Sun., June 7, 2009, Memphis, TN., Ronald McDonald House, 4:26 a.m., D.S.T.~

Dear Journal~

It's just me, Louisiana, writing.  Still keyed up about yesterday; can't sleep; too shocked, for one thing.

Just yesterday, Kendra's daughter, Holly, woke up from her coma; it has been nothing but miraculous.  When she started responding, and her eyes flew open, everyone started crying. 

It was from God; God meant for this to happen.

When I saw her Friday, lying so still in that hospital bed, tubes hooked up to her everywhere, my heart sank.  I surely thought that this was the end; I was ready to say my goodbyes to Holly.  Then yesterday morning, her vital signs picked up, as did her brain activity, and she emerged from her lengthy coma.

Holly was in this coma for the past two weeks.  It was very much touch and go for a while.

Of course, Holly couldn't talk (due to the vent in her mouth), but she squeezed the doctor's hand when he checked in on her, and moved her limbs upon command.  It was very encouraging to see. 

I wish you could have seen the look of relief on Kendra when the doctor told her that Holly emerged from her coma:  it was like Christmas morning, the fourth of July, and the Second Coming all rolled up into one.  Her face radiated such joy!

Suddenly Kendra didn't look so old.  She looked years younger, as though a great weight had lifted off her shoulders.  It was wonderful!!

I called Bill, then called our church; I am sure there is a lot of celebrating going on!  I'm sure that there are going to be a lot of happy people in Nashville today!  :)

No doubt today at church, Pastor Bilkey will be in a much better frame of mind when he preaches, and there will be an awesome testimony to share with the congregation!  I am sure the congregants will explode in praise for a Saviour who still provides miracles today!

As I write this, Kendra is slumbering in her bed; she is, for the moment, at peace.  She has been having blinding headaches for the last few weeks; seems that the crisis facing Holly only aggravated it.  Seems that her shunt is in need of replacement; she will probably have surgery in the next few weeks.

Kendra, as you know, was born with spina bifida.  She gets her shunt replaced every so often when it wears out its usefulness or if problems develop.  It's all part of the game of life for those who have spina bifida.

I know what it's like; several of my own children live with this condition:  Deborah, Andre', Bjorn.  They've had to have their shunts replaced before; it's not easy, but they've sailed through their surgeries like the troupers they are.

When I see that they are having headaches or trouble seeing, or even having a seizure, I know it's time to get them to the doctor, tout suite!  And this is usually what Dr. Emmons, their primary caregiver, discovers:  a blocked (or leaky) shunt.  Then it's off to the hospital for them.

When they have their surgeries, they're usually in for three to five days, possibly a week or so; then they're home, where they continue their recovery.

Sometimes I swear I live more at the hospital then at my very own house:  between working, the situation currently going on with my friend, or the times Bill, papere', or any number of the kids have been hospitalized, whiling away the hours in a hospital setting is very familiar territory for me.

I am sure the staff jokes that I need my very own personalized sleeping area, with my name above it, whenever I visit one of my kids or my father!  LOL  (Or friends!)

Preferably an area with sound-proof walls, so I can get some needed rest!  LOL

I have seen quite a few of Kendra's family here; they all look just about as worn out as their mama.  And the littler kids don't really understand the seriousness of the situation; then poor Michael or any number of the older kids have to stay with them, keep them calm, keep them entertained.  They are suffering, too, along with Kendra and Michael.

We even saw Rebekkah and her family; they are just as concerned.  After all, they are very close friends to the Kents.  They look pretty good.

We are at the Ronald McDonald House not far from St. Jude's; it's nice.  It's like a home away from home; entire families can stay here.  We have one near Nashville Mem; I've really never stayed in one because I've usually slept at the hospital when my family member has been in the hospital. 

Maybe next time a crisis comes up, I can opt to stay at the Ronald McDonald House.  (I pray a crisis doesn't come for a very long time, or, preferably, never!!)

Well, I am going to go to sleep now, join Kendra in Dream-Land.  Getting awfully sleepy all of a sudden.  I will write in here again soon, with another update on Holly's recovery from her (former) comatose state.  Hopefully, things will continue to go well; I pray that they do! 

Until you hear from me again, this is Louie Sandusky saying take care and may God bless you!  Please continue to pray for Holly, Kendra, Michael, and the rest of the Kent bunch!  They (and I) would greatly appreciate it!  Thank you in advance!

~Love, a very relieved Louie Sandusky.  :D  *BIG grins*