Tailgate will start at 5 Friday!

Join the Cherokee softball team at their field this Friday night before the game in support of our local boys J.T. Brooks and Logan Condra in a tailgate dinner. Eat dinner with us before the game and all proceeds will be split between both boys. We ask our community for so much throughout the season and we think it is time to give back so please come out and support! Tailgate will start at 5 and we will have burgers, fries, and drinks. Thank you!

We finished up a very relaxing weekend on Sunday

Update We finished up a very relaxing weekend on Sunday it is something we have not been able to do much of.  Passion City didn't have a Church Service this weekend so we just picked JT up and Christie made the best breakfast I have had in a long time. J.T. had requested Gravy and Biscuits Scrambled Eggs and Bacon, Jacob wanted Cinnamon Rolls and we topped it off with Coffee and OJ.  We watched a couple of movies , Christie cleaned the apartment.  I swear I have been keeping it clean!! I've even been washing Clothes???  Jacob and I played some Madden on the Play Station.  The only thing missing was Peyton Brooks.  She is having fun at Furman but we miss her.  We ordered Cheese Cake Factory from Door Dash .  We sadly packed up Christie and Jacob and they headed home.  JT had Two Former Cherokee Chief QB's come over and hang with him at the apartment.  Lance Abernathy and Stick showed up bringing Pal's Tea and Sour Patch kids.  Lance brought JT a couple of special gifts that I will show in the pictures.  They spent the afternoon covering all things  from Rogersville , Football ( Cherokee and Tennessee) had some light hearted fun,  quizzed each other about what colleges different NFL greats played at and then we reheated that wonderful Chicken Casserole and fixins for another good meal.  The rest and recharging we got was much needed.  JT got back to Shepherd and is getting rest for a very busy week.  We seem to have so much to do and plan for its very exciting, but we are afraid we are forgetting something.  It will be a true test of our preparations and training.  We are very thankful that everyone traveled safely.  We continue to ask for prayers of Strength, Healing,  and for Courage.  Please Pray We will stay positive when things are not moving as fast as we want.  Pray for patience and understanding.  Thank you all so much.  I can feel the love and the intensity of JT's trip home ramping up.  I am unsure how Christie and I will handle all the emotions that will overcome us.  I do know that this is something that JT looks forward to and that it will fuel him.  This week will be very busy but I will try to keep some updates going. Thanks again and God Bless You All!!!  #fightfor5

May God Bless You All

Update We ended the week having to deal with a freak out  because they showed up Thursday evening and said they didn't have a spot for JT in Day Program.  We had planned this thing for over 3 weeks.   We were distraught , JT was upset.  I had many conversations with his Doctor, his therapists, and his case worker.  I am not sure what the issue was.  I wasn't able to sleep Thursday  night .  Christie was so upset.   The next morning after more speculation with the help of his Case Worker Pam.   We were able to get notification that we were in.  Thank the Lord.  We finished up some more training.  JT had a couple more days of good work.  Friday he went Bowling with his team members on the floor and then we went to the mall and had dinner at the food court.  Had a laugh or two when a guy at the Nike store asked if they had them new New Balance.   Awesome.  We made it back to Shepherd where Christie and Jacob had arrived.  We spent some time just catching up and headed in for the night.  JT had morning therapy and was greeted by a Surprise visit from his good friend Maura Jane Weems,  her Mother Janie Phil Weems, Ross Weems, Josh Wallace, and There Mother.  He really enjoyed the time and there encouragement.  We went and ate Marcello's Pizza.  Made it back to the apartment and watched Back to the future III and Minions.  He got a call from Ronald Brooks.   We ate an awesome homemade Dinner sent down from Darlene Long Lee, Wanda Long, and Kimberly Cassidy.  It was Chicken Casserole, Fresh Corn, Asian Slaw, Deviled eggs , Rolls and Carmel Cheese Cake.  So Good!!!  The Deviled Eggs were to die for!!!   We have a short week of Therapy which will have him graduating in-patient on Thursday.  I've got to move his stuff.  We have Robin MacLellan , Paul Newton, Tony Knox, and many other executing many plans to accommodate our trip home.  JT has planned so many things.  I hope and pray it all works out.  We will head home early Friday and arrive ASAP. He wants to head straight to Cherokee High School to see his Friends, Coaches and Teachers.  Friday was a tough day for Myself and JT.  The realization that he wouldn't be taking the field with his teammates hit hard.  The message he sent his teammates made me so proud of him.    He was so proud of their effort.  He got a video of his coach reading his message to his teammates.  Lastly I want to Thank the  Administration, Coaches , Players, Fans and the whole Daniel Boone High School Community for such a Humbling show of Love and Support.  He got some messages from their players and Coach Jeremy Jenkins should be Commended for a Great representation of Character.   You guys Truly Honored God, Our Family and The Game of Football.  Thank You So Much from the

Bottom of our Hearts!!!!     May God Bless You All.  We eagerly anticipate our trip home next week.  Continue to pray for recovery,  Planning and Blessings.  Thank you all for so much Love.  #fightfor5.

 

One day at a time!!

Update It has been a very busy week.  J.T. and I are training to transition out of in-patient after next week into day program.  We will be on our own with everything except therapy. It seems like a daunting task.  Just getting a routine and a plan will be important. Our bond is growing closer.  We get frustrated at times but he has such a good attitude that he makes it all better. With me being the only one here it seems as though I have no time for updates.  Sleep for me has been not very good. I think I have to much on my mind. I miss Christie, Jacob and Peyton dearly.  J.T.  Is working very hard on his Board and depression transfers. He is also working on sitting up on his own.  His strength and endurance training is steadily improving.  He talks non stop about all his plans for the weekend we are coming home.  To say he is excited is an understatement.   He is very excited for his teammates as they take the field Friday against Boone Go Chiefs!!!  His meds he's taking has made him a little groggy and we hope this clears up.  He was able to get in the pool Wednesday and he loved it.  I got checked off to take him myself so that's a new activity we can add.  We had Joanne and Gene Brooks stop by with there friends The Dyer's while they were in town on business.  He got a package from The Georgetown Hoyas Head Coach  Rob Sgarlata containing some gear and hand written notes from each player on their team. What a Wonderful gesture. They have added J.T. to their Roster!!!  Last night and this morning did not go all that well. He's having some issues and send tired.  Prob the Meds.  He and I both were frustrated again. He seems to have rallied. We still have a long day ahead that will finish around 6:30 then night time routine.  We have managed a couple of good meals .  Christie is working her tail off at home and really struggles being away. We are hoping to get thru this week.  Have some rest on the weekend and hit it hard next week.  Much preparation had to happen for the trip home. I have lots of help, but details worry me.  Continue to Pray and lift our Family up!!!  The ups and downs are many.  He road is hard.  Knowing that I can count on God, My Family, My Friends, My Church, and My community is so comforting.  The acts of kindness just keep happening and are so appreciated.  Thank you all!!! One day at a time!!! #fightfor5

 

We Love You All !

Update let me start by saying I am sorry it's taken so long to Update.  I know many want to keep up with J.T. .  My last actual update was not super positive . In the interim I have gotten many encouraging texts and calls.  I have spent the last week moving.  It was a Giant task to say the least. I loaded the van one night until around 4AM.  Spent the next couple of days moving in. Luckily Dr. Calendine came down and spent the week visiting with J.T , His Doctors and Therapists.  He has been so helpful through this whole process.  We probably wouldn't have gotten to The Shepherd Center without him.  We for sure wouldn't have gotten here so soon.  He is more than J.T's Doctor he is our Friend.  We are very Thankful for him.  Danny and Tommy came down for a Surprise visit.  They got to spend the day watching J.T.  go through therapy. Tecky Hicks and Chris Jones also came by for a great visit. They had an Awesome Prayer with J.T..   All these visitors allowed me to do some unpacking and cleaning up so I could finish the move .  I was trying to get our new apartment set up for when The rest of the family would arrive.  Peyton moved in at Furman and then came to help me out.  J.T.  worked very hard in therapy all week.  I finished up all of my training and did it with no problems.  Peyton, J.T. and I went to the movies Friday and watched Suicide Squad.  While Christie and Jacob where traveling down. They arrived at 9PM Friday.  We got up as a family and went to Waffle House( Scattered Smothered and Covered). .  J.T.  Had therapy and then we spent a couple of hours at our new apartment.  So much safer, more room and more accessible for J.T..  We have officially exited the Den of Inequity that was our old apartment.  We loaded up and went to watch the Braves and Nationals  play at Turner Field.   Had all sorts of ballgame food from hotdogs, Chili  cheese fries and Dippin dots.  We ran into Brian Jordan who was very nice.  We also ran into Austin Price and his family. We attended Church Sunday and had a quick good bye .  The Good Byes are so hard every time .  Peyton headed back to Furman and Christie and Jake headed home.  A huge Storm hit just as they where leaving.  Peyton ended up Hydroplaning on I-85 doing a 180 degree turn on a 6 lane road. Somehow by the Grave of God she was safe.  It is so hard being apart and it's even harder trying to protect everyone.  Please continue to Pray for our family this next year is going to contain so many challenges .  I have many praises for this week as well.  The Church Service we attended was so uplifting .  We got to spend quality time together as a family,  our Apartment is so much better,  and most of all J.T.  Had some good progress that gives us so much hope.  The news of the White Out and the Coverage was Big.  We will be traveling home and spending the weekend We will be returning to Atlanta for more extensive rehab.   Pray for Strength, Understanding, Courage, Protection and Progress.  Thank you all.  Please Continue to visit his website at www.thefightfor5.com.  #fightfor5.  One day at a time!!!   We Love You All!!!

 

One day at a Time!!

Update Saturday J.T. had therapy after getting to sleep in.   He hung in the room all afternoon with some awesome visitors he loves to see.   Ty Ryans, Teagan Trent, Alexis Brooke Hagood, Stacy Ryans, and Jessica Ryans came down and spent the entire afternoon hanging in the therapy Gym Laughing and cutting up with each other.  Tommy Brooks, Hollie Rhoton Brooks, Henry and Manning picked up Jacob and took him to Centennial Park and they visited The Aquarium , Jacob got to to see the whale shark,  The Coke Museum he had a lot of Coke, and The College Football Hall of Fame where Jacob did the Play by play call of the Iron Bowl Miracle!! He had a blast and we are so thankful for Tommy and Hollie for doing that for us.  We spent the day packing up stuff for Christie, Jacob and Peyton to head back.    We all went to dinner and had a great time.  We picked up J.T.  This morning dressed and ready for church and went to breakfast at Egg Harbor.  We met Tommy, Hollie Henry and Manning at Church for another Amazing Service.   I feel so much Love from Tommy and Family and can not say enough how much We Love Them. The Dave Crowder Band provided all the Music which was absolutely Awesome!!! 

    I know I tend to paint a Rosy picture because that is just my nature,  but frankly we are all in shambles.  We have been dealing with things as best as possible.  Our apartment situation is just not that good.  It's not safe for Christie to stay here by herself.  It's so small and all carpet so JT when he does come over only has a small are to stay in.  We have found another place and plan on moving ASAP .  I am pretty sure all types of illicit activity is going on right outside our doors.  We have been surviving .  I am trying to get things in a situation where we can actually Live.  That's just a small problem compared to seeing my whole family especially my Perfect little boy torn apart and hurt so bad .  We are shaken to the core. I know that God is in control and I trust he will deliver. It's just hard when everything in your life is changed and you can not help the ones you Love.   I did meet a guy at church today who lives in the apartment we are moving to.  God at work again and he was wanting to help and was so nice .  It was crazy after church trying to pack and get them sent off to go home.  The saying of Good bye's was so hard and down right disheartening.  They made it home safe and JT and I settled in for the evening.  Please Continue to Pray especially for Christie my Rock who has just worked so hard at doing almost every little thing.  I think that has kept her mind off of our reality.  Now she is home and is reminded just how different  everything is.  Pray for God to continue to heal JT and our family and to Carry us through this Deep Dark Valley.  Pray for Jacob, Peyton,  and for Strength  for me to do what I need to for my family.  We are so thankful for all your prayers and support.  Sorry for the Gloom!! I know that God will provide and better days are ahead.   We Love You All!!!  God Bless!!! One day at a time!!! #fightfor5. www.thefightfor5.com

Gold and Silver Medlist-JT Brooks in Shepards Center Olympic Games

Update Thursday was a Long day he was only in the room for 1 hour for lunch and a few nursing things.  He had a good day of Therapy.  He Competed in the Wheelchair Race with his Team and They Won Gold.  He also Competed in a Marksmanship Event and got the Silver.  We came back and he was hanging out with his friend Dallas Jordan Disbro.  Who has so much positive energy and is Working so hard.  We ate Dinner and Headed back for me to work on my training.  Things went well in that department .  Friday was another busy day  that ended with the Closing of The Shepherd Olympic Ceremonies.  They all got there Medals .  Ethan Blair and Katianne Blair arrived bearing Gifts of Homemade Pies From Theta Burchfield and a Signed Hard Hat and a Gift Card from The folks at Holston Electric Cooperative.   Tommy Brooks, Hollie Rhoton Brooks, Henry and Manning  also got to Shepherd just in time for the Ceremonies.  Jacob was so excited to see Henry and Manning he could hardly contain himself.  J.T. Good Friend Jami left after the Ceremonies to head home.  We want to wish her the best as she continues her recovery.  We Love Jami and will miss her.  We all went to eat at Maggionos.  Food was good and the the company was better.  Manning rode with us in the van and everyone went back to Shepherd and they all hung out for the evening just Fellowshipping with J.T. Jacob plans to hangout with his cousins tomorrow and J.T. will host some more visitors and friends after some light therapy. Christie and I will ready her and Jacobs things for the trek home.  Many prayers are needed and so much work is left to be done. Progress and Healing is our Goal.  We hope to make the best decisions and we really appreciate all the Support we are getting.  J.T. was constantly keeping tabs on the NEC Football Jamboree and his Teammates.  He is so proud of them and misses them dearly.  #fightfor5. www.thefightfor5.com

 

Shepherd Center Does the Running Man Challenge

We Thank God for all your support and Prayers

Update  Yesterday he had Therapy on the FES Bike.  We met with his Teacher here. He will keep up with his School work while he is here.  She is an Awesome Teacher and will do a Great Job.  We went on a quick evening trip to The Varsity where he ate Chili Dogs and we bought Varsity Tee Shirts.  He stayed up a little last night watching Netflix.  Christie and I watched the USA Women's Gymnastics Team Win Gold!!! Today he had Therapy and Competed in The Olympics here where He Won Gold in

Page Turning .  80 pages in one minute.   There was a Sudden death round for Gold!!! Tomorrow he will Compete in the Power Wheelchair Race!!!   He performed his Mayoral duties with assistance from us by visiting some new Kids on his Block.  We visited with him the families of Ryley, Conner and Brock.  It is unfortunate that anyone has to come here.  J.T.  Was so encouraging and we will try and help these families any way we can.  Please pray for these families. We know all too well what they are facing.  J.T did a phone interview with Jim Beller and the Rogersville Review for the upcoming Football Preview.  He got a package in the Mail from The Woody Foundation.  The backpack contained so many useful items Someone with a SCI can use.  It was an Awesome. Gift.  He also started School today.  He really enjoyed it.  This is new to his already busy schedule.  Tomorrow he will have a very long day of therapy, and I will begin some training to overcome the absence of Christie. Please continue to Pray for Recovery and Progress, Pray for Understanding and Determination.  We Thank God for all your support and Prayers.  #fightfor5

Mrs. Patsy's Graduation today. Her Personality and Great Attitude will be missed

Update. Monday Therapy was Good.  Christie , Jacob and myself rested in the morning.  We went over and helped him with Lunch.  We went to a Pool Training Meeting.  Getting in the Pool is something he is looking forward to. He has a couple of hurdles to clear and then we will start getting in the Pool. We hear that the pool feels great and provides great Therapy opportunities for him.  We attended one of his Great lights here at Shepherd Mrs. Patsy's Graduation today.  Her Personality and Great Attitude will be missed.  Everyone on our team Loved hanging out at Patsy's Porch.  She gave J.T. The Racing Helmet which is passed down to someone with determination to push through things .  We gave Patsy a parting gift and wished her the best. We Love her.  Afternoon OT and then we all headed to the apartment. J.T. was able to call some of the folks that worked so hard on the Golf Tournament.  It was so inspiring to hear him interact with such caring people.  We watched a movie and then headed back where we did his stretching and E-Stem.  Today was the first day of school for his classmates and Picture Day for The Cherokee Football Team.  Those realization really hit us all hard.  He longs to be a part of it all.  We cherish and want that for him.  Jacob will  go home soon to start school and the fact we will all be separate is weighing heavy on our hearts and minds.  Please Pray for Understanding, Strength, and Courage.  Most of all Pray for continued healing and Progress.  We Pray that God's Will is for the Ultimate Healing!!! We Love and Miss you all!!! J.T. Is able to use his phone most of the time except during therapy.  He loves talking to his friends.  #fightfor5

Update. Today was Peyton's 19th Birthday.   We are so proud of her and can't believe our Little Girl is in her last year as a teenager.  She like us has Grown so much during this time.  Her Relationship with J.T. and the Bond they have after she has Given him so much Care is Unbreakable. She has already Started her Sophomore year at Furman University.  Where she is Excelling at so many Levels.  She is so Beautiful, Smart and Funny.  We went to Breakfast at Egg Harbor as a Family and Eion went other us.  Andy Ellison came to pick up Eion and Fellowshipped with us.  We went to Our Home away from Home Church Passion City for another Amazing Service.  A Young Fellow came by us after the service had already started and he was in a wheelchair .  He and J..T.  gave each other a wave as they went to there seats.  After the Service we met him outside and found out that he was from Knoxville , a Tennessee Fan and Graduate , and was in The Beyond Therapy Program at Shepherd.  His Faith was evident and he was very encore gong to us.  Again the Good Lord has put yet another Amazing person in our path.  Our family went to South City Kitchen for fried Green Tomatoes and Chicken and Waffles.  We literally laughed until we cried!!! The waiter for sure thought we were Crazy, but we had a blast.  We spent the afternoon watching the Olympics together at the apartment before Peytie headed back.  

    Lastly we had our eyes watching all the pictures of Second Day of The Event that was Called a Golf Tournament, but Turned into a Community Wide Event of Love and Compassion for our Family!!!  There were so many Winners this Weekend.  We Give God All The Glory!!!   I want to thank a few people and I will assuredly leave someone out because so many people helped.  Hunter Gladson approached me with the Idea.  His Mother Kristy McPeek Gladson, Teresa Seals Moore, Robin MacLellan, Brent Owen, Shawna Tinele Smith Owen, McDonald Hills Golf Course,  Jessica Livesay Henard,Danny Brooks, Leah Livesay Brooks, Jaret Brooks, Courtney Brooks, Tommy Brooks, Hollie Rhoton Brooks, Henry Brooks, Manning Brooks,  Jason Putnal, Ethan Blair, Paul Newton,  Sharon Newton, Bobby Bean,  Jason Putnal, Leslie Putnal,  Sonda Trent Price and Family,  Debbie Templeton, Our ETIM Family, Beth Leroy and Family, The Trent Family, John Metz and Family, Shane And Donna Bailey, River Bailey, Doug and Cathy Crowder, Ethan Crowder,  The Cowan Family,  Grayson. , Kagen , Kennedy, Sue and Ken Cowan,  The Owen Family,  John Albright and The Albright Family, Anthony Bledsoe and his Family,  Ryan Bledsoe, Joy Bledsoe, Cody Baugh, Chloe Baugh, Cherokee Football, E&H  Crew,  Jessica Ryans, Casey Ryans, Aaron Kenner and family, Forrest Gladson and Family, Jenny Burchfield and Family,  Melissa Nelson,   The Jenkins Family, Shona House, so many of J.T.'s Classmates and Teammates.   So many Business, Companies and Individuals.  Just to name a few.  Again I know I left so many out.   Thank You Everyone from Organizers, Sponsors, Friends, Family and fellow Community Members.  We Feel so much pride and Love!!! God Bless You All!! What took place was truly Amazing and will never be forgotten.  We Love You All!! #fightfor5




Few Videos from Golf Tournament
Day 2 of Tournament
Arial View of Course part 1 by Jaret Brooks
Arial View part 2 - Jaret Brooks
Day 1 part 1
Day 1 part 2

God Bless and Hit Them Straight!!!!

Update. Friday  is usually a lighter day and at Shepherd they have what they call Fun Friday.  In the Olympic Spirit they are having there own Olympics and the events they have are  OT skills and PT skills with some fun things added in.  I will elaborate at a later date what J.T.'s events are but today was The Opening Ceremonies.  They are divided up into teams and no team is the USA.  J.T. Is on the Japanese team.  They painted shirts and marched in  just as the Athletes did this evening on T.V. For everyone to watch.  We were not  able to view the Ceremonies , but J.T.  Carried the Flag in for The Japanese Team.  I heard that he gave a quite inspiring and humorous speech to his Teammates as well.  

    J.T. Did make some really good progress this week in particular in his growth at taking care of himself and preparing for his independence from nurses and care givers.  We are so thankful and proud of him.    While he was busy Christie and I actually took a small nap that was  probably not a good idea.  We just felt groggy afterward. We all loaded up and drove down the street for a light fun Dinner actually to Houston's which was the first place we went when we rolled so dangerously down the sidewalks.  See we did learn and did not do that again!!!  The meal was good and we talked of the improvement that has taken place since the last time we ate at Houston's.  We then headed over to our apartment and just did normal stuff. J.T. Went into Jacobs room and hung with him and then we went back over so he could get in bed and rest for tomorrow. 

      The last thing I want to talk about is the Golf Tournament that is taking place literally this morning.  The work that has been done has been nothing short of one of the most Unselfish and Most Heartfelt Gestures Our Community has ever done!!!  Volunteers of All ages and backgrounds. Some close friends others just Great People numbering at somewhere around 150.   Along with Sponsors, Business and Individual Auction Items that are really Great items.  The Gift Bags that the Golfers get are so Cool.  The food, drinks and supplies that have been donated.  Too many different companies and Individuals to name them all without leaving someone out.  The list of Competitors playing is around 240 Golfers making up 60 Teams.  Some are really good others just hackers like myself.  They even had to borrow more Golf carts to Accommodate them all.  Parking has to be borrowed. The work just to plan and set everything up has been taking place for weeks and will culminate in the next two days.  The Purpose of this event was to help our family and in particular J.T. .  I have no doubt that this has taken place, but I believe that we have found out something way more important. In this old World we live in God is still Present and Working.  He has rallied Our Community and shown his Power.  The Community I speak of covers so much more ground than borders represent because we have gotten support from all over the country.  Our Lord and Savior has demonstrated that there is so many God Fearing and Caring People out there and if that we unite for a common goal almost anything can be accomplished thru him.  Lastly we ask that everyone be Safe and have Fun playing Golf and Fellowshipping together. It is such a Blessing to be able to do so many simple things that we so often take for granted.  This was a lesson we learned so quickly.   Thank You All .  God Bless and Hit Them Straight!!!! 

Be sure and take Pictures and Videos .  You can post to his website www.thefightfor5.com and you can send them to J.T. at 423-923-8695. 

#fightfor5.

God has put this family on our hearts and in our path

Update. Thursday started smooth as we  picked out some equipment we will need.  He went to assistive technology and they had some fun doing Karaoke as a group.  Christie , Jacob and I went and picked out Peyton's Birthday present.  She turns Nineteen this Sunday and will be arriving Saturday after celebrating at Furman with some friends from home and  her friends at Furman.  We are very  excited to celebrate with her.   He had strengthening class and PT in the afternoon. 

      This morning I got a message from Barbara Wiggins Albright about a friend of hers neighbor.  Who  has a Nineteen year old son who will be arriving at Shepherd next week.  He will be coming to ICU just like J.T. did and he has a similar injury. Barbara asked if we would welcome him and try to be there for the family. We are very willing to try and help anyway we can. Just a few hours later I get a message from Bernadette Finnegan-Mauro from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation who have been so good to us and she is telling me about this same kid and wanting to know if we could help.  Wow!!! It goes without saying that God has put this family on our hearts and in our path so we are asking that everyone please say a Prayer for them.   

    We finished up the afternoon with Doug, Cathy Haun Crowder, and Ethan Crowder driving down to spend the evening with us.   They brought J.T. Cracker Barrel for him to eat for lunch tomorrow.  He had placed an order for 12 Grilled Chicken tenders, Mac and Cheese and Hash Brown Casserole.   Moments later Jason and Sam Royston came strolling in. Sam and Jacob went straight to the Gym to shoot some hoops. We had some great fellowship then we went to eat Mexican together.  Jason and Sam invited Jacob to attend the Braves game with them.  The game was delayed so they went over and played baseball games at Turner Field.  They game was good, the Braves won and Jacob had a blast.  The Crowders headed back and we went to the apartment.  I got to the apartment and had forgotten my laptop and my blue tooth so I went back and found J.T.  hanging out in his room with a couple of pretty ladies that are his friends here.  That boy!!!   I want to thank our friends for a. Great evening.  J want to say that we are seeing all the work and excitement building for the Golf Tourney Saturday and Sunday.  Robin MacLellan sent me a list of contributors, Sponsors, Teams, and Auction items and I am just blown away. It is going to be an amazing weekend.  I so wish we could be there.   Thanks Everyone and God Bless!!!

www.thefightfor5.com

Praise the Lord for answered prayers

Update. Yesterday was really not that good a day for any of us.  We tried to catch up on rest.  That didn't go well.  We actually  rallied and went ran some errands.  J.T was just so tired and did not feel well.  He pushed through his therapy.   The good days far outnumber the bad ,  but yesterday was just not the best.  He was very down and headed to bed early. 

       On the home front the work for his home modification has begun.  The early bedtime must have been what the Doctor ordered.  He had been having trouble getting up in time to get dressed eat and be on time.  That had been an ongoing thorn in our sides.  He got up headed to therapy.  We actually got some rest.  Picked him up lunch at Moe's.   Justin House and his girlfriend Catherine came by to visit. J.T was in a better mood .   He was dancing around and singing when we came in.  We worked together on slide board transfers.   He made some good steps in his OT progression.  He had Carol Carpenter Gibson, Cade Gibson, Karla Gordon Moncier, Gordon Moncier, and Jacey Moncier came by for a fun and laughter filled visit.  Especially thanks to Jacob!!! 

   As you know we have been praying and asking for answers about our plans  and in particular about the Beyond Therapy Program.  We have been having on going discussions and researching.  While our decision has not been made let me tell you what God did.  I ran to get groceries  while everyone visited as we were out

of everything.  I returned to pick up Christie , J.T. , and Jacob to run out for some Mexican food and head back.  When I arrived Christie Smith Brooks had a headache so bad that we left the restaurant parking lot to drop her off at the apartment  before we had even entered the restaurant.  We Headed back to go eat when we got a call on my cell from his main Doctor who wanted us to come immediately to the Shepherd Center and attend an event downstairs she thought J.T. Might be interested in.  He was not actually supposed to go but she insisted we meet her there.  She said food was catered  and we could eat there.  We headed over and she met us.  The event was a showcase of Recreation Therapy offerings by Shepherd.  They had equipment and demonstrations.  They had a Wheelchair rugby and wheelchair basketball scrimmage exhibition.  The event was really for Benefactors of The Shepherd Center..  We met all kinds of nice people J.T. ate four hotdogs.  Jacob did some DJ work. During the Rugby action we noticed one guy get his wheelchair completely knocked over.  We had a conversation with one fellow who had attended the Beyond Therapy Program who said it was great and moved around the show .  This one fellow rolled up to J.T. and introduced himself. Turns out he was the guy who got knocked over.  He started getting to know J.T, and the conversation. Turned to Beyond Therapy .  Just as planned by the good Lord himself.  This guy just happened to be not only the first ever patient to attend The Beyond Therapy Program but it was basically his idea to the Shepherd folks.  He now is on the Board of Directors of Shepherd.    He has a similar injury to J.T. and can actually stand and walk some.  He highly recommended the program and said the first year was so important.   He offered his card to J.T. and said he would help and advise him anyway he could.  While our decision isn't written in stone it's hard to deny that the sign we have been asking for has been revealed.  Praise the Lord for answered prayers!!!sorry for the long post.  #fightfor5 www.thefightfor5 God Bless!!!

 

 

Wishing everyone a Blessed day

Update Jaret Brooks spent the night with J.T. .  They watched a movie.  The night it self was not so restful.  We are fighting what we think is a UTI.  He has started antibiotics as a precaution.  He was tired this morning and didn't have an appetite.  He had some Nausea.  Once he made it to Lunch and got some food down he felt better.  His therapy went well.  We had a class discussing the Beyond Day Program which is after the day program and would require a longer stay.  So much planning has to go into what's best for him.  He wants to be home ASAP, but we also want to continue to attack and progress as hard as we can. It's a delicate balance.  We have many decisions to make. Please Pray that God will give us the answers we are looking for and that the Healing will continue.  Pray for mental and physical strength.  Tomorrow his schedule is packed all day. 

     We spent the evening going out to a week day dinner which we do not usually do but we had to make the most of our time with Danny Brooks, Leah Livesay Brooks, Courtney Brooks, and Jaret.  We had a great time laughing and talking about Jim and Betty Brooks, Tommy Brooks, Hollie Rhoton Brooks, and Henry and Manning.  Peyton was at school and we missed her.  Can not wait till our whole family can be together.    We actually went to see The Secret Life of Pets again .  The second time for Christie and I and the Third for Jacob. That movie is so funny.   I forgot to mention yesterday we missed seeing Marissa Leggomyeggo Mckie who stopped to see J.T.  She brought down some more Pizza Plus Pizza and some homemade Cookie dough she made.  The Golf Tourney for J.T. Is coming up Saturday and Sunday and we hope it goes great. Hunter Gladson, Kristy McPeek Gladson, Teresa Seals Moore, Robin MacLellan,  and all the Volunteers are working tirelessly.  We appreciate the efforts they have put in so much.  Wishing everyone a Blessed Day!!!#fightfor5, www.thefightfor5.com

God is Great!!

Update. Got up this morning and said goodbye to Nana and Papaw.  Got dressed for Church early and went to Breakfast with J.T.  at Egg Harbor.  Headed to Passion City Early.  Yeah that doesn't usually happen.  Went inside and met up with Patty, Ran into Nick and Joseph.  We had an Amazing service which was a about asking God to provide us with opportunities to Witness.   The Music was again just out of this World Good.  The band actually sang a new original song.  We came out and just mingled with folks in the lobby.  J.T.  Had noticed another Lady in a wheelchair.  He just said aim gonna go talk to someone I saw earlier.  He just went over and had a Great conversation with her.  We lookup and this lady and her husband come over to talk to us just like they know us.  Turns out they are friends with a lady from Rogersville who now lives in Roswell GA.  and goes to Church with her.  Her name is Angela Drinnon Ross. She had asked this lady Catherine Day and her husband Dan to check on J.T. .  They had called and missed us yesterday. They attended the 11:45 service just in hopes of seeing us.  Again in a crowd of 3,000 people they found us.  They had learned of J.T.'s story and had so much interest in our family.  The words they had for us were very encouraging.  They asked for a picture with J.T.  and we exchanged contact info.  Patty went to a late lunch or early supper or a Lupper as we called it.  Jacob had a huge piece of chocolate cake for Dessert.  We headed back to Shepherd for a couple of hours then Danny Brooks, Leah Livesay Brooks, Courtney Brooks, and Jaret Brooks.  Came down to spend a couple of days so we went to the apartment to hang out.  We had an awesome time just visiting.  We had missed them.   Jaret went back with J.T. for a sleepover.   God is Great!!!  www.thefightfor5.com