Brian and the kids are here! Hip Hip Hooray! When they arrived feasted on Bradys "secret recipe talapia", pasta, salad and bread. When dinner was done, Brian ran to the hospital to be with Uncle Sonny.
Uncle Sonny has requested a "spa day" with his "Shelley Pooh-Pooh"(childhood nickname he gave me and I have no idea why;) To be more accurate, his finger and toenails are pretty gnarly, so Monica asked if he wanted me to come get them cleaned up and he nodded. So that is my mission today. He is more aware and responsive so we will see how today progresses.
One fabulous thing, is that none of us have to worry about dinner for our small army tonight. Robynn's dear friend, Tonya Sandoval offered to feed all of us and we gladly accepted. It's so nice to focus on Uncle Sonny, Brian and the kids and not what we are having for dinner.
Thanks Tonya!!!

Pray On!
S

Brian and the kids will be traveling back to Bakersfield tomorrow. We welcome Brian's expertise when it comes to hospitals and patient care...no one knows better than him,unfortunately.
I kept Uncle Sonny's grandson (Brody) last night so Monica could stay w/ her dad. First thing this morning, she called and ask that I get to the hospital ASAP because they were going to take him off the ventilator and needed 2 people to keep him calm and down. I rushed over only to find that "protocol" had not been followed, so the tube coming out would not be an option for 2 more hours. Then another wrench(sound familiar?) dialysis showed up and would keep him occupied for 5 hours. I sat patiently and read to him like I had done the day before. The Respiratory therapist came in around 2:30 and tested his ability to breathe w/out the ventilator. Her response was immediate and it was "no". Later, the Dr said a tracheotomy would be in order if he did not respond to the new breathing treatment(antibiotics directly to the lungs) All other tests came back negative, which is good, but doesn't give us a concrete direction.

Please ask God to do "His Will" and please check "comments" for an update on Larry.
It's inspiring!

Pray On!
S

Uncle Sonny had Dialysis for the 2nd day in a row and will be off for a couple days. His BP was more stable than the day before during his treatment. They put in an arterial line so his gas levels and BP can me more exact and this will keep from having him poked continually(there's not many places left:( They also did a Bronchoscopy to check for bacteria and other bugs. His right lower lobe seems to be most affected. They are hoping to fill up the upper and middle part of that lung and get some pockets to open up below releasing the bad gunk(sorry, can't think of Dr lingo;) They did aspirate quite a bit of the bad gunk around 9pm last night, so we will see how that may help. A lung biopsy is still an option, but they want to try the less invasive procedures 1st. The culture on Valley Fever is still something we are eager to get. He will continue on the ventilator until they can figure out exactly what they are dealing with and he stabilizes.
Brian and the kids went home yesterday and my Mom & Dad got to visit Uncle Sonny:)
I will be back to the hospital this morning, but don't possess a laptop like I did with Robynn, so please be patient with my updates.

Pray On!
S

Wally has been moved from ICU. His wife forever by his side. His pain is constant, but manageable with meds.

Uncle Sonny

We are still a little perplexed but he is improving. His CT scan showed spots on his lungs that are unidentifiable by the Dr and a lung biopsy might be in order. He spiked a 103 temp last night and they talked about having an Infectious Disease Doc take a look at him. He no longer had to be restrained as long as one of us was in with him, which is a no brainer for this group of family & friends;) He opened his eyes and was a little responsive in the early evening. Later on, he was getting a little agitated about the tube down his throat and more sedation was required. The plan was to get the tube removed at 4am this morning since he was doing so well breathing for himself, but it didn't happen. Getting that tube out would be a great relief to us all. Hailey had done "arts & crafts" in the morning while I was getting ready and made something for Uncle Sonny. It was a bright hot pink snowflake that said "To Uncle Sonny Love, Hailey". I had taped to the IV pole that hangs from the ceiling and had Bradley move it directly in front of him so when he did open his eyes, it was the 1st thing he saw. It worked! When they came to do a draw for his blood gas levels he was wide eyed and when I asked "do you see what Hailey made you"? he shook his head yes. He never took his eyes off it, and seemed to use it as a focal point to help him be calm and still. I told him he was a "ROCK" and that I would never call him a "cream puff" again. He blinked in approval.
I had brought Brady and Hailey to the hospital around lunchtime and within a couple hours they were ready to go back to Aunties. Brian took them to Cal and she was in charge til I got home about 6:45. I ordered pizza, gave Hailey a bath and we were all in bed a tad before 8pm. Not quite as early as Robynn would have liked, but close;) They are now up with full tummies and playing the Wii. Brian was with Uncle Sonny pretty much all night and I hope he is asleep at my parents as I type this.

Again, please pray for my parents speedy recovery from their nasty cold/flu so they can visit Uncle Sonny and get to see the kids before they go back to West Sac.

Pray On!
S

PS To learn more about Nick Cavalier and how to help, go to http://www.nicholascavalier.com/

Uncle Sonny Update 2/23

2/22 This is Callahan writing for my mom. Uncle Sonny has taken a turn for the worst and is at San Joaquin hospital in Bakersfield. My Uncle Brian is on his way down here with Brady and Hailey right now. We will keep you updated as much as we can.
Please help out with your prayers Army Goodell.

***2/23- 7:30am***He in in ICU, has been put on a ventilator and diagnosed with pneumonia and
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) He was very combative and required restraints. He opened his eyes and knew we were there and nodded his head when we told him Brian was on his way. When Brian arrived a little after midnight, I took the kids to my house to get snugly with their cousins. Hailey got Cal and Brady got T. The big kids are off to school now and Brady and Hailey are watching Pirates of the Caribbean while they wait for their blueberry muffins to come out of the oven.
My parents are Very ill w/ whatevers going around and can't be around Uncle Sonny. Please pray that my Dad gets better and is able to be with his brother soon, as I know this is tough on him.

You are Pros! You know what to do!

Pray On!
S

A Couple Updates, Updated;)

I have not heard back about Wally.
*Alexa is home, but with no answers
Uncle Sonny is doing better, but a little wobbly. He has lost a lot of weight, so they are hoping Physical Therapy will help give him strength.
Tanners labs came back normal
Barley is back on her chemo and has a new man in her life(hope it was ok to share that;) She was glad there are men who like bald women...Woo Hoo!
*Larry was finally approved for cyber knife surgery on Thursday February 26th. They will place the last of the gold on the liver and then will start the main procedure the following week. They are anticipating that they will cause a pneumothorax when they move the lung but they have assured him that they are ready to deal with this. It has been a tough week for Tracy and his family. They were informed late on valentines day that his uncle whom had battled lung cancer and thought to be doing alot better past away, he was a simple man and will be greatly missed. Tracy's wife also learned that her cousin who has pancreatic cancer is not doing so well and not responding to his chemo please keep Jay in your prayers as well.


I know we all have private requests that sit in our hearts. Pray for each other and ask that Our Gracious God lift those burdens.

Ephesians 3:20
Now glory be to God! By his mighty power at work within us, he is able to accomplish infinitely more than we would ever dare to ask or hope.

Pray On!
S

Continue To Post Comments

I wish I could explain what they mean. Not just to me, but to my brother, Brady, Hailey and the rest of our family and friends. They help continue our faith and hope and give us a reason to "stay the course" of a path we did not choose and would not choose.

Cal and Tanner are better, and tomorrow I'm going to savor my "girl time" with 2 of our 3 musketeers...me and Raj! Kel will be there in spirit, no doubt!

Pray On!
S

2 MONTHS

It's hard to believe it's been 2 months since Robynn left us! Seems like only yesterday I was listening to her laugh, watching her read to the kids, or teasing her for falling asleep as she tried her hardest to finish Twilight!

I wanted to leave you all something to think about when you may be experiencing a challenging or difficult time:

-God Doesn't Make Mistakes!
-The Lord Has A Plan For Us All; We don't have to understand it!
-Faith Will Help Us Overcome!


These are the main recurring themes for the kids and my daily discussions and prayers! Often times it is very easy to lose site of these simple truths especially with all the emotions that fill our days. I must admit that many times it is one or both of the kids reminding me of the above! (It still doesn't make it easy but at least it helps adjust my thinking.) Brady & Hailey are so amazing and I thank the Lord and Robynn multiple times a day for blessing me with them.

I must also thank all of you for your continued support and prayers for us. I know this has not been easy for all of us who care so deeply for Robynn. Your encouragement, thoughts, and prayers through your own difficult times is greatly appreciated!

God Bless You All!

Brian

911 Prayer request for Wally Todd

I just got this via email;
Hi Shelley...I have a special request. I'm a old neighbor of Brian & Robynn's(Marshfield Way) and have not only feel blessed to have been friends with Robynn and Brian, but I'm truly going to miss Robynn. I'm e-mailing you to ask for special prayers for a good friend of mine that remains me a lot of Robynn. Her name is Kim and last October her husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 Pancreatic cancer. He is 36 years old. Together they have a beautiful 6 year old daughter Hailey and handsome son Brandon, who is 10 years old. We were informed today that he is in ICU(Mercy Southwest) and things are looking pretty dim, his body is not responding to anything the wonderful doctors and nurses try to do for him. My heart aches for their family and so many relations to Brian & Robynn's situation makes it really hard for me as well.
I just ask that maybe Army Goodell could find in their hearts to prayer for the entire family, that they find comfort and peace during these difficult times.

You know what to do....
Pray On!
S

Having Brian and the kids here did many hearts good!
We had dinner waiting when they arrived and Hailey and I worked on her homemade Valentines that only her Mom is more talented at. Mum-mum had bought out the dollar store with all sorts of greats arts and crafts to make them extra special.
Friday, Mum-mum and I took Brady and Hailey shopping to pick out Valentine gifts for Brian and lunched at Wendy's(kids choice) We later celebrated Papa's bday at Woolgrowers...Double YUM! It was tough on Brian, but he sucked it up and made the best of it for our Dad. Matt, Erin and Maddie couldn't make it, but they still found a way to swipe the bill out from under us, all the way from Modesto. What a bunch of stinkers!
Saturday, I think we ate all day(not Brian of course, he's on strike from eating) It does worry us, but know it's part of his grief process and he's aware of it. We delivered goodies to Kelly's boys Spencer and Mason and their cousins Ryan, Joe and Johnny and had lunch at Moo-Creamery. A little later the kids wrote notes to their mom and we attached them to balloons that they released at the cemetery. We watched them slowly float up with the wind taking them higher and higher til we couldn't see them anymore. It was a very slow process and we knew Robynn was giggling as she watched and thought we were goofy with a capital G! Brady insisted his mom had her arms stretched out, ready to take hold of her special valentines. I don't have the words to describe what I felt when I watched Hailey pick up a stick and write "I ♥ u Mom" on Robynns grave. It was a powerful moment and I knew Robynn was with us. We left Robynn and attended Mass at Christ the King. It was rough when the priest asked all married couples to stand, join hands, look into each others eyes and recommit themselves to their marriage. I wanted to teleport my brother anywhere.... but there:(
We indulged in heart pizza and more junk and finished opening all our valentines.
Sunday, we just hung out until our "Bowling Show-Down" with the Starr's, Oxford's and Haines families. There was all sort of fabulous banter, bets and boastful moments. We laughed like we haven't laughed in a long time. It was a wonderful gift of friendship, love and treasured memories.
Today they got back on the road to West Sac around 2 and we miss them already. Thank you Mom and Dad for letting us invade your home for 5 days;) xoxo
Please keep us all in your prayers, as we have good moments and bad, and are not sure which one will will hit us next.

Pray On!
S

PS Tanner was sick the ENTIRE TIME and had to be taken to Urgent Care. We had blood drawn today and are waiting for results. Sad he missed his time with Uncle Brain, Brady and Hailey, but glad we are closer to finding out what's ailing him.
Hooray...Alexa Michelle is back home!!!!

Happy Valentine's day!

I'm baking muffins and cinnamon rolls and then headed to spend the day with Brian, Brady and Hailey. Woo Hoo!

1 Corinthians 13:7
Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.

Please surround my brother in prayer today!

Pray On!
S

Let Us Be Servants of the Lord

True joy is a rarity for me these days, but not today! Today I joined my wonderful bible study group in preparing and serving over 200 homeless men and women. We provided pasta, salad, bread,soda,water, cookies and other desserts. We joined our plastic gloved hands as our fearless leader Christy prayed over the loud speaker as the men and women stood in line waiting for their hot meal. Her words ministered to us all as. One by one they came. Some came back 3 and 4 times...I loved that. They were polite and grateful. Some had big smiles and boasted with thankfulness. Others, with their heads bowed would offer a simple"God Bless". It touched me so deeply. I knew this was Gods way of giving me joy.
When I spoke to Brian, I know he heard the excitement in my voice. He even said he was going to find a way to do the same thing in his area. I told him it was bound to make a profound difference in his outlook. I felt hope and knew he needed to experience this. He even commented that helping others was always a sure way of making yourself feel better, but wondered if it was selfish. Call it want you want, it is what we were meant to do. Actually, we have been "commanded to serve". Sometimes I think we forget how great the reward is, so I am here to tell you... it is Ultra Stupendous, Fantastic, Fabulous and Amazing! It is one of the greatest gifts that gives back to your soul!
On my way home, I stopped at Vons and encountered and elderly gentlemen shuffling around looking perplexed. I put my 2 bags of groceries in my car and went back to check to see if he found his way. He had not. I walked over to him and asked if I could help him with something. he replied, "I can't find my car". I asked what make, model and color it was. "It's a sand colored Toyota Camry thats license plate ends in 38". I don't immediately spot it as I go aisle by aisle. I ask him if he entered thru the Bakery or thru the Floral dept. He says "Bakery", so I localize my search. Still nothing. Another woman stops and asks what I've lost and I reply, "his car". We share the information and she joins in the search. Probably 6 minutes have gone by and we spot his car(Floral dept side;). I thank the woman for helping and get this sweet gent to his car. He thanks me again and says," the next time I see you, I'm gonna buy you an ice cream cone". I tell him,"that sounds great"!
The cost to me was 6 minutes and the reward was priceless....

You know what to do "Army Goodell"!

Pray On!
S

PS Nothing from Miss Denise...sorry:(
PS2 HAPPY BIRTHDAY DADDY! Robynn is signing from Heaven!

Give Today!

Callahan is giving Blood today at her High School. Let's all make a conscious effort to make a an appt and DONATE! Robynn benefited so much from blood, plasma and platelet donors.
Pay it Forward "Army Goodell".
Nick Cavalier update-
You can set up an account at pay pal and donate to nickcavrehabfund33@yahoo.com or at Santa Barbara Bank and Trust Nick Cavalier Rehabilitation fund.

Pray On!
S

Alexa Michelle

Miss Denise's granddaughter Alexa is in desperate need of our prayers.
About two months ago she had an episode where she stopped breathing. They thought it was low blood sugar caused from not getting enough breast milk, so they started supplementing with formula and things were fine until now. This morning she had 4 more of the same episodes. They live in Redding and took her to Mercy Redding where she was born. They are awaiting the results of her blood and urine tests. Thankfully the EKG and CT scan came back clear. They are preparing to have her transported by ambulance to UCD Medical Center where they will admit and observe her.
It is very painful for her parents Benny and Jessica as well as the rest of her family to watch their precious angel become lifeless and then extremely lethargic.
Please use the power of our tireless Army to bring comfort, healing and love.

Let us lean on this once again:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.

Love to you all
Pray On!
S

Sorry, for taking so long before posts. I started the week with a very sick Tanner:( He went back to school Wed and that allowed me to be present for my Aunt Dorothy and Uncle Joe's pre-trial. It was concluded on Thursday that the 2 teenagers accused, will stand trial for their murders and other various charges. It was a powerful thing to look them in the eye. I pray that the Lord will grant me total forgiveness of them, but I don't feel it at this time.
I ended my week with the arrival of "Gem". Our 10 week old black lab puppy. Our hope is that Ruby will return and they will be great Sissy's. I was extremely against another dog but Tanner and Tim were insistent. She is a HUGE undertaking and requires our constant attention, but is very quick to provide love and affection that warms our hearts. She's not Ruby, but she is very dear already.

I have not heard back with the information needed to donate to the Nicholas Cavalier Rehabilitation Fund @ Santa Barbara Bank. I figure they were busy with his fundraiser and they will contact me soon. Thank you for your interest and willingness to serve in any and all ways "Army Goodell".

The BEST NEWS, I have to report is that Brian, Brady and Hailey will be in Bakersfield for a few days...Hip Hip Hooray!!! They get here Thursday night and we are counting the days...hours...minutes until then. We are celebrating Papa's(our Dad) bday Friday night at Woolgrowers and we'll eat "heart pizza's" for Valentine's day.
Let the FFF begin!!!

Colossians 4:5
Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone.

Pray On!
S

A Sure Sign

I know that losing Robynn happened for a greater good that would benefit countless others. That concept helps me get through most days. What I am about to tell you is proof....
While in Santa Barbara, Tim and I walked down State St. looking for a place to have breakfast. We had a list from a friend with her favorite places for breakfast and set out to find one of them. As we strolled along Tim points across the street and says "How about Ruby's Cafe"?(not a restaurant on our list) I slow down as tears well up in my eyes and tell him, "I can't...lets go to the cafe up ahead". He does not push me and we continue down the sidewalk. Suddenly I stop, peer across the street and see the red awning bearing "RUBY"S CAFE" and decide we have to go there. (chills?) I can't explain it, but I knew this was not a coincidence. The waiter told us we could sit anywhere we wanted and we chose to walk to the very back of the restaurant and sit right outside the kitchen. The service and food was out of this world and I managed to get through with just a couple tears(that's really good theses days;) As we waited for the check, Tim saw a flyer taped up in the hallway directly across from our table that had this good looking, vibrant, blond young man smiling while holding his surf board and giving a "thumbs up".
Tim asked if I could read what it said. I looked over and read;
"Nick Cavalier Fundraiser
Thursday February 5, 2009 5-8pm
Ruby's Cafe
Music by Tripdavon
Raffle
Silent Auction
Ruby's Cafe T-shirts for sale"
We wondered what his need was and got up from our table to read the smaller print.
It listed the different sponsors and Nicholas Cavalier Rehabilitation Fund @ Santa Barbara Bank & Trust. Rehabilitation fund? He looks healthy as can be? We had to find out more and at the very least buy a T-shirt that adorned our most beloved dog...Ruby. There was a woman interacting with an employee so we approached her and asked what had happened to Nick. She replied with great emotion and told us how he had been injured while trying to break up a fight late one night and suffered severe head trauma and is now unable to care for himself without assistance. His parents had tried a couple facilities that had to be discontinued because of abuse and inadequet care. After researching throughout California they found that the most suitable place for him was the Center for Nuero Skills in Bakersfield.(more chills?) YES, you heard me, BAKERSFIELD! "We are from Bakersfield, that's wonderful", I exclaimed! She then proceeded to tell us as a part-time employee for the city of Santa Barbara, Nick doesn’t have health insurance and is only covered by Medi-Cal. He received a small amount of money from the Victims of Violent Crimes fund, but it wouldn’t cover much more than a month at most private rehab centers. He also does not qualify for state services because his injury is "physical" and not a mental health issue. It will cost $157,00o.00 for 3 months. I don't know about you, but I don't have that kind of money. However,I have something more powerful... my faith in God and my faith in "Army Goodell". Your prayers have produced miracles and there are more to be seen! There are so many ways to help Nick. Some of us can give $, some of us can solicit others, but ALL of us can pray! Nick is a complete stranger to me, but the facts remain that Robynn gave us our precious puppy and the two of them drew us to "Ruby's Cafe" and led us to Nick. Robynn's legacy continues, as it works through our loss of her, Ruby and all of you!

Pray On!
S