Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Updates on My Parents - May 17th, 2016

Updates from May 17th:


3 hrs · 

Today has been good. After I posted about Dad's joke this morning, I was in Mom's room and sat on the end of the bed where her amputation is. "Ow! You're on my foot!" I jumped up panicked and she just started laughing. Needless to say, they are counting their blessings and taking it well. Mom and Dad got to spend most of the day together. The real story today though is Mom's progress. Today she has managed to brush her teeth standing up, walked out to the hall and back, got a 30 minute pass to wheel around the hospital (which she used for, you guessed it, the gift shop! Lol), and she started moving her knee about 45°. Mom and Dad are continuing to improve. God is so, so, so good. I'm going to try, when things slow down, to write some stuff about the situation and not just updates. If you struggle to see God in all of this, I assure you those writings will make his love dramatically clear! Keep up the prayers. We pray in thankfulness for your prayers. God bless you!



15 hrs · 

God's grace isn't an excuse to sin, but is a tool against the adversary.


Dad had a restless night, but he seems to be doing well this morning. At least his humor is: "Is it raining hard? If not, I may still go for a jog this morning." I went to go check on Mom and she was already out and being wheeled down to Dad's room. Looks like it'll be a good day. Keep up the prayers smile emoticon God is so good!

Monday, May 16, 2016

Updates on My Parents - May 16th, 2016

Here are the updates from today. Click on the times to visit the Facebook post.



1 hr ·

Good evening everyone. I'll start by saying it would be a lie if I said the last couple of days haven't been tough. However, it would also be a lie if I didn't tell you that the progress made in the last couple of days supersedes the previous. Mom and Dad have been worn out, they've been stressed out, but most of all, so many have been prayed out, and for that we cannot say thank you enough. Hearing of people praying multiple times daily, waking up in the night to pray, the tears shed, money sent, and the visits, cards, etc. have all been, without a doubt, the most humbling thing we have seen. Personally, I'm in awe of the love so many of you have shared. Thank you, thank you, thank you! To God be the glory.he has truly been glorified through these times.

Mom and Dad have decided to do rehabilitation here at Mission Hospital for several reasons. We anticipate another couple of weeks here, but we look forward to their great recovery, as they both have been doing great! Dad is getting more independent without the wound vac in his skin graft, and Mom is slowly able to do a lot more. She's having a little more trouble getting going as fast because she has more upper leg trauma and some back trauma, but she is pushing strong and both have GREAT attitudes!

It's funny how I've grown up and seen how strong my parents are, seen their marriage, and so on, but it's not until times like this I've truly seen how strong they are together. I pray that I will have a marriage in which my partner is so dedicated to me and where we find strength, as my parents do, in one another. I'm so thankful for my parents, and I'm beyond proud to call them my parents.

Now, I have a couple of pictures that I'll probably share tomorrow, but this is my end-of-the-day update and Bobbie Mackey Puckett challenged me to top last night's, so here you go (used without permission to post or to record lol):


Click Here for Video



13 hrs ·

God never gives up on us, let's never give up on God.


Mom and Dad both had restless nights, but they seem to be feeling alright this morning. Both of them are almost weaned off of pain meds simply because they hate them. Mom has had an x-ray on her back to see how her brace is helping. Dad and I are trying to handle the fun "business" side of things today. Please continue to pray and please pray things work out best for rehab and logistics in getting them home and back to their lives. Thank you! And please, please don't forget to thank God for how great they are doing!

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Updates on My Parents - May 15th, 2016

Updates from May 15th:


3 mins ·

A long and busy day is drawing to an end. I have no doubt that Mom and Dad are worn out, but I also, more than that, have no doubt the the King of kings and the Lord of lords is alive today. Their progress is just beyond anything I could have hoped for. Honestly, this morning was a little tough on both of them, but they both got to go to the cafeteria and then outside and spend the day together. As soon as all of this got to going their spirits transformed. They are so strong and I know that together they are even stronger, and with God they are strong enough to overcome whatever darts satan has thrown. Today has been long and probably exhausting, but today was a milestone; I pick-me-up; an awakening to their support and strength in one another. I could update you on progress.. Mom's transfers, Dad standing and brushing his teeth himself, but I want you to see this more than anything:






7 hrs ·

Guess who got to get out today....






14 hrs ·

The tough times help us appreciate the great times, and help us recognize the blessings and hope offered in Christ.


Happy Sunday. Mom was pretty restless last night and Dad slept fairly well. Both are getting tired of being in a bed, but both are still doing exceptionally well given the circumstances. Please continue to pray, as will I, and I hope you take the time to worship God in spirit and in truth this morning! He is worthy!

Here's a pic from yesterday. Both are worn out, but it was good to see friends.



Saturday, May 14, 2016

Updates on My Parents - May 14th, 2016

Updates (with links) from May 14th:



2 hrs ·

Today has been a good and busy day. Mom and Dad had several visitors :) You can really tell how much it encourages them. In terms of progress, Dad used the walker to go to the bathroom again and is using his left hand tremendously well. Mom was able to use her walker to go to the bedside toilet. She's really improving as well. Mom came to visit Dad earlier in the day and spent about an hour and a half. Then, Dad went to Mom's room for dinner. They're doing so well. Please continue to pray for them. I'm beyond thankful to God for his love and strength!




15 hrs ·

Humility is something God often finds ways to teach us. We should look to His Son for the best example.


Good morning! Mom and Dad slept well. One of the Drs. that helped in their surgeries (THE guy for amputations) came in and talked to them and redressed their legs. The healing just in the last 24 hrs has been good. I'll spare you the pictures, but they're looking better- still rough with a long way to heal, but better. The Dr. told them they need to be trying to straighten their legs and working the knee. Mom's upper leg injuries were pretty nasty, so she's a little behind Dad, but doing well. Dad, even after a knee reconstruction, is able to bend his knee. Oh, and he got up and went to the bathroom with his walker last night. I'm just simply amazed at God's grace and mercy!

Friday, May 13, 2016

Updates on My Parents - May 13th, 2016

Updates from May 13th - one week from the accident.


1 hr ·

Mom and Dad just had some time to themselves. Mom wanted to surprise Dad when she moved, but she was just too wore out by the time they got her up there and she had physical therapy earlier. 1900 rolled around and she was ready to go see him again, but they brought dad since.... They were cleaning out his room to move him to a bigger one that's closer to mom. They're hoping soon, mom can move closer to him. They're only a hallway from each other, so it's not too bad, but I know they want to be even closer. Here's some more good news from therapy: Dad walked about 6 feet and back with a walker. He is also able to use his bad arm a lot more than I anticipated. Keep up the prayers and God will keep being glorified!




3 hrs ·

I have a good report smile emoticon Mom got moved to the same floor as Dad. Not only that, but she was able to stand up (with the help of some machine thing-yeah, don't ask) in therapy. Dad has also continually improved. God is working so much in their lives. It's incredible how he cares for us and how he answers prayer. I'm telling you, if you do not believe- you should. This many details in my parents' favor and the Creator isn't watching? I'm calling bologna. God is so good!




13 hrs ·

Thank God it's Friday? Thank God we woke up to another day in His creation.


Mom is getting restless waiting to move up to Dad's floor. She's in a chair already this morning. Dad slept so good last night. They're both in pain and have their struggles, but it is so clear that prayers are being answered and God is watching over them. Keep praying and may God keep answering. Thank you!

Thursday, May 12, 2016

Updates on My Parents - May 12th, 2016

Posts from Thursday, May 12:



4 hrs ·

Alright.. I don't have their permission to do this, but oh well...

First, Dad is doing really well and Mom is also told that she is too good for ICU, so right now we are just waiting for a room on Dad's floor to open up and be available.

Second, Dad got to get in a wheel chair (with a little help) and I wheeled him down to Mom's room where we let them spend about an hour and a half alone together. smile emoticon

Third, the part I don't have permission for (at least not from both parties lol)... Take a look:


Is God not incredible?! A week ago I couldn't see them without being sick, and now they look this good.








12 hrs ·

Our own strength is nothing compared to our weakness made whole in Christ.


It was a good night. Aunt Paula Cherry Montgomery stayed with Mom and I stayed with Dad. Both slept well. Dad had a full breakfast and mom had a Heath bar. Both are doing well. Mom's voice is returning and she's a lot stronger. I'll share more when I get a chance. Thank you everyone!

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Updates on My Parents - May 11th, 2016


Here are my updates from today, May 11th, 2016.


8 mins ·

Sorry for such a late update. I've been on the phone, it seems, all day handling some business. First, I want to say WOW.. just WOW. I am so humbled, in every sense of the word, by our friends and family, and our community, who have supported us, prayed for us, and contributed to us. I'm an independent person and this has all been a lesson for me. Sometimes we need help, and it's okay to accept it. Thank you all for your love! My heart is in awe of it.


Now, for the update. Mom had an MRI on her back today. It was mainly just to make sure nothing was needed, operation-wise, for her fracture(s). I'm not yet sure on the results, but I'm optimistic and so are the doctors. Mom has been up and we've had several visitors. I can see such an improvement and encouragement when people are with her. Keep praying for her. We are hoping to get her out of ICU tomorrow; she's on a waiting list. Tonight they have her sleeping - which, if you know my mom, you know she doesn't sleep, so it's much needed.


Dad had a skin graft today, and is doing remarkably well. He is using his left hand minimally, but I can already tell it won't be long till he's using his arm moderately. He's doing really well and is pretty much his good ole self just in a bed.


Tonight Ali and I got the possessions that were in the hospital's security station and went through them. I'll spare you the details, but them being alive is even more incredible after seeing their clothes and some of the things they had with them. God is so good!


Please keep praying. We still have a long way to go, and heard that it may be about a month before we are able to move to a closer rehab facility. Thank you everyone.. sincerely, our family is so humbled.



11 hrs ·

People have been asking, and here it is; mom and dad's address for cards. Please share.

Jeff and Marcy Cherry
C/o Mission Hospital
509 Biltmore Avenue
Asheville, NC 28801



13 hrs ·

If all of life was easy God wouldn't have the opportunity to be glorified in times of trial.


Good morning. I stayed with Mom last night and John Heldreth stayed with Dad. Mom was kind of restless, but not too bad. She's just worried about everything and everybody. Dad did pretty well from what I hear. He looks a lot better. Mom has an MRI on her back today around noon to check a fracture or two, but they're not anything major compared to everything else. They are thinking they may just let it heal and give her a brace. Dad has surgery at about the same time. They will either see his arm up or do a skin graft from where the Dr. left it open to accommodate swelling. Keep praying!

Updates on My Parents - May 10th, 2016

Updates from May 10th:


23 hrs ·

We are all pretty tired, but I want to give you an update on how things are going.

Mom breathed on her own last night, and got her tubes out and off her sedative today. She's talking a little, but because she had them in so long it'll take a bit to get back to normal. She's already started therapy and was able to sit herself up. She's doing well, just worn out.

After a long night of fighting with me and trying to "break out" of his room, Dad started therapy as well and got in a chair. He's doing really well. Not much of a change on him.. Just improving and getting stronger.


I'll share a dialogue with you from right after mom got awake and got her tubes out:

*in mom's room*

Me: I heard Dad is up in a chair.

Surgeon: Yeah, man. He's a stud.

RN: You hear that Marcy? You married a stud 28 years ago. You're not too shabby yourself.

Mom: *smile*

Me: You're a stud too mom

RN: Y'all must have a stud farm over in Kentucky

Mom: *coughing and laughing hard*

.... Later with Dad....

Me: Dr. Kaufman called you a stud. *recounts story*

Dad: Well... There you go. You heard it from "the man."



Laughter, next to prayer and probably a few pain meds, is the best medicine.
God is good and he and all of you are blessing us! Thank you!



Yesterday at 7:24am ·

Being in the valley with God is better than being on the mountain top without Him.


I slept in dad's room again. We had a long night. He's been in a lot of pain. He's doing a little better right now. Mom was weaned off the ventilator last night. Keep praying! God is with us!

Updates on My Parents - May 9th, 2016

Theses are my Facebook posts from May 9th


May 9 at 8:29pm ·

It has been a LONG day; about 8-10 hours of surgery total. Both Mom and Dad have done excellent and the doctor says it went as well as they could have hoped. I want to give everyone the official update to hopefully clear up questions. We have been telling you what we deemed appropriate until we could determine how to say it and till we could be 100% certain for ourselves that what we say is fact, and we appreciate your respect and understanding. Thus, now that the surgery is over, here is what has happened today:

DAD:

Dad went into surgery early this morning. When he first arrived at the hospital they performed an emergency amputation on his left leg because the muscle was gone and the damage was so severe. They left it open in order to account for potential further muscle degradation and the possibility of needing to extend the amputation, and this morning they were able to close the amputation. Thankfully, the amputation was below the knee and remained where it was, so he should be able to walk fairly normal. They were able to rebuild the left knee and put a rod in his femur. His left forearm was shattered and they put a large plate in, and he is expected to have full usage of the arm. The arm has a cut in it still to help with swelling and he will go back in later this week to either sew it up or graft it. He's doing well; in pain, but doing well. He is supposed to start getting up and doing some therapy tomorrow.

MOM:

Mom has very similar injuries; all on the left side. She has a deep laceration almost the whole circumference of her thigh, removing some muscle tissue, and her pelvis is broken. She also has a fracture in a vertebra in the middle of her back. The pelvis should heal, and the vertebra is similar to a compression fracture, so it should be okay after some healing time. The laceration has been cared for and will need to heal. In surgery, they pinned her broken hand (nearly every major bone) and it's now elevated. They anticipate that after some therapy and fighting stiffness that she will have full use of it. They placed the same kind of rod in her femur as Dad's. Her ankle and foot received so much damage (missing bone, tissue, and muscle) that it was not salvageable, but she received a below the knee amputation as well in order for her to have a functional leg and be able to walk fairly normal and it is slightly lower than Dad's. Mom is in her room recovering right now, and we are hoping to get her extubated and off of the ventilator tomorrow. They want her on it tonight just to keep her strong through the night.


This has been very traumatic and life changing, but we are so thankful to God that both of them are still here. God was watching over them and he is in the healing process. Please keep praying! Thank you so much everyone for the prayers, and thank you for the love and support that you've given and continue to give us!



May 9 at 3:19pm ·

Forgot my quote:

When God proves himself, we shouldn't be afraid to commit our trust to him.


Mom just left for surgery. Send up some prayers. The hospital let us all go in and have a family prayer. This hospital has been such a blessing to us. God proved himself with Dad. Let's pray and put our trust in him for Mom.

Dad is in his room in a lot of pain, recovering though. He looks so good!



May 9 at 2:21pm ·

Dad has been out of surgery for about an hour now. We are waiting for him to come out of recovery. The doctor said things went beautifully and better than he hoped. Mom will go in soon. Thank God! He is so good!



May 9 at 5:51am ·

I'm sitting with Dad in pre-op. He's good, just tired and on some meds. He should be going in shortly. Say a good prayer for their surgeries today. Mom's will begin around lunchtime.

Updates on My Parents - May 8th, 2016

I posted these updates on May 8th, via Facebook, about my parents.


May 8 at 10:20pm ·

Well... I am thankful to God that I was able to worship Him today, that I still had Mom to spend Mother's Day with, and that my mother (and us) still has her husband.

Today Dad got moved to a different room, a less "severe" room. The nurses have been SO incredible and they pushed Dad's bed into her room to see her, so we had a family Mother's Day smile emoticon

Dad is awake and eating and doing alright aside from quite a bit of pain. Mom is still sedated, but has been responsive. Both go into surgery tomorrow early; Dad first, then Mom. They expect them to improve dramatically after surgery; including Mom being able to be more awake. The surgeries will be focused on fixing some breaks in their legs and arms. Neurologically and internally they are both sound and doing great.


I ask that you please refer to the family's posts before telling anything. I know it's hard not to talk because it's on everyone's minds, but out of respect for our family, please keep it to what you know and nip what you don't. We are so thankful and overwhelmed by everyone's love and care- the calls and messages - the cards already - everything.. we are amazed by how much support everyone has given us. God has blessed us! Please keep praying! God is incredible.



May 8 at 7:24am ·

There is a Balm much greater than physical ailment, but a Balm in Gilead, the Christ. The one who overcomes the world!


Good morning and happy Mother's Day. Mom and dad did great overnight. Mom's more alert and dad is doing about the same (really well). Praise God!

Updates on My Parents - May 7th, 2016

I posted these updates concerning my parents on May 7th, 2016 via Facebook.



May 7 at 9:26pm ·

I'm getting to recline next to Pops and watch TV with him. He had a couple bites of jello today and is doing really well. He's cracking jokes like the Jeff we know. Mom's still sedated, but her BP and HR are good and she responded to Aunt Patti and I. Both are strong and pushing forward. Keep praying and I have faith he will keep answering. The Creator the universe cares enough about us to hear your prayers and take care of our family. How humbling!



May 7 at 2:44pm · Grassy Fork, TN ·

Dad is awake and off of the ventilator. Uncle Jimmy and I went to get mom and dad's things from their hotel in Gatlinburg, so I haven't seen him yet, but from what I've been told he's doing really well. I ask that you please don't ask for further details. I know many are concerned, and we will update you as we can and feel appropriate. Thank you!



May 7 at 10:14am ·

God's protection doesn't necessarily mean nothing happens, but that he is with you that you might overcome what happens.


Good morning. No serious update. Mom and dad are doing reasonably well and are sedated. Both have responded to us through the night for a short moment. Keep praying. Thank you!



May 7 at 12:12am ·

We have been at the hospital a little while now. Both mom and dad are pretty rough, but the care here is excellent and they should be good in the long run. It will be a long process, but God and the love so many have shown us will get us through it. We will be here for a while for surgeries and care but I'll try to keep everyone posted as I can. If I don't respond to your messages it's not because I don't care. We are just overwhelmed. Keep praying and thank you so much for the love and prayers. God is incredible.

Updates on My Parents - May 6th, 2016

These are the Facebook updates I posted on May 6th regarding my parents.


May 6 at 7:17pm · Franklin Hill, TN ·

Mom is in ICU recovering from surgery. She has a thing on her leg to try to stabilize it. Dad is in surgery now. Both are stable. Thank you for the prayers!



May 6 at 4:56pm · New Middleton, TN ·

We were going to try to keep it quiet till we got there, but everyone seems to know already. Ali Cherry and I (with Nani and Grand Dad behind us-John Heldreth) are headed to Asheville, NC. Mom (Marcy Heldreth Cherry) and Dad were in a motorcycle accident. A car crossed into their lane and hit them head on. They each have a broken leg, dad might have two, and he has a broken arm. It's serious, but they're both stable. Mom is in surgery and dad is next. I will try to keep you updated, but we really don't know a whole lot and probably won't till we get there.


Please pray for them and the doctors, and for our family. Also give a prayer of thanksgiving to God for protecting them from what could have been so much worse.