Marshall was released from the hospital this morning! Woo hoo! His brother, Forrest, had surgery on his leg yesterday. Jeff's services will be held on Sunday. There is no change in Isaiah's condition. He still does not respond, and the nuerologist said if he hasn't by now, he probably will not. He will likely be having an EEG soon. An EEG (electroencephalogram) is a test that measures brain wave activity. The doctors are unsure of how revealing this will be though. If the brain swelling remains down, they will remove the brain tube and then he will have an MRI of his brain. Pastor Terry says that it seems the family and support crew there are bracing themselves for the long haul. Many extended family members are arriving (about 15 so far). With the family members there, it is getting a bit crowded but the Buck's continue to welcome visitors to be with Isaiah - to talk with him, express their love to him, sing to him, touch him, read Scripture, pray with him, be with him. Please pray now for the Bucks as they are having to be ministers to their fextended family members - even in their own great anguish. It is a difficult strain on them when they are already so drained. Please also pray that the conversations with the family members would point them to Christ - their only hope for salvation - and our only hope. Pray that the Lord would give them strength to share the hope of Christ with them. Please keep praying that even now Isaiah would miraculously wake up and show signs of responsiveness. Keep persevering in hope and pray with faith - believing that God is able, according to His will. Continue to pray for their closest friends who are their ministering to the family members and for Pastor Terry - that the Lord would strengthen them and uphold them - grant them peace and strength that is only from Him and enable them to speak words of comfort and hope to all the family members. Pray also that when they lay their heads down to rest - that the Lord would grant them sleep. Continue to pray that the Lord would enable us to persevere in our prayers for them and that the Holy Spirit would cause our prayers to be effective. Continue to pray that the Lord would enable us to sit tight and wait. Sometimes the updates don't come when we would like because it is wearying for them to tell us that there is no change. We must exercise patience - that would be showing love to do so.Thank you for your perseverance in prayer, hope and faith. The Buck Family feels our prayers and is continuing to trust the Lord in all things.
A side note: Ashley seems to be shutting down. I went home at 1:30 and she was still in bed and crying. So she could use prayer. She leaves to go to Spokane to be with Eric tomorrow for a couple of days. he will comfort her and take care of her well. All she wants is her brother right now.