This past week Will experienced a setback from the progress he was making. The week before he seemed to be improving and hopefully he still is, but about 4 nights ago, Will turned to reach for something stretching his left arm across his body and in doing so either fractured or dislocated a rib. This caused, and continues to cause, excruciating pain. The hospice nurses and doctor have come multiple times to adjust his pain medicine to make it manageable. They seem to have gotten it to a place where he can tolerate it -- most of the time. However, it makes it next to impossible for him to get out of bed or move in even the slightest ways.
We continue to be overwhelmed (in a good way!) with the help we are receiving, and today was no exception. A physical therapist from our church offered her services, and with her help we were able to learn new ways to get Will in and out of bed. It takes 3 of us, but we did it with little to no extra pain for him. Once Will is up, he is still mobile, he just needs a little assistance.
We are continuing on with our new regimen, and it seems to be helping in many ways. I wish it were possible to know what is going on inside his body. What I do know is that Will is able to carry on a conversation longer, stay awake for longer periods of time, and feels better -- except for this new pain -- than he did two weeks ago.
As certain changes are taking place with Will's body, the hospice nurses and social worker want to prepare me for what they believe to be him declining. I'm sure there is an aspect of denial in me, but at this point, I just don't see the declining that they see. I see Will looking me in the eyes and playing with my hair, carrying on conversations, and hanging out for a few hours at time. Watching a Lakers Backstage episode and doing his little jig (even in bed) when he does something really well. I know he is still in an extremely serious condition, and I still can't walk by or sit by him for long without glancing to see if his chest is moving. I am very aware of the fact that without the Lord intervening, it is only a matter of time. But, right now, today, Will is still Will. He's just a tired and hurting Will, but he is definitely still with us.
So each moment of each day my head is full of what I feel like is every emotion known to mankind. That might be a little dramatic, but it feels that way lately. Having some of the hospice nurses talk so matter of factly about him declining, and the social worker wanting to take me to coffee to discuss what to expect in the coming days / weeks just fuels me to fight for him even more (that is, after a moment of fear and sadness). I will not give up on Will. We are a team of so many working for him -- to save his life. I always felt like we (as a society) tend to often work as individuals or small groups for the masses (which I believe is very important), but often forgetting about the one. The one sheep that strayed in the 99. The lost coin. Right now, in some ways, Will is the one, but it is the masses that have come together, seeing this one life as worth doing everything possible to save. Without a doubt he is worth it; he is worth doing everything we can. My hope is that I, and we all, will view every life as the one in 99, worth going after, fighting for, giving up of ourselves in a way for someone else. You all are doing that for Will. Thousands of people are doing that for Will. We are all working together, praying together, to save this one life. Thank you.
GIVE MONEY
25 Comments
Rebecca Burchett Morgan
April 22, 2013I have woken up several nights these past few weeks and you guys have been on my heart and mind- and i PRAY PRAY PRAY for HEALING in those wee hours… I can see Gods light shining in Will’s body and the cancer disappearing…
sending love and HOPE!
Rebecca
Sarah Baitis
April 22, 2013As I read your update, these verses came to my mind:
In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence… For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:12, 14-21
YVETTE
April 22, 2013PARIS, TENNESSEE IS PRAYING!!!!!!!
John and Marketia Jenkins
April 21, 2013Will and Angie
we continue to pray for you guys as does our Sunday
School class at Englewood Baptist Church In Jackson. I went to chapel at Union to hear Autumn Ridenour…her husband Jay was our adopted Union student while a student and they were keeping up with you. Dr Dockery offered up a prayer for you all during chapel. While in Birmingham this weekend visiting grandchildren my son Mark and buddies were up to date on what is happening and praying for you. In short, you are a prayed up guy! We continue to pray for peace and comfort, and for God to pull a miracle out of His pocket.
Patti Wiley
April 21, 2013Will and Angie….
What wonderful, encouraging representatives you are of what Jesus can do for you when He lives within you. Each morning as the day dawns and my eyes open to the day ahead my first thought is the two of you. We only met on a few occasions, at the Vineyard with Brett and Liz. Through all these current challenges you have remained as special ambassadors for Christ. Thanks for how you are choosing to do life in the midst of tough trials. You are testimonies for Him.You’re loved.
Julie Knott Boyd
April 20, 2013Please know you are never alone. I pray God continues to fuel you emotionally and physically to care for Will. I’ve been there.
I represent just one of many people who continue to pray for Will and you.
Melanie Douglas
April 20, 2013Still praying for you and Will. Thank you for these updates.
Jackie Travis
April 20, 2013Mr. & Mrs. Will Gray, my prayers nd thoughts are wit u guys. Angie I’ve never met u, but by reading some of ur updates, u r a very strong nd powerful wife nd God is really blessin u nd Will I know u nd u have so many ppl from Tn., that r prayin nd wishin tha best for u, I hope that God continues to bless u, that he continues to put his powerful hands on u, nd keep fightin this battle nd don’t give up. May God bless u nd Angie, bless ur family, her family nd all tha ppl that r prayin for u. With <3 jackie
Amanda Speight Belcher
April 19, 2013Still praying for you all!
heather englert davis
April 19, 2013PRAYING!!!
Charles and Becky Frost
April 19, 2013Will and Angie- Praying for you both!! (We are Suzanne Frost Mosley’s parents).
Johann
April 19, 2013Thank you for the update Angie.
My wife and I don’t know you personally (although I think we’ve met once at the Rinke’s) but we keep praying that God would renew your strength and hope everyday.
We also try to talk about him to people we meet. We even sent the video to my family in France and a church there is praying for you as a community.
God is working!
Shirley Howard
April 19, 2013Still praying for Will and the family,May God continue to give you strength each day!
Kristy McNutt
April 18, 2013Thank you Angie,
The update is SO upsetting BUT PLEASE know that You and William are in our prayers! I hope he will continue to FIGHT for ALL of the greatness that he will contribute with YOU by his side. PLEASE FIGHT FIGHT!!!!!
C . Sagasi
April 18, 2013I am glad our paths crossed at Union. Sad!!! Continue living in the now!!!! Keep fighting Will. Its not over yet! Keeping you guys in my thoughts
Nancy Elliott
April 18, 2013Thank you, Angie, for keeping us updated. It makes us keep praying when we know you are both feeling God’s power. Love you, Will!
Tanah Hatcher
April 18, 2013I just wanted to let you know that you guys amaze me! You guys are my hero! You both show love they way God wants it to be!! TRUE LOVE thats NEVER ENDING. God Bless! You guys are in our thoughts and prayers. Thank you for being who you are and for letting the Lord shine thru you!!!
crystal teague long
April 18, 2013Still praying for u daily!! Don’t give up.
David Dark
April 18, 2013Thank you so much for this, Angie. Love and prayers and love to both of you, you inspiring humans you.
Jackie Shaw
April 18, 2013Praying that God will continue to bless, heal, and deliver in a mighty way!! Don’t give up the fight!!
Leesa Dean
April 18, 2013Yes, I don’t know you guys. But I feel like I do (been keeping up with updates–we have a friend in common-Roger Cramer.) This just breaks my heart to hear that Will, on top of everything else, has to endure either a dislocated or cracked rib and go through more pain. Angie, thanks so much for this update. I can imagine what you’re going through.
I’m glad the pain is (mostly) being managed and my thoughts are SO with you guys for strength and hoping for a miracle. Will, I think about your bravery and talent every day. I’m just another person locked into this chain of hope for you.
Finally, don’t know if this would be helpful (and please please please ask the doctors/nurses before you try this) but my mom had a broken rib. She was told to put a pillow up near her chest while trying to get up. It made it easier. It that’s possible for Will (or would be helpful) ask the nurse/doctor about it and they will show you how.
Sending all good and healing thoughts to you, Will!
Holly
April 18, 2013My little girls mission group at First Baptist Memphis held a Prayer and Healing Service last night. It moved me so much to hear these sweet little girls lift you and Will up as we prayed for healing, comfort and support for you and for many others suffering through physical and spiritual sickness. You are strong and I am blessed by your story and updates. May God continue to give you strength.
Holly
Kevin Robbins
April 18, 2013http://www.outsmartyourcancer.com/about_protocel/Protocel_History_Description.html
Kevin Robbins
April 18, 2013i pray for you both (all) daily…. and try to look into what i can as well…. Look for or into a book called “Outsmart your Cancer” and a product called protocell, ive heard some miraculous stories
Nancy LaRocco
April 18, 2013Thank you Angie for your update. I have shared your story with so many and they
continue to pray and ask about Will. It is so beautiful to see the support and true outpouring of care , concern, and prayer for Will. We are all standing with you and
fighting the good fight. Not only have you been beside Will’s side day and night but you are before the Lord. Thank you God for Will’s miracle. We love them so very much.