Lots to Talk About

A parent's worst nightmare is the knock on the door by a local police agency, informing you that something drastically wrong has occurred with a Family member. Well, it wasn't a local police agency doing the knocking, but my Mom was summoned to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, CA last evening. My brother, the 'baby of the family' was badly burned in an accidental flashpoint fire, at his home in Elk Grove. His injuries are severe and he is in Critical condition at the hospital as of this writing. We are told that his vitals (for now) are good-so we're thankful.

The phone call to my home came at 4am (edt), informing me of the accident. Upon waking this morning (not that I slept much after the call), I began the task of contacting some Family members and friends, asking for prayer for Dan and the Family as a whole. He's only 32, in relatively good shape and he has a very good chance of getting through this, so that part is good....but he has 3rd degree burns on his right arm and leg, neck, chest and stomach. There are also some 2nd degree burns on his face, but doctors are more concerned with the deeper areas; primarily his neck.

We are told it will take weeks and even months to get the skin grafts completed, before beginning the brutal process of rehabilitating the body as fully as it can be after something this devastating. I pray not only for God's Will to be done in Dan, but also for strength for my Mother and Dan's wife, Shannon. His son, Tristen and step-daughter, Brianna, are in Michigan visiting Grandparents....but the hero of this near-tragedy is my nephew, Jeffery.

The flashpoint occurred as he was walking out of the house and Jeffery saw Dan, standing there in apparent shock. Acting purely out of instinct, I am sure, Jeffery took Dan to the ground and rolled him, putting the fire out. He then used a sprinkler to cool Dan's burns, while awaiting the arrival of paramedics. The paramedics informed Jeffery and Shannon that his quick actions were precisely what was called for at that moment.

Jeff, my hat is off to you, bud. We Love you very much and yes, you ARE a hero! Remember what I told you on the phone earlier today...and go talk to 'Papa Sarge!'

At times like these 2500 miles seems like a million! Thankfully, there is a strong support network, via The Rock Church, in Sacramento. What a great group and believe me, they know how to 'touch the throne of God'. There are some real prayer warriors in that congregation, but your prayers are equally important.

More updates later...