University of Tennessee

Today was a day that just a few months ago was unimaginable. Jason's prognosis the beginning of April was that he would have to stay home, not be able to live out on his own, and have to take a reduced school load. Today he's living in Knoxville - far from home - and taking a full course load.

He's been off the nerve medication for three weeks. Jason feels nerve pain about ten times a day, but it is not unbearable. The good thing is he now has more stamina and no longer requires his daily afternoon nap.

Sunday we went to church in Knoxville with Kevin and Jason. At the end of the service, Kevin introduced Jason to a Campus Crusade staff member. Ryan said to Jason, "I know you. I was living in Sweden last year and we prayed for you."

Wow! We will never know the vast number of people who prayed for us, but we are so grateful and pray that God will bless each one.

I don't think I ever wrote this part of the story in the blog: Two days after the tornado Nurse Shay came into Jason's hospital room to take him to dialysis. We had been up for 48 hours at this point and I was about to lose it. She came across the room, wrapped her arms around me, began quoting Scripture and praying. Day after day she took care of Jason and told us what we could do for him when we were taking care of him. When Jason's dialysis schedule changed from daily to every other day, she would come and check on him on the off days. The last day Jason was in the hospital Nurse Shay came to his room to remove the port from Jason's neck. She told us that in 1992 her baby was 13 years old. He died in a tornado. Jason was her healing process.

It's just amazing how God knits our lives together to meet each other's needs!

Brain MRI

Today Jason had an MRI of his brain and the doctor reported to us that his brain has completely healed! Even when looking at the MRI from March and knowing the exact areas involved, there is no evidence of anything wrong. Praise the Lord!

Over the next seven weeks Jason will be gradually tapering off the nerve medication. If at any point the pain kicks back in, he can go back up but we're hoping that when he leaves in August he'll just be on the seizure medication.

Jason has been experiencing twitching all over his body. The doctor explained to us that there is nothing to worry about. This just has to do with his muscles healing.

Jason's left foot is much hairier than the right one. This has been caused by the pain syndrome. Also, the coloring of this foot is different than his right foot. This too is pain syndrome-related.

We are still working on the flexibility of the left ankle and Jason is faithfully exercising and regaining his strength. He's enjoyed victories in tennis, ping pong and golf in the past week.

Jason is taking an English class at a community college. We felt this would be good preparation for taking a full schedule at UT in the fall.

Jason is looking forward to going away to school in August and being able to drive again in September. Two more milestones on the long list of accomplishments already realized.

Thank you so very much for all your prayers and the many ways so many of you have reached out to our family in the past several months. Please continue to pray that the pain syndrome would completely burn itself out, that the nerves will fully regenerate (as Jason is still dealing with minor pain along the inside of his left foot and decreased feeling sensation in the same area and parts of his left leg), that Jason will do fine without the nerve medication, that Jason will experience the peace of God when storms come his way and that his move to Knoxville and classes there will go well.

Last Physical Therapy

It's been two weeks since Jason has been to therapy and the increase in his strength is impressive. All the hours in the gym and exercising at home have proved to be very valuable. The main item yet to work on is the flexibility of Jason's left ankle. Scar tissue or adhesions may have developed there during the several weeks of horrible nerve pain when we couldn't even touch Jason's foot. This joint has to be manually manipulated by someone other than Jason to improve the flexibility and break through any adhesions that may be there.

Mike came in from playing tennis with Jason and he was mad. He said, "I thought I'd have an advantage over him longer than this!" We are so thankful for the rapid progress Jason has made over the past six weeks.

It appears Jason has become somewhat claustrophobic from this experience. He also anxiously aware of stormy conditions.

June 17th he'll have another MRI to see if Jason's brain has healed. That day the doctor will also examine Jason concerning the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and decide if it's time to start backing off of some of the nerve pain medicine.

Thank you so very much to all of you faithful prayer warriors. One of my Bible study friends told me how passionately she's been praying for Jason. She can related because she's a young woman who suffers from MS. She used to walk with a cane, but now can walk on her own. She prayed for "crumbs" of God's power for her healing and she prayed with the same passions for "crumbs" for Jason's healing.

Please continue to pray the the CRPS will completely go away, the brain will completely heal, there will be increased flexiblity in the ankle and for Jason to be able to deal with his fears of storms and tight places.

Tennis Anyone?!

Jason has been diligently working to regain his strength and flexibility, especially in his left ankle. He continues to go to therapy, work out at the gym, do exercises at home and hit the tennis courts as often as someone is available to play with him.

Over Mother's Day Weekend, Kevin was home and the guys got out a couple of times to play. Then at therapy that next week, Jason told his therapist areas of concern he has in being able to play tennis like he used to be able to do. She worked with him during his therapy session to re-learn how to run side to side and change direction in an instant. She explained to Jason how he has to deliberately think through what used to come naturally. He also worked on jumping up using just his left foot. It's so exciting to think he's progressed so far from learning how to walk again to fine tuning his tennis footwork!

Thursday we headed to Knoxville for orientation at UT. We also spent a few days there so we could see Kevin and his girlfriend, who are both working this summer in Knoxville.

At the end of April, Mike, Debbie and Kevin signed up to play volleyball this summer. At that time we didn't think Jason would be physically able to join us. A couple of weeks later we found out that Kevin won't be here. We called and had Jason added to our roster in Kevin's place. It's amazing the progress he's made is such a short amount of time!

When Jason was in a lot of pain we were amazed at how the threat of storms really didn't seem to bother him. Now that he doesn't have the distraction of being miserable, stormy weather and news stories about weather-related catastrophies are much more difficult for him to handle.

Thank you for the many, many prayers on our behalf. God has been so good to us. Please continue to pray that the pain syndrome and the bruise on his brain would completely heal. Also, especially when the weather is bad, please remember to pray for Jason to have the peace of God during inclement weather.

Sooooo Much Improvement and Good News!

For about the past week Jason has been sleeping through the night. As of Saturday, he's also kicked the afternoon nap habit.

This past Saturday Mike, Jason and Steven headed to the tennis courts. Jason was able to return shots hit to him as Mike and Jason played against Steven.

Then Sunday the boys went out in the backyard and tossed the baseball around.

Monday Jason drove for the first time in three months. Jason and Debbie handed out drinks at a school fund-raising golf outing. (It will be four more months before Jason can drive a car.)

Jason frequently works out at the gym and at home. He's gained 6 pounds of pure muscle! Today he did his gimp-style of running making it 1/4 of a mile.

We went to the doctor this afternoon. She was so pleased to see his progress. The last time she saw him, just four weeks ago, he was wearing his brace, using crutches, not sleeping well, still in significant pain and really bummed out. Today he can walk almost normally, was able to be touched and poked by the doctor and has good strength in holding his foot up. The muscle just below the ankle bone towards the toe that allows your big toe to pull up and to turn your foot inside is very weak. His foot still shows mild symptoms of the Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, which is being controlled by 2400mg of Neurontin. June 17th we'll see his seizure doctor who will examine him and determine if he's made enough progress by then to start weaning him off the Neurontin.

Jason got the big news he was hoping for, he will be able to go to the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in August.

Thank you so much for your prayers. Please continue to pray that the CRPS will completely go away and that the bruise on his brain will heal.

A Trip to the Zoo

Tuesday Jason and Debbie went to the Memphis Zoo. It was a beautiful afternoon. Jason was able to walk for an hour and a half -- and then he was exhausted!

Monday at physical therapy, Jason was interviewed for the ABC TV station in Jackson. Three students, Cheryl, Matt and Jason, will be featured this coming Sunday, Monday and Tuesday everning.

Jason therapists said that his quads and hamstrings appeared to be about back to the same strength as his right leg. He's also gained two more degrees of movement in the ankle (five more to go). The strength of his calf is now the focus. Jason stood on his left leg and tossed a weighted ball into a trampoline and then caught it. His therapist had to stabilize him at his waist. Jason's almost able to stand on his left leg without holding on to anything. In order to run you also need to be able to push up to the ball and toes of your foot, that's yet to come.

Our insurance declined our request to extend Jason's number of physical therapy treatments, so we'll go just once a week for the next three weeks to stretch out our time there.

Now that Jason is getting stronger, we'll be going to the gym so he can use the machines there to get his workout

Thank you so much for all your prayers. Please continue to pray for complete healing. Jason is really looking forward to being able to run and play tennis.

Great week!

Jason has had a great week! He's walking slowly without using the brace or crutches and walking more normally and smoothly each day.

This past weekend we went to Arkansas for Steven's basketball tournament. Jason went with us and did well walking around and being able to sit with his foot in a dependant position for extended lengths of time. Saturday afternoon we left Jason in the hotel room to take his customary afternoon nap.

At physical therapy on Monday, Jason worked out on an eliptical machine for five minutes. He still needs to get 5 more degrees of movement with his left ankle (pulling up his toes towards his knee). He also needs to concentrate on increasing the strength of his foot when turning the toes inward and outward.

Tuesday we had an appointment with Jason's seizure doctor. It's been a month since he has seen Jason and was so pleased with his progress. Last month he couldn't even touch Jason's foot, now he can move his foot all around, test his foot strength and test it with different touches and stimulation. The skin on his big toe is very dry. This is due to the nerves not completely functioning as they used to. He also doesn't have feeling on the side of this toe. We will have another MRI in the summer to see if the brain bruise is healed.

Please pray that Jason will know God's will for him for this coming fall school semester. For his healing, please continue to pray for the strength and flexibilty to increase in his left ankle, the nerves to completely heal and the bruise in his brain to completely heal.

Bye, Bye Crutches!

Today we stowed away the crutches. Jason's physical therapist told him to concentrate on walking normally; heel, ball, then push off with his toes. She told him to put away the crutches and just walk slowly. Wow! Does he look good!

Yesterday Jason and Debbie went to the hospital and visited with Matt Kelley and his parents. Matt was about to go to surgery to have his last two incisions taken care of. It was so nice to meet them and share stories of what we've been through during the past 10 weeks. They are hoping Matt gets to go home on Friday.

Since Mike had today off to celebrate the end of tax season, he was able to go to therapy with Jason.

Jason now talks about his foot as having discomfort. He no longer describes it as pain!

Thank you so much for praying for Jason and our family. Please continue to pray for the nerves to completely heal, for the pain syndrome to burn itself out, the brain bruise to heal and his strength and agility to return.

Evening Stroll

Sunday night Mike, Debbie and Jason went outside for a walk. Once Jason got down the driveway to the street, Mike took his one crutch. Jason walked past two houses to the north of our house and back to our house. Then to the left around the corner and past a couple of houses and back again. That was about 1200' of walking for the first time without crutches!

Today Jason went to the gym and walked two laps around the track. That's 1/4 of a mile!

He only uses the crutches around the house when he's not wearing shoes for support.

We are so excited to see this progress!

Thank you for praying and please keep on!

Two Doctor Appointments

Yesterday we went to see two of Jason's doctors for follow-up visits.

First we was the doctor who did the sympathetic nerve blocks. He told Jason that he felt the nerve blocks were 50-60% successful. Since it's been two weeks since he's seen Jason, he was pleased to see the progress he's making with less pain, foot movement and being able to touch it.

He told Jason that treating RSDS/CRPS is very difficult, but much more effective if treatment begins early -- which it has for Jason. He wants Jason to do therapy in lukewarm and cool water baths for his foot, exercising while in the water.

Then we went to see his primary care doctor. She had Jason walk a few feet without his crutch. At first he was keeping most of his weight on his right foot, but after she pointed that out to him he walked much more balanced. She too was very pleased at the progress of his movement of the ankle, toes, being able to put pressure on his foot and having relief from some of the pain. She said that when we meet with another doctor in two more weeks that he could increase the nerve pain medication at that time.

She's consulted with another doctor (who examined Jason and identified the RSDS/CRPS last time and commented that this may never go away) who said that RSDS/CRPS could stick around with a young man like Jason for 6-9 months and then burn itself out. I'm sure the time frame didn't please Jason, but the thought that the pain syndrome could go away was music to my ears!

Jason did get plenty of bad news. Mike asked the doctor about next school year. The doctor said we shouldn't even be considering letting him be far from home, she wouldn't even recommend Union University -- just one hour from home. She also said he should plan on not taking an ambitious schedule.

We did get another medication for Jason's sad eyes.

Please continue to pray for the nerves and brain bruise to completely heal, for his ankle to regain strength and flexibility, for Jason's muscles to rebuild and for the pain syndrome to completely go away.

SLEEP!

Jason has begun to get a lot more sleep. We are now making him go upstairs and sleep in his bed. This is better for him because he's not waking up when Mike leaves and again when Steven leaves.

Jason has been working on straightening his leg and putting a sock on his left foot. He can put some pressure on his left foot and at times can get around with just one crutch (when the pain lets up).

After exercising a lot, Jason irritated tendons around the ankle area. He has to give them a rest so that they can heal, but he can still do most of his muscle strengthening exercises.

Please pray that his left ankle regains the strength and flexibility it once had. Also continue to pray for the nerves to completely heal and for Jason to focus more on the answers to prayer, how well he's doing and the progress he's made, rather than the remaining healing and unknown time frames for having everything back to normal.

Diminishing Pain!

Finally the pain is much more tolerable! Jason still has pain, but it's not excruciating 24/7. He was up four times during the night last night, getting one three-hour chunk of sleep and another 2-hour period.

Yesterday at therapy he worked for 1 3/4 hours and now has a whole repertoire of exercises to do. Every muscle on his left side form his waist on down needs to be strengthened for him to be able to walk correctly again.

Jason is also focusing on putting his left leg in a dependent (down) position much more.

This morning Jason made the decision to withdraw from school for this semester. He's just missed way too much to realistically think he could catch up in the next few weeks.

God has been working on our hearts and growing all of us through this time. Thank you prayer warriors. Please continue to pray for complete healing of Jason's nerves and restored ability to fully use his left leg so that he can once again be able to play tennis.

Hope in a Specific Diagnosis and Medication

The neuro-surgeon described Jason's crush injury to the nerves in his legs as causalgia (Greek for burning pain). He told us the specific medication that will allow Jason to tolerate the pain, unfortunately it will take about a week and a half to ramp up to the dosage he needs to take.

This problem is also referred to as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

We were also given the suggestion by one of his doctors for another sleep aid to give Jason. The first night we saw some benefit and the second night, although interpreted by several pain episodes, he got so much more sleep!

Jason is trying to put a sock on his foot more and to put more pressure on the sole of his foot.

There appears to be nerve injury to the sciatic nerve above his left knee by/in his hamstring.

Jason had planned to go to his high school today to work on chemistry experiments with his high school chemistry, but he was in too much pain. This next week we may make a decision on whether to withdraw from school this semester for medical reasons.

Please pray for wisdom to make school decisions, for the nerve to completely heal and for the pain to quickly diminish.

Another Doctor

Since physical therapy on Tuesday, we've been stimulating Jason's foot with different clothes and objects (never know what you might use a silicone pastry brush!). Then later in the day his foot just throbbed. We were afraid we had over-stimulated it, but the doctor assured us that movement and touching it are very important to do for it's recovery.

The pain is definitely back to a 10 and now we can't find anything to relieve it. We're using Capzasin cream to try and minimize the pain and even tried warm wraps (which before Jason couldn't tolerate at all). We had had success in dunking Jason's foot in a bowl of ice water and give it a good shock. Absolutely nothing is helping. Tuesday night, Wednesday all day and last night were again miserable.

Today we are going to see a neuro-surgeon.

Please pray for healing and especially for Jason's emotional and mental health. Please pray that the doctors will come up with a plan that works to make his pain tolerable.

Second Nerve Block

Monday Jason had another sympathetic nerve block. That day Jason didn't notice much improvement, other than being able to straighten his leg occasionally. He did sleep much better Monday night, getting a four-hour chunk of sleep and a couple two-hour stretches!

Today we went to physical therapy. Jason needs to touch his foot with different objects and different fabrics to de-sensitize his foot. This will help the nerve in sending messages back to the brain and not leaving them out there dangling on the foot and shooting off like fireworks. She also gave him exercises to do to strengthen his ankle, hamstring and quads on his left leg. That way when the nerve pain subsides and he can bear weight on the leg, some of those other muscles can already be somewhat strengthened.

Please pray for the nerve pain to subside quickly and eventually for the nerve to completely heal. Please also pray for Jason's emotional and mental well being.

Sleepless Nights Continue

Jason's overnight pain continues to be awful. Two nights ago we considered taking him to the hospital. Surely they could give him something that would allow him to sleep.

After consulting with the doctor on Friday, we tried giving Jason twice as much Oxycodone at bedtime. She felt this would certainly knock him out. After taking that with three different nerve pain medications, his seizure med and Ambien, he still couldn't fall asleep for over an hour until 6am.

Monday Jason will have another nerve block.

He has been saying some really goofy things. Don't know if it's a result of the lack of sleep or the myriad of medications.

Please continue to pray that the nerve would quickly and completely heal. Also please pray that we would make the right decision about attending school this semester.

Sleep -- Just a Dream!

Jason had a sympathetic nerve block on Wednesday. His pain before was certainly a 10 before, now it's a nine. I know Jason was looking forward to much more relief, but we'll take even that much help.

After the nerve block, we drove directly to the office of one of the neurologists that saw Jason while in LeBonheur. He decided to wean him off two nerve pain medications and start him on another.

In the afternoon Jason put on both shoes and walked around the island in the kitchen, but it wasn't easy. After that, he quit putting weight on the foot and went back to hopping or using crutches.

We were hoping Jason would be able to manage the stairs last night, but instead ended up on the living room couch for another tough night then moved to the hearth room.

We are heading to Jackson this afternoon for physical therapy. The doctor that did the nerve block yesterday felt that was very important to get in this week.

Thank you for faithfully praying!

Heros and Good Intentions

Friday we got to meet many firefighters who helped to save Jason life. One of them was a man who was not on duty that night. He was on his way to Memphis because his girlfriend's house was hit by the tornado. He was driving right into the tornado as he watched cars being picked up ahead of him. He immediately turned around and called him mother and grandmother to pray for his protection. He headed to the firehouse and warned the others of what was coming. He was there that night and he was the one who told us he had talked to Jason 20 minutes before we had arrived and that he was still living.

Another rescuer was a captain who thought with about 10 minutes to go before they got Jason out that he was about to go into shock. He kept hitting Jason's foot and getting him to respond. He thought Jason was quite irritated with him, but he wanted to make sure them kept him alert.

Another man was the captain in charge of that area. He was given the word that another super cell was about to arrive in about 5 minutes. He was responsible for making sure that the rescuers were safe, for how can they rescue someone else if they suffered harm. This man has a 19 year old child and many times that night thought of how it would be if that were his child buried. He couldn't call off the search for Jason with that thought in mind! Praise the Lord! Wow! Crying while I write this!

Last night we loaded up Jason's backpack with every intention to go to class today. Unfortunately last night was again another sleep deprived night. It's amazing to me that he can't sleep with all the medication he's on. He did fall asleep around 8:30am and I had to wake him up at 12:10pm for chemistry class (which he can watch live online).

Jason is having a nerve block this Wednesday. Please pray for the nerve block to be effective and for Jason to be able to get caught up in his classes.

Firehouse Visit

Today we will go to Jackson to meet several of the firefighters who worked so diligently and skillfully to save the lives of the students.

Another medication was added to the collection and the past two nights have been more restful. Since Jason can not go upstairs, Jason and Debbie have been sleeping in the hearth room on the couches. Debbie is sleeping with Jason so that she can assist him in getting ice bags during the night and to comfort him when the pain is so difficult. Sometimes Jason tries to sleep sitting up so that he can have his left foot resting on an ice pack. The ice pack seems to be the best way to curb the pain.

Yesterday we went to a pain management doctor who will do a sympathetic nerve block on Wednesday. With the cycle of pain being so severe, this will hopefully do for the nerve what rebooting a computer does to settle down that system.

Thank you for the many prayers you've already prayed and please continue to pray, especially for this nerve pain to completely go away.

Foot Movement

Jason has more movement in his toes and can move his left foot to the left and to the right. The exciting news is that Jason can, using a muscle on the outer side of his leg just below the knee, pull up his foot a little bit.

However, Monday and Tuesday nights Jason did not sleep due to the pain in his foot.

We went to physical therapy on Tuesday and found out that there is little that can be done there while he is in such pain. We also learned that the best possible position for Jason to be in to minimize the pain is to lie on his stomach with his left knee bent and the foot raised above his body. This position is not conducive to attending classes, neither is the assistance of sleepless nights.

Please pray that Jason's professors will come up with some creative way to allow him to continue his education this semester. It would be good for his mind-set to have something to think about other than his pain and the other negative aspects of this whole ordeal.

Please pray that this nerve pain would be controllable and that this phase would pass quickly.

Home Again

Jason was discharged from LeBonheur on Sunday. Nerve medicine is given incrementally, so Jason could not experience immediate and complete relief. Jason is no longer at the point of crying every moment he is awake, so the doctors feel that he has turned the corner on the excruciating nerve pain. He has slept a considerable amount since Friday night. This nerve pain could last 6-8 weeks.

At this point, Jason can not walk on his left leg or even straighten it. Due to this limited mobility and grogginess, it looks doubtful that Jason can resume his school schedule this week.

Please continue to pray for complete healing of Jason's spinal shift, bulging and swelling, brain bruise, nerves and muscles in his back. Also, please pray for Jason's emotional well-being.

Friday-Saturday (3/7-3/8)

An MRI was done at LeBonheur Thursday night. It revealed bruising of the left front of Jason's brain. This is the cause of the seizures. The MRI also showed extensive bruising of the muscles on the right side of Jason's back. He also has one disk in his back that has shifted, one bulging and swelling in that area that is affecting the nerves.

Thursday Jason had another terrible night trying to sleep due to the excruciating pain in the bottom of his left foot.

It does appear that the seizure medication is working and Jason has not had another seizure since starting the medication.

The Memphis Tigers brightened the day for patients at LeBonheur on Friday. With assistance from Kevin Furniss, we requested that a player visit Jason. Jason was delighted to have Derrick Rose come to his room, have their picture made and receive a personalized autograph.

Friday night he finally sleep after being given two different nerve medications, seizure medication and a sleep aid. Saturday we were hopeful the pain had decreased, but the early morning optimism seemed to be just from the fact that Jason had rested. He dozed almost the entire day on Saturday. Around 9pm he was given a patch to apply directly to the bottom of his left foot. Due to the terrific pain, Jason can not straighten his leg or even tolerate anyone touching the sole of his foot.

Please pray for the doctors to have wisdom on how to treat the nerve pain, for the nerves to heal, for Jason to regain use of his left leg, for the bruising in the brain to heal, for Mike while he is trying to juggle work and family needs and for the decisions that we make concerning Jason and his future schooling.

Le Bonheur

Jason was admitted to Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center this afternoon after another seizure during lunch.

Mike thinks that Jason will be released tomorrow. They are not yet sure what is causing the siezures.

Please pray for Jason's pain and the emotional strain on the whole family.

Thursday 3/6

So much for yesterday's blog! Jason had a seizure this morning around 5am. He was taken to the MED and released about lunchtime. We will be seeing a neurologist in the near future.

Tuesday-Wednesday (3/4-3/5)

We are so thankful for the advice from Jason's physical therapist who suggested ice to treat the pain in Jason's left foot. She also called the next day to follow-up, eventhough Jason doesn't have another therapy session until Thursday. So sweet and very much appreciated!

Tuesday, as on Monday, Jason was in so much pain that we only did one class and then headed back to Memphis. Wednesday, we insisted that Jason rest his foot on ice while in class so that he would be able to attend all three classes.

Tonight was the first time while laying on his stomach that Jason was able to lift his left foot while bending at the knee. He did it three times before being exhausted. Jason's hamstring has been showing signs of wanting to react, but not knowing how. There must be some more nerve connections to allow this success.

Jason can wiggle his toes a little, move his foot to the side and bring the toes up just a bit. So much good news!

Tuesday Jason wore something other than jogging pants. He has lost 40 pounds in the past two weeks! That puts him quite a bit lighter than he was on February 5th. The huge decrease in swelling is greatly enhancing Jason's flexibility.

It seems like this nerve pain will hopefully be the last major obstacle to overcome in Jason's recovery.

Please pray for the nerve pain to subside, the nerve(s) to completely regenerate (or whatever it is that they are doing!), the foot to regain all normal functioning, all the muscles in Jason's body to regain their strength and feeling sensation to come back in his left foot/leg, last two fingers on his right hand and parts of his torso.

Thank you all for your prayers, cards, calls, meals and gifts.

Friday-Monday (2/29-3/3)

We drove to Jackson today and were there for just one hour before heading back to Memphis.

Pain, Pain, Pain! Jason is really struggling with excruciating pain in his left foot. We tried different medications over the weekend, then today his physical therapist suggested we ice his foot. This has been very helpful in cutting down the amount of pain. We are very thankful for the pain because that shows the nerves are beginning to get back to normal, it's just so difficult to see Jason in so much pain.

The swelling has improved a great deal. Jason was 23 pounds heavier when he came home from the hospital. He hasn't yet weighed himself, but hopefully he'll do that soon.

Yesterday I was able to go to church for the first time since the tornado. It was so good to worship the Lord through congregational singing!

Please pray that this nerve pain ends really soon.

Tuesday - Thursday (2/26-2/28)

Jason and I are commuting every day to Union and then doing his physical therapy near the school.

Yesterday Jason starting developing new pain in his left leg and foot. The therapist explained to us that his nerves are attempting to make new routes down Jason's legs. During the night and today he's had pain on and off in his leg, ankle and foot. That's all good news as the nerves are in the process of getting better -- just hard on Jason as it's happening.

Union continues to amaze us as they reach out to us and try help us through this time.

Since I've only raised three boys, Jason's emotional ups and downs are certainly something new!

We cut off two inches from the Velcro on his brace today, which means the swelling in his upper calf has gone down an inch! Jason has also noticeably gotten smaller in his torso. He's been up several times during the night and disrupting his sleep to make this happen, but his kidneys are definitely working!

Thank you for praying! Please continue to pray for the nerves to completely heal, his muscles to get stronger, the swelling to subside and for his joyful self to return.

Weekend and Monday (2/25)

We ventured to Nashville on Saturday and Kevin joined us from Knoxville. We met there to watch Steven's team. Eagles win and advance to the state tournament this coming weekend! So good to have both Kevin and Jason there to support Steven.

By the end of the day Jason was exhausted. He wasn't using his crutches and it was a bit too much. Sunday he napped on his stomach for an hour. That's a first!

Today Jason and I went to college! Just what every college boy wants -- Mom tagging along! Jason did use his crutches and we were given a temporary handicap parking pass to assist us in keeping down the effort required to get to classes. Union University has been so kind in working out the perfect schedule for Jason! We'll continue to make the pilgrimage together until Jason is a bit more self-sufficient, can drive and replaces his four wheels that were totalled in the tornado.

Thank you all for your many prayers. Please continue to pray that Jason will be patient with this healing process, that his swelling will go down, that his muscles will get strengthened, that his left ankle and foot will begin to "wake up" and that his nerves will make a full recovery.

Please pray that the doctors can pinpoint the source of Kevin's back pain. He has been watching out for Jason and helping him is so many ways. We are so thankful for him!

Friday 2/22

Today Jason showered and shaved on his own. He just needed help putting on his shoes and socks.

Jason also laid aside the crutches and is getting much more stable walking.

Mike's sister, Lorna, and her family stopped by on their way from Chicago to N. Little Rock for a wedding. It was so good to see them.

Jason's appetite is definately picking up. He asked to go to Outback tonight. It's good to celebrate the progress he's made!

Tomorrow we're heading to Nashville for Steven's team's substate game. Kevin will join us there. It's been two weeks since Kevin has seen Jason, so this will be good for him to see how far he's come along.

Monday Jason and Mom will begin their commuting to Jackson for classes. Returning to normal activities seems to be the best thing for Jason at this time.

We continue to be blessed by the cards, phone calls, gifts and acts of kindness. Wow! To be so loved! Thank you all for your prayers!

Thursday 2/21

Wednesday's therapy was mainly for evaluating the many areas that need to be addressed. This morning they worked with Jason for 1 1/2 hours, stretching his muscles. He'll go to therapy three days a week. The therapist told Jason that the swelling in his torso would be the first area to improve and that would take a couple of months. The swelling in his legs will take longer to go away.

Last night Jason climbed the stairs by himself with the brace on, crutches in hand and using the bannister! He also worked hard this morning to put the brace on by himself and then come downstairs alone. These accomplishments are huge!!!

Thank you for all your prayers. Please continue to pray for his left foot to regain movement, his muscles to relax so he can begin to strengthen them and to know what he can and can not do without getting frustrated (patience!).

Wednesday 2/20

So good to be home last night! We enjoyed a home-cooked, family dinner. (Steven appreciated eating something other than pancakes and cereal!)

Jason had his first bath in a couple of weeks. It wasn't easy, but it did happen!

We'll head to Jackson this afternoon for physical therapy. Since Jason plans on being in Jackson shortly, we didn't think there would be much sense in starting his therapy here and then having the hassle of transferring out there.

Jason is frustrated at how much he can not do. We all take so much for granted!

Please pray for his patience, as this next phase of recovery might be very slow and long.

Tuesday 2/19

Going home! Praise the Lord!

Monday 2/18

After coming to grips with the disappointing news of not getting out of the hospital, we ended up with a very interesting day.

In the afternoon, Jason learned to traverse stairs with crutches. The physical therapist doctor came by and let us know that Jason would need a specific kind of brace for his left leg/foot. The gentleman that will make the brace came to the hospital within minutes and took measurements of Jason and described to us the proper type of shoe he would need. Then much to my surprise, they let us go on a field trip to purchase shoes! It was sooooooooo good for Jason to get away! We dropped the left shoe off on our way back to the hospital. The man is being so kind to get right at making the brace in hopes of having it done Tuesday and Jason being able to head back to Memphis on Tuesday.

Jason's chemistry professor stopped by to give us what he would need to get rolling in that class. Wow! Way beyond the call of duty! Just after she left, a former high school classmate stopped by to encourage Jason. She happens to be in his chemistry class and has offered to take notes for Jason until he can get to class.

Thank you for all of your prayers. Please pray that we'll get out on Tuesday or else they'll need to transfer us to the looney department!

Sunday 2/17 - Monday morning 2/18

Sunday Jason exercised his legs and arms on his own and walked one loop with Mike late in the day. He was given another IV around noon to get the blood. That took until 7pm. Mike and Steven were here for about five hours and it was so good to see them. (We hadn't seen Steven since last Sunday.)

We got decent sleep again last night. Then first thing this morning Jason's dialysis nurse came in to see him. She braced him for the disappointing news that he would get from the doctor.

The kidney doctor told Jason that he'll have to be here at least one more night. His creatine is 3 and "normal" is below 2. He doesn't have to stay in the hospital until it's under 2, but the doctor wants to make sure it doesn't go back up. He will probably have to go to his pediatician's office for follow-up blood tests once he escapes from this prison! (Guess you can tell we've had enough!)

The physical therapy doctor should be coming by today to assess Jason to see if he needs to go to the rehab floor or if out-patient PT would be right for him. He's also supposed to be getting fitted for a foot brace to help the drop-foot deal.

Thank you for your continued prayers. Please keep on praying for Jason. It will be quite some time before his strength, stamina and flexability return to where he was two weeks ago.

Sunday morning 2/17

We got SIX hours of sleep last night and Jason slept fom 8-10am, as well.

The kidney doctor just came in and said that tomorrow they would determine if he needs dialysis or can go home. He has put out 800ml of urine since 3pm yesterday, which is good production.

The doctor stepped out to write in his chart and noticed that Jason's blood counts were very low. He is ordering a scan of his abdomine to make sure there is no internal bleeding and he will get 2 units of blood.

You never know what a day may bring!

Saturday 2/16

Jason had gained almost 10 pounds since his last dialysis. Not a good thing. His dialysis nurse suggest we take Jason outside in a wheelchair. We were outside for about an hour. Then we took Jason to the lower level of the hospital to the Subway shop.

Jason walked with crutches around the half loop with the physical therapy ladies in the afternoon. Then tonight he just finished walking the entire loop with crutches.

George Guthrie, a man from Union, came this afternoon and told Jason not to worry about being able to attend classes this Wed. when they start. Jason told him of some students he knew in all but one of his classes. This man is going to arrange for students to take notes for him and hopefully the next week he'll be able to go to class. This was such good news to Jason and really took the pressure off of him -- looking at the Wednesday start date.

Kevin Furniss and his folks were here last night and the boys were talking about Jason joining Kevin and Scott in their apartment. George also offered to let Jason and I stay with his family, if Jason needs the help when he initially returns to school. So kind!

Mike stayed up here all day. It was so nice to get to be together! Unfortunately, not the best for his work load.

Please pray for Jason's left foot, the swelling to go down in his torso and thighs, and for his strength and flexability to increase. He'd probably like everyone to pray that he can get out of here!

Friday (2/15) - Saturday early afternoon (2/16)

Jason worked hard with his occupational and physical therapists Friday. For the first time he walked with crutches on a loop covering half of this floor. He also got to take a sitting-down shower for the first time and put on shorts and a t-shirt! His kidney appears to be more functional which is a real praise though he continues to require dialysis treatments.

Mike spent last night with Jason and Debbie went home to enjoy a night's sleep in her own bed.

They took Jason to dialysis late this morning. He's so tired of being uncomfortable and being in the hospital he wants to be in his own home for a few days.

Continue to pray for his kidney recovery, nerve recovery in his left foot and for patience as Jason feels he is getting better and just wants to go home.

I (Mike) enjoyed so much spending the night with Jason. We stayed up until 3;30am Saturday morning and had a really enjoyable time talking.

Thanks once again for all your prayers, encouragement and love for Jason and our family. Your love has been overwhelming.

Friday morning 2/15

Now it's confession time, last night after Jason did his business -- I went to Sonic and got him a Route 44 strawberry slushy. He drank it so fast, he thought he was going to have a heart attack!

We were once again awakened at 3:30am for blood work. Since we couldn't get back to sleep, we decided to get a wheel chair and go for a spin around the hospital. Then when we got back to the room, we swapped beds! Jason is sleeping now to make up for the sleep he missed last night.

The kidney doctor came in this morning and said that Jason would need one, maybe two more dialysis sessions. (So he will do the next one Saturday.)

Jason got to get the heart monitor off this morning and he's really thankful for that.

The folks from Union University continue to be so sweet, walking through this with us. Jason couldn't be in a better place for such a time as this!

Jason will have a lot of work to do to regain his strength and mobility, but that's such a small task considering what he's been through!

Thank you all so much for your prayers and please keep praying!

Valentine's Day 2008!

Today was a much better day. Jason had a 4-hr dialysis session. This afternoon he worked hard with the occupational and physical therapists. He walked twice as far as yesterday, stood on two feet for as long as 2 1/2 minutes and did squats.

During the day I talked with Dr. Snider, his doctor. He said that the info yesterday from the doctor was the worse case scenario.

Mrs. Dockery (the president's wife from Union University) stopped by and assured me that they would do everything possible to work with him to make his schooling happen this semester.

Jason and I enjoyed Subway for lunch, the biggest meal he's had in the past nine days--topped off with fresh raspberries.

Now for the news we've all been waiting for: Jason urinated 17 ounces at 7:30PM!

Thank you all for your prayers! Please keep praying for his left foot and to regain his strength.

P.S. Cheryl was able to leave the hospital today!

Wednesday 2/13-Thu*sday 2/14

Json's kidney doc cme (NOW THE "A" IS ST*UGGLING!) in & told him tht it could be 2-3 wks B4 the kidneys kick in. He also told him that he p*obably won't be able to do school wo*k as he could in the past. He choose to sleep most of that day afte* all that 'good' news. (the left shift key is also expe*iencing technical difficulties)

Jason continues to be ext*emely th*isty. The doc has limited him to 32 oz pe* day.

Jason told the counselo* that when he is thi*sty it takes him back to being bu*ied in the *ubble. Also, when I leave the *oom puts him back in that te**ifying spot. su*e makes me mo*e sympathic with his conce*ns!

The good news yeste*day was that he walked with the walke* down the hall to whe*e you tu*n to get on the elevato*. he sat the*e fo* a bit and walked back to the *oom.

At 3:30am he was so f*ustated f*om being ve*y hot. We put fou* *ubbe* Glove ice bags on his lowe* abdominal a*ea. He also wanted the light left on. i'm thinking the da*kness may also have t*igge*ed sca*y memo*ies. I *ead seve*al ve*ses in Psalms to him that all *elate to his situation. That *eally seemed to calm him down and we did get back to sleep afte* a bit, eventhough it was b*ight in he*e.

Mike came home last night to a clean house cou*tesy of my BSF class. Thank you all so ve*y much! Thank you also fo* giving him a Valentine box of candy!

Thank you fo* you* many p*aye*s and please keep on p*aying!

Jason is gone fo a 4 hou* dialysis session.

I'm taking kevin fu*nisses place and doing a TV inte*view this mo*ning. I see this as a g*eat way to p*aise the Lo*d openly to the enti*e jackson a*ea. The*e should be an a*ticle in the Jackson Sun newspape* today about jason. Maybe one of my tech sma*t f*iends can put up a link to it so you can *ead it.

Wednesday mo*ning 2/13

Jason got about 4 hou*s of sleep last night. He's been ve*y hot, eventhough we've had ou* window open, the doo* open and it was snowing this mo*ning.

He got up and p*omptly wanted to sit on the couch. Then he asked to b*ush his teeth. So good to have him wanting to do no*mal stuff.

This mo*ning a counselo* is coming to talk alone with Jason and wo*k to deb*ief him. She has been ve*y suppo*tive this whole week and now it's time to get Jason to sta*t talking.

We have been ove*whelmed with the kindnesses shown to us. Soooooooo many people have allied a*ound us and suppo*ted us th*ough this ve*y difficult. Thank you all fo* what you've done fo* us!

I continue to *ead the comments on this blog to Jason. It's a g*eat way fo* him to hea* f*om othe*s just when he feels like it each day.

Time to walk!

Tuesday evening (2/12)

Jason hasn't th*own up today and has been eating a little bit of food. He had a 5 hou* dialysis session. The docto* has limited the amount of fluids Jason's is to have because he's not getting *id of it expect th*ough dialysis and they'd *athe* focus on *emoving toxins than wate*. He's ext*emely f*ust*ated with the little he's supposed to be d*inking.

The t*auma docto* came in late this afte*noon and Jason told him that he was going to pee and get out of he*e. The docto* told him it wasn't going to wo*k out that way. We told him tonight that the doc told us a couple of weeks in the hospital. Jason has made g*eat p*og*ess, but he has a lot of healing to do. His back, abdomen, gultismaximus and thighs a*e still swollen. His left foot is sta*ting to be able to sense some touch, but he's still not able to move his foot o* toes. The t*auma docto* told me yeste*day that a st*ess homone would kick in and this would be a difficult week.

Jason had me put out a no visito*s sign today. He doesn't want me to talk on the phone o* leave the *oom. He had me tu*n off his phone the othe* day. Hopefully this phase will quickly pass!

Please continue to p*ay fo* Jason's physical healing and especially at this time fo* his mental and emotional state.

Monday (2/11) & Tuesday morning (2/12)

Wow! What great progress Jason is making! Today he walked with a walker from the couch to the door and back again. He got up two other times during the day. One time was to express minimual movement of his bowels and the other time was to sit on the couch with his dad for an evening visit. Jason is exercising his right hand with a ball and doing arm and finger exercises. He's making very good progess. (If I occasionally miss an "R" it's because I'm using Jason's laptop and that seems to be eally difficult to get a eaction fom!)

The trauma doc explained that a stress hormone would kick in and I should expect to have a difficult week.

We are (that took 26 hits to get that lette) continually blessed by so many people. Thank you all 4 love. Just too fustated with this keyboad.

Kevin got out yesteday and is coming back to visit today. We'e just having so much fun aound hee! Seiously, Kevin does make the atmosphee moe light-heated! (Just fill in the lettes!)

Please keep lifting up Jason's kidneys, left foot and basic human functions.

Later Sunday 2/10 - Monday morning 2/11

Sunday Jason sat up for an hour on the couch for the first time. He had an in-and-out cathedar so make sure nothing was blocking the passageway for urinating. No progress yet there. He had a four-hour dialysis session. He didn't throw up again after the two times early in the morning.

The weekend was really good for Jason, especially spending time with his brothers and close buddies from school.

It's Monday morning and the kidney doctor just came in and said that he doesn't have to do dialysis today. Now he'll be on an every other day routine. Physical therapy is just about to come in. Jason felt a toe this morning when I squeezed it firmly. He got a supository to help jump start his bowels. After a sponge bath, Jason is feeling refreshed.

Thank you for your prayers. Please continue to pray for his kidneys, bowels and left foot.

Saturday (2/9/08) & Sunday morning (2/10/08)

Jason had a good day Saturday. People that had seen him earlier in the week said he looked so much better. He had some good visits with some friends and was encouraged to see his friend Kevin Furniss up and walking. Had a diaylsis session Saturday afternoon. This morning they gave us the results from the blood work they did and his potassium count, which is already at an acceptable level, got better and this cpk count (protein related) came down more than 50%. Good news on both counts.

Praises: The blood work shows continue clearing up of the toxins in his system. We moved him to the couch and he sat up for a little while. Kevin and Steven both were able to spend Saturday evening and Sunday morning with us. Kevin Furniss being able to walk has been an encouragement to Jason and the others. Thanks to all of you who are praying for Jason and the other students and for offering to help out in any way possible.

Prayer requests: Please pray for the two boys in ICU, the girl down the hall and Kevin Furniss. For Jason please pray for continued improvement in the reduction of the toxins in the bloodstream, for the swelling particularily on his left side and abdomen, that his kidneys would begin to function, that he would stop throwing up and for his left foot to regain more feeling and movement. Also, that for every ounce of pain the students have suffered that the Lord would receive pounds of glory and praise.

Friday night (2/8/08) & Saturday morning (2/9/08)

After a Friday evening of talking and smiling Jason had a great nights sleep. He slept all the way through the night except for a visit by a nurse to draw some blood. He got up about 7:30 Saturday morning and had a little to eat and some apple juice. We did some therapy together and about 10:30 am he will have another dialysis session.

Jason received his results from the blood work they did this morning. His potasium count came down to an acceptable level, his cpk (protein related count) came down about 33%, his right hand seems to be gaining strength.
Praise the Lord for all the improvements Jason has made and we thank you for praying for Jason and showing us your love.

How to pray:

Pray that his CPK count will continue to drop and that his kidney would start functioning. The doctors don't believe there is any permanent damage to the kidney but it is not working because it went into shock from all the toxics in his body. Also once the kidney starts working pray that Jason would be able urinate.
He still doesn't have complete feeling in his left foot and is still unable to move his toes on the left foot. His right hand is getting stronger but still has a ways to go.

His body is obviously still in a great deal of pain so pray for comfort.

Since I started this message people from Union have come by to check on Jason and pray with us and just now three of the fireman who pulled Jason out of the rubble came by to check on him. I couldn't thank them enough. It was neat that they mentioned there job was not done as they are still praying for him.

Continue to pray for the other 4 students that are still here at the hospital, all the students at Union who are dealing with this tragedy and for the adminstration that they would have wisdom with all the issues they have to deal with because of this tornado.

Thanks for your prayers and encouragement.

Host of Visitors

Here is an attempt to list all the visitors we've had in the first three days. If I miss someone, please forgive me! David Harlin, Matthew Kent, Denny, Peggy, Tommy, Rachel and Leah Fillinger, Mark Spiller, Trent Harris, Brian Coley, Toni Emison, Randy Phillips, George Guthrie, Susan Vaughn, Jeff Lewis, Whittany Prude, Brenda and Frank Stanley, David, Sherry and Jordan Thompson, Glenn Hawkins, Mrs. Dockery, Mike Golding, Kevin and Bob Furniss, Mr. Hill, Terry, Becki, Nick and Luke Brimhall, Kimberly Hauss, Amy Holden, Sandra Fly, Becky Cummins, Phil Newberry, Ronnie Smith, Terry and Brenda Espy, Josh and Jonathan Gutknecht, Mike Pyron, Harry Smith, Terry Crow, Phyllis and Ricky Hall, Jason Pyron, Steve, Donna, Lindsay, Allie and Bethany Gaines, Ryan Wingo, David Harrington, Travis, Greg Hauss, Kent Mathis, Jeremy Wilbur, Jeff, Susan and young man (sorry!) Mosier, Bev Bruce, Lydia Stoner, Les and Nancy Binkley, Brandon Shepherd, Sarah McDaniel, Audra Smith, Katelyn Meadows, Tim, Sharon and Timothy Harrison, Lauren Steele and those listed on Friday's list. Thank you all for your friendship, gifts and prayers!

Tuesday Recap

Tuesday night after the storms had passed through Memphis, Jason texted us to make sure we were okay. At 6:59pm, he texted Steven to tell him that they had had a brush of the storm but that the big portion was just about there. At 7:00pm the tornado hit Union University. We tried to text and call Jason to find out how he was doing, but he never returned our calls. We talked with other Union parents and were told that no cell phones were working. Then we heard that eight boys were trapped in a building. When we heard the Kevin Furniss was one of them, we assumed that Jason was with him. We were invisioning debris up against a door and when the debris was removed -- the boys would walk out. A little while later we received a call saying that all the boys had gotten out of the building safely. We were feeling pretty good about the situation. At 10pm we left for Union. On the way, we drove through heavy rain and then passed the section of interstate fairly near Jackson where semis littered the highway. When we got to Jackson, Mike Golding called us and agreed to meet us at the entrance of the university to show us where to go. He took us to the site of the rescue, where we quickly found out the rescue effort was still in progress. They told us that one student was still buried and it was our son. At this point it was 11pm and raining very hard. We watched from about 50 feet away. After a while the rain let up. The men were using a back hoe to lift cement off the pile of rubbish, then a chainsaw followed by a pick ax or sledge hammer. A little after midnight they were able to get Jason out, put him on a board and quickly rushed him to the ambulence and off to the hospital. A two-story building fell on these guys and not one of them had head injuries! Yesterday we found out that Mike Golding heard the man in charge say just after we got there something like this, "Looks like the second storm is about to hit and we're going to have to shut down the rescue mission." Shortly after he said this, the rain intensity greatly decreased. Someone later said that they were watching the radar and when the storm neared Union it split, avoiding the university. Wow! Prayer sure changes things! God is so good and so compassionate.

Friday Events

Last night Jason had a good night, then had a five-hour dialysis session this morning. He had physical therapy in the afternoon and was in a great deal of pain on the right side of his back. The feeling sensation is coming back in his left foot and his right hand is much stronger. Jason has been visited by a great number of friends and adult friends over the past three days. We really appreciate the many people who have come to support us. Last night Steven was able to spend time with Jason for the first time. It really meant a lot to Mike and Debbie when Jason reached out to hold Steven's hand. Kevin Furniss has been cruising around in a wheelchair and spending time with Jason and telling stories as only Kevin can do. This afternoon Kevin came in from UT, Kyle from Auburn, Trey and Harrison from Ole Miss. This has been a huge uplift to Jason's spirits. Yesterday Jason was limited to ice chips because of not being able to keep anything down. This morning he told the doctor he didn't care if he threw up, he just wanted something to drink. He started with a little Sprite during dialysis and then some popsicles. He's graduated to real food tonight. One of the men who helped rescue the boys came tonight and explained to us many of the things that happened that night. He also explained to us what we were looking at in the pictures that Mike went to Union and took yesterday. When he walked up to the site Tuesday, he never thought they would be able to rescue anyone from the debris pile. Thank all of you who have been faithfully praying for Jason and us. At this time, he really needs all of us to pray that his kidneys start functioning, his hand a foot continue to make improvements and that the doctor is able to determine why his back is so painful.

Commercial Appeal article about two of the other boys trapped in Watters Commons

Students recount fear, hope amid rubble : Mid-South : Commercial Appeal

Email update from Bob Furniss, Kevin's dad

The following is from an email sent by Bob Furniss, Kevin's dad. Kevin is a friend of Jason's from high school who is a junior at Union. Kevin and Jason were together when the storm was approaching.

As you may have heard by now, my son Kevin was one of the seven guys that were
trapped under a building for four hours on Tuesday night. We are very
blessed. He is doing well but still has some medical issues and will be in
the hospital for several days. Three other guys have been released and
three others are dealing with more extreme medical issues. Please pray for
Matt, David both in Intensive Care and Jason who is experiencing the same
injuries as Kevin.

It has been all over the news – in fact they
interviewed Kevin live from his hospital bed last night on Fox News – Greta On
The Record.

I don’t have enough time to write the full details but
here is a short version.

Kevin and his friends were in a student
commons building. Seconds before the tornado hit, three ran into the
girl’s bathroom and four into the boy’s for cover. Kevin said his “ears
popped, the building shook, and then we were covered and in the
black.” The two story building literally imploded around them and
the roof and walls of several dormitories then fell on top of that. The
paramedic said that they were about 30 feet deep and about two to three tons of
rubble on top of them. Yet somehow, God made the decision to spare their
lives.


When the building imploded Kevin was left partial
standing with his legs turned backward and under him. He could move his
neck, his right arm and that was all. All of the guys were blow into
little pockets and were awake. Kevin said “for the first 30 minutes we all
screamed and yelled – we begin to understand that we could hear each other but
we had no idea how deep we were. One of the guys, Jordan, said he was in a
little pocket and not injured. He had been sitting on the commode when it
hit and now was able to wiggle down into a hole below. He became the
leader of the survival. He began to pray out-loud and take an inventory of
who was hurt and how bad.” They guys begin to talk and take turns
praying. Matt was hurt the worse with large concrete on his legs.
Jason had concrete and rubble on his chest. Kevin said his legs and one arm
begin to go numb after 45 minutes. We learned later that for the first 1.5
hours that the fire fighters could not find them. One of the boys called
911 on their cell-phone. Kevin had just pulled his out to text his mom and
lost it in the implosion. Kevin said he begin to quote scripture out-loud
that he has memorized. The other guys joined in. They also sang
hymns and asked each other “what did God have planned for them when this was
over.”

After 45 minutes the guys said they begin to hear the
muffled sound of rescuers. Jordan could yell and give information about
their status.

The first guy was pulled out after 2
hours. Kevin was the fourth guy out at about 3.5 hours. The last kid
was out at 5 hours. The paramedic said it was “a mini version of the World
Trade Center.”

There is a whole other odyssey about me getting from
Las Vegas, where I was training, to Jackson. I arrive yesterday at
9am.

So that is the short version – there is just so much more to
tell. The medic said to me yesterday when I visited the “hole” that “there
is just no way that we were able to pull seven guys alive out of that rubble –
it had to be a ‘God Thing.’ Standing here it is hard to believe that we
could have found them and gotten them out of the pockets of rubble”

Kevin’s version of this is much more powerful and detailed.

Dialysis

Jason endured crush injuries. If compressed for more than one hour muscle tissue begins to release protein and other things into the blood stream. After the release of the crushing pressure the release into the bloodstream of muscle breakdown products - notably myoglobin, potassium, and phosphorus places strain on the kidneys.

Jason's doctors recommended that he begin dialysis Thursday morning. This is to relieve his kidneys of the full responsibility of removing the proteins and potassium in his blood.

Jason began dialysis around 11 am. The doctors will monitor his blood levels and then dialysis as necessary.

This may require a two week hospital stay.

Union University Recovery

UnionUniversity Offical Recovery website.

Photo archive of Union tornado pictures

Flickr link

Jackson Sun storm coverage

Jackson Sun - Local Newspaper, Jackson, TN

UF-4

Photo of the tornado itself.

Rescue Photo

From the Jackson Sun

Photo of rescue efforts: Jason is under the rubble.

Jason was one of the students trapped in the rubble

Jason, friend Kevin Furniss, and 5 other boys were trapped in the Watters Commons restroom when the Watters Commons collapsed.

Newspaper article in which Kevin tells of the ordeal.

Commercial Appeal Newspaper, Memphis, TN coverage of the storm that caused the tornado.

UF-4 Tornado strikes Union University

Letter from Union University President