update

The neurosurgeon said he thought she had severe brain injury. They will confirm shortly with the monitor. Not good news, but we still hope.

Update on Jill

They have gotten her blood regulated like it needs to be to start monitoring her brain. Scott is signing consent forms right now for them to begin the monitoring.

The Christian Life... Suffering, Not Prosperity

This is a video describing the Christian life by John Piper. He is one of Scott and Jill's favorite pastors. Hopefully this video will help put some things in perspective.

Her Parents

I'm listening in on a conversation between Jill's parents and Scott's dad. They are talking about the feelings they were having on the way in. Her mother specifically was saying how she was numb sometimes, and cried a few times, but figured the weight of this would land on her in a couple days. She described her emotions when she was being told her daughter may not be there when they got here.

The Good News- His Mercies Are New Every Morning

In the midst of all the bad news I thought I'd recap the good news.
1. People were on the scene immediately that knew CPR so she didn't go long without oxygen to her brain.
2. Her vital organs are all ok. They did an EKG on her heart and when they did the exploratory laparotomy, they were able to stop the bleeding in her liver, and there was only minor kidney damage.
3. There doesn't appear to be any spinal damage. She had a small fracture in one of her lower vertebrae, they don't know but it will probably not cause paralysis.
4. The brain damage, while unknown, does not seem to be catastrophic.
5. Scott and Bryce were not harmed at all.

The doctor just came in and said everything is still the same. The next step is to be able to monitor her brain. When that happens we will know a lot more.

More Family Arrived

Jill's brother and nephews just got here. Scott is updating them right now.

More on Scott

Scott wanted to come over to my brother's house and take a shower(I know-TMI, but I want ya'll to experience this as close to first hand as you can get). On the way, he wanted me to remind him to make a list of the ways he has seen God's hand today. What faith, to seek to think of ways to magnify God in the midst of tragedy.

Scott is a rare person, I would even say the world is not worthy of him (he certainly wouldn't say that). He is tough and tender. The way that he loves Jill makes me want to love Emily more. The way he stands for what he believes in is admirable. The diplomacy he uses is effective without being patronizing or deceptive. He doesn't fear man, but God, that makes him very tough. He genuinely cares about people, which makes him tender.

We're about to go back to the hospital where he will try to get a few hours of sleep.
This may be my last post of the night. If so, I'll start again tomorrow.

Reflections On Today's Events

It was a normal day until we got the call. The one you never want to get. Scott, Jill and Bryce had been in a bad car wreck. That was all we knew. For about 15 minutes we were in agony not knowing anything. Then we got a call that Scott and Bryce were ok, but Jill was unconscious and in the ambulance. About 45 minutes after we got the first phone call, we began to pack to come to Pine Bluff. At that time we got another phone call that things did not look good at all. Jill was in a coma, the CT scan showed some brain trauma, we learned that she had been ejected from the car and that they had performed CPR on her at the scene.
The drive to Pine Bluff was emotionally draining. I both dreaded and longed for the next phone call. Emily and I sat in silence most of the way except for a short prayer and about 50 phone calls. All I could think about was why I wasn’t the one in the hospital.
We arrived at the hospital about 1 hour and 45 minutes after we left, Google maps said it would take 2:17. It seemed like 5 hours.
We saw Scott. Now is not the time for theology, it is time for hugging and support. Thankfully, with our relationship, volumes of theology are there, but go unspoken. No need for words, what words would we say?
Jill was airlifted to UAMS and we arrived at the hospital about 20 minutes after she got here. We went and picked up Brian (my brother who is in med school) and went straight to the hospital.
There were probably 50 people here at one point, such a testimony to the lives that have been touched by Scott and Jill. They are a special couple. It is a privilege to be able to serve them during this difficult time.

A Prayer For Jill

Lord, we come with heavy hearts, humbly asking, imploring you to intercede on Jill's behalf. We do not demand, nor do we presume, but boldly in Christ we trust that you are sovereign and you are good. We ask for mercy now, not justice, not fairness. We ask that you would glorify yourself through the healing of Jill. Be with the doctors, help us not to trust in them. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord. Prov 21:31. Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. Psalm 127:1. Help Scott to rest in you, trust in you, hope in you.
In Christ's name

Morale

I wanted ya'll to get an update on Scott's status right now. Currently he is in good spirits. He has asked for prayer multiple times and the fellowship has been sweet. His faith during this difficult time has been encouraging.
I asked Scott what he would like to say and he said:
"Thanks for praying and continue to do so. We have seen God's hand move throughout the day, and He listens when His people pray."
I'm sure he will be able to read the comments soon, he has read some, but is busy.
He is currently talking about Marky Mark, and NKOTB.