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...

A Man Takes His Bride

Tonight, we celebrate the marriage of two very special people. Joey and 'Nagel' are man and wife, as of this writing and I just had to sit down and comment on the beauty of this union.

I could not make the journey to The Rock Church, in Sacramento, California, but I got to view this blessed event online. Thanks to technology and my brother-in-law, Christopher Lombardo, we got to see every minute of the Wedding, via streamed video. But there is more to this story that I want to share with you.

When a man takes a woman to be his wife, there is much responsibility. He has chosen to spend the remainder of his life with that woman....and these two are so crazy in Love with each other, I cannot imagine anything but GREAT things for them.

Bishop Nathaniel J. Wilson had a bit of fun at the expense of the excited couple, too. As he closed the ceremony, Bishop took great care in seeing that he had the correct page. Then, once on the page, he s-l-o-w-l-y enunciated each syllable of each word in a way only he could do it. And why not? He has watched our beloved Angelica Rose grow from a little girl into the Godly woman she is today. And so, after what seemed an eternity (I am sure), the good Bishop pronounced that they were Husband and Wife, in the Name of Jesus and allowed them their first married kiss.

Angelica...Nagel....Angel, I Love you so very much! Congratulations to you and your new husband. I wish you only the best and I am convinced you shall have nothing but the best, because you have served God since I've known you. Joey is a good man and a Godly man and I trust that you will be in good hands, as you begin Life's journey in a new chapter. We look forward to the day that you announce the pending arrival of a new member of the extended Lombardo Family. Yes, I know your name is Ladd now, hun....but you will forever be a Lombardo, too. I Love You!

Joey...welcome to our Family. I am 2500 miles away tonight, but I laughed and cried with you at the ceremony and it was such a blessing to be able to witness your Special Day. My only regret is that I could not be with you all tonight, because it would have been my great honor to help video your Wedding. I know enough about you to know that you are a great fit for Angel. And it's refreshing to see two young people so crazy about one another. Keep that! Work at keeping that always! Friends first, lovers and the rest will follow. May you both have many years of happiness, a home full of children (hahaha) and a bright and wonderful future.

With Much Love,
Uncle Jim....er....Erv :-)

p.s. Chris.....one down.....FIVE to go! Love you all!