I Believe

Tom Kerr, Jr. (11:40 EST, Friday, 1/7/22)

Even though it is early in Las Vegas, I was able to speak with Whitney and Julie this morning. Both of them sound exhausted. Between Gayle, Greg, Julie and Whitney, they take turns and rotate through the three rooms, ensuring there is someone near 24/7. Each gets a break on occasion to find a place to sleep, clean up then jump back into the rotation. Because of hospital rules, no one can take their place.

Whitney stated that the nurses, doctors and staff have been unbelievably helpful, supportive and kind. She even stated that the lady that comes to clean the rooms and empty the trash began weeping as she spoke with Whitney. Then she held the hands of Whitney and Kyle and in the words of Whitney, "offered the most touching and profound prayer for the family."

I was able to get more detail on Pepper. I know that so many of you, like me, are anxious to hear how things are following the report of last night. Pepper is resting. They have sedated her and re-inserted her breathing tube. Pepper is social, interactive, headstrong and curious. Bundle all of that up into a bed-ridden little girl and you end up with someone that really has a hard time falling asleep. Following her surgery and report from yesterday, it was determined that her body needs rest. Her right foot and right leg, as well as her right breast and both arms and hands are quite severe. The doctors are hopeful, but she is going to lose more tissue in those areas than was originally anticipated. She is in good hands and if they can keep her energetic little soul still and quiet for a while, her body will be able to do the mending that it needs to do. She will need many more surgeries, including cosmetic and reconstructive, but she is mending.

Krew is off to surgery number four at this very moment. We have received several photos of Whitney holding him, and even of Kyle being able to sit beside him. Julie told me that Whitney sings to him a lot and it seems to calm him. Krew is able to speak and say a few words.

Kyle will head back into surgery right after Krew is complete. Kyle's biggest struggle right now is the anxiety and visions that wake him up or prevent him from resting. Whitney continues asking for prayers of calm in his behalf.

If you watch the news or read the reports, you may find yourself convinced that there is not much good left in people and that the world is heading in a dark and dreary direction. Let me just take a moment to say, that from where I stand, from what I have seen, there is nothing further from the truth. There has been so much given, so much said, so many prayers offered, so much support provided. There is so much good and so many wonderful people, and they are everywhere, all around us. Then, we must include the abilities and technologies of our hospitals, doctors, nurses and all that support them. And last, but certainly not least, are the ministering angels sent to be round about us all. It is mind boggling to take a moment and really reflect upon the good and the blessings that surround us.

I guess the biggest and most relieving feeling I have had in several days is the realization that now, today, this morning, I was able to take a breath and acknowledge that it is likely I will be able to keep all three of them. There is a tremendous relief in your soul when you move from a feeling of hope to a feeling of belief.

And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. (Mark 9:24)