Josh's Testimony

It has almost been two years

2008-11-08T15:58:00.000-08:00

As I sit here and typing this I can not believe it has almost been two years. What a miracle God did for Josh.

This is a picture of Josh, Sarah and my mom in Alaska - I just love it and have to share.

So what about Josh? He had his yearly MRI and it is perfect - there is no evidence of a tumor returning. In addition during his sports physical they found he had 20/40 vision. We took him into our ophthalmologist and he really has 20/20 vision, another miracle. His left eye is the wandering one now - but all he has to do is close his eyes and rest a minute and it tracks back. They were amazed at how well he is control it. His peripheral perception is not bad. He is well enough to be released for getting his permit next year. Woohoo or should I be crying instead.

School - the kid is amazing. First of remember he is in a Junior Senior Geometry class and accelerated English class - he has straight A's in all his classes. He has one of the highest percentages in Geometry. His English teacher asked him to take journalism in the Spring so he can be on the newspaper crew next year, and honor for a Sophomore.

He is loving Spanish - keyboarding is a challenge but he is up to over 30 words a minute. Okay this mom could keep on bragging.

But one more - Josh was student of the month for October - they honor one freshman a month and my Josh was it. I am so proud. He is a great kid. Okay both my kids are the best.

Bruce has been letting Josh drive on the street, back up and such - scary. Josh has decided not to do basketball, he is too worried about his grades. But he is fired up for track. No pole vaulting unless he uses a helmet - but mom is fine with out it.

Thanks for the multitude of prayers still. We are where we are because of them. Josh still eats enough for a family of five, wearing size 11 1/2 shoes, and dreaming of the Outback, what a blessing. May the Lord bless you special as you have blessed us.

Love you
Lori (mom had to write)

Digital Storytelling of "The Adventure with Fred"

2008-07-24T20:44:00.000-07:00

This is a video I made for my Oregon Writing Project - it was a great to have the entire family involved in it - plus we think we did an amazing job on. Hope you agree and thank you for taking the time to check it out!!!

Happy 14th Birthday Joshua

2008-07-02T12:04:00.000-07:00

Amazing at it may seem - Josh is now 14. What a great birthday he is having in Alaska.

He started the day with pancakes and sausage. Then Auntie Le May added sprinkles to the pancakes - yummy.

Then off to the movie we went - Aunt Connie and Grandma joined us for Kung Fu Panda. Lots of laughs - we are still quoting the movie and laughing from it. That was after a wonderful lunch at a restaurant in the mall - thanks Aunt Connie.

There was an arcade in the mall - so we spent some time playing games and being silly. Then Grandma bought us all ice cream - yummy - the best anywhere at Baskin and Robbins.

Back to Aunt Le May's for a brief time. Then we went to the Mountain Chocolate Factory - where Josh got to buy his fill of chocolates - if mom will share them with him. We then met family at the Sourdough Mining Company for a birthday dinner and lots of fun. Josh ended up eating over 10 oz of a New York Steak - and was still hungry. Thanks Aunt Le May and Uncle Doug for dinner.

This mom thought the highlight was watching him eat all that steak. We headed back to Aunt Le May's and he opened presents from Grandma. Yeppers a new DS game - and he is off.

He had a great birthday in Alaska - not many can say they came up here for their birthday.

Thanks for sharing with us.

The Henry Family
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Schools out and we are in Alaska

2008-06-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

Now that school is out, we are officially on Summer Vacation! Woohoo!

We are in Alaska visiting our awesome family. If you would like to know more about our adventure - check out our new blog http://henrysalaskaadventure.blogspot.com/

We are looking forward to a great vacation - and are glad to take you along.

We went to Disney World

2008-03-28T09:45:00.001-07:00

Thank you Thank you Thank you - Make a Wish Foundation, Give the Kids the World, Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Alaska Airlines. There are probably others too.

Go to http://henrysdisneyworldadventure.blogspot.com/ to read all about our once in a life time adventure. We are now home but goodness we are ready to go back. Especially being it is snowing here and 88 in Orlando.

We are a blessed family and still in awe that we went. Plus over and over and we will be praising the Lord for his goodness to this family that does not deserve.

Thank you so much for your prayers and love. God is so good to bless us with family and friends like you all!

The Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Off to Disney World!!!

2008-03-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

How can we ever say thank you enough times to Make a Wish Foundation. In 42 hours we are off to Disney World - I don't think it has really sunk in yet.

In addition - thank you thank you to Out Back Steak House - dinner was awesome. You guys spoil us too much.

So Friday am at 4:15 - no that is not a typo - we are being picked up by a limo and taken to the Redmond Airport. We will be in Orlando at 5:30 that night and the fun just starts to go and go some more.

Wowow. I am tired thinking about all we are going to be doing. We are bringing our laptop with so hopefully Josh will do some updating and sharing with you all. We are pumped.

Thank you for all the prayers - they truly are a blessing. We will chat with you later!

The Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Video of Adventures with Fred

2008-02-19T18:11:00.000-08:00

Sharing with you some highlights of our Adventures with Fred - hope you enjoy!

Merry Christmas

2007-12-14T22:22:00.000-08:00

Where oh where to start. We are a very blessed family again this Christmas. Sparrow is coming out tomorrow with our family Christmas presents - their bless our nest project. Makes me want to cry.

Make a Wish has our plane tickets - so it is really going to happen. What a blessing.

Josh is just about done with basketball, although he is exhausted he is making it the entire season. In addition he pulled 5 A+'s and an A. What a kid.

We will be spending time with family over the holidays again. We love rejoicing with them. The kids are looking forward to making lefse with Grandma Phyllis and eating Grandma Bev's buttermilk pancakes. Mom and dad are looking forward to some good rest.

We are anticipating Dad being laid off again next week so he gets to be house dad and take care of everyone. Captain Rakshak is looking forward to being inside all the time, especially by the warm woodstove.

Well the house is quiet - everyone is in bed, where I should be. We are praying that you will remember that Jesus is the reason for the season.

Merry Christmas From The Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Only by the Grace of God

2007-12-05T03:38:00.000-08:00

As I sit here at 3:30 in the morning, remembering back a year - all I can say is what an Awesome God we serve.

A year ago we were so sleep deprived, not quit as bad now. But wondering if our little boy was going to come home, when, and if he would have to have another surgery to have a shunt put in. My wonderful Aunt LeMay became our mercy angel as she took some night shifts so we could go back to the Ronald McDonald house and actually sleep. Then Bruce's mom and dad keeping the Ronald McDonald house going and moving and us well fed. Oh what a year. This is actually the anniversary of us being released from the hospital and staying a day at the house before coming back for the final release.

So what is happening a year later??? Josh is playing basketball, a straight A student, and the most handsome young man around - not that I am bias or anything. He is very involved in our youth group and growing spiritually daily. What a blessing in a son. We have been approached by the school Sparrow Club to be it again, and Josh without a hesitation said yes. Even if we are not we are blessed by them, and the ability to let us others bless us.

Talk about blessings. Sunday was a big grocery shopping day, so off to Bend we went. We decided to use our gift cards to the Outback and celebrate our one year anniversary of well health. Not to happen. We went to the Outback and had our awesome waiter Brandon, tell us he is now cooking. Cooking he is awesome at. We had the best dinner ever. Makes me want to go back every night it was so good. Mike the manager was fantastic checking up on us and making sure we had everything we needed. Emily our waitress was great. We were so blessed. Then both Brandon and Mike informed us that our dinner was on them at the Outback. What a delightful surprise. So once again our hats are off to the Outback and the wonderful staff there. Shelly you pick them good.

Now as we await the final dates for our trip to Disney World - I am sitting in awe of a God who goes so far above what I could imagine, and what He has in store for us. All we can do is share His love and goodness with others and continually thank HIM. So this Christmas I ask that you take time to really thank God for sending His son to earth to be our sacrifice. If you would like t know more - ask Josh he wants to share his love of Christ with the world.

Our family wishes you the best Christmas ever, especially it will be if you keep Christ in the center! Merry Christmas!

The Henry Family

Bruce, Lori, Josh, Sarah and of course Captain Rakshak

It has been a year!!!

2007-11-20T17:51:00.000-08:00

Well I am sitting here typing, realizing it has been a year since we were admitted to St. Charles and the Fred Adventure began in earnest. So where are we today?

Josh is in basketball and played his first game last Thursday. He even scored a basket. We are at church now for a youth sleep over event. He is laughing with his friends and just a normal teenager.

Who would thought a year ago that we would be here. We know it is only because of the grace of God and His healing power that we have made it. Josh goes in tomorrow for another MRI just to double check that spot - but we are assured that God had Josh's body produce that extra tissue to protect his brain from Fred the tumor. What an awesome God we serve!!!

So join us this Thanksgiving in praising God for all your blessings - and share them in the post! We want to hear from you and what you are thankful for!

God Bless You!!!
The Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

8th Grade is Better Because of Josh

2007-09-21T20:17:00.000-07:00

Okay so this is the bias mom writing but I think LPMS is great with my son there.

He is hating school work - but who doesn't! It is not my favorite part to correct those papers, but he is loving being an office assistant and being the big kid on campus.

Health wise he is doing awesome and looking forward to basketball season starting soon. Our awesome and exciting news is that Josh got picked for Make A Wish Foundation and so he gets his wish granted. We never in a million years thought this would happen but it did. So guess what - Disney World here we come. We are hoping to go over Christmas - mom and dad have more vacation, but we are just blessed being able to dream. Josh has a great new hope and happiness. It is fun! God has blessed this family so much.

Well just wanted to write a quick update - we are doing well and just praising the Lord day by day!

Love you all and thank you for your prayers,

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh, Sarah and Captain Rakshak!

Woohoo more and more praises

2007-08-22T18:44:00.001-07:00

First of all this is a picture of Josh and Bruce taken the summer of 2000!!!

Where oh where to start with the praises.

We love Seattle Children's Hospital and have been treated so well. We were bummed that none of our favorite nurses where here, but we saw others that we adore.

We had a great neuropshych evaluation - Josh had to do all the work. We don't get the results until September 24th - but we have some great techniques and he flew through in the math area - wonder where that came from.

Then off to see Dr. Ojemann - we still adore him. He made us sit down and visit and just hang together and visit. The spot we have been seeing and worrying about - hehehehe - Dr. O was not worried at all. We looked at the MRI before surgery and were able to see the difference. He does noth think it is anything and was not worried about it - but we will be having an MRI in 3 months just to make sure it is nothing. Then we are on the yearly checks - we will be back to Seattle in August of 08! Oh did I tell you - NO RADIATION!!!!

We are just praising the Lord - there is so much that could have gone wrong and he brought us through and we are doing great. We are doing so well and Josh is the best and Sarah got to share too! There is so much that could have gone wrong. But God who loves us so much and is taking care of every detail!

We don't know how to thank you - your prayers are such a blessing. We are heading back to Salem tomorrow. We have talked of going to the zoo, the aquarium, the space needle, Pikes market - but not my children. They are wanting to go to McDonalds for breakfast and then come back and swim some more. Got to love them.

God Bless You All!~
The Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Day One down with Praises

2007-08-21T20:30:00.001-07:00

We are praising the Lord in Seattle. We got here safe and with no car trouble - a first for this summer.

Josh had an intense MRI today - IV and all, and once again came through with flying colors - he said because he was rocking out to Steven Curtis Chapman.

Off to the opthamologist appointment - and finding out the results of the tumor on his eyes.

Are you ready - he has 20/20 vision and doing awesome. We saw the same doctor as we saw in November and he was amazed at how well Josh was doing. He mentioned that he had expected some serious permanent damage - even mentioned blindness. He told Josh to get out of there so he could see some patients that needed him.

There is still some damage looking up but not that bad - and said it could still be recovery too. He told us not come to back unless Dr. Ojamenn wants to see us in a year. He was so pumped - and made me feel so good.

Tomorrow is the 5 hour Psych test and then the big visit with Dr. O!!

Josh was the only one that slept good - so we are all heading to bed early tonight. Sarah had a fever earlier and was not feeling well but doing better now. We all hit the jacuzzi and hot showers and ready to call it a night.

We know we are doing well because of your prayers - as we have the Peace that is only from Jesus! Thank you so much for your prayers. More tomorrow night!

God Bless
The Henry's
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Thanks Fields for keeping Captain for us - Josh is cool with it!!!

Off to Seattle we go~

2007-08-18T14:13:00.001-07:00

Bruce and Josh are at Leadership Camp, so Sarah and I will pick them up tomorrow and start heading to Seattle.

We will spend Sunday night with Bruce's folks and head to Seattle on Monday. Josh's first appointment is Tuesday at 1:15 for an MRI - yep he is excited again. Then at 3:30 is his opthamalogy appointment - looking forward to getting some answers about his right eye now.

Wednesday morning finds us in Neuropsychology for both the family and Josh. We won't get the results back till the end of September, but it will be good to know what is normal teenager and what is from the brain tumor. Then we end Wednesday at 3:30 with Dr. Ojamenn - we will find out on follow up MRI's release for PE and sports, and then the biggy - radiation.

I will try to post on Wednesday night from our hotel room. While in Seattle we are talking about heading to the zoo again - praying for no snow. Then maybe the Aquarium - some Pikes Peak Market - the space needle. We are going to head back to Salem and Bruce's folks on Thursday.

We will hang in Salem till Saturday and then come on home. Mom starts school the following Monday morning in Bend at 7:30 sharp.

It is hard to believe our summer is over. But what a blessing to be home and just having fun together this summer. We did no homeschooling, just some reading and the kids loved it. Where oh where has the time gone.

Thank you for your prayers, we are all a little anxious for this week and know your prayers are a blessing to us all.

God Bless!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh, Sarah and Captain Rakshak!

Oregon Jamboree was a blast!

2007-08-06T23:34:00.000-07:00

Hey look we had so much fun we are sending you the picture sideways to show the fun!

We spent this weekend in Sweet Home Oregon listening to some of the best country around. Josh comments that he like Neal McCoy, Aaron Tipton, Dierks Bentley, and then having The Higgins in our campsite just rocked.

Josh also knows that it was Steve Leon - our Uncle Steve - and Country 99.7 The Mountain possible for us all to be there. Yeppers we are one of his peeps.

We had fun, not much for sunburns, but a great family time, and actually a little relaxing too. We have it figured out after last year. Some of the high lights for the whole family was spray on tattoos - mom got a ladybug, Josh got a dragon and cross, Sarah got a puppy dog and puppy prints. The food was the great too - ice cream, pizza, elephant ears, smoothies - yummy!

We are going to go camping again this weekend. The following weekend Josh and Bruce are going to LPMS Leadership camp, Sarah and I will pick them and head up to Seattle. Then can you believe it school will start up - amazing the time is flying.

Just wanted to share with you some of our fun - Josh did not miss Captain at all as he was with the Fields and he knew they take the best care of him!

More after Seattle!

The Henrys!

Beach was Wonderful!

2007-07-24T01:03:00.000-07:00

The beach was awesome - this is me on the beach with a seaweed! It was a lot of fun - mom will catch up on the rest.

Well this airhead mom had the wrong weekend - but we hustled and made it for most of the trip. It was gorgeous until the end of the week and the rain started in. Not as much fun. I don't know who had the most fun - us or Captain.

Sarah decided to stay with Grandpa and Grandma - Josh came home afraid he would miss Captain too much - plus he was very tired. I have to keep on reminding myself we are still in recovery and not rushing him. But the best part of all was he was a normal teenager - he went out in the kayak and had a blast. He played with the kids. He would sit out when his was tired, but he is have moments of anxiety freedom.

I am reading up on a book and it is awesome helping us realize that he is not alone. Plus Aunt Linda shared some light on it all, which was a blessing. Not fair our family had to go through three major things last year, but we see God's hand through it all and HIS perfect love filling us up.

We are all missing Sarah, but madly getting the house ready for the new bedroom set and cleaning for Grandma and Grandpa coming. Although Josh and I are taking a kick back attitude - I thought the Brady Bunch had been replaced by Gilligan's Island but alas not yet. I need to get DVD cleaner for Brady Bunch.

Well we have a month until school starts and a lot happening - Oregon Jamboree, visit to Seattle and some more fishing in there, hopefully this weekend when Grandpa is here. Besides that we are enjoying our lazy days and blessed to be a family. Praying you are enjoying summer!

God Bless You!

The Henrys

Happy 13th Birthday

2007-07-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

It is official - Josh is 13!!!! I am sorry it has been so long - life is flying buy us.

Okay let's start after school got out - a major for both of us was me letting him go to the pool with the rest of the kids and not being there. I did ask a teacher to keep his eye on Josh - but we were apart the entire day - a first. We both did fine! We had our best friends with us - what awesome support.

Then the birthday party - a hot and fun afternoon of mainly girls and lots of laughter. He got great presents and had a blast - the most important things. His birthday was at our friends the Fields again, so it was a joy.

Then Josh, Sarah and I hit the speaking circuit - we spoke in three different areas of Central Oregon on Josh's testimony. Through our sharing more folks came to the Lord, or made a deeper commitment - what a blessing the Lord is. We stayed in a hotel in Redmond so the kids got to swim and watch TV. Josh even let me watch HGTV and enjoyed it with me. Needless to say we all missed Dad and Captain.

Then Grandma Phyllis came over for Josh's 13th birthday - and guess where we ate dinner - you got it The Outback. Our favorite waiter Brandon was there and Shelly popped out to say hi. It was a yummy night. Josh made a haul on money - and he is tight with it the goober.

We spent the 4th of July at home - usually we would be camping with the Fields - but Mr. Fields got a new job so that was all happening - but still great to spend the day with them. We got a new pool, so with the weather in the high 90's and low 100's we spent most of our time in the pool. Can't get Captain interested in his kiddy pool.

This past weekend we got to make some new friends. They are from California - and their 16 year old son, Matt, went through a similar surgery as Josh the beginning of November. His tumor was over twice the size and located in a different section of the pineal gland, but it was great to visit and share and just praise the Lord for our boys. God is so good to bring folks like into our lives through this awesome Internet.

Now we are home till the annual Henry campout - so we are busy sorting and cleaning. I have tons of painting I want to do and the kids hide quickly when I say that word. In addition we are working on our list to visit with when we go back to Seattle in August.

Besides that we are doing well and so blessed. Bruce got a new promotion and is doing great - he loved being off last week and looking forward to the rest of his vacations.

Once again thank you for your prayers - what a blessing to our family you are.

God Bless You!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Great Results and Awesome Weekend!

2007-05-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

Okay we will start with Friday - Josh did an awesome job on his MRI - we had our original MRI Tech from the very first MRI. That was fun to share and catch up on what was happening.

Our visit with our neurosurgeon Dr Yundt shared that the spot was there but it had not grown - so he called it a nothing. Josh is now released to run, ride a bike and swim. We are just praising the LORD - He is awesome and we are praising HIM! We are now on the 6 mos MRI check ups - we are scheduled to go to Seattle in August - and then start the 6 mos after that.

What a great start to a fantastic weekend. We then headed to our retreat put on by the Elisha Foundation - www.theelishafoundation.com - and boy were we pampered. There were only 5 other families and a multitude of volunteers to help. The picture is Josh and Sarah and our family helper Clint. Clint is a music major in North Carolina and came out here to help just for the weekend. He was a blessing to our family!

I could go on and on how awesome this weekend was for our family - it was a blessing to us all. Sarah shared today that everyone there was family. They truly were. We did not get a lot of sleep, but it was so worth it. God met Bruce and I at the retreat and through Pastor Paul sharing the book of Job. We have grown spiritually, emotionally and bonded again.

Your prayers are such a blessing to us, we don't know how to thank you for all the love you have shared with us. Thank you!

To the Elisha Foundation and all the volunteers, this weekend was what this family needed and we are refreshed and ready to finish out the school year. God is so awesome!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Another MRI Coming Up!!

2007-05-19T19:34:00.001-07:00

This is a picture of Josh and Sarah with the awesome Sparrow group from La Pine Middle School - as I know so far they have raised over $4000 for this family - what a blessing they are. You will see a great black and white poster of Josh and Captain - I will post a copy of that later too.

So the title is another MRI - yeppers this next Friday the 25th is another MRI. They will measure the spot again and compare to see if it has grown. If it is not growing then it is scar tissue. That is what we are praying. Josh is doing great, his comment it did not grow from November to March - then it won't grow more.

After the MRI we are heading a way for a family retreat through the Elisha Foundation - and boy does this family need it. Josh is doing good - just not able to focus like he used too and we are still adapting to the changes.

We have appointment for Seattle in August - looks like the 22nd and 23rd. We will get to see Dr. Ojamen too! They recommend that we start Josh in counseling here so we are going to do that when school is out - only 17 more days.

Besides that we are enjoying the summery days and playing with Captain outside. Thank you for all your encouragement, prayers and notes they certainly are helping this family stay focused on Jesus. God Bless You all!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

What has been happening!

2007-05-01T17:30:00.000-07:00

Time is flying by for us - as you can tell for my lack of posting. Josh has been busy managing the boys track team. He has been running some - but it is great to see him being so involved. His grades are still straight A's!

We have another MRI scheduled for May 25th at 8:30 - then the results with Dr. Yundt at 11:30. We are then going to head to a family retreat for the weekend. We are so excited to be together and just enjoying each other and the Lord.

Josh is doing great and his postive attitude is such a blessing to us all. We are so blessed. The kids and are talking the third week of June so he can share his joy from the Lord.

Well that is what has been happening with us. Thank you for your prayers, they get us through each day, thank you!

The Henry's

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Final MRI results and vacation!

2007-03-23T21:36:00.000-07:00

We have some results finally, and what a week it has been. I have not posted as I have not felt up to sharing.

Monday we get the call that there is a spot and we need to have an MRI done. Well not wanting him to miss school I did not make the appointment till April 4th - that latest about 30 minutes.

The appointment changed to today and a follow up with Dr. Yundt. So off Bruce and Josh go as Sarah and I hang tough at school.

Well the spot is still there. It is itty bitty and I guess was there at the CT scans at Children's ! No one let us know so we were worried and fussing this week. But once again Josh's faith is amazing. He did not break down till last night and we went through all that could happen - having private nurses Aunt Loretta and Aunt LeMay were high on the list.

So the results show that the spot is the same size as they were in November and he is not really worried. We go back for another MRI in two months, if the spot stays the same - then they will decide that it is just scar tissue and not to worry. So as Josh has said all along it was just scar tissue.

The best part for Josh was it was only a 30 minute CT scan and that he did not feel the contrast being put in his arm. But even better was going to Kentucky Fried Chicken for popcorn chicken as the Outback was not open.

Tomorrow we head to Salem to see the Grandparents - then on Monday out to the beach with Grandma Bev and Grandpa Norm. What an awesome celebration this is going to be.

Looking ahead to going to an awesome retreat in May - and then speaking and sharing about Fred through out Oregon this summer.

Have a great Spring Break!

The Henry's

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

The News - Waiting

2007-03-16T19:19:00.000-07:00

Those of you who know this mom best, know that waiting is not my favorite thing to do, nor am I am any good at it. So what is happening today - we are waiting again.

Yesterday the call came in that we would have a CT scan instead of an MRI - woohoo - Dr. Yundt is not thinking it is as bad as we think.

So off to Bend this morning for his CT scan - he got to listen to his new Hawk Nelson CD during it. It was cute watching him drum with one finger.

I was with the operator and could see the CT scan - and it looked good to this mom. Swelling is down, fluid levels looked good, I think I saw where the spinal fluid drains and that was open. Woohoo!

Well over to Dr. Yundt's office we go - and we find out he is in an emergency surgery - poor guy. He will call us this evening. That was over 8 hours ago and I am dying here. I feel so sorry for him, but I just want his okay. What will happen if I have to wait till Monday. I think this is that virtue that God started me on when Josh was born. Hmmm could be a life long one.

Josh has no doubts it will be perfect - his comment "Mom we have God on our side, what are you worrying about". What an amazing kid he is. Sarah is doing great too.

Grades are out and it looks like Josh has straight A's again, and Sarah got all A+s what is a mom to do - can't ground them or anything. Sarah has gone from the one where kids were helping her, to the first one helping others. She is awesome.

They took Captain and headed out for ice cream - our treat to have survived the day! Once I hear from Dr. Yundt I will be posting here. Thank you for your prayers, we are still going through some rough times and all, but your prayers help us have the peace of Jesus!

I will see you later!

God Bless -

The Henrys

Outback was Awesome Again

2007-03-03T18:16:00.000-08:00

We are such a blessed family - that is the agreement after last night.

First of all the Outback was outstanding and how fun to see our dear friend Shelley, the owner. She spoiled us rotten again. Josh had fun bringing his special friend, Kirstin with us. We laughed and had a great dinner, and the blessing of Shelley made it all the more special. We did not get to have Brandon, our favorite waiter, but Katie did a great job in his place. Brandon, the wise young man is going to OSU! Woohoo I love the kid. We will go back before he leaves.

Yesterday at school we were so blessed. One of my sixth grade students, brought me an envelope. She decided she wanted us to have her savings to help pay for medical expenses, there was $150.00 inside. Yes this mother bawled and bawled. Later that day, two other students stopped by, one young man cleaned out his wallet for us, a dollar, and then another girl gave us her allowance for the week, $10. What a blessing our school is. I felt like a celebrity with all the kids giving me hugs and saying hi, I love my job, how blessed we are.

We had a fun jammie day Saturday. Poor Captain could not understand that no one would take him for walk, so Bruce finally did. But we all just played, cleaned house some, and now are waiting for a yummy fried chicken dinner.

Next big day - Friday March 16th - the 3 month MRI - I will feel so much better after that hurdle. My anxiety is high - but I know God is in control. Plus the special blessing of all your prayers. My great aunt Clarise called us from Badger. What a way to bring family together.

We are just praising the Lord for the blessings we have, trying not worry about tomorrow, as God would have us do and just love and hug on each other. Another special friend, Mike (adult), got his liver transplant and is doing awesome. And then our friend, Howard (adult), who was in a serious accident on Mt. Bachelor is home and recouping with our friends the Fields. God is still in the business of miracles, so don't give up.

Blessings to you all!

The Henrys

Josh is a Sparrow!

2007-03-01T20:38:00.000-08:00

It is official today - Josh is La Pine Middle School's Sparrow. Don't know what Sparrow is check out http://www.sparrowclubs.org/.

This picture is of some of the 7th graders at LPMS cheering on Josh. An emotional day for this mom, as the kids were awesome. It was hard to do the assembly as they were cheering so much.

Tomorrow we are heading back to the Outback - with the gift certificate that Bruce's boss got for us. Thank you Mr. Bambe. I called Shelley and let her know we are coming - and this blog is an update, as I have been bad and promised her I would. Josh is bringing Kirstin tomorrow too - so it will be fun to have us all together.

How is Josh's health - he is doing great. Friday, March 16th is the next big one. It will be his 3 mos MRI and that will be a deciding factor as to how he is really doing. Educationally he has straight A and doing awesome in school. His energy is back, so good he went bowling last Friday with Kirstin and her family.

So we are just praising the Lord and keep Josh's head small. After talking last week, the assembly today, and the newspaper article about him next week - he is a celebrity!

Bruce and Sarah are doing great too. Bruce and I had a cold - but besides that we are doing awesome. Captain loved being at the assembly as a guest of honor today too!

Thank you our wonderful friends and family! God Bless You!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Josh is Speaking!!!

2007-02-15T20:09:00.000-08:00

Josh and I are so excited to share with you that we are going on a speaking gig and if you live in Central Oregon we would love to have you come.

Our first on is Thursday, February 22nd 6:30 to 8:00 in La Pine at the new beautiful Senior Center. There is a cost as dinner is provided - this is a whole family event so come and bring your friends. Reservations need to be in by Monday the 19th though. So email Wanda at bizbywanda@aol.com to make your reservation.

We will be speaking again, plus Sarah is singing with us in March. March 20th in Madras. You are more than welcome to come. Ask me for more details.

If you can't join us, please join us in praying that we are clear and concise, and that Sarah will sing. She is getting shy! Love that girl.

Besides that Josh had a blast spoiling his special friend on Valentine's Day. It was cute watching them.

We are taking off for a mini vacation to the Oregon Coast this weekend. Heading out Friday and coming back on Monday. It will be awesome to be with our loved ones and relaxing.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

The Henry's

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Back to School

2007-01-31T18:52:00.000-08:00

This is Captain pretending to have had brain surgery too - I have one later of him with an eye patch too! What an awesome puppy!

Josh is back at school full days. Today he admitted he was a little tired - but had 4-H after school too. He is doing great. He was getting headaches from concentrating too much, but it does not seem to be effecting him at all now. Which is another praise.

Next Wednesday is the Sparrow Assembly for the High School Josh and my Josh and I will be going. They are then going to plan the assembly for our Josh at the Middle School. Josh is loving going to their meetings on Thursday.

I had to yell at my kids last night to stop being so perfect, as they are being great still. Loving the Brady Bunch and just taking it a day at a time, and thanking the Lord for each new day. What else could we want.

Thank you again for your prayers - God is good all the time!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

More Praises!

2007-01-26T18:18:00.000-08:00

This is a close up of Josh's scar - see how fast the hair is growing in - you could not even tell where Bill the tube was.

Josh is doing amazing at school. Yesterday he finished a state math test and scored three points higher than he did in the fall. Today he competed in the school spelling bee and made it past the fourth round. Not bad. We are so blessed that he is doing well.

He starts back to school full time on Monday. It will be a modified schedule because he is not able to have PE - but will do the health segments. He is back to playing the drums at church on Sunday and just doing everything but high impact.

We made the decision to not go to Seattle for Spring Break. We were not going to be able to see Dr. Ojemann, and with our camping trip it was not going to work out. We are trying to stay normal here. So we will do the MRI in Bend. But Children's is working on our 6 mos check up and working around Dr. Ojemann's schedule will be easier without school.

Sparrow is gearing up. We are not on the website yet - but when we are I will be sure to post it here. Well I am off. We are thank you for your prayers, as he is being another miracle! God is Awesome!

The Henry's

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Having Fun as a Family!

2007-01-15T09:03:00.000-08:00

We are enjoying our long weekend and doing nothing! I don't know if the kids are enjoying it as much as this teacher mom. Captain is having a blast.

We are busy working on our school work and trying to catch up from our adventure - but still playing games and watching Mork and Mindy - the new favorite.

How do you like Josh without the eye patch? We are on day 5 with no eye patch and no headaches or double visions - more praising coming from La Pine. It is such a miracle how quickly he is healing. Once again he was playing drums in church yesterday and praising the Lord. Yep, this mom cried.

Talking of church, we have gotten our pastor into blogging and would love share his blogsite with you. It is awesome, plus he is going to post sermon notes - so you can listen at the church website, after printing them off at his blog. This family has been discussing his sermons all week, as they are challenging and insightful. So check out pastor's blogspot at http://pastorsvoice.blogspot.com/.

Well off to watch Mork and Mindy with the kids and have breakfast. We pray you are taking time in 2007 to serve the LORD. Oh great is HIS majesty!

Love You!!!

The Henry's

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

More Praises Happening in La Pine!

2007-01-09T20:49:00.000-08:00

This is our Josh! Woohoo this was taken tonight after celebrating some more.

We went to our eye specialist and we don't have to go back to him again - unless things get really bad. His depth perception is back to 90% from the 50% just two weeks ago.

He is down to the eye patch just half time, unless he develops headaches and double vision again. But actually he thinks we are doing so well it won't happen!

Josh is doing so well. He is going to school half days and thriving. He gets to stay for lunch and hang with his buddies. We are pushing now to stay caught up and get caught up at the same time. But his laughter fills the house.

Bruce is going back to work full time on the 29th so we are going to start Josh back full time on the 23rd and 25th and then full time permanently on the 29th.

Josh is amazing everyone with how well he is doing and healing so quickly. All we can say is that it is the grace of God and Josh is his miracle from conception to his death. Man the stories we could share on Josh.

So join us in praising the Lord - you have blessed us with your prayers now join us in praising. God Bless Each and Everyone of you!

The Henry's

Bruce, Lori , Josh and Sarah

CT Scan Results - Thank You Jesus

2007-01-05T17:20:00.000-08:00

This is an older picture of Josh at Seattle Children's getting his CT scan before leaving the hospital.

But about today - we headed to St. Charles and had a CT Scan done there. Josh and I both agree that St. Charles CT Scan needs stickers like the one at Childrens. I was able to watch the scan and have seen enough that I could tell the fluid level was right and the swelling was down. I was just about dancing out of there.

Off to Dr. Yundt's office. Who we all adore and are blessed to have as our neurosurgeon in Bend. One of the finest around. He was very pleased with the CT Scan and the healing going on. Both he and PA Scott looked at the "war wound" and called Josh awesome. Our battle now is keeping Josh down and not bouncing around and running.

What does the future hold? Well no more CT scans! We are to get an MRI in 3 months. We were planning on heading to Seattle at Spring Break for it - but Dr. Yundt shared with Josh that MRI's at St. Charles you get to watch movies - so Josh is opting for home. In addition, we adore Dr. Yundt and he said he would confer with Dr. Ojemann. Then we would head back to Children's for our 6 month big follow up.

So we are doing awesome - and we can thank the Lord and each of you for your prayers. What a blessing they are. Josh is doing great, and trying to get back into the school work mode. Monday he will head back with Mom and Sarah. But lucky him, he is only going to do half days. His energy level is back up, and today he actually practiced his drum. He is excited to be back at church and playing the drums this Sunday.

Monday we see the eye specialist and both Bruce and I think the eye patch will be history! Hard to believe it was barely over a month ago that we were recovering at Seattle Children's Hospital and what a wonderful experience that was.

More on Monday after the eye specialist. Have a blessed weekend.

Love -

The Henry's

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Happy New Year

2006-12-30T21:31:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year from the Henry's!!!

We are home after a wonderful Christmas with our dear family! What a blessing it is to live close enough to celebrate and have all of us together this year. Rejoicing in our Savior's birth, Aunt Linda's healing, and Josh's healing. What rejoicing happened in the Henry Family!

This is a picture of Josh and Sarah with our favorite Star Wars characters. We were blessed by our dear friends from church, Max and Donna, to be able to go to OMSI and see the exhibit, see Happy Feet on the OMNIMAX screen (mom still has an upset tummy), have lunch and buy some souvenirs. This is one of the things we were wanting to do - but the surgery and money did not allow to do so.

We had a wonderful time and a very full day of it. To top of our awesome week, Josh's double vision is about gone. We are so pumped by that one. We go this Friday the 5th to see Dr. Yundt again for another CT scan to see how the swelling is going. Then on the 8th - late enough for mom to go, we see our Dr. Carmeitke - our eye specialist and I am holding out for the eye patch going away.

His incisions are healing beautifully, and his hair is growing back so fast it is amazing. Now is the hard time - slowing him down. It is hard to keep him from going a hundred miles an hour and wanting to do everything. He is still very concerned about having to get a shunt - but who would not be, so that is keeping him grounded a bit.

Josh is not looking forward to heading back to school - poor guy. We will be doing some homeschooling this week though. It is awful having mom as a teacher.

Another blessing - we won a family dinner to the Outback. Thanks to Bruce's boss, John we get to go again. Josh was so excited. Although we had steak last night at Grandma's (suppose to be for Aunt Kathy's birthday, but we know Josh was craving it again) Josh is ready to head out to the Outback. I am going to have to work more to keep up with his eating habits.

Well as we look forward to celebrating the New Year coming in with our dear friends The Fields - we know this is a year we will not take health for granted. Join us in celebrating the health and time the Lord has given us here on earth. Share his love to everyone.

Happy 2007!
The Henry Family
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Merry Christmas from Josh

2006-12-25T21:10:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

I had a great Christmas - I am celebrating with all my family. There are 25 of us here. I will post a picture later.

Thank you for your prayers. I am doing great, tired after all this excitement.

God Bless You All!
Josh

Thank You Outback Steak House!

2006-12-22T21:36:00.000-08:00

Well we forgot the camera when we went out for the famous steak dinner - but this is Josh with his Christmas present from Mom. Can you believe this dedicated Oregon State fan bought her son a University of Oregon t-shirt. Kirsten you have changed him!

Back to dinner. Tears come to my eyes when I remember the wonderful people at the Outback. Our awesome waiter, Brandon - Josh's newest best friend, too marvelous care of this family and bought us dessert. He continually checked on us to make sure everything was perfect.

Josh shared at the beginning how when he woke up from surgery he wanted an Outback Steak and Brandon took the ball and went with it. He listened careful, and even looked at Josh's "battle scar". Such a compassionate young man for 18 - Sarah wanted to know if we could bring him home for a big brother.

But God had more in mind for us. Brandon went and shared with the owner Shelly about Josh and what had happened. To our delight Shelly came right over. Chatted with Josh and really listened to him. She then took Josh on a tour of the restaurant and introduced him to her husband. She blessed us further by spoiling us rotten and giving Josh one of the collector pins for the staff - it is a 2006 Outback Christmas pin. Shelly then brought back a card for Josh, bringing tears to this mom's eyes (what is new???) and two free dinners.

Josh dove into his steak, but saved some for lunch tomorrow before heading to Grandma and Grandpas. We finished up the few things to get - a stop to the Sportsman - and came home to open presents. Everyone is delighted and had fun. Captain is still chewing on his bone.

We have tons to do before leaving, but you know what, this Christmas it does not matter, we are celebrating as a family, a true gift from God! So please take the time this season, to thank Jesus for his unconditional gift. Then thank those of you around you that are part of your life.

We are thanking the Lord for each of you! Merry CHRISTmas!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Home for Church

2006-12-17T16:50:00.000-08:00

It was awesome to be at our home church and celebrating Josh's wonderful adventure with FRED and the awesome outcome. Finally we got to tell these precious people thank you. Seems so little for all they did for us.

This is our Christmas picture taken at church. Thank you Jeff.

Well Josh is slowly and surely getting better - today was a big day and he was pretty excitable. He did crash this afternoon for a nap - over and hour. Mom is making his favorite enchiladas - a close second to steak.

Bruce and Josh worked hard and have the tree up and decorated. We decided as a family that it was all we are doing for the year. So out go the totes. Next Christmas mom will get carried away again. We are working on our Christmas Cards, and doing some baking for school. Trying to get into the mood. The kids got to open their first present today - the game Cranium. Thanks to the Speech Therapist - Lisa.

Dr. Patrik and Dr. Ojemann were your ears burning, along with our awesome nurses, we were singing your praises in our early testimony today. Thank you again.

The Henry's are working on sharing their story as La Pine Girls Night Out is going to offer Kids Night Out in February with the Henry's sharing. Sarah will be singing Jesus Loves Me. We are excited to share how much God loves us all.

Well off to frost the sugar cookies. Enjoy your family!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Awesome Praises

2006-12-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

Josh hanging at home - see all the decorations to be put up. Sorry about the red eyes. Kind of fun though.

Once again God is walking hand and hand with the Henry Family. Josh is recovering in leaps and bounds and it is hard to keep him down. He is getting tired occasionally but not like it was. So what has he done this week.

You heard about Monday and Tuesday, so here is Wednesday. He made it for Social Studies with Mr. K and had a great time. A little excited. Then that night we went and say A Christmas Carol at La Pine High School. We had a great time. What a way to get in the Christmas Spirit.

Today we went to 4th period - Language Arts with Mr. Brown and then stayed for lunch with the leadership crew. Daddy picked him up and they headed into Bend. They had an appointment with our eye specialist. Guess what - Awesome news. His left eye "lazy eye" is stronger than his other eye. He is doing great. There is still double vision - but getting so much better. They took a picture of his right eye and he brought it home with an A+. There is still a lot of swelling, but it will down soon. We go back in three weeks.

We are just praising Jesus for Josh and all he has been through and how strong he is. We are praising the Lord for the generosity of our friends and people we don't know to help us financially. The meals are greatly appreciated and the outpouring of love is a blessing! We are blessed.

I will try to get a new picture in soon. Have a blessed weekend, and hug someone you love!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Back in LaPine

2006-12-13T01:19:00.001-08:00

Well I was not able to sleep anymore - I think I am caught up for a bit and have so many things going around in my brain - so I will blog!

This is our dear Nurse Practioner for Dr.Ojemann's office - we call her Dr. Liz. She is one of three that blessed us. She is showing Josh the staples she removed - only half before coming home Friday.

So how is Josh? He is one amazing kid. Monday he had lunch with his buddies at school and loved it so much that Tuesday he went back for 3rd period Science with Mr. Likens. He came tired - but had fun. He and dad went to Dr. Yundt's office yesterday (our Bend Neurosurgeon - fancy people we are to have Neurosurgeons all over the West Coast) and had the rest of the staples removed. Dr. Yundt came in and was smiling at how well Josh was doing. His eyes are getting better - except for looking up. Plus they graciously reminded us that he is still pumped full of meds and steroids so he will be calming down again and becoming comfortable being home.

Then he and Sarah talked Mom and Dad into going to our all time favorite Mexican restaurant - Cinco De Mayo - here in La Pine. So a very busy day. He crashed when we got home.

We have decided to go to school one period a day till Christmas - just to keep in the routine. He has been getting up with Sarah and I to go to school - so maybe this morning he will go for 1st and 2nd. We are going to try and go to the community play tonight if he is up to it.

How is Christmas here - well we have the bare tree up and that is it. Hopefully today will be the day to get it done. After school today, he is going to go and play with one of his best friends - Danna - so Daddy can get some things done. Mommy has nothing after school so she and Sarah can come home and attack the Christmas totes.

How is the rest of the family - well mellow Captain is a blessing to us all, and sleeps with Josh every night and keeps him warm. Sarah had a hard day on Monday - but God put Mrs. Fritz where she could be where Sarah needed her, they prayed together and Sarah had a wonderful day. Yesterday Sarah got to take the class's Santa letters to the Post Office - she was picked to do that. Mommy is catching up at school and sleep now to clean house. Daddy is still our rock and keeping us all in stitches and love staying home and being Josh's chauffeur. We are a blessed family.

Bruce and I want each of you that read this to take time today to hug someone you know and tell them how much you love you - you never know when that time will end. Remember Christ is the reason for Christmas - and Jesus Christ gave the ultimate gift of love on the cross for you - so share that love.

God's Blessing and Love pouring out on you from The Henry's

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Home - Home - Again!

2006-12-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

Home with Captain - sigh what a wonderful feeling. See all those boxes those are the Christmas decorations to be put up - we shall see how much we get done!

It was a blessing to be at Grandma Bev's church where all those wonderful people have been praying for Josh - and he did awesome through out it.

Tomorrow Mom and Sarah head back to school, and Josh is going to crash at lunch to see all his buddies - he is jazzed about that. Then they will pick up Sarah from school so he can thank Mrs. Faust's class for the cards and all they did. We are heading back to normal.

Bruce and Josh are going to work on the tree tomorrow and getting the house picked up. Captain sure mellowed out at the Fields Doggy Inn - what a treat. MeShak won't leave me alone - eventhough we have a lot of stuff in the house - it is a joy to be home again and only a little snow!

God Bless You all - I will keep you posted - Josh has staples out on Tuesday - Eye Doctor specialist on Thursday and a yummy steak dinner in there somewhere. We will see Dr. Ojemann in March.

Thank you all for your prayers - above all thank the Lord above for his saving grace for a people who don't deserve it - and that he loves us more than that to answer this mom and dad's prayers.

Good Night

The Henry's

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

We are almost home!!!

2006-12-09T17:30:00.000-08:00

We are in Salem - yippee we are so close to home we can taste it.

We are all well - notice Bruce's short hair mine will be there too!

Josh has had a great time being spoiled by everyone here in Salem. Mom went Christmas shopping today and almost got it all done! Woohoo what a burden off our shoulders.

We are heading home to Captain tomorrow - Josh is so excited. Back to our normal routine and the fun of that - thank you so much Jeanette for cleaning our house - one less burden to worry about.

Well I am at Loretta's - I got the grades posted! Back to Grandma's as she is spoiling Josh tonight with a steak dinner - will the boy want to come home - probably not!

More when we are home!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh, Sarah

We went on an outing!

2006-12-07T13:28:00.000-08:00

First of all we had a great night's rest - he crashed at around 10:15 after being silly with Grandma and did not wake up till 8:30 - although we loved our nurses it was nice not having them come in and bug us all the time!!! Josh thought it was a great camping trip with all of sleeping in the same room.

We went to Fred Meyer - Josh had a great time checking out all the DS games and the ones he is looking forward to getting in the future - but he did tire easily. We got some Hot Wheels, so after nap we are going to have Hot Wheel races.

Josh is eating great - I was a little worried in the hospital - but he is back to his normal chowing and eating everything in sight. He wants steak and soon - but we are going to hold out till Sarah can be with us.

Today we are now staying here - they are having some holiday card making and singing after dinner being prepared at the House so that will be fun - plus we need to pack and get everything into Grandma's car - a feat.

Seems almost normal as I have clothes washing and we need to clean our room, and Josh is so normal - he is funny.

Well just wanted to pop in and give an update for today! God Bless You all for your prayers, thoughts and support!

The Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

We are free!

2006-12-06T15:35:00.000-08:00

Bum deal - there is not wireless here at Ronald McDonald so I can not post more pictures till home - but we are free. Plus a break from posting grades - will have to do this weekend.

Josh is doing amazing! He has been walking around and hanging most of day. Feeling good and no headache - we are making him rest in the room now. He was on his DS too - woohoo great strides.

He is not eat Thursday after midnight - just in case the swelling comes back and he has to have a shunt put in - but no one is thinking that will happen. (Plus Josh is throwing a fit thinking of not eating again) So we have the CAT scan on Friday morning and then he gets the 24 staples removed from his head and we are free to fly to Salem.

It was a fun day putting everything away and cleaning up the room. Our highlight was seeing Dr. Patrik as we were checking out and Josh getting a huge hug - we are going to miss you big time Dr. Patrik - still think you need to be part of the family.

Then we saw Dr. Ojemann on our way out - he was very pleased as with Patrik on Josh's improvement - this kid is certainly a miracle kid - we knew it from birth and this just confirms it.

We are just going to hang here and enjoy activities at the house. We have a long haul ahead but Josh is making plans for playing basketball next winter - and when he makes up his mind you can not keep him down.

What a blessing Seattle Children's hospital is - thank you to everyone we are so blessed to have been here. God Bless You all!

Love the Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Last Day at Childrens!

2006-12-06T09:09:00.000-08:00

This is Josh with another favorite nurse, Julie. She is also one of our night angels. Also notice on the lower left a new picture - yeppers Josh with Seattle SeaHawks - giving them some hints. Are you jealous Uncle Jeff?

This mom is crying already today - this hospital has been home and as nurses are getting off the night duty they are saying goodbye - and we are going to miss them bunches. So for them this blog will continue so they can see Josh's growth through it all.

I got a great night's rest - even watched part of a movie but I fell asleep. Bruce and Josh slept good too! Josh's first word this morning after getting a standing hug (missed those) was can we go to the gift shop today? Hmmm he takes after his mom or what!

Well now begins the busy part for us - we are scheduling follow up appointments in Bend and Portland to keep him gaining the amazing strides he has made. It is really hard to believe that we are leaving today - what a change in life this will be.

Bruce and I want to take time now to thank our amazing family for all your love and support - Mom and Dad Henry for being here the entire time and then pitching in when really needed, and just sitting back and praying. My mom and dad - continuing on and loving us through it all. Thank you for the love. Loretta - wowowow you were here when we really needed you and you have the right words to say all the time - we still quote you by telling each other to not go there and worry about what we don't know. Thank you for your gift on Friday, Josh is jazzed to have another private RN. Aunt LeMay I am glad you made the decision to come and not let me decide. Those nights of sleep are priceless and having a private RN for recovery - woohoo and knowing it was all normal. Thank you Doug and Brendon for sharing. Kathy you and your familys selfless gift of taking Sarah - what a relief to know she is so loved and being taken care of. Plus teaching her multiplication- wowow! She probably won't want to come home. Linda and Rob we love you and we know you are with us in our struggles as you have had your struggles these last two years. Linda I can't wait to give you a hug and pat your adorable bald head. Christmas is going to be super special as a gift from God to have you and Josh there. Our La Pine Family the Fields- wowowow the doggy inn calmed Captain down and that is priceless. Thanks for keeping the home front running - and helping me pay bills. Isn't it amazing that through all this world continues going and the earth is spinning.

The prayers are amazing you readers have blessed it - my PTSA buds Nicky, Nick and Bobbie thank you for keeping it going. This mom is chilling on the outside things and will be focusing on her family that is what I have learned this adventure.

Grace's Youth - thank you for your understanding and letting us focus on Josh - when we start up again it will be some serious praising. Keep on trusting in God.

Okay I have rambled enough. God Bless you all!
The Henry's
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Only 19 days till Christmas - do you know the real reason for Christmas? If not find out - that is Josh's prayer for you!

Bill the tube is gone!

2006-12-05T14:55:00.000-08:00

Here is our Josh without Bill the tube - he is gone he is gone! Josh has been up most of the day! He is now resting and then he is off to the gift shop - he found a cool dragon he is wanting!

Well it is official we are out of the hospital tomorrow - but only over to the Ronald McDonald house for two nights. We are to come back on Friday morning for a CAT scan to make sure there is not build up. Dr. Patrick used the excuse we lived so far away - go figure that one.

Josh is now free of everything - he needs to keep drinking and such but no monitors for a while! Woohoo a big celebration in Room 3026.

This mom is a little bummed I miss Sarah and am ready to get back to La Pine, but we will be in La Pine Sunday. We will leave Grandma and Grandpas in the morning and take our time. But the cool part is I am going to do my grades Thursday so I won't have to do it at home. Woohoo is this exciting.

It is hard to believe it is over. Well not really, we have therapy for months and he will take a lot of time to be back to his old self - but I am kind of liking this sleeker looking guy. Guess what Aunt Le May he brushed his teeth today, and he is getting steak and mashed potatoes for dinner! Woohoo!

Well off to pack up the room! I did a little more Christmas shopping today - we are going to need to rent a U Haul to get home.

This is truly going to be a Merry Christmas!

Love The Henrys

WE ARE COMING HOME

2006-12-05T08:08:00.000-08:00

It is true Hawks, we are coming home! The night went fantastic and Bill the tube is going gone!

Josh and I slept a lot last night and are perky and ready to come home.

Josh is looking forward to heading to the gift shop today, and ready to spend that money.

Release date is looking tomorrow afternoon, so watch out family we are coming home! Josh is wanting to some of Grandma's Fried Chicken.

Hawks you have nice looking heads and we are looking forward to seeing you play! Next year you will have Josh! Victory in sight!

Have a blessed day praising the Lord!

The Henry's

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Jots from Josh

2006-12-04T21:31:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of David and I making the ballad of Little Pete. Little Pete is the dragon I got from my buddies on Sunday.

Today was a very busy day. I had Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy, Physical Therapy, Music Therapy and a CAT Scan. Today I took a walk all around the 3rd floor.

I have great nurses today - this morning was Stephanie and tonight is Amy. I feel asleep for a couple of hours after Dad left.

I am having a hard time remembering all these names - but we have great people helping me.

The best part of going home is seeing my dog and seeing my friends. Also not having to be in a bed all day. Also being able to move around without having a nurse with me all the time. (Mom note - I or Daddy will be there).

Thanks for praying for me. If you don't know Jesus ask me, cause I want to share with you what HE does!

Good night!
Josh

Test Results are in!

2006-12-04T17:54:00.000-08:00

This picture is from yesterday with our angel nurses - Christina x2! I can post pictures again!

Okay you are all waiting - the CAT Scan results were in before Josh was back to the room! Bill the tube is out tomorrow and if the CAT Scan in the morning looks good we are out of here on Wednesday - without having to come back on Friday. We still know there is the possibility of a shunt down the road - but we serve an awesome God that will take us through that adventure.

I have been asked to keep posting as there are many who would like to follow the blog and keep track of Josh's recovery. Today he shared that he is looking forward to the Henry Family Campout this summer - why? Because he is going to 10 Mile Lake and catching a 15# Bass!~

Well this mom is off for the night - unless we get service in the room - because Josh may want to post - we shall see.

Thanks for storming Heaven for us!

The Henry's

Bruce, Lori , Josh and Sarah

Missing You Sarah

2006-12-04T15:10:00.000-08:00

Sarah - Josh and I just want you to know how much we are missing you and love you bunches and bunches. We are glad you and Aunt Kathy are having a great time together! Josh loved his card. You continue being the awesome princess and we are praying we will be there on Wednesday.

Josh says that Dr. Sarah is awesome!

Remember the great time you had with Child Therapist Jen! We love you!

Love Mom

Still Waiting!

2006-12-04T14:22:00.000-08:00

Josh is doing awesome - he is just laying down for the first time today and resting. Most of the day he has been sitting up and walking. He did a loop of the entire floor and some of it with no one holding on to him. Woohoo! We know that we are not sure until the CAT scan, but we are trusting God - as Josh says - to have Bill out. There is no headache - no grogginess - no anything that is not suppose to be there. Woohoo this is awesome. They are saying - now just saying, that the tube may come out in the morning, and we have to hang until a Friday for another CAT scan to make sure all is good - but in the big picture what is another day!

To our nurse Angel Jane - thank you for checking in - you are amazing to care about each patient. So Josh's advice if you need surgery - Children's is the place to be.

Josh was sharing with us this morning - that his prayer is that each of you that reads this will take the time to really ponder on God and how much he loves you and how much you need Jesus. That is why Fred was in his brain - for Josh to share the miracle healing power of Jesus. Makes you think - this mom too!

God Bless Each of You that reads and shares - you bless us so much!

The Henry's Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Today is the Day!

2006-12-04T08:56:00.001-08:00

Okay this mom snuck out last night and went over to Ronald McDonald house and slept like a rock. While I was there the boys had a fishing party and were watching TV, snacking and sleeping. Not a long stretch of sleep but lots of it.

So why is today the day???? Dr. Patrick came by this morning and we are waiting with the CAT Scan until this afternoon - because Bill the Vent tube is clamped. We are waiting to see if Josh can make it with it clamped (like taken out) and if in the CAT Scan there is no swelling of the ventricles - then woohoo out comes Bill. Please join us in praying that Josh's brain valve is draining and we won't need a shunt as we are all ready to blow out of Children's. Now don't us wrong we adore this hospital but we are soon approaching 3 weeks.

If this does not happen - then we have more surgery for the shunt to go in - and at least another week. Although we have a favorite nurse Stephanie today - we want to go home!

Okay you are asking when will he be back in school - probably not till after Christmas vacation and then only half days. Join us in praying about that - who will care for Josh - our dear LeeAnn and Jeanette have volunteered but we are waiting to see if Bruce can!

Talking about work - both Bruce and I are so blessed by our workplaces - LPMS and Chemult RD you guys are the best - thank you for your loving support and caring and helping us not stress about work. Ms. Borton - Josh says you rock my world by taking such good care of my kids. He said I have not worried at all about school - which is so true. Suzie Q you made my day with your love and caring - Nanette - we know you run the school and you are such a blessing to me. Aloma - your secret is safe with me and thank you for lifting that burden.

LPMS and LPE Students - Josh and Sarah are going to the best schools in the state - okay world. Thank you for all your love and caring. They miss their friends so much - only Captain Rakshak the dog more.

The town of La Pine - you have blessed us by your love, concern and understanding - thank you for loving this family through this adventure. We see big things happening!

Well this waiting mom is going to go and have some breakfast and then work on grades - watch out my students.

The Henry family wants each of you that reads this, to stop and hug those close to you today and tell them how much you love them.

Mom - standing firm on the promise from Jesus that he is there and praying earnestly that Bill comes out!

We Slept - We Slept!

2006-12-03T10:04:00.002-08:00

Praising the Lord - we got some sleep! Josh and I had a slumber party watching Trading Places and other shows - munching on everything we could find. Daddy's snores serenaded us through our party.

About 2:15 he was out! When our Night Angel, Nurse Julie came in to do vitals, she was able to calm him and take them without waking him up - amazing as he had to have a flash light in his eyes!

6:30 came and he woke up with having the jitterbugs - his steroids episodes - woohoo praises going up! Yesterday was a step back, and last night was three steps forward - right Aunt LeMay!!!

So buds are coming up again today - probably no CAT Scan today - so a quiet day after that. We have our awesome Angel Christina with us and another Christina.

Last night was another blessing the Charge Nurse Christie came and is working on having our favorite nurses here till the end of our stay! Thank you our precious Christie. Josh is so spoiled that he may not want to go home!

God Bless You!
Happy and Blessed Mom - Lori

Good Night

2006-12-02T22:49:00.000-08:00

Okay after messing around for an hour - I did something and can no longer use the pretty colors or pictures - man oh man and Mr Fields log on and it was fine for him - hmmmm I will check from another computer tomorrow and see if I just messed with this one.

It is time to say goodnight. Bruce and I are doing the shift thing - we love that! This is suppose to be my sleep shift.

A busy day in room 3026 - the friends were such a blessing, but it made me realize how very sick my Josh was and is as he wore out quickly. We had more drainage today on the vent tube - but still normal, and he had several problems with the itching - and of course he can not scratch because he has an open site where the tube is coming out.

Still looks like Wednesday is the day to leave - but we don't want to do anything to damage that. The vent tube comes out on Monday. So what is happening in room 3026 tomorrow - we start our morning with a CAT Scan - please join us in praying that the valve is open and draining! Unfortunately he can not go to church because he has the tube and a nurse must stay with him at all times - but we will see if Chaplin Ron can visit on Monday. His buddies are visiting tomorrow before heading home and then a walk again.

I am sorry I am not posting as much - the recovery is worse than surgery and I am exhausted. I slept off and on all afternoon, praise the Lord Bruce is feeling good.

Monday will be a zoo - Dr. Patrick and Dr. Ojemann are back and out comes the tube and then add in a blood draw and all three special therapist - woosh I am tired of thinking of that day. Then the walk down to the gift shop - maybe in wheel chair - he has gift certificates he is ready to spend.

Mom needs to get working on those grades - so that will probably be tomorrow - watch out my students.

Well I am off - we have a special nurse Julie on tonight - she is now a fast favorite and the charge nurse Christie is the best so we are in good hands at Childrens!

Take time to the thank the Lord!
The Henry's
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

My Buds are Here!

2006-12-02T12:31:00.000-08:00

Today is Saturday. I just had DK, Chris, Kirsten, Andrea and Mr. and Mrs Karrer and the Rosengarth Family here visiting with me.

Chris and DK are just crazy! I went for a small walk and got to hang in the chair! They are coming back tonight so mom, dad, grandma and grandpa can go to dinner. Plus they will be back tomorrow.

I slept better last night and now am ready to nap again. I am going to eat my chicken strips and then crash for a bit.

Thanks for checking in!

Josh

Good Night From Seattle

2006-12-01T20:02:00.000-08:00

Okay it is time to say goodnight - I have filled your ears tonight. Another blessing his eye check went really well and they expected him to be where he was expected.

His steroids were cut in half and he had a mild reaction but nothing like he has had. Our major praise - his headache is gone! Bye Bye Headache. We now have a jump on the pain and will be keeping ahead of it. Woohoo!

He has a busy day tomorrow - we are having company and is Josh pumped! His buds and are coming! We look forward to seeing DK, Chris and Kirsten tomorrow! Woohoo a party in room 3026! He thinks this is even better than having Captain.

Tomorrow night we are calling the Doggy Inn so he can call Captain and see if he comes to the sound of his voice - he is missing him and wants to know if he is missing him!

More tomorrow night - we are on our way to bed soon! Laundry is going and Aunt LeMay is on night duty. She has to go home to Brendon and Uncle Doug tomorrow, and boy or boy are we going to miss her!

Have a blessed evening!
A rejoicing mom! Lori

THANK YOU THANK YOU!

2006-12-01T15:32:00.000-08:00

Okay I have to post these before I forget - I tried to do one long one, but my signal is too week.

What blessings we have been having from our friends and family.

The Youngs - wowowow you overwhelmed us with your outpour of love. The blankets are wonderful - Josh can't have his on for long because of the steriods making him to hot - but the snacks were the best. Thank you for the rainy day! Sarah is cooking up a storm with Aunt Kathy so she will have stuff to share.

Billy Ray and Peggy - Josh has not been up to opening his gift - but mom peeked and you are awesome. He will be opening it later. Sarah's is for when we get home, thank you for thinking of her.

Donna and Max we got it today - but he will open later. He is going to be pumped - he was trying to talk me into getting it for him. He just opened them and is jazzed. The book is perfect for him to work on reading again with his poor eyesight. Josh said you got him the best book.

Welty family - so how did you do that - you are amazing. He hasn't looked yet - but great job. You are taking such good care of our Angel.

Stephani - he loves the game and is waiting not very patiently for his eyes to clear so he can play. Then he wants to compete against you.

Grace Fellowship - you amaze us!

Our Children's Hospital Family

Dr. Ojemann - you are truly a blessing from God and your hands are a gift. Thank you so much for loving our Josh and being the "world known surgeon". Hugs to you!

Dr. Ellenbogen - Thank you for your blessing to this family. You are an awesome man and I am so glad you spilled the secret. You made this mom so happy!

Dr. Patrick - what can we say, we would love to have you as Josh's uncle. You are a favorite and Josh looks forward daily to your visits - it is his highlight. The whole family loves you and we thank you for answering our endless and very silly questions sometimes!

Liz - what a wonder woman you are. Taking our Josh into your heart and loving us all so much. You have answered endless questions and patiently listened and let me cry. We thank you! Josh wants to know how often he can call you!

Kathy - you were the best thing God did for me in ER. You were patient and let me rant and rave and share my frustrations. Josh thinks you are awesome.

Miss Fiona - you are our angel. God blessed us the day you walked into our room. Thank you so much for answering our endless questions and loving us as your family.

Stephanie - you made our first day so awesome. There was so much fear and anxiety, but you calmed us down and helped us adjust.

Erin - our night angel. After last night words can not express how much we love you and what a blessing you are to us! I have tears streaming down my face in the love you shared!

Christina - you are amazing and we love you over and over. You are as beautiful on the inside as you are the outside. Thank you for the loving care you give us all.

Other third floor nurses, blessing upon you, know that you are on our praise to the Lord. We have decided that Children's only hires the best!

Our ICU nurses -

Beth - there are not words to express how awesome you are and the amazing things you did as he recovered. When our patience wore thin - you were there and helping us laugh and see the joy in his recovery.

Gretchen - you humor and smiles lightened up a very tense time in our lives. I love laughing with you about my rest in MRI! You are great!

To our therapists - we thank you so much for taking Josh into your hearts and working with him! Thank you for helping us in our adventure!

Ron our Chaplin - Josh so appreciates you and your keeping him in your prayers, he is praying that you will blessed repeatedly for the giving you do to others.

Other staff at Children's - you have blessed us so much with you love and genuine care of children. What an amazing group of talented people.

Last but not least our precious Jen from Child Play Therapist - tears of thanks are running down our face. You knew what we needed before we knew we needed. The time you took with Josh and Sarah to help them understand, you are the best. God blessed us by bringing you into our lives. Sarah is still asking about you because she loves you! Thank you so much!

To our family and friends that don't know these precious angels - please join the Henry Family in praying for them and thanking the Lord and help us rain praises down upon them. We love them so much!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh, and Sarah

Josh is Walking!

2006-12-01T15:26:00.000-08:00

I have been trying for the last 3 hours to post and it won't let me - but look I did it!

Praises and more praises in Seattle. Josh had an okay night - but is having a fantastic day and making some great strides. He started off this morning with a CAT scan and it came back awesome. Right now it looks like the valve is opening up and he won't need a shunt - but we still have till Monday to know. Keep those prayers rolling, but if no shunt we are on our way home.

Then the physical therapist came and Josh got up and walked out into the hallway. He was awesome and so focused. He then had his speech therapist and he sat down in a chair for the entire time! What a guy he is and doing so well!

Keep on joining us in prayer - our God is an awesome God! We are sending praises upward, please join us!

The Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Josh sharing!

2006-12-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Hi this is Josh! It is Friday, the worst part about today is I have had a pretty bad headache. It is pretty boring. All I have been doing since surgery is test, test, test and more test. Today I am going to have a CAT scan.

I had school yesterday and she is coming back today.

Thank you Amoz, Dakota, Aaron, Chris, and Jake for shaving their heads.

Hey to Kirsten, Nicole, Dani, Holly, Kali, Justynn, Luke and all my buds.

Thanks LPMS for your prayers!

See you soon! Hopefully!

See you all later -
Josh

DK and Chris I need some serious help here so ship yourself here and help me.

Sarah Bear

2006-12-01T01:19:00.000-08:00

Sarah - look I am using pink. I am sorry you were crying, but you know what Josh said tonight - he wishes he was playing with you and Ryan and Marcia. He thinks you are having a lot of fun without him. So you ask Ryan and Marcia and Aunt Kathy if over Christmas break you all can spend the night together at Aunt Kathy's and have more fun.

We miss you too and know that you are getting the attention you need with Aunt Kathy - mommy and daddy are busy helping Josh get better so we can come and get you and head home to Captain.

We love you and keep this picture close so we won't miss you too much. I love you my princess!

Mommy, Daddy, and Josh

We are finally resting!

2006-12-01T00:58:00.001-08:00

Josh is sleeping, and this is Josh this morning! Still as handsome as ever!!!!!!!!!!

It is 1:05 am and my shift - takes both Bruce and I to replace Aunt LeMay. She is going to let us get a good night's rest tomorrow night before flying home again. Thanks Doug and Brendon for sharing this angel with us.

I know you all want to hear from Josh, but his concentration, his eyesight and strength are so low right now - he could not type in and really is not interested much - but he loves hearing your posts as we share them with him.

We have another praise - he is doing so well we are off the two hour checks from the nurses and back to the normal four! Amazing remembering just two nights ago he was in ICU. So many of you want to know from home, when are we going to see him. We don't know and neither do the doctors - it all depends on the drainage - he has a tube coming out of his head draining the spinal fluid - normal procedure. FRED was sitting upon the top of the valve where the fluid should be draining and we don't know if that valve is open or not. Josh has a CAT scan later this morning. If the valve is opening up - which we are praying - then we could be released on Wednesday. If it is not then a shunt will be put in and we don't know how much longer. The fluid draining off is less than it was - about half - this could be a praise as it could be draining inside- or the fluid could be building back up - we don't think that because his headaches have not returned.

School - that is up to Josh he could go back for half a day if he is up to it - or may not return till after Christmas for a half days. His healing will direct what we do. Right now he is a miracle child - nah it is just continuing from birth. But I do know he is excited to return and share his science project of FRED with pictures and all.

Well I am going to try and answer some of my email and then work on grading some papers and figuring my awesome students grades. Thank you all for your outpouring of love to us - you will never know the impact you made on this family!

Goodnight
The Henrys

Miracles Happenin'

2006-11-30T16:01:00.000-08:00

First of all - I am sorry that three were posted yesterday - so can you tell that I was very tired last night. Aunt LeMay was our angel and stayed with Josh last night and Bruce and I crashed, literally at Ronald Mc Donald House.

Secondly - sorry it has taken me so long - the wireless signal today is very weak and I have not been able to connect in the room, in addition tons of people coming through today - woosh you would think it was a party.

Josh wants to dictate a post to me - so we will try tonight and uploading his picture I took today - and yes dear Basketball Team the hair is gone!

Before sharing the Henry Family wants to thank the Young Family and Mrs. Faust and her class for blessing us so much today - this mom was crying with the wonderful gifts you sent and all the love you have shared.

Okay - first of all Josh is making progress by leaps and bounds. Our main issue right now is the steriods - they are making him a chatterbox and not letting him sleep. We just had our first anxiety attack with them since coming out of ICU - he was not liking himself that way, but we know with time and the weaning off of steriods he will our Josh again.

His eyesight is getting better - it is very blurry and he is still seeing double - but once again time and our awesome great physician God - we will overcome this one. We have had some milestones - he did sit up and then did stand too! Woohoo!

To our dear friends sharing about stunts - we have no fear of the stunts and are blessed by them - we just want to come home today! If the shunt has to be put in - Josh will need to have another surgery and we will be here. If the shunt is not needed and it drains on its own (which we won't know for a few days) we could be out of here by next Wednesday. We are so ready to come home.

Okay Mom and Dad are mucho better after getting a full night sleep - I am still pretty tired but you know what - Josh has been sleeping off and on today - that is major after not sleeping at all in ICU - but daily by daily it will get better. They had to kick us out - and I could just imagine Aunt Loretta yelling in my ear - get your sleep and now. What an awesome support team and so beautiful too!

I hope to get my laptop working so I can thank you each personally - but it may not happen. We are so blessed by this wonderful hospital and all the outpouring of love you all give us! We are just sitting back and soaking it all up!

Aunt Kathy - and the rest of the Welty's thank you for taking care of our little Angel - it is so much easier on us - but boy oh boy do we miss her. Sarah Bear your mommy loves you!

Pastor - Josh is still praising the Lord for you coming in and being with him! What a blessing you are to us - and he is in such peace.

God Bless Each and Everyone!
The Henrys - Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Prayers still Needed!

2006-11-29T17:05:00.002-08:00

Well we are mainly out of the woods but still asking for prayers. Josh has a 50/50 chance of having a stunt put in - but that is the numbers before letting God have control. So we are trusting the Lord.

We have moved back to the room 3026 and we love it. Josh wanted it decorated Christmas! So I will take pictures and send in more tomorrow. I have so many praises but will share later.

I will post more tomorrow - dinner and bed! Love you all!

The Henrys

Prayers still Needed!

2006-11-29T17:05:00.001-08:00

We have moved back to the room 3026 and we love it. Josh wanted it decorated Christmas! So I will take pictures and send in more tomorrow. I have so many praises but will share later.

I will post more tomorrow - dinner and bed! Love you all!

The Henrys

Prayers still Needed!

2006-11-29T17:05:00.000-08:00

We have moved back to the room 3026 and we love it. Josh wanted it decorated Christmas! So I will take pictures and send in more tomorrow. I have so many praises but will share later.

I will post more tomorrow - dinner and bed! Love you all!

The Henrys

Mornng in ICU

2006-11-29T06:53:00.000-08:00

This is our Dr. Patrick getting Josh ready the night before for surgery.

It has been a long night here in ICU - but our nurse Beth has truly been an angel and blessed us all over and over last night.

Dr. Patrick - another outstanding blessing, has been here this morning and said Josh is doing great and is amazing - he is going to buy him his favorite candy bar.

We are going to have another MRI this morning and then he is moving down to his regular floor today - is that just amazing. Less than 24 hours and he will be out of ICU and we will all be doing much better. I know Bruce and I are going to be taking turns on getting a nap today!

It was tough getting going last night with, but Josh continually prayed, they were silly and all but his heart is out there to bless you all and the people that have helped with his care. We are praising the Lord for all being as it should be - although I am so ready for my little boy to be back to snuggling me!

God Bless Each of You!

The Henry's

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Josh is in ICU

2006-11-28T22:42:00.000-08:00

This is Josh before surgery in the giraffe portion of the hospital these are some of the awesome paintings - I will show you more tomorrow.

Okay what is up with Josh - he is ICU and having a reaction to the steriods and so not himself. It is taking both Bruce and I to settle him down - it is going to be a long night - if we could get him to sleep it would make it so better. Unfortunately Bruce will not be able to be here all night - so it will be a long night - but I know it will pass soon.

What about his surgery? It is a blessing. It did take about 5 hours - FRED is gone! It was a (spelling) terrytoma tumor and it is not maligant - it was a perfect surgery. It took longer than they anticipated - but they were able to get it without any damage to pineal gland or the artiery right there. It was truly a blessing and God was great!

It is now 11:34 and I am going to try to get some sleep. Thank you once again for your awesome prayers! You are all blessings to this family!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Surgery almost over!!!

2006-11-28T18:48:00.000-08:00

I just got a call from the nurse - they are done with the microscope of surgery and FRED is gone. We are now waiting for the next phone call which will tell us that Dr. Ojemann is ready to talk to us - and then we shall hear how much is out and what is next.

Josh is stable and did a great job during surgery - is there anything he is not good at? That son of mine - but take after his mom!!!

Sarah is doing great, and really kept busy with the puzzle - we were not able to swim becuase the pool was closed because of school closures.

What will Josh's first words be? Probably what is for dinner?

I know we say this a lot but you all have blessed us so much, your prayers have wrapped around us and kept us close. Our family and friends that are here are Jesus to us and holding us close. We are crying tears of joy with you and just about ready to break out in praise music. Thank you thank you thank you! We love each of you dearly!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

We are half way!

2006-11-28T17:08:00.000-08:00

Doctor Sarah on the job! We just got a call and we are half way and making it great! The nurse said he is holding his own and doing well s we are almost there and FRED is going going gone! We are looking forward to writing in soon that we are done done done! Keep on praying! We love you all so much!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Pictures Pictures

2006-11-28T15:31:00.000-08:00

Being silly before surgery, Pastor is here and has this mastered. I will work on uploading pictures from the zoo and his music therapy today. Can you tell we are still a silly family - nothing has changed.

Midway update - I have had the calls - first one that surgery actually got started at 1:45 and putting in the tube to drain before starting. Heard again at 2:30 he is doing awesome and they are now going after FRED! Woohoo FRED is DEAD and almost out of Josh's HEAD! We have been working on the rhyming and being silly. So more coming later. We feel your prayers - the hospital surgery waiting area looks like a big party as we say goodbye to FRED!

God Bless You!

The Henrys

Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Bye Bye Hair

2006-11-28T12:19:00.000-08:00

This is a pre operation picture - he is wrapped as a practice run - hehehehe we are blessed!

Well Bruce and I were kicked out because Josh has had his happy juice and is out of here. He is now getting put under and having his head shaved. They are putting in the IV's and getting him ready. We will posting updates as my laptop works here.

Surgery total time is 7 to 8 hours - that is the before and recovery and the actual surgery is 5 hours. Bruce got to meet Dr. Ellensborogh and likes him too. He is assisting Dr. Ojemann. We have met the entire team, nurse and the anthestiologists - it is a blessing this time that God has put together.

I have a pager and the nurse will call with updates so I will keep you posted. We know we are surrounded with prayer because there is so much peace with Bruce and I. Some of the best parts about today was David the Music Therapist came and hung for a while. We sang Jingle Bells and had instruments - it sounded like a choir and was beautiful. We received many compliments.

Then we had prayer, and everyone prayed and we ended by singing Jesus Loves Me - what a special time for this mom. Josh is so full of peace and ready to get rid of Fred!!! Bye Bye Fred!

Thank you again for blessing this family - we have our extended family here and it is awesome awesome! God is so good!

Love you all!
The Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Mom Here

2006-11-28T07:07:00.000-08:00

We had a fairly restful evening - Josh was so talkative that we did not get to sleep till after 10 - but we slept good off and on. At midnight they came and hooked up his IV to Saline water, and he slept okay with it. He had a lot of sweating through the night - they think it is the nerves from thinking about surgery. But about 3 he prayed and that stopped. Thank you Jesus. He looks cute with is wrap - I have some pictures to upload once I figure it out. Aunt Le May was a blessing helping him laugh and relax. She took my place when they put in the IV - what a blessing.

The MRI is behind schedule as the roads in Seattle are icy - many of the hospital staff did not get to go home, they stayed here and are working the next shift too - or a later one. So funny for us from Central Oregon as what is a little snow! But a huge city is shutting down.

Bruce has showered - I am heading there next- never know when those docs will show up - yesterday the surgical team came in and I was in my jammies.

Josh is still resting off and on - I think the hunger thing is getting him down big time. Bruce and i are going to sneak out and eat - we are not allowing food or drink in his room- as this is the hard part this morning. Well looks like the next post will be after a successful surgery. Thank you again for your prayers - how would we have made it on this adventure without you all. You are amazing.

To Grace Fellowship - we can feel you prayer warriors already, we were able to sleep last night - and actually feel a little rested. Your love and out pour of a love offering has overwhelmed us and blessed us so much. Jeanette I am at your house praying with you today. Grandpa Buck we are praising the Lord your surgery went so awesome - just wish this was the last one. We have the best pastor don't we! Pastor Lighthill you are truly a man of God doing HIS work.

Brandi - my sub, thank you for taking over. The rest of the staff at LPMS - thank you for helping her feel so welcome and assisting her - what a blessing to have that weight off my shoulders - although I would rather be struggling with you than here.

Well the shower is calling. God Bless You today as you have blessed us.

The Henrys

Surgery Day!

2006-11-28T06:59:00.000-08:00

Mom typing for Josh: I am starving and ready to have this over with so I can eat. We are excited to have over half his aunts here safe and sound. I slept good, even with a turban on my head and points on my head for the MRI this morning. Mr.Likens watch out I am going to have a killer science project. I have an IV giving me water to drink, and I can't feel it and I am so thirsty. To La Pine Middle School I will be back soon, being in the hospital is better than school because I don't have homework, but no friends. To my buddies that shaved their heads, thanks - mine is coming off in a few hours. To Grace Fellowship thank you for blessing me and my family with the great gifts. The Wavers and Fritz families you have spoiled him (that was a mom comment. Hey Aaron thanks for the gift certificate come and help me spend it. Aunt Donna Joy thank you for the gift certificate, I am pondering what to spend it on.

More later when I wake up from surgery!

Love - Josh

Saying goodnight

2006-11-27T22:03:00.000-08:00

What a night already. Our Dr. Patrick came in - have I shared how awesome he is - well he came in to put some dots on Josh's head for a MRI tomorrow morning at 7 - you could tell how nervous Josh is by his chatterbox attitude. He was so silly! I am still laughing at all he had to share and all his talking.

Aunt LeMay was here and holding his hand when he had his new IV put in - the nurse wants to change Josh for her 22 year old son. She was awesome too.

Josh is going to get his last pill and then we are calling it a night. There is no more food after 12:00 so maybe we will sneak a snack in before then.

Well that time is here and I am going to get off of here, As soon as surgery is over I will post quickly tomorrow.

God Bless each and everyone of you for praying for us, you have helped survive this ordeal! Josh wants to thank Pastor Lighthill for talking to him tonight and helping him have peace! You are a blessing to us and the entire town of La Pine!

The Henry's

Blogging from our room!

2006-11-27T19:14:00.000-08:00

First of all our hearts are so blessed my our wonderful church family all the gifts and cards are such a blessing and a relief. You have truly shown Jesus to us and blessed us more than we could ever have imagined.

Pastor and Mr. Fritz made it here fine - could not leave the hospital for awhile because of the snow and ice outside - how silly is that coming from La Pine. But I have my laptop so will probably play on here all night.

Josh was seen by the anethestiologist - spelled that one bad - but he was a great guy. Josh can not eat after midnight. Poor thing.

To all you awesome 7th graders at LPMS that shaved your heads - Josh is having the Chief Resident of Pediatric Neoursurgery shave his tomorrow - and we are going bald. Dad is only going to go really short - Sarah is afraid she is going to have to go bald too.

Mrs. Faust's second grade class we got the email and are so blessed. Josh is missing you all too and will come for a visit in a little while.

We are basically done for the night. Josh has to get another IV in tonight - the last one went bad, and get him ready for surgery tomorrow. They are going to be checking compatiability with other blood in case he needs it.

Unfortunately we have to clear out our room tonight so I will be organizing and packing that up tonight - keeping up the decorations till tomorrow.

We can feel the prayers wrapping around us - we have such a peace and can see God's hand moving and shaking and things and lay them in an awesome perfect pattern. Mom is better here, need some good sleep, but I feel so loved - thank you!

Probably more later if Josh is up to posting!
The Henrys

24 More Hours

2006-11-27T16:15:00.000-08:00

This mom is looking forward to the next 24 hours being over. We have had a good day and learned a lot of information.

We are praising the Lord for the wonderful team we have working on Josh. We saw the Neurological Psych today and he just got a base line for Josh so that in six months he will be tested again to see if there is any change or damage done - the test turned out to be about 2 1/2 hours.

We talked to the Nurse Practioner with the case - she took time to listen to Josh's questions. The number one questions what is the risk of dying - she shared the same as with any other surgery. The things we need to be concerned about is possible stroke, vision damage, and other sensory damage. But you know we serve a bigger God and are trusting Him.

Tomorrow we will have to leave our room - we pray we get the same room back, but may not be able too - so please send cards to just Josh and they will find him. We will be in ICU for 2 nights probably - so that will be more intense.

Josh is getting nervous - but we are just taking it hour by hour and waiting for the days to go quickly. We pray for a quick recovery - 5 days to 7 would be great. but we are just waiting.

That could be our theme song - just waiting. Well I am off for a while - I am still tired, but will sleep later I am praying. Pray for family coming in today - Aunt LeMay - mom is on her way to the airport - Aunt Loretta and Aunt Kathy - driving up from Salem - and in the snow. And dear Pastor Lighthill and Dick Fritz - big time snow - coming from La Pine.

We had another great nurse today, Jane. She has blessed us. We are missing our Fiona and Stephanie but we know they will be with us during recovery and that will be awesome.

Have a blessed night - and hug your loved ones for us!
The Henry Family

Update from Josh

2006-11-27T16:12:00.000-08:00

From Yesterday: I went to church and everyone bawled. We san "For the Fruit of All Creation." Then we decided to go to the zoo. We saw the zebras, the gazelle, the Oryx, and the monkeys. Then we watched the hippos. they talked to us. One was steaming. Crazy huh? I then saw the giraffes. They saw how large they were. Mom got about 5 pictures. Then we saw the Kamono Dragons. then we ate at the food pavillion. At the gift show we got a giraffee and other stuff. Then we got warm and went to sleep after dinner.

Today: In the morning I played DS lite. After breakfast I went to the gift shop and got Captain Jr.

Josh

It is Pre Surgery Day!

2006-11-27T12:19:00.000-08:00

It is still snowing - can you believe it! We are just hanging around today - we have the study from 1-4. Josh will be posting later.

The old IV came out and a new one will go in this afternoon - getting ready for surgery. Josh is loving the freedom of not being hooked up to equipment.

Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful ecards - Josh has a stack and we are hanging them up around the room. Printing off the blog and bringing to the room also.

Looking forward to tomorrow being over.

Blessings to you all!
Bruce, Lori,Josh and Sarah

Snowing in Seattle

2006-11-26T16:44:00.000-08:00

Well I guess we could not leave the snow at home so we brought it with us - it is now white on the ground of Seattle and more snow coming. How fun!!!

We went to the zoo today - what a blessing, until it started raining and then snowing - who would of thought of snow in Seattle - but it was fun to spring out of the hospital for the day. Josh will fill you in later on what was his favorite part.

We have another blessing - amazing how God is doing all this. We have the top surgical team, plus now we have the Chief of Ped Neurosurgeon here at Children's hospital assisting. How awesome is our God.

Everyone else is doing fine - I am tired, not sleeping well - like that is a surprise. Bruce is going to stay at the hospital too tonight so I will get some sleep.

I want to thank everyone for their wonderful posts - I know it is a struggle sometimes - but I have printed them off and taking them back to the room for Josh. He is working on writing his blog now.

Josh shared that he felt guilty for all the prayers today - as he was having so much fun at the zoo - what a silly kid. We had a wonderful church service today, small and intimate, but missing our home and home fellowship.

Thank you Lee Ann and Jeanette for packing up our house - what a blessing you are to us all. Well I am not on here long tonight - want to post Josh's too!

We feel your prayers wrapping around us, and we are asking the Lord to bless you!

The Snowy Henry's
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

A Post from Josh

2006-11-25T18:54:00.000-08:00

Dear Listeners,

Thank you for your prayers. I would like to bless you. Mr. Brown it's pretty hard to draw my room, but I'll work at it. Today I was checked by an opthomologist. We got to have the boss help with the check. My vision is 20/20. That's good is what he said. Teachers, La Pine and everyone that's praying for me, thank you.

Josh

God's Hand with the Eye Doctor

2006-11-25T16:26:00.000-08:00

Josh was evaluated by the Eye Doctor - Dr. Sohn today, in the middle of the evaluations walks in his boss Dr. Wyse. Now remember this is a Saturday. We have heard that Dr. Wyse oversees many of the hospitals in Seattle and is based here at Childrens. He came in with sweats and tennis shoes on - and helps in the evaluation of Josh. Were we impressed - greatly. In less than 10 seconds he knew when Josh had double vision and when he did not. What a blessing to have such a fantastic team working for us.

The outcome???? Jump up and down with us! It looks as though once the tumor is out his vision will return to its normal 20/20 and everything will be great. We do know there is the risk of the surgery and where FRED is hanging out - right on the Pineal Gland which is responsible for your vision - but hey we have the world known surgeons on the job, plus the master surgeon God, it is going to be great.

Josh is doing better this afternoon - tired but settling down great. We have chosen two of our primary nurses on return, makes Josh happy knowing they are there for him. Fiona and Stephanie you are the best and have blessed us over and over.

Pastor Stewart was here to pray with us today, what joy to have him close to us. I know he will be up here more. God is in control to bring us to a town with a pastor we know! Thank you Jesus.

Our nurses are joking that we are having a party on Wednesday with all the family coming up and dear friends, how blessed are we - I am still in awe.

Okay I mentioned earlier about George and the movie - the movie is "It is a Wonderful Life" and this Christmas will be a Wonderful Life for the Henry's! We have both broken down today, but you know that is expected and yet God is holding us together, and letting our wonderful parents wrap their loving arms around us. Plus we can feel your prayers wrapping around us.

Josh has homework and is balking at it - but you know me the teacher is going to get it done. We are working on our spelling words for this week - going with the big ones from the hospital - hehehehe I would type them here but will misspell them!

Well it is almost dinner time, and then I am going to hang tonight with Josh so won't get on here again probably, although I have to get these lesson plans typed up!

Once again, as we remember this season - please oh please come to Jesus and embrace HIM. He is the hope we have in Seattle and the only thing holding us together. We want you to be part of this family!

God Bless -
The Henry's
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

It is Clearing in Seattle!

2006-11-25T10:36:00.000-08:00

It looks to be a fairly nice day in Seattle, and we were just blessed with tickets to the Seattle Zoo so we may be running away from the hospital for a while and enjoying it.

Josh is starting to worry about his surgery - what is happening and all that. Eventhough he knows he will be asleep for all of it - it is creeping in. The worst part he shared with me is that he is losing his hair. Figures!

Praising raining down - Pastor is coming up on Monday and we are so blessed. We are asking him to bring the laptop so Josh can actually be typing. He does get tired quickly and was with us for breakfast and wants to hang in his room. Mr. Brown he has a journal and we are now requiring him to write in it everyday! He thinks he is going to sneak this blog as his writing - but mom has been doing it, glad I am not being graded.

For some reason today is harder for me - I have been crying a lot and the financial burden is hitting me. I am blessed that insurance will prayerful cover it all - but the meals in the hospital are taking their toll - but you know the lesson I have learned this week, it is only money and not worth worrying about it.

Yesterday we had Jen (good name right Jenny) for Child Life Therapy come and hang. Josh has a doll that he was able to put the IV in and talk about what is going on. He has to decorate his doll but that will happen. Sarah is excited because she is going to hang with Jen during the surgery and get her own doll. Also on Monday Josh will hang with the music therapist and get to play the drums for a while - so Pastor your drummer boy will be here!

Today's plans - hang will lunch because the opthamologist doc is coming, then head to the zoon. Back home for dinner and an early night. Tomorrow is church and that is about it. Monday we will be sticking by the hospital and then heading to the airport to pick up Aunt LeMay. Josh has already warned our nurses that Aunt LeMay and Aunt Loretta will be here so they better be good.

We will see Dr. Ojamen today - the big dude - which is awesome! We already saw the Head Neuorsurgeon for Children's this morning. It is amazing how they become friends after being here for this short time. We are in our own world.

Not sure how much I will post - I worked on uploading pictures yesterday and it does not work - maybe with our laptop I will be able too. I am a little exhausted today!

Thank you again for your prayers and comments - they are a blessing to us! Love you all!

The Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Time is Set!

2006-11-24T14:12:00.000-08:00

We have a time for the surgery it will be Tuesday at 1:00 pm - and neither surgeon has anything going that morning so they will be refreshed. We are so blessed.

We are seeing the opthamologist doctor tomorrow morning, then on Monday the testing. Things are happening!

For those of you who would like to send a real mail card! Here is the address:
Josh Henry
PO Box 5371; Room #3006
Seattle, WA 98105-0371

Not much more happening - Josh is glued to his DS and that is the whole story. I am going back to Ronald McDonald House - so this will be probably be my last blog for the night.

Do we read your comments - much more - I print them out and bring back to the room for the kids and Bruce to read, and just how very blessed we are by you all! Thank you again!

The Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

It is Friday! A week has passed!

2006-11-24T10:26:00.000-08:00

I sit today in awe that it has only been a week since we were in the doctor's office with no reason after all the blood tests for Josh's double vision and headaches. Wowowowow what a week!

First of all he is in room 3006 if you want to send an ecard. Also I know some of you would like more in depth details - but you know I will work on it but sometimes I feel like I am watching a movie and then realize I am in it. I can't think of the movie but the old Christmas classic where he watches his family after they die - George is the man I think. Whew!

Okay, Josh has a about a quarter size tumor (which is just a growth, our surgeon will not say cancerous - because that just been abnormal growth and what growth is not abnormal) on the top of his brain stem on his pineal gland which is in charge of the eyesight. There is some swelling of ventricles and the tumor is on the part where the spinal fluid would drain into the spine. The tumor is blocking that so his brain is swelling with the fluid. The surgery Tuesday - we are assuming am will completely remove the tumor - there are not fingers reaching out and then the swelling will go done.

We are having a nuerological study started today - it will give the doctors a base to see if there is any damage after surgery, or if this was a normal behavior. In addition we have an opthemologist - forgive all the misspelling - coming in today to make sure that the waiting will not damage his eyes.

Recovering after surgery - looks as though he will be in ICU for the first night - Tuesday - and then back to our room for the rest of the recovery. We are decorating his room Christmas now. He could be released as quickly as 4 to 5 days after depending on how he is doing.

Do I know the percentage of success in this surgery - no I don't and I don't think I am going to ask - because you know what it is not an option. Call it blind faith, but we are trusting in our Holy God who is the almighty surgeon and physician. Josh is assured he is going to live through it so why should this mom doubt him.

Josh's biggest disappointment - he can't play basketball this season - although we shall see if he just can't come and hang for a while - he probably won't have the energy to play - but you know what - God is in control!!!!

Josh's biggest accomplishment - he talked mom into buying him a Ninentido DS Lite today and three new games - so Danna and Kaitlynn watch out we have more.

My mom, Loretta and I hit Fred Meyer not much after 6 this morning. Got some clothes for all and supplemental what our dear friends packed us. I will always find an excuse to shop. Bought decorations for the room, now that we get to come back that will be awesome. Also some games and toys for the weekend as it will be a long one. But having the Grandmas and Grandpa here is a blessing.

I have laundry going now - and we are just hanging in the room waiting for the specialist to show up for the testing.

I need to work on sub plans and get that typed up today or tomorrow! That is about it for the Henry's - but we sure feel your prayers wrapping around us - you are a blessing.

The Hanging Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Off for the night!

2006-11-23T19:04:00.000-08:00

Well the Henry's are turkey out! What a blessing to eat so much turkey!

Josh's attitude is up and he is cheering on and looking forward to Tuesday. His positive thinking just shines through his trust in the Lord, oh to have the faith of children. He is truly our bright spot.

Bruce had his melt down and is doing better - I have cried from some of the wonderful posts you have sent in, but I am good. We are all heading to bed earlier tonight which will be good. Bruce and I will stay with Josh tonight and then tomorrow I will go to the house and stay with Sarah - she is needing attention!

Besides that I have the turkey hangovers and am ready for some sleep. We have had a great day today! Sarah sang God is an Awesome God tonight for Josh and what a blessing!

See you in the morning!

The Henry's
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Surgery is Set!

2006-11-23T15:14:00.000-08:00

Once again we see the hand of God in everything. Loretta helped me realize what was important was the best surgery team for Josh.

Well I talked to one of the neurosurgeons and he shared after consulation and how well Josh is doing - he will have surgery on Tuesday Morning - the time is not shared with us yet. And the two surgeons performing it are the one recommended to us and the one I met this afternoon that impressed me.

They are going to go in and take the entire tumor out in one surgery, we are not going to have the small one to relieve pressure - first because it will then reduce the space and complicate the surgery and also Josh really does not want two surgeries.

Before surgery, he is going to have another opthamology test done and then some neurological testing done for a base line to see if anything changes after the surgery. A blessing to have time to do that!

Surgery on Tuesday will last from 6 to 8 hours - will this mom make it. Tonight I found a sibling room where we can check Sarah in for two hours during the surgery and she will have a fun place to play.

Loretta is going on home tomorrow, but everyone else is hanging around for the duration. I will be taking the following week off as Josh will have a 4 to 5 day recovery and we don't want to rush home right away. Plus if he is up to it we will go to the Star Wars OMSI exhibit in Portland.

At lunch we were laughing and teasing each other - about a girlfriend. I made some comment about he better not die, or I will come to heaven and get him so I can pick on him more. Josh calmly replies I am not going to die. There you have it in a nut shell.

Josh was bummed because he is not with the Fields and Grandma Sonja and Grandpa Buck for Thanksgiving - but we are getting him Thanksgiving today. Pretty quiet in the hospital.

Well I am off to shop for more clothes - hehehehe! Josh and Bruce are vegging in the room, Josh is tired easily and just wanting to hang. Yesterday in the MRI he got scrub bottoms to wear and that is all he wants to wear - must admit he looks adorable.

Have a blessed evening of Thanksgiving and I will post more tomorrow - maybe get Josh down to write.

Love to you all!
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Surgery is going to happen

2006-11-23T13:16:00.000-08:00

Before I get into the grit - my dear friend Vonnie found this out - you can send Josh an e card through the hospital and the nurse will print it off and bring to him The website is www.seattlechildrens.org/postacards/greetings.asp?catergory=16

Okay we met with four of the five neuorsurgeons - and this is what is happening.

1. They don't really think they will be able to get the biopsy of it - so we are skipping that first surgery - which means that radiation is not an option.

2. When is surgery - well after discussing it I am probably sure it will not happen until next Tuesday or Wednesday - because we want the best team possible and being this is a holiday weekend - it is not going to happen - but only one surgery.

3. If that happens - then Josh will do some baseline tests until then to keep him from being bored - but he has been going around the hospital with us - and we may sneak out to Ronald McDonald House for dinner tonight.

4. I was just bopped in the head - I will be taking the next 2 weeks off from school! Woohoo! I am going to be so behind - but Josh is first and my priority. Thank you dear Loretta.

5. I think we are all to learn patience - and it is going to drive me crazy - but we will endure. I am blessed with a wonderful family and friends and we will be successful.

Well Josh's big complaint is that the food - he does not get to pick they just deliver. He now has a PSP system in the room and so that and TV is keeping him going.

Spirits - it is okay - we are just ready to be done. I could take a nap! LOL wish Josh would let me! He wants Mom close by! Love the kid.

All is well! thank you for your prayers - you are such a blessing! I will post for sure when Surgery is when we know!

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Turkey Family
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Family Day!

2006-11-23T11:16:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post a quick hi.

We are in the playrooms for their Thanksgiving Celebration - and having a blast. Josh stomped me and Bruce in foosball and Sarah and Aunt Loretta are playing marble works and laughing.

We had a great morning and just playing around!

Love you all!

The Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-11-23T07:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving to our Family and Friends around the World.

As I think of all our blessings I can think of some for just the last 24 hours:
1. Safe travel over the mountains and up to Seattle for everyone!
2. Showers - I had a great one!
3. Clean Clothes - thanks Jeannette and Lee Ann - but dresses - I was thinking boring jeans.
4. Sleep blessed Sleep - in the hospital we all slept like rocks. Josh can not remember the nurse coming in every two hours - and Bruce and I are so rested finally - although I could see a nap later!
5. Knowing what is going to happen today - the not knowing was getting to us all!
6. Josh says a Nintendo - he gets one today and woke up ready to play.
7. FRED - this is a wierd- it has just opened my eyes that today is today and what an awesome family I have and not to put things before them or take time to play with them
. It is helping me not put off till tomorrow - we are making dates, and you know saving for a rainy day is not always the best as the rainy day may not come.
8. Our Lord and Savior Jesus, and our awesome Father God. When I feel so alone I know God watched his son die on the cross, so He knows my pain and suffering!

Okay I am crying again - I made it through all day yesterday without crying. Josh was so proud of me!

Our plans for today - showers!!!! Josh's is food!!!! There is a family activity from 10 to 12 we will partake in and then we are going to walk around and learn about Seattle's Children Hospital. We are going to take pictures today so will upload those! I promise to send in the address - it is in a book in our room and I was running to get a hot shower today!

Have a blessed Thanksgiving and hug your family for us! Don't let the time you have slip away without telling someone that they are loved!

Then Henry's hanging in Seattle!
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

Praises raining down in Seattle!

2006-11-22T23:28:00.000-08:00

The front of Seattle Children's Hospital - the Giraffe entrance.

Woohoo praises are coming down - and I had a struggle geting on to here!

First of all the family made it here safely and we have a room at the Ronald McDonald house - what a blessing being it is Thanksgiving weekend and the hotels are booked and my pocket book is empty.

Starting off where I left off! First of all this is a huge hospital and we are figuring it out!!

Josh had to have another MRI - he was not happy - but we are negotiating for a Nintendo DS - and I was able to go with him and stay in the room. This time we had music and were rocking to Steven Curtis Chapman! I had to tell him to quit wiggling his feet! He did another awesome job and they were pinpointing FRED and checking his spine.

Grandpa Norm and Grandma Bev showed up and were in our room when we got back. What a blessing to be surrounded by loving and familiar faces. We were blessed to get the MRI tonight as the technician stayed late to do it - so we could have results.

Then it was the waiting game - Josh is loving TV and watching some great oldies and cartoons. He missed dinner again - because they all thought we were still in ER - but the awesome floors have stashes we can get into any time so he has munched and is ready for breakfast.

My Mom, Grandma Phyllis, Bruce and Sarah showed up after the others had left for Ronald McDonald house. I took the chance to sneak out and put on jammies - as they brought the clothes. As I was changing - in comes a doctor - and not just any doctor but THE DOCTOR.

Now remember this about 10:15 Thanksgiving Eve and our doctor comes apologizing for not being here earlier as he was in a conference. So let's have the praises ring out! He is awesome, Josh adores him and so do we. I think he is younger than us - makes me feel old.

Josh's tumor is a 1 out 50,000 chance of happening - but guess what - this team of neurosurgeons remove about 3 out of 4 cases. Woohoo! More praises, the tumor is not growing that quickly - so we have a littel time, and it is not spreading - it did not go down his spine!!!

There is more coming. We are not planning treatment until the other two doctors observe the MRI - yes our Dr Jeff has already seen the new ones - but he is thinking they will put a hole between the front ventricles and let the fluid drain that way - and see if the symptoms clear up. Also taking a biopsy - finding out results and then maybe just treating with radiation. We are going to zap FRED! This is not definite as there are three ways to go - but the peace and hope he shared tonight was amazing and the confidence we have in him.

So for Thanksgiving we are just going to be a big family hanging together. We will have a big consulation tomorrow and then surgery Friday morning. We are in Seattle for God's big plan and letting us have the best team of surgeons in the world on my Josh!

Another praise - two beds besides Josh's in our room - so Bruce and I are sleeping good tonight! They have Josh hooked up to an IV and monitors and will continue checking on him every two hours - a great nurse Sandy - thank you for blessing us! But Josh is back and smiling - he was getting pretty grumpy earlier and not into - now we see an end!!!

When can we come home - depending on results of the biopsy - as early as next weekend! I can just jump for joy. Instead I went to the lovely chapel and praised and sang to our Lord. Had to go there so no one would hear.

Your prayers are amazing and sustaining us and just giving us the peace that God is in control. Sarah is worried - but hey she is here and I adore my little girl. My children are such a blessing, not counting the big guy!

Well off to answer some mail! Bless each and everyone of you that have posted to the blog - what joy and happiness. I am printing them off to share with everyone tomorrow morning.

As we share our Thankgiving blessings tomorrow - each and everyone of you is on the top of the list. Thank you! You are prayer warriors!!!!

God's blessings and grace to you!

The Henry's (sort of missing Captain)
Bruce, Lori, Josh, and Sarah

We are in Seattle!

2006-11-22T18:11:00.000-08:00

My precious Sister in law Loretta is here - she flew up and got here almost as close as we did. We are at the Children's Hospital in Seattle Washington. Where oh where to start. I am heading back to Josh's room with my dinner but wanted to update you all.

Well things began cooking and we were in an ambulance on our way to Seattle. We had the best guys from Life Flight in Bend. Rick and Jim you have blessed our family so much thank you for your part in Josh's testimony. They turned the lights on for us at Bend's airport so we could go in style.

We did not ride in a helicopter just a regular plane - but both Josh and I relaxed and slept some - that was well needed. Then another ambulance ride to the hospital.

This is a huge hospital - we were in ER for over 2 hours. Josh is cranky because he is so hungry and we are tired of not knowing what is happening. First surgery then not surgery - we have not seen the Ped Neurosurgeon we flew so far to see. I am very tired and frustrated and not a lot of good to say. St Charles is the best - thank you to our nurses Brittany and Linda for making life so good.

Grandma and Grandpa Henry are on their way and should be here soon. Daddy, Sarah and Grandma Hunt will be here in several more hours. Sarah is so confused and this is so hard for her. This is after our dear friends Lee Ann and Jeanette drove Bruce and Sarah to my moms and heading back to home now - are they the best - plus they packed our clothes! I miss them so much.

What is next - looks like MRI's again - I wish they would do it tonight so we could get on with it. No surgeon visit - I know it is the holiday but he accepted us. I am tired and guess I need to vent.

We have been so blessed by so many people and such a story. Josh will post with me tomorrow - he is wiped out and tired of getting no where. We are hoping to get a laptop in our room so we can answer mail and post more frequently.

I will post an address to send cards tomorrow. Heading back to eat.

Hey Josh's basketball team - have I told you how much you rock. These awesome guys are shaving their heads for Josh! Woohoo!

Thank you so much to those that visited us - the Lighthills, Jeanette and Lee Ann, the Bechtolds and Mrs. Yaeger - what an amazing group. Plus the calls thank you thank you - your caring is a blessing!

More later! God Bless and thank you for your prayers it is the only way I am making it!

Tired mommy - Lori

Don't know where we go???

2006-11-22T08:41:00.000-08:00

It is 8:30 and we are so blessed by all the comments. We are trying to get Daddy into this blogging thing but he is still in shock on what we have done.

Guess the pass is bad so Josh and I will get to fly like the birds. We still don't know where we are going - the PA for the Neurosurgeon was in at 7:30 and we are awaiting. Josh was able to go down and have breakfast with us - he is loving the freedom - but oh so ready to have FRED out and on to a normal life.

Not much more happening - our dear friends Lee Ann and Jeanette are packing up for us, I have paid some bills cancelled appointments and now wait. Hmmm could he be teaching me a little more patience. Well this is probably it for a while!

Thank you for blessing us again!

The Henrys
Bruce, Lori, Josh and Sarah

We are Still at St. Charles

2006-11-22T05:33:00.000-08:00

Josh is sitting by me as we are setting up his blog! I pray to be able to update frequently on this site of the testimony of what Josh is going through. It is about 5 in the morning and Josh wanted to come down to the computer to see if he could get on Horseland - thanks Danna - but not allowed access.

Now we begin the wait and see again. He has had a great night - his vitals are perfect - but getting a little bored - TV and nothing on. What is a boy to do.

Josh has named his tumor, mass, cysts you choose - FRED - and he is ready to have Fred taken care of and he is wanting to flush it down the toilet. The humor is there.

Our biggest concern right now is the weather - it is wet in Bend but the pass is bad, so if that continues Josh will be life flighted out - although he wants to go home and see his dog, and gather his things. Oh my if Josh flies, I am going with him, and that will leave Bruce to pack - I have started a list - but this could be scary.

Joshua thanks you for all the prayers and well wishes. You are blessing us and like his mom and dad - we are looking forward to the end of this testimony. Watch out Billy Graham! Pastor watch out - Josh says it will be a long testimony taking up half the singing - and this from the drummer boy.

Josh is praying for you too and blessing you for all you do. Thank you dear Lee Ann, Jeanette and Pastor and Denese - your visit last night was a blessing, and so uplifting. To the Field's Doggy Inn thanks for keeping Captain Rakshak and Sarah - hehehehehe!

Love you all and thank you again!

The Henry Family