Thursday, January 31, 2008
Thursday morning
Good morning eveyone. There is not much to report. Yesterday shawnas temperature on the right side of her body was significantly lower and pupil response on that side was also diminished. This was probably due to the left side of her brain being badly damaged. Today the temperature is again normal. The docs haven't made their rounds yet. Shawna is scheduled to have her abdominal incision closed today. We take it one day at a time. We are sure the progress will be very slow. Shawna remains in a coma of her own it is not induced by medicine. We are confident of God's hand protecting our daughter and strengthening us. Many have asked what they can do for us. We only need your prayerful support. We do ask if you want to do something also very positive that you donate blood. Shawna used over 20 units of blood and many other blood products. These donations probably came from 30 people. Imagine what we all could collectively do to help others in this situation. Praise God that he gave us the wonders of these medical advances that doctors can do this much for those so badly injured.
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45 comments:
Dear Al & Debbie, Darryl and family, Thanks again for the updates. We continue to pray for Shawna, we know with God nothing is impossible. May God continue to give you comfort and patience during this difficult time.
Love Fred,Arlene and kids
Dear loved ones of Shawna,
We do praise God that he has sustained you all thus far. Further, we plead with him that he will grant healing. With you, we acknowledge that God is in control and that his plan is perfect. May that confidence grant you the strength to go forward. We pray that you may feel that he is near.
Love, George & Sharon and family
Shawna: We love you dearly and pray everyday for your recovery.
For those who don't really know Shawna:
Shawna is a beautiful cheerful girl who celebrated her 20th birthday a few weeks ago. She is a student at McMaster University, in her 2nd year of Kinesiology (study of human movement) Shawna loves sports and was in excellent physical shape.
She is Debbie and Alan's 3rd child. Her loving brothers and sisters are Wil&Katie,Rebecca&Shaun,Jessica,Alan(AJ),Eric and Darrin. They are a busy, happy, fun-loving family.
Shawna's truly dedicated and supportive boyfriend is Darryl Hoeksema. Her "boy" friends Justin, Jay, Jon, Joel, and Jeff also love Shawna. So often it's "Shawna and the boys." They have kept a close circle around Darryl in these difficult days.
All Shawna's friends,cousins, aunts,uncles,grandparents love her dearly and pray for her daily.
How rich we are with our large family circles and huge church communities. So many people lifting Shawna up in prayer!!
As we as family and friends sit and wait and pace the hallways, we are all encouraged and uplifted by the comments given to Deb&Al on this blog. Thank you!
Aunt Ruth
Dear Bethlehem family, Darryl and family, and all of Shawna's close ones...
You are constantly in my thoughts and prayers before our Heavenly Father. May God be near to you all, sustain you on His eagle's wings (Deut. 32:11 - "Like an eagle that stirs up its nest and hovers over its young, that spreads its wings to catch them and carries them on its pinions." )and grant you all the comfort, acceptance, and encouragement you need during this extremely difficult time.
God bless,
Jenn Harink
Dear Al and Debbie and family and Darryl and family and all those who are dear to Shawna.
In all our prayers we pray for Shawna's healing and for God's comfort, patience and strength for you all as you go through this difficult time.
Love, Dave and Angelina Jans and boys
Psalms 10:1
Why, O Lord, do You stand far off? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble?
One of the great mysteries of God is His ways. Some of His ways almost appear to bring us into the most difficult places, as if He were indifferent to our circumstances. It would appear that He is turning His head from our sorrows. These events in our lives have a particular objective to perform for us. That objective is to bring us to the end of ourselves that we might discover the treasure of darkness. "Yet when I hoped for good, evil came; when I looked for light, then came darkness" (Job 30:26).
When we are taken into these dark periods, we begin to see light that we never knew existed. Our sensitivities become heightened and our ability to see through spiritual eyes is illuminated. Unless we are taken into these times, our souls never develop any depth of character. We do not gain wisdom, only knowledge. Knowledge is gained through understanding; wisdom is gained through the experience of darkness.
After we go through these periods, we discover that God was, in fact, with us throughout the entire time. It does not feel or appear that He is there when we are in the midst of the dark periods. However, He is there walking with us. He has told us countless times that He will never leave us. However, when we are in those dark periods, it does not feel like He is there because He does not rescue us from the circumstances. He does this for our benefit in order that we might become more like Jesus. Jesus learned obedience from the things He suffered (see Heb. 5:8). What does that say about how you and I will learn obedience? Embrace the dark times and gain the wisdom that God intends for you from these times.
Dear Al, Debbie, Family and Friends. Just thought I'd share the above with you. We continue to pray for all of you, and Shawna, that the outcome of all this may serve to HIS glory. With Christian Love, Frank & Wendy DeVries and family.
Dear Al and Deb, Darryl, and further family members:
You and yours are all constantly in our prayers. Our days are filled with thoughts and prayers for Shawna and all of you. May our heavenly Father surround you all with strength and patient endurance during this difficult time.
With love from Andy and Tina van Yken
Thanks, Ruth for that wonderful post. Many, many people have been recalling all the good times they've had with Shawna, for when she's around, the mood is alway up-beat. And we pray for the day when we'll again see her sunny smile and hear her laugh! Even our small kids have many memories, for she always makes time for them. (Darryl & all the 'J's' - the scooters,playdough & sidewalk chalk are waiting for you!)
God's ways aren't known to us, but we are confident that this trial, too, is part of His plan, and we will all serve Him better through it.
To the "hospital gang" - you are never out of our thoughts, and our prayers are always with you.
Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. (Ps. 55:22)
We love your all, and are glad you are there for each other.
Ed and Marianne, Annemarie, Fraser, Kenton & Raelene
We continue to keep Shawna in our prayers, knowing that God can do anything, even the impossible! We also pray that God will give you, the family, all the support and strength that you need. We really appriciate the efforts you put into writing a blog each day.
Love Tim and Virginia Jonker
Dear family,
I do not really know you at all, but please be assured of our prayers for each of you. We are deeply convicted that the Spirit is interceeding with groans that words cannot express.
Peace,
Hank, Michelle, Elisa, Kara and James de Jong
Dear Al&Debbie, brothers and sisters of Shawna, and Darryl
We cannot comprehend what you must be going through at this time, but remember that Shawna and all her loved ones are held up in prayer at all times. It is our prayer that the Lord will continue to give you all the strength and patience that you need at this time. Even in the darkest moments of our lives, the Lord will never leave us. May you continue to be given all you need.
Constantly in thought and prayer,
Ryan & Amanda Boersema (Blokker)
Dear Al,Debbie, Darryl and family:
May our Heavenly GOD and FATHER surround all of you with His love and care. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily. May God be your strength and comfort in the days to come. Love, Konny, Ann, and Geraldine DeBoer
O LORD, you have searched me and know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down;you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD. You hem me in--behind and before; you have laid your hands upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:1-10
You are always in our thoughts and prayers!
Sincerely, James and Miriam Slaa and family (Strathroy, ON)
Words cannot express how each one of Shawna's loved ones feel. We are continually praying for recovery. All things are for the glory of God. May He continue to give you all the strength to deal with whatever is put in your paths in the coming days. (Shawna's prayer was beautiful, as was the post from Aunt Ruth.) Shawna everyone is praying for a good recovery. Tom, Alice and children
Dear Debbie, Al, and family.
Thinking of you during this difficult time. Our prayers are with and for you. May God continue to give you much strength, patience and trust. Isaiah 12:2 Behold, God is my salvation;I will trust, and not be afraid.
Love Gary & Cindy Wieske and family
Dear family of Shawna,
Wishing you the LORD's blessings as you face each new day. I continue to pray for you and Shawna. May God comfort you and may you feel His presence suurounding you constantly.
The last time I saw Shawna was Christmas Day. She brought these amazing truffles...I ate about 10.
We also played cards altogether. Shwana and I beat all the guys :)
I won't stop praying that God will watch over Shawna and you, her family.
Love Jodi Wieske.
Al, Debbie and family
We continue to remember you all in our prayers. What a comfort it is that we are able to hand over our anxieties to our awesome God. May He grant Shawna comfort as well as you all. We know that He watches over all of you, and we pray that He will make Shawna well again because nothing is impossible for our God.
Jim, Bernice, James, Ryan, Justin, Kevin and Kristen Buist
p.s we hope to come to the hospital this weekend.
Thanks once again for the update - you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. May you continue to be carried on eagle's wings.
Love, Pete and Caroline, Vicki and Kara
Dear Shawna and loved ones,
We are thinking of you and praying for you -- that the Lord will grant healing to Shawna, and that he will grant strength to all those around her who love and support her. We ask that the Lord will give you patience during this trial. Remember always that the LORD will fulfill his purpose for Shawna (and you all); the LORD's love endures forever, and He will not abandon the works of His hands. Psalm 138: 8.
Arie and Tamara denHollander and family (Caledonia, ON)
Dear Al, Debbie, family and Darryl. And to all those who hold Shawna dear. Your updates are a wonderful testimony of God's providence and His loving care. Our thoughts and prayers join in with the thousands of other prayers that continue to be made for Shawna's recovery. For we know that with the Lord nothing is impossible. May you continue to be uplifted by the communion of the saints and strenghtened and comforted by the strong arms of our Heavenly Father.
With much love Andy & Debbie Blokker, Chris & Dana, Ed & Lisa, Kait, Josh & Rachel, Michaela & Natassje
May the love of God give you comfort in this most difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers daily.
Simon, Marian, Dean, Lauren and Jack Vanderwoude
Dear Buist, Bethlehem and Hoeksema families and all other friends and family of Shawna,
I think about all of you daily. I can't imagine the pain you are going through but I know that God is taking you all by the hand and leading you down the path He has chosen. I pray continuously for all of you and Shawna. God be with you.
Love Nicole Ludwig
Al, Debbie, Darryl and family,
We are encouraged by the faith that shines through in your blog. We pray for Shawna to recieve healing , and we are confident that God can do this. May you find comfort in God's awesome power and be stregthened by His Spirit.
Love Ron and Anne Jager and family
Dear Bethlehem family and others dear to Shawna,
Even though we don't know you personally (except for Bill and Shawnie), our thoughts and prayers have been with you since we heard of the accident. May God grant you strength, patience and comfort during this difficult time. May you be encouraged by God's love and care over you, and by the prayers and concern of so many of God's children.
Thank you for so faithfully posting this blog about Shawna, and also thank you to Ruth for introducing us to her family.
Al and Debbie, may you cast your burdens on the Lord and may He grant you peace, hope and comfort.
Gerhard and Teny Visscher and family
Caledonia
(neighbours to the Jobb's)
Dear Bethlehem and Hoeksema families,
We praise the Lord that Shawna has come so far and pray that he may continue to give her the healing she needs. May God continue to give you the strength and patience you need to carry on.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.
Henry and Jackie Smouter, Mike, Tamara
Dear Al and Debbie and family, Darryl
We thank God for the evidence of His presence in your lives, especially during these trying hours. May He continue to grant you the strength and courage you need to face each day. We remember you and Shawna continually in our prayers, and ask that our Father grant healing if it is His will. May you find refuge in Him alone.
Ed and Marge Ludwig and family
Dear Loved Ones of Shawna,
Thank you for the updates on wonderful daughter, sister and friend. May the Lord continue to comfort and give you strength during this very difficult time. May the peace of God transcend your pain and suspense. Praying for Shawna!
David Winkel
Al, Debbie, and family
Just another word to encourage you all. Remember to take care of yourselves too (eat and sleep) while you are there with Shawna. A lot of people are thinking of you and praying for you, including the staff and students of Guido and ACRES. Thank you for sharing with us all so the communion of saints can be at work. May God give you the strength to face whatever lies ahead.
Rich and Jody Tomlin
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope, and a future."
Jeremiah 11:29
Trusting in God's love and wisdom through this difficult time. Praying that God will give us all the strength and perseverance to get through this, one day at a time.
God bless,
Jeannette Gracey
Dear Bethlehem family,
May God comfort you in this hard time. The prayers of my family and myself are with you.
Love Meagan Bremer
Dear AL and Debbie and Family
We are praying for Shawna and your family to get through all these times of trouble and worries. We hope for the best in everything that is going on and pray that in God we know that anything can happen.
With Love: Wendy & Rachel Schoon
Dear Al & Debbie, Darryl & family,
We just found out about Shawna's blog today. Our thoughts and prayers have been (and continue to be)with you all. It is evident in your updates that the God is your refuge, and that is evidence that God has surrounded you with His grace and love. We pray that God will preserve Shawna's life, if it is His will. We also pray for those who surround her bedside with strength and the surety that God has a plan in all this, albeit hard for us to comprehend or deal with.
Love, Ike & Heather Groenwold & family
Dear Bethleham family and Darryl,
May God's Word and the communion of saints continue to uphold you during this difficult time.
We pray that He may make all things well for Shawna and your families. May He give you the strength in the time that lies ahead. You are continually in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Jay and Denise VanderHoeven
Kendra, Tianna & Madelyn
Dear Al and Debbie, Darryl and families:
We met Shawna and Darryl for the first time (very early!) New Year's Day at the Slaa's, and now you have all become part of our family prayers. We are earnestly praying for Shawna's healing - may God continue to uphold you in His strength and grace through whatever situation He will unfold for you in the days to come.
Several students at Covenant Christian School here in London have been mentioning Shawna in morning class prayer requests, so the communion of saints extends here too!
Rick and Marjorie Bergsma, Wes, Hannah, Jessica, Joel, Olivia
Dear family and friends of Shawna
"The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for thoes who trust in Him."
Nahum 1:7
I continue to pray daily that God grants you the strength and comfort that you need during this difficult time. Thank-you for this blog and the time you have put into it.
Shawna is also in the prayers of my grade 5 and 6 class at Ebenezer Canadian Reformed School in Smithers, BC.
Stay strong in Him, as you are already doing, as is evident in this blog.
Sincerely,
Jessica Dokter
Praise the Lord, that He has provided such bountiful care for our Sister in Christ.
The movement in the hearts of the community to support the Bethlehem family in prayer, the outpouring of love, the expertise of the doctors who are working diligently to do everything they physically can, and the gift of blood, given by so many. My prayers are with the Bethlehem family, may God's power and love be shown.
Also, there is a Blood Donation clinic upcoming at the Smithville District Christian Highschool. It is a great opportunity to show our thankfulness to God, to do what we can to help others.
Dear Al and Debbie, Darryl and your families,
We continue to pray that our Heavenly Father will grant Shawna a full recovery, if it is His Will.
May He also give each of you what you need - hour by hour and day by day.
Arend and Willa Dale Smid
Al and Debbie and family,
As we sit here late Thursday night reading your blog and all the response to your family's pain and anxiety over your precious daughter, it is so amazing to us again the love our dear Lord that He has given us the gift of the communion of saints. May you all feel the love and the prayers that are going up for you and your daughter. May you feel the closeness our of our Lord and that He carries you and gives you the strength when you feel that you can not go on any longer.
We love you and pray for you daily.
Bill and Rolean
May the LORD strengthen en comfort you in this difficult time. He leads our lives at all times. We are praying for you.
Theo and Ann-Marie de Haan (VanderHoeven, Balkbrug,Netherlands)
Dear Bethlehem Family and Darryl
Praying that the Lord will sustain you during these difficult days. Rely on Him always. We at Anchor are praying for you and your family, that the Lord will grant healing to Shawna, and strength to the family.
Christian love from
Marion Overbeek and the staff and residents of the Anchor Home
Dear shawna and family and friends
My family and I are praying for you constantly. That God will give you the healing and strength that we are all praying for. We also pray that He will comfort you and give you patience in this hard situation
From Alan vanandel
Dear loved ones of Shawna,
Thank you for keeping us up to date on Shawnas condition with this blog. How encouraging it is to read of how many are praying for her and for you as family. Our family too continues to pray, both for healing, and strength for you in the days to come. May the Lord grant you comfort by His word and Spirit.
Tom and Sandra Linde and family
Uncle al & aunt debbie
I'm praying for you and Shawna every single day, and I kno our God is watching over you. It is so amazing what our God can do, and we have to keep praying that he can make Shawna better, because God can do anything. Love you guys,
Kristen Buist
What a comfort we have in knowing that Shawna belongs with body and soul, both in life and in death, to her faithful Saviour Jesus Christ. May our Father surround you and your family with His love and care.
Love, Rich and Bertha Jans
Dear Alan, Debbie, Darryl, and families,
"Cast your burdens upon the LORD and He will sustain you." We are praying for you all and commend Shawna and her loved ones into God's care.
Lloyd and Fenny Kingma, Jon and Sharon, Laurence, Juditha, Aren
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