One of the Bradburn's dear friends in Charleston had a wonderful idea! We have begun collecting and compiling Bible verses for a scripture "book" for Whitney and Pete to refer to during this journey with Forester. Please share with us specific verses as you feel led by the Holy Spirit, and we will reference both the verse(s) and your name(s) in this special book. If you would like to contribute, please email your verse(s) and name(s) to bradburnfamily@gmail.com by Monday, March 2. Thank you so much for your help with this, and most of all, thank you for your prayers!!!
My heart aches for Pete & Whitney for so many reasons but right now because I know how hard it is to see your child in pain. When he cannot express exactly what's wrong and what he needs, it's even harder.
Although he and the Lord have amazed us all over the last few days, Forester is still recovering from the trauma of brain surgery. He still sleeps most of the day, he still tires so easily, he still hesitates to talk, he still has significant discomfort. Now that he's home and being weaned from his steroids, it seems his discomfort has increased. Pete & Whitney have to determine what's wrong and how best they can help him when he simply answers "uh huh" and "uh uh" to their questions. Please cover the Bradburns in your prayers. Pray for physical comfort for Forester. Pray for clear communication. Pray for peace that passes understanding. Pray for wisdom. Pray for confidence. Pray for rest. As wonderful as it is to have Forester home, it has to be at least a little scary too.
Many of you have expressed interest in helping and ministering to the Bradburn family in the coming days and weeks and months. We would so appreciate your help in any of the following areas:
Meals. We will start meals for them this Monday, March 2 and would love for someone to cover every other day (Mon, Wed, Fri, etc) for as long as needed. If you would like to serve the family in this way, please email bradburnfamily@gmail.com with "Meals" in the subject line and include your name, address and phone number. We will then contact you regarding a specific date and drop off details. Please bring all meals in disposable containers, so the family will not be burdened with returning dishes.
Encouragement. Encouraging cards for Forester and the rest of the family.
Gift cards. Gift cards for local grocery stores (WalMart, Publix, Bi-Lo) to help us keep their pantry and fridge stocked.
Gas cards. Gas cards to cover expenses as the family goes back and forth to the hospital for treatments.
Cash. Cash to help cover incidentals.
Local volunteers. Local volunteers to help with various yet-to-be-determined tasks & errands.
Again, please email bradburnfamily@gmail.com if you would like to help in any of the ways listed above or in any other way, and we will reply as soon as possible. Thank you for the being the hands and feet of Jesus and for ministering to this precious family in such tangible ways!!! It is very much appreciated!!!
April
(By the way, I cannot take credit for any of this. Thank you to 3 beautiful women in Charleston who love Jesus and the Bradburn family in such selfless ways.)
Pete & Whitney brought Forester home this afternoon! Praise the Lord! As I'm sure you can imagine, they are all exhausted - especially Forester. He has made AMAZING progress the last few days, but his body needs rest, rest, rest. He's completely worn out tonight, and some of his medications have made him sick to his stomach. Please pray for continued physical healing for him and for healing rest for the entire family.
With that in mind, let's please love on the Bradburns from a distance for a while - and through the other ways I'll post shortly - and let them tell us when they're ready for company. I know we all want to hug them and check on them in person only out of love and concern, so please don't let your feelings be hurt by this. If you want to visit, please call first and know they may say yes or no depending on how Forester feels, how exhausted they are, etc, etc.
I've heard this song a lot lately and really liked it. Oddly enough I haven't heard it at all the last week or so but I have thought about it a lot the last couple of days and sung it to myself. It has become my theme song I guess.
I want to write more to you and I will at some point. But for now, all I can say to all of you is thank you. The words just don't do justice to how I feel but it's all I have at the moment. Love and thanks to all. - Whitney
"Shadowfeet" by Brooke Fraser
Walking, stumbling on these shadowfeet Toward home, a land that I've never seen I am changing: less and less asleep made of different stuff than when I began and I have sensed it all along fast approaching is the day
When the world has fallen out from under me I'll be found in You, still standing When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees When time and space are through I'll be found in You
There's distraction buzzing in my head Saying in the shadows it's easier to stay but I've heard rumours of true reality whispers of a well-lit way
When the world has fallen out from under me I'll be found in You, still standing When the sky rolls up and mountains fall on their knees When time and space are through I'll be found in You
You make all things new
When the world has fallen out from under me I'll be found in You, still standing Every fear and accusation under my feet When time and space are through I'll be found in You
Forester had an uneventful night last night, which is a very good thing. The doctors will decide a little later today whether or not today is the day! Please pray for wisdom for them in making this decision.
I'm leaving Charleston in just a few minutes. Can you believe we will drive through thunderstorms and snow?!?!? on our way back to Atlanta?
As soon as I get home, I'll pass today's updates on to you.
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