Thursday, September 17, 2009

Tracy Randall need our Prayers

From Tracy...
Thank you for the remembrance of 9-11.
Too often I think people forget that day until the anniversary.
On the other hand, I have a prayer request.
This comes from my hospital bed. I just finished up with my broken leg and now am back in with a broken back. Fracture the T-11 and L-1. Lots of pain, but I can still move arms and legs. Crashed my dirt bike and should be in a brace for 3 months.
(what the "HE double toothpicks" were doing on a dirt bike??????) There's my 2 cents

We are Praying Tracy!!!
Pray On!
S

Friday, September 11, 2009

God Bless the Heroes, God Bless Those Left Behind and God Bless America!

Please take a moment in remembrance of those so deeply affected by this day 8 years ago. We cried as a Nation and as a Nation we must heal, grow and continue to protect what we hold so dear!

Today I decorated my car w/ paint pens with the following sayings;
9-11
We have NOT Forgotten!
We are Still Praying!
God Bless the USA!
&
"USA" with hearts all around it
I went to Costco and when I got back in my car there was a piece of paper under my windshield wiper. I opened my car door and grabbed it. On the back of Christmas stationary it read,
"I like what you have written on your car! THANK YOU!!
I was very touched and full of pride, not just for our country, but all mankind!
Pay It Forward Army Goodell! We make a difference!
PRAY ON!
S

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Hold Brian up!

Today would have been Brian and Robynn's 12th wedding anniversary. Please pray for my brother as this will be such a difficult day.
I remember how beautiful Robynn looked(as always) and the tears of Joy that ran down her face as we presented her with her wedding gift from Brian, a diamond tennis bracelet before the ceremony. She was overwhelmed because she didn't need any other gift than marrying Brian. That was the greatest gift she could get in her eyes. She was just that simple, and that made her a magnet of love!
I ask that you please post a comment so that Brian will feel the love and support from all of "Army Goodell "
Thank you Kelly K for remembering:)

Romans 8:26
The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.

Pray On!
S

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

More to Pray about....

I got this from Brandy;


Shelley, Can I request some prayers??? First...My grandmother's brother Earl passed away last week....she is now 2 out of 12 left. He was 80 years old...My grandma, Bertha had to leave Roger (Angiosarcoma) and Aunt Judy to go to his funeral and care for his family for a bit...She is an 89 year old Florence Nightingale...Tonight my mother called and my dad's brother Bill who has Chronic Lymphatic Leukemia is in the hospital with a Pulmonary Embolism in his lung...an apparent side effect from a trial medication he was on...so the trial had to stop. Anyhow...if you could please keep them in your prayers...It would be so very appreciated. In fact shoot up some prayers for all of God's children....No matter how bad we have it at times...there is always someone out there going through something even worse....God please be with all your children...give us all strength and guidance to get through whatever it is that you have planned for us. ....and thank you for all of our blessings. HUGS TO HEAVEN!!!!


Please also pray for;

Garrett Hansen(remember praying for Nick Hansen...this is his grandson) who was born yesterday and has been placed on a respirator.

Steve Schneider(Tims step-dad) who fell and broke his hip and is rehabilitating at HealthSouth.

Hailey Rae who chipped a bone in her ankle yesterday:( So sad about missing the beginning of soccer season.

Brian's back is still causing him much pain.

That my friend Sherry Frith can stay out of the hospital and they get her pain managed.

The Escalante family who lost Randy.

Jan Jay has been dealing w/ colon cancer and now has terminal cancer on the lining of the abdomen. We need a miracle for this one!

That Santos and Mrs Sullivan continue to heal.

and last but not least, pray for Baby Joshua and ALL who are in need of our prayers!

Psalm 63:1-2O
God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water. I have seen you in your sanctuary and gazed upon your power and glory

Pray On!
S

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Baby Joshua

From Lauressa:
Sorry, I've lagged on updating on him :( Well, since I last updated you he's been thru a couple more surgeries and ended up with shunt in his head to help drain the extra fluid building up in his head. This will help keep him out of pain, because extra fluid causes very bad headaches. He's also battled a very serious infection in one of his first shunts. He won those battles!! Now, today starts a new battle. He starts his chemo regimen today. He is going to be receiving some very strong ones and needs as many prayers as we can all muster. Prayers that his docs and nurses will administer this chemo cocktail with the utmost of care and knowledge of these medications. Prayers to continue giving Joshua the strength and will to fight this terrible disease. Prayers for Josh Sr and Kendall (his parents) to be able to handle all the stress/demands that go along with going through this type of an ordeal. Please everyone keep this sweet baby and his family in your prayers. Include them in your church's prayer listings and tell your friends and neighbors as well. He's almost 10 months old now and was just diagnosed a little over a month ago.
Thanks again everyone!

Pray On!
S

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Bittersweet!

This morning we got the great news that Hailey's arm was all healed and no more "STINKY" cast. Perfect timing because her first soccer practice is tomorrow and she plans on being the star of her team!

After the doctor visit we ran up to the cemetary to visit Robynn and Uncle Dennis. Today Dennis would have been 35 (it's still hard to believe it's been almost 10 years since he left us). While we were cleaning the headstones Brady just started singing Happy Birthday loud and proud. I know Robynn was singing right along and Dennis was smiling.

Lord how I miss my two Best Friends but consider myself blessed to have had such amazing people in my life!
God Bless!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Toothless Wonder


I almost forgot. Hailey wanted me to make sure you all knew she lost her first tooth last night. She even took a picture for everyone to see.

The Kids!

Brady and Hailey have had a whirlwind of a summer. They visited Sea World and the San Diego beaches, hung out in Mexico at Uncle Matt & Auntie Erin's with family and friends, visited their Great Grandpa (Robynn's Grandpa) Bob Brady in Southern California, made a trip to Magic Mountain, had sleep overs with Mum-Mum &Papa & Auntie, Tim & their cousins, and had multiple visits from Mimi, Enni, Uncle Derek,the Harkers, and Ms. S. And for those who don't know, we moved back to Bakersfield, right down the street from their Mum-mum & Papa and only a couple miles from Auntie.

On the negative side, Hailey did fracture her radius and growth plate in her left and has been in a splint or cast nearly all summer. She goes back to the doctor to get her 2nd cast off and see how the growth plate fracture is healing (so far not so well). If it is not progressing properly we will have to see an orthopedic surgeon. I pray this is not the case and we see the results we need during Tuesdays doctor visit. I'll keep you all posted on the results.

Lastly, I want to thank you all for your continued prayers and support for my family and so many others. You all continue to amaze and I consider myself extremely blessed by you. Despite the kids enjoying their summer, it has been extremely difficult on them both to not be able to spend these special times with with their mom. I know your prayers and encouragement has given me the strength and guidance to nurture and support them when it is every bit as difficult a time for me.

God Bless You All!

Brian

Monday, August 3, 2009

The good news is, Mrs. Sullivan and Santos both got to go home last week. Hip Hip Hooray!

I will get to see with my own 2 eyes how Mrs. Sullivan is doing on Wednesday, as my mom and I are bringing dinner to her. Keep praying, she has a long road ahead!

Santos did go home as well and will get his treatments as an outpatient at CBCC 3 times a week. This should continue for at least 3 months. The side effects are very similar to what we saw with Robynn...extreme tiredness, no appetite, weight loss, bad taste in mouth etc:( Please pray that his faith in God remains strong during this very difficult time. I am still helping the family with dinners,groceries etc. Please let me know if you are available to help in any way.
Thank you to all who have helped so far! A Target gift card just showed up from an anonymous soldier...I have a good guess who she is....:) bless you!
Santos has told us over and over how he sees the work of God through the help he has received and asks that "we be blessed a hundred fold"

My Papa will be discharged from Health South, but is not able to return to his home as we all had hoped. This weekend, "the guys" moved all of the things needed for his new home at Glenwood Gardens. "The girls" worked on setting it up and shopping for odds and ends. I will go today and hang pictures and put the final touches together. As hard as this is, I try to find the bright side. The bright side for our family is that my Papa has made sure that no one would have to worry about him financially. As we all know, this can be a huge burden on families and we are thankful for this blessing. Please pray that the sadness that fills his 3 daughters and grandchildren will ease and that we look to Gods unending love and grace.

Brian is still in quite a lot of pain. We feel he has been a little neglected as Papa has required most of our attention. My mom has been cooking for him and I tried to help by keeping Brady and Hailey for a few nights, and had dinner for them, but we don't feel like it was enough. A quick phone call or email might be nice, so he knows you are thinking of him:)

No news on baby Joshua. Oh, Lauressa....

Pray On!
S

New song to check out...."Fight Like A Girl", by Bomshell

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Update & More Prayers Needed

Mrs. Sullivan responded well to having the abscess removed and antibiotics administered. She was conscious and talking a bit on Thursday. Her tests for the infection are showing positive results and we are so thankful. The pathology report showed the cancer had spread and she will undergo chemo when she regains some strengths.

Santos's body rejected the medication needed to get him well. They then tried a less invasive drug, but realized they needed to try the Amphotericin B again maybe at a slower pace. They tried this yesterday and he amazingly seemed to tolerate it better...ALLELUIA! He is getting another dose today at 4pm. Please pray his body continues to take this medication as it is imperative for his survival.
On a cheery note, taking dinner to his children Thursday night, simply warmed my heart! They were all so happy to see me and wanting to help carry the food from the car to the house. I had more helpers than I had things to carry:) It was a wonderful feeling to see 1st hand their excitement and gratefulness. My friend Mel took dinner over last night and I'm sure she was greeted with the same joy! I can't wait to see them all again tonight!

On Thursday my Papa (my Mom's Dad) suffered a stroke and was hospitalized. He is being moved to Health South for rehabilitation for a couple weeks and then they will reevaluate him to see what the next step is. He is very disoriented and it is very sad to watch. However, some of the things he has said to us these past couple days have led us to laughing so hard we cried and for some, they laughed so hard they had to get to a restroom quick:) Just like with Robynn, laughter is an amazing antidote when faced with such sad circumstances.

Brian has been in excruciating pain with a slipped disc and pinched nerve in his back. Not much can keep this guy down, but this has definitely done just that! I'm taking Brady and Hailey to a bday party and then to see Papa.

Thank you again for your prayers and if you could, please help out with providing for Santos's family. I will continue to do whatever I can, but most of my time is being spent with my Papa, so I ask for your help with that.

Pray On!
S

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Special Prayer Request

Please pray for Mrs. Darlene Sullivan. She was diagnosed with Colon cancer last week, underwent surgery the following day and has suffered some serious complications. She developed a huge abscess and is at a high risk for becoming septic. Yes, there's that nasty, ugly word that will forever be associated with Kelly's death. With that said, I think you understand the seriousness of this.
I lived much of my childhood in the Sullivan household. Mrs. Sullivan loved me as one of her own and always made me feel so special. Her impact on my life is immeasurable.
With tears and a lump in my throat, I ask that you please pray for her and her family.

Pray On!
S

Army Goodell, We Need Your Help!

I have a family in need of our help in Bakersfield. Santos, one of Tim's employee's, has been diagnosed with Disseminated Valley Fever. He is a single-father of 11 and is the sole supporter. He is at Memorial Hospital and his prognosis is less than desireable.
I need BIG prayers for Santos and I need help with meals for his family! I know cooking for this many people is intimidating, but I know we are up for the task!
Gift cards to any local grocery store/Target or restaurant/pizza place would be helpful as well. I will be happy to pick up and deliver anything you have to give if that will help.
Otherwise you can email me at bdairygirl@gmail.com
Call my cell 661 978-5774 or
mail a donation to my attention, Shelley Goodell to 5301 Office Park Dr suite 225 93309
Help of ANY kind will be greatly appreciated!!!
Thank you in advance soldiers!

Love to all!
Pray On!
S

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Update on Baby Joshua

From Lauressa;

Thank you so much Shelley for posting this!
Little Joshua had 60% of his tumor removed yesterday, the doc told his mom that
"He won't survive this". He is currently recovering from surgery with an expected prognosis of 1 year or less.Army Goodell knows that many many people outlive their prognosis, and I have seen many patients exceed the doctors expectations too.
We are keeping hope alive :)
Thanks again for posting prayer requests for Joshua.
Thank you to all!!

AMEN to that!
Pray On!
S

Monday, July 13, 2009

Prayer Request

This is from Lauressa, one of Robynn's Fabulous nurses from Roseville Sutter.....


Can I forward a request to you to have Army Goodell pray for someone?
A friend of mine that I've known since 4th grade just found out on Thursday that her and her husband's 1st child, 8 mos old Joshua Truini, has a very aggressive brain tumor. The tumor is wrapped around his brain stem and part of his spinal cord. The brain stem controls breathing, heart rate, blood pressure. He is having his big surgery today to remove as much tumor as they can. He needs lots of prayers right now. Prayers that he will come through surgery, that his medical team will do everything in their power to help him. Also, prayers that whatever plans the docs have for treating him will be successful.
Thank you so much! The Truini family lives in Oregon.

You know what to do Army Goodell!

Isaiah 66:13
[God says,] "As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you."

May Joshua feel that comfort from all who love him! Keep us updated Lauressa...

Pray On!

S


Thursday, July 9, 2009

Prayer Request/Updates

Please raise Roger Pool up in prayer as he is beginning his battle with The Devil's right-hand man...Angiosarcoma. It gives me the chills to even type that word. Roger is married to my dear friend Kelly's Aunt Judy. Kelly's sister Brandy just informed me of this very sad news and said the symptoms/side effects are "all too familiar and like Robynn's, it is moving very fast".


A young mother from "Jonah's camp", Bracha Elisheva Bat Kaila is undergoing brain surgery due to cancer.


Please let Tracy's family feel the continued power of prayer as they struggle to live life without Larry.


Updates:


Linda Baker is finishing up with chemo and prays for more energy and wonders, what her hair will look like when it grows back?


Hooray for Julie Martin who is enjoying "Quality of Life" and will use this special time to serve through teaching Vacation Bible School. Way to go Julie!!!



I commend all our soldiers above on their courage and faith in a God that loves them so divinely! He will not fail you!



STAND STRONG! Army Goodell has got your back!!!

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with Thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Pray On!
S

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Happy Birthday BRADY DENNIS!!!!!

I remember so clearly Robynn's labor with Brady. I was there for hours trying to keep her entertained. We sang, danced, reenacted Seinfeld episodes and recited our all time favorite sayings from movies("So I married an Axe Murderer" was mimicked repeatedly;). My goal was to distract and not being successful was NOT an option! This was her 1st baby and I knew how helpful that would be.
So the irony of all this is that my Mom and I had been there so long that, well lets say....we were "ripe" and were desperate for a shower:) After her epidural, the nurse told us it would be quite sometime before delivery and to let her get some sleep and by the time we got back, there should be a better progression. She did look exhausted and our stench was getting a little out of hand and we didn't want to be stinky for our sweet Brady, so we agreed.
We had not even made it home when Brian calls to tell us to "get back here, she's ready to push". We can hear Robynn in the back ground yelling "Hurry! Hurry! You need to get back". I immediately start driving like a mad woman in a total panic! I am merging onto the 99 at Ming Ave when Brian calls back and tells me not to rush because, "Brady Dennis is here!" I start bawling! I cry all the way back to the hospital. I can't believe I missed it! How could this have happened? My mom was just as upset as I was. Running through the parking lot, lobby and hallways we finally reached our precious Brady. Robynn's smile could not have been brighter. Her and Brian's joy was abundant.
What a day! What a moment ! What a Blessing!
Thank you Robynn for giving us Brady and gracing him with your love of books, a generous heart, an insatiable sweet tooth:) and your trademark freckles! So many reminders of you and we are so thankful!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY "BO-BO"!
Auntie loves you!

Pray On!
S

Monday, June 29, 2009

Something to Hold On to....

Romans 8:38-39

I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons,
neither the present nor the future,
nor any powers,
neither height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the
love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Pray On!
S

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Larry Lives in Heaven Now

They were able to get Larry comfortable before he passed away.
Please keep his family in your most sacred prayers.
Also, pray for the Georgino family. Our dear friend Shirley Georgino passed away yesterday. Her son Michael is one of my Dads all time favorite students from 40 years ago. Some of you might know Shirley as the owner of the Jolly Kone on S Chester Ave. As kids, teenagers and even adults we loved to go visit Shirley and grab a salad burger and vanilla coke. She was always hard at work, but never caught without a smile and something to say that would make you laugh along with her. She will be missed, but Heaven will reap our loss.

God Bless and...
Pray On!
S

Prayers of Peace for Larry

I just got a call from Tracy. Larry fell yesterday and was readmitted to Roseville-Sutter. Basically, the Dr's have told his family that his body is shutting down and he could have as little as 24 hours left. They are trying to get him moved to the Oncology floor so Hospice can come in and insure he is kept comfortable. I sat with Robynn's prayer quilt in my lap as we spoke, and in an instant I was brought back to December 17th. I tried to comfort Tracy and give him a realistic expectation. Even in the end, after all the pain and suffering you've witnessed becomes constant, it is still so hard to let go. The devastation this devilish disease causes is immeasurable.
Please pray that Larry's burden be lifted and that he is prepared to enter His kingdom where he is granted ever lasting life and peace. "The girls" are helping to prepare a place for you Larry. Kiss and hug them for us, upon your arrival:)

We are here Larry! We are praying! God Bless you!

Pray On!
S

Friday, June 19, 2009

A Gift to Remeber


On June 7th I turned 40. This was tough for multiple reasons, but the biggest was that Kelly, Raji and I had BIG plans for our 40th's. We always do something super cool for each other , but this year was gonna be bigger and better. I knew those plans had changed when she passed, but was unprepared for the emptiness I felt having a birthday without her and Robynn. The excitement they both expressed over their loved ones birthdays, was truly something to be missed. I expressed my sadness and unwillingness to celebrate without her to Kelly's parents and I knew they understood. Enough self pity...here's the best part...
Remember Robynn's Prayer quilt? The one Kelly was frantic to get finished in a couple days because Robynn was gravely ill and we were unsure if she would be around to see this precious gift and be comforted by it? Yes, I know you know the one. Well, after Robynn's passing Brian had reiterated Aunt Robynn's wishes to give Cal all her beloved coats and jackets and anything out of her closet that she wanted. Cal said she wasn't ready to do that, but looked forward to a day when she was emotionally able. He then asked if there was anything I wanted and I replied, "all I want is the prayer quilt Kelly made for her". "It's yours" he said. I was thrilled and immediately asked where it was. It was not in the box Kelly had sent it in. We found the box, but no blanket. He assured me he would find it and get it to me. Weeks passed and I asked if he had run across it and he said, no. When packing up his house for their move back to Bakersfield, I figured he'd for sure find it, but now he wondered if it had been left behind in Texas. I was beside myself and whenever the thought of not finding it crossed my mind, I burst into tears. This reality was overwhelming and my sadness & despair was deep and dark. I was prepared to call every listed phone number for MD Andersen and track it down. The busyness of Alex, Cal and Roberts graduations helped relieve my obsession with it and their parties became a great distraction. Their graduation party was the day before my birthday and some had brought gifts for me. Gifts that I loved and would cherish because their sentiment was indescribable(thank you Mr and Mrs. Brown, Bill, Spencer, Mason, Starr family, Matt, Erin, Maddie and Raj:) However, none consisted of the colorful squares held together with brown satin ribbon that had been perfectly stitched together at the hands of my dear, sweet Kelly. The quilt that had come to Robynn's rescue and wrapped her in our love and prayers. The quilt that had caused Kelly sleepless nights, time away from her family and bloody fingers. Where could it be?
My pride in Kelly as my friend was always tremendous, but the pride I felt when I got to present this prayerful treasure to Robynn can never be put into words. Kelly, ONCE AGAIN used her God given talent to bring joy, peace, comfort and God's grace to Robynn. It was a miracle in itself and I was so honored that it came from MY FRIEND Kelly.
So now it's my birthday....I choose to want to lay in bed all day and Raji graciously accepts that fact and jumps right in bed with me:) Thanks Raj! We do however roll out of it around 5 to go to my parents for dinner. My dad BBQ's and it's just my 7, Raj, my parents, Brian, Brady and Hailey. Very simple and subdued, per my request.
Lastly, a present in one of the Christmas boxes we keep and recycle is brought to me by Brady. I open the card attached and it has a goofy looking dog in a wacky pair of glasses and Brian and the kids have written sweet things in their best handwriting. I open the box and remove the brown tissue paper and can't believe my eyes. I pick up Robynn's prayer quilt, press it against my face, hugging it tightly and sob. Brady is behind me and gently pats my back and tells me "it's ok Auntie". When I'm able to take it away from my face I see my brother sitting across from me on the fireplace with a red face and tears welling up. He knows he's given me what no one else could give and my day is now perfect!
Thank you again to all who wished me well!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIAN! WE LOVE YOU!

Pray On!
S
We are still praying Larry!!!!