Critical Stoke to Kathy's Sister in California

In case you have not heard, I am posting this update from Mercy Hospital in Sacramento, California - Kathy's sister, Pam Marler (54) suffered a severe and completely unexpected stroke on Tuesday afternoon, 9th March.  She was flown to this hospital from the school where she teaches 8th grade history.

As of right now, Sunday - 3:30 pm, she has undergone 2 surgeries and we have been here with her since our flight landed on Thursday afternoon.  The doctors are waiting to see if she will be able to respond and/or breathe on her own.  When we left the hospital last night she could do neither.  This afternoon, however, we have been greatly encouraged as she has opened her eyes three or four times in response to a request by a nurse or doctor.  She has also moved her toes a few times, all of which are encouraging signs, and (I believe) very surprising to the doctor because of the massive nature of the stroke.

Please pray for Pam - that she will continue to show signs of improvement.  Pray that God will be honored in her and that the family will continue to experience His peace and strength.  Kathy and I plan to be here for at least another week to do what we can to help and to be close with the family.  We are able to stay with our son and daughter-in-law, Mark & Aubrey, who live about 20 minutes from the hospital.  The next few posts will, no doubt, be updates to this situation.