[HANASHIR:7216] your healing prayers are needed

[Ellen Allard <ellen...>]

Dear All,

Peter and I have some very dear friends who live in Dallas, TX. One of the
couples, Judi and Randi Ratner, have two children, one of whom was involved
in a very serious, life-threatening accident. Before I continue, let me tell
you that Judi is a very active and talented songleader and songwriter not
only in her
synagogue, Temple Emanu-el (Dallas), but also at the Greene Family Camp,
also
in Texas.

Judi and Randi's daughter, Jessie (15 years old), was jogging with her track
team after school when she and a classmate were hit by a car. Jessie's
classmate needed surgery and was back at school after a few days. Until
yesterday,
Jessie, on the other hand, had been unconscious for over a week with a very
serious
brain trauma injury. She was moved from intensive care to a regular, private
room after the first week. Although the doctors cannot predict her recovery,
they are hopeful, in that she is young and healthy.

Our other friends in Dallas told us how wonderfully supportive the Dallas
Jewish community has been. There was a healing service held and people have
been sending many wishes for Jessie's rapid recovery.

I am emailing to ask you to please send your healing wishes to Jessie and
and also to ask you to pray for her recovery during the healing portion of
your Shabbat services this weekend (and any other time as well). I know it
would mean a great deal to Judi and Randi to know that we have included
their daughter in our prayers.

I also have included an update with very good news in it, fyi. I know it's a
lot to read
and especially to include in this email. But as I continue to wonder about
the power of prayer,
I am encouraged and uplifted to think that perhaps our collective prayers
can really have
an effect for the best.

Thank you.

As always,

Ellen Allard
Worcester, MA



Update October 30, 2000 8:45 PM Dallas Time

NEWS FLASH: JESSIE HAS A VERY BIG GOOD THING DAY!

Judi was with Jessie this morning while Jessie's eyes were open. Judi leaned
in a little closer to Jessie and asked her if she would like to give mommy a
hug? With her eyes open, Jessie, who looked like she was almost trying to
sit
up, wrapped her arms around Judi and gave her the best hug Judi has had in a
long time! There was not a dry eye in the room.

Because she has finally learned patience, Judi decided to administer her own
swallowing test to Jessie. Judi took her finger and dipped it into apple
juice. She then touched her finger to Jessie's mouth so Jessie could taste
the juice. Jessie sucked on Judi's finger. So Judi then took one of those
large plastic syringes that they use to pull liquid through a tube and
filled
it with about 1/2 inch of apple juice. She offered it to Jessie by placing
the end in her mouth. Jessie without prompting and without Judi pushing on
the plunger sucked the syringe dry. Judi then asked Jessie that if she
wanted
more juice to squeeze Judi's hand. Jessie squeezed Judi's hand. Judi then
asked Jessie if she wanted Judi to come closer. Jessie opened her hand, palm
up and balled up her fingers making the motion to come closer.

Randy & Judi spent most of the afternoon getting an education about
rehabilitation over at Baylor. The more they learned the tougher the
decision
looked to be. After meeting with the doctor who they have chosen to take
care
of Jessie, Randy & Judi decided to move Jessie to the Baylor Institute for
Rehabilitation. Judi said it is a very impressive adult rehab facility. If
they can find a room for her Jessie might be moved as early as Wednesday.

In the mean time back at the ranch (Jessie's hospital room) miracles upon
miracles were taking place. Jessie struggled to let them know she wanted to
sit up. So up went the bed into a more upright position. Jessie no longer
has
to drink from a syringe (don't you just love the way that word sounds-that
Jessie can drink at all is a miracle and an answer to a lot of prayers). She
is given a cup to hold with a straw in it to sip on. With help Jessie guides
the straw to her mouth and sucks the cup of water or juice empty. Graham
crackers are cut into one-inch squares. First they were placing the crackers
into her hand and Jessie would raise them up to her mouth. Now if you have a
cracker and she is hungry Jessie will take the cracker from you. Then JESSIE
PUTS THEM INTO HER OWN MOUTH AND CHEWS THEM UP!!!!!

Jessie even tried to get out of bed and stand up. She sits up, waives, blows
kisses and gives hugs. After about 10-15 minutes Jessie is worn out and
falls
asleep for about 30-45 minutes. Jessie no longer has an IV or any other
medical input tubing or device. The only thing Jessie gets to contend with
is
a catheter. Inspirational progress! Judi & Randy take turns lying on the bed
with Jessie (sometimes it's to keep her in bed, sometimes Judi & Randy are
so tired they really just want an excuse to lie down).

THIS WAS A BIG - HUGE GOOD THING DAY!
--
Specializing in Music for Young Children
Ellen (at) PeterandEllen(dot)com
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