Brandon Update

Well he has been working very hard at PT. He fell on his right leg, in his words it really hurt! He said that he landed on the end of his bone. They were practicing getting in and out of his wheelchair. He went down from the chair when he landed wrong. He is already being shown to the other soldiers as a example of the strength that should come with hard work. To all out there that aren't an Adam, you won't find our strength in our muscles but in our minds and in our determination. We only see victory, so are physical strength follows as a result of our mindset. Brandon comes from a great legacy of fore fathers. An one day he will also be a father and live out his ultra ego thru his sons. Until then I say Run Brandon Run! Love the Lord with all your heart mind and soul brother! Pray without ceasing Amen!
In Christ Doug


Busy week, so will catch up on blogging later. Thanks for checking in, will post in a couple days.

Brandon Update

Brandon seems to be getting back to normal. He spends as much time as he can outside of the hospital. He has been turning down the pain meds! He will continue with his twice a day workouts. I am so happy that your prayers are being answered. Lets not stop, the journey has only just begun for him and the family. We will always remember to say thank you to all of you. So thank you thank you thank you. We will always remember your support and someday we will do the same!

Brandon says that his wheelchair also doubles as a chairseat! They went to the Alamo! Too cool always amazed at the work and promises of God. Prayer is great thank you.
In Christ Doug

Today

Nothing is worth more than this day. You cannot relive yesterday. Tomorrow is still beyond your reach. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

We sometimes fail to recognize the greatest gift any of us could ever receive. What gift is that we may ask? It is that amazing gift called today. While our past has provided us some of our fondest memories and our future holds the promise of many more memorable moments, today is the only day that really matters at all.
We often spend way too much of our time reliving the past. There's nothing wrong with looking back and revisiting all the joyful and happy times we enjoyed long ago. Going back in time is fine, as long as you don't stay there. Sometimes we feel happy when we think about the good times and good friends that made life so very special in our past. Sometimes we feel sorrow and regret over the things we wished we would have done or opportunities that somehow slipped away. We need to forget about any of our past mistakes since they are just a part of life. We simply need to learn from the past and apply those lessons to today. Sometimes we get stuck dreaming about the future as well, and let that dream overtake us so that we aren't living in the present. Today is always the one day which you can control from start to finish. Today is your opportunity to set yourself free and start setting the world on fire. There is no telling how much you can accomplish when you start spending your precious time in the present, making the most of today-day after day.

When we start making the most of every moment, today will be one of those days we will never forget.

Footsteps

Live in such a way that there will be no regrets when someone else follows in your footsteps. ~Roy Lessin

Mark out a straight smooth path for your feet so that those who follow you, will not fall and hurt themselves but become strong. Hebrews 12:13

(The Living Bible)

Troops

After receiving the pictures of Brandon last night, that is all I've been able to think about. I cried as I saw those pictures. I've known Brandon since he was 11 years old. I think of all the men and woman who have lost their limbs, and their lives as they fight for this country. Then, I think of people like Rosie O'Donnell who say our own troops are the real problem, not the true terrorists. I have a cousin fighting in Iraq, there are kids who went through our youth program, like Brandon and Terry Dunn, who have sacrificed part of themselves for this country. My close friend has a brother in Baghdad and he has been shot several times, received a purple heart, yet continues to serve over there. She fears for him and prays for him continually. Other friends of ours have their brother heading to Iraq in September. We know of several over there serving, and though I thought of them and prayed for them before Terry and Brandon were injured, I think of them and pray for them throughout the day now, and pray that they will be brought home safely to their loved ones. It really doesn't matter what you personally think of the war, I don't think anyone likes war, do they? Show support to our troops. Mail them packages, letters, cards, send them emails and let them know you are on their side.

Face of a Hero

Brandon and Sgt. Major Kilpatrick, shortly after returning to the States.

Brandon receiving his purple heart.

First trip out.

Maddox was in the RG with Brandon he sustained a broken back and healing well. Soon he will return to the unit in Iraq.

Brandon now. The reality of war.

A chaplain was speaking to a soldier on a cot in a hospital. "You have lost an arm in the great cause," he said. "No," said the soldier with a smile. "I didn't lose it - I gave it." In that same way, Jesus did not lose His life. He gave it purposefully. Anonymous

A Day in the Woods

Yesterday was very hot, so we packed up the truck and went to the woods. It nice to get up to the mountains!! This small town, country girl has a few problems living here in Suburbia, so her wise husband knows when she is about to explode and gets her to the mountains. AHHH, fresh mountain air, no people, and trees!

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the ocean depths. You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.Psalm 36:6 (New Living Translation)

Prayers for Brandon

Brandon has been fighting a fever now for a couple of weeks . Still no real knowledge of its origin. Pray for the doctors to find where it is coming from. Brandon's wounds are healing well. His attitude is good considering all that has happen to him and his unit. He is always thinking of the guys still in the combat zone. He will await the return of his unit to receive his Purple Heart. The guys gave it to him as he was flown out of Iraq. The formal ceremony will happen with the unit when they return. God speed to them. Always pray for these men. We are their prayer warriors!
In Christ Doug

Brandon

Good news Brandon is moving to 4 west! This is where he will learn how to basic daily needs.I travel back home Sunday, Karen comes in tonight. I will keep all updates current!


Brandon had a visitor today from one of my old bosses Jean-Claude VanDame. It was great! Jean-Claude told the people around him that this is one of mine.I shoot Double Impact with him many years ago. Jean-Claude asked me why I was here at BAMC? Then I told him about the son that he knew about so many years ago. He looked at me and said,"NO!" It was a great time that they spent together. Brandon told him," Thank you for all the money that my dad made on Double Impact it bought lots of toys." Jean-Claude lower his chin and said, "No, I thank you Brandon",as his eyes started to well up. They held each other, he gave Brandon a kiss on the cheek. He told me to get in to the photo with them. Then he asked me for my phone number again and said he would give me a call. The visit was really good for all of us. Brandon is buzzing all all around the floor in his wheelchair. I see alot of hope in him. Pray for all of us.

In Christ Doug

Brandon Update

Brandon went on a tour of the "Center for the Intriped" this morning . He was VERY excited to get started with his physical therapy. He has now seen the plan for his new walk laid out in front of him. He is amazed at the forethought that has been set into action long before his arrival. He has even seen how his legs are to be built for him. He is alive with lots of hope for himself and those who travel the same journey with him. He is seeing way beyond the moment now.

In Christ Doug

Trust

It's been one of those weeks. Lots happening. Some good, some not so good. Some that lift my spirits, others that make me sad and wonder why. Through it all, though, I know God is in control and I have to trust that he knows what is best and that he has a purpose for all that is going on around me. It's hard to trust. Trust is something we seem to lose early on in life, and we have to relearn that virtue to make it through life because if we don't trust, we are always suspicious of people and their motives, even if someone is doing good for us. I'm not saying that we need to trust everyone, but I think we need to learn a balance. I know if I trust in God to work things out, and really trust in him and let him deal with it, then even if I don't understand why something happened, I understand there is a greater picture that I cannot see, or control.

8 Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you.Psalm 143:8 (New Living Translation)

5With all your heart
you must trust the LORD
and not your own judgment.
6Always let him lead you,
and he will clear the road
for you to follow. Proverbs 3:4-6 (Contemporary English Version)

6Love rejoices in the truth,
but not in evil.
7Love is always supportive,
loyal, hopeful,
and trusting.
8Love never fails! 1 Corinthians 13:6-8

Trust God as if it all depends upon Him, and work as if it all depends upon you. ~Bob Jones


All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Four things to learn in life: To think clearly without hurry or confusion To love everybody sincerely; To act in everything with the highest motives; To trust God unhesitatingly. ~Helen Keller