To those who walked with us in prayer and encouragement...

Our hearts are so deeply broken, and our lives will never be the same. John was a happy, tender, kind, courageous and honorable husband, father, son, brother, grandson, uncle, friend…and so much more! He has always provided comfort to our family as well as plenty of fun and laughs. John truly loved being an officer, and he would do it all over again - with no regrets. We will miss him dearly until we see him again in Heaven. We know this world is not our home, but this pain still hurts incredibly deep to the core. Our family is broken, but we will rejoice in sweet precious memories and the assurance that John is beside the Lord who loves him more than we ever could. John loved and was dearly loved – that is his legacy we will carry. Throughout the past week of battles, victories, joys, trials and prayers, the loving kindness and support has been amazingly beautiful and has forever humbled our family. If acts of kindness and love could have saved him, he would undoubtedly still be here with us. We do not understand, but we will learn to accept. John was a good man who lived a good life, so we consider our family blessed. He will continue to forever warm our heart and souls.

A tribute to John's life along with information about his legacy can be found at:

Friday, December 31, 2010

It's the Evening Shift...

Here's the evening briefing...John David is having a better day. Not much has changed since the last update. He tolerated the surgery well from this morning and has been stable today. They have reduced his sedation meds and yesterday removed the paralysis meds. He is still in possession of heavy narcotics and enjoying the benefits of those. His head bolt we named, "Frankie" - as it gives him the Frankenstien look - is giving us good readings. The swelling in his brain is going down and has not been a hot topic today. Still watching but no big developments and that is fabulous! They decided to wait to go back to the OR until tomorrow. They wanted to give him time to rest and recover. His color looks good his eye not so much. He isn't vain at all so I just told him it makes him look tough.

He is still critical but he is stable and we don't all jump everytime a dr walks through the door. It has been so awesome to hear all his stories. He is such a storyteller so we are working on getting some of those recorded to play to him in the room. Stay tuned for details on how to be a STAR on story time with John!

Wanted to post some pics from the blood drive just so you have a visual that will make your heart smile...


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12 comments:

  1. AnonymousDecember 31, 2010 at 7:57 PM

    This great news! Hang in there JD!! We stil have you all in our thoughts and prayers! Get better soon!! Love The Kader's

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  2. AnonymousDecember 31, 2010 at 8:13 PM

    How loved you are John by so many folks---friends, family etc. Bet you never in a million years, thought so many folks cared so much about you and your family!! Lord we ask that you hold John's hand and the hands of the Doctors and Nurses. We just pray lord that you look over John and his family through this terrible journey they have to travel. In jesus name amen.

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  3. AnonymousDecember 31, 2010 at 8:50 PM

    Thanks Bridget for your post! I am glad to hear today was uneventful! I can't wait to ask him about having a screw loose! lol.... You all are in our thought and prayers everyday. Hang in there! Much Love, Renee Cotten

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  4. AnonymousDecember 31, 2010 at 9:21 PM

    We are home from seeing you today! You look so much better today honey. Uncle Lynn and I were so glad to see that you have improved in the last few days.

    I know that you won't remember but we had a good visit today...I talked and you listened like a true gentleman!! lol Your Mom taught you right!! Uncle Lynn talked to you about working his cows and how he was depending on you to help him out soon!! I could tell you were thinking...."ok Uncle Lynn I'll be there soon..saddle up"

    I've always known you were strong but dang honey...you are amazing!!! Keep heaing...this is your time for rest. You have earned it!!

    Uncle Lynn and I will be back down soon for another visit. Maybe next time you will tell me that I can be quite and let you talk for awhile!! lol...funny but I get told that quite alot sometime...can you believe it?? Yea...that's what I thought you said!!!

    Love you sweetheart and I continue to ask for your healing and comfort.

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  5. AnonymousDecember 31, 2010 at 9:47 PM

    The Donnell family is happy to hear such great news it really made us smile. We are blessed to have all of the updates and even more blessed to hear the progress John is making daily. We love all of you!

    Donnell and crew!!!!!

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  6. AnonymousDecember 31, 2010 at 10:38 PM

    Greg & Jenny Nowlin

    This is a wonderful day! Good to hear of so many positives for John and for all of you waiting so patiently as he heals. Baby steps or giant leaps.. you can tell the extent one man will go to be back in the arms of those he loves and cares for! He is being such a trooper! Much love and prayers!

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  7. AnonymousDecember 31, 2010 at 10:52 PM

    Keep up the good fight John. We are all rooting for you. Our prayers are with all of you.

    Sincerely,
    Annette and Darrin Griffith

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  8. UnknownDecember 31, 2010 at 11:42 PM

    Awesome to hear that he had a good day may tomorrow bring more good news!!

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  9. AnonymousJanuary 1, 2011 at 12:00 AM

    Glad today was good - slow but sure. Frankie huh? John needed a tighter bolt - ha! We will have some fun with that when we can laugh with him about it! Lots of love and good thoughts to all of you - The Seelys

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  10. AnonymousJanuary 1, 2011 at 12:18 AM

    Great news to hear! May this upcoming new year bring many blessings to you and your family. We are still praying for you!

    The Matthews Family

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  11. TommieJanuary 1, 2011 at 9:06 AM

    Still praying for JD and all the family, with love. Tommie

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  12. John on FacebookJanuary 1, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    The Johnson's are happy to hear such good news. Praise the Lord!! We are continuing to keep each one of you & JD in our prayers.

    John, Christina & the kids

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