WOW! Thank you!

Hello friends.

Thank you so much for the overwhelming abundance of messages on this page. Your prayers and positive vibes for Dean are so appreciated by myself, Mitchell, McKenna & Brett, but also Dean's parents, Dean's siblings, my parents and my siblings. I knew Dean was a popular guy, but WOW! We are overwhelmed by your kindness. I have shared with him how much he is loved, and I can see the gratitude in his eyes.

So, in a nutshell, Dean has a severe spinal cord injury. All we know at this time is Dean will lose the mobility in his neck. None of his injuries are easy. He experienced an incredible amount of trauma to his neck and back. He does not have any brain damage. Dean's body needs time to heal and although we are experiencing some weird things that are hard to comprehend, the doctors assure me they have seen it all. The surgeons, doctors, nurses and other staff are incredible here at Sanford. Dean is being very well taken care of. I am so happy with his care so far.

Today is a big day! Dean will get a temporary trach inserted. He has been intubated and sedated at various levels since the surgery. This will continue but make it easier to come off the vent. He will also receive a feeding tube rather than the tube he's had through his nose to get nutrition. This is very exciting! We will be able to see his entire handsome face (Yay!), and Dean will be able to communicate. Dean is trying so hard to communicate, and cannot because of the tubing. He gets agitated, as anyone would.

This trach is also necessary for him to go to rehab. We have made the decision to go to Craig when the time comes. If all goes as planned, Dean will be in Sanford until he moves to Craig.

I'm sorry if I appear vague, and haven't posted much. It's been a lot, and the important details are what I will share with you. I'm sure I'll update you all again following the trach surgery.

Keep the prayers coming. I read them all to Dean. Thank you!

P.S. My friend, Kim Linster, sends me a prayer each day, and here is one:

Dear Heavenly Father. We come before you today with glorious praise for your son, Jesus, wo died on the cross for us. Proof that through the blood of Jesus, by HIS stripes, we are healed. What a promise. We expect this promise with Dean. What a winner and a fighter Dean is and we joyfully wait for this miraculous healing. Let every day bring good news. We command his angels to provide him healing continually, whatever is needed each day, he is healed and protected. We again expect words to come from Dr's and nurses - "Wow! We've never seen a healing like this", we know its you God. You've done it before. Do it again in Dean. Send healing power and rejuvente all of his cells, ligaments, tendons, muscles and bones in his body. Keep all complications away. Send strength and peace to him as well. Let these prayers be raised to you in Jesus' healing and powerful name. Thank you Lord for goodness, and your mercy is new ever everyday.