDesc=Park+Avenue+Baptist+Church
Look for the (May 6th sermon).

I never thought I would see so many of God’s truths become so real in my life, but my ways are not His ways and my thoughts are not His thoughts. Praise God for that! I am so thankful that He is in control.

God Bless You All!
Coleen

Update of May 20th, 2007

May 20, 2007

Dear Friends and Family,

Since my last update, Brett celebrated his 18th birthday, began a weekly workout routine, hit golf balls on the driving range, bowled left handed and shot pistols and a rifle.

Brett continues to make good progress although he is still battling the pain. He has not let this slow him down and the pain intensity has been reduced. I remain encouraged as God shows us daily His grace towards us. We still occasionally wrestle with the grief and anger but mostly we celebrate life. Brett is an inspiration to us all.

Brett has now been fitted for a prosthetic arm and we hope that he will begin wearing this sometime in June. (The prosthetic profession is a fascinating combination of creativity, engineering and physiology.) On June 4th, we will be visiting the Shriner’s hospital in Greenville, SC., where Brett may be eligible for another specialized prosthetic device.

We are traveling to San Francisco on Wednesday for a family getaway and to visit a right arm amputee that has a left handled controlled Honda Hawk motorcycle.

I appreciate everyone’s continued interest and concern for Brett and our family. Keep praying for pain relief and strength for all.