A few pictures of the days

David's old bed

David & Rebekah outside the orphanage

Precious treasure

Well, here we are in Guangzhou, the last stop before heading home. Before I go into much detail about this place I need to go back a few days.

On Saturday the 10th ,we headed north out of Nanjing to Lianyungang, the city where David's orphanage was. The van ride was a long 4 1/2 hours with 3 little babies in tow. We did enjoy the sights on the way up, including the Yangtse River, green rice fields, and people riding bikes carrying HUGE loads of hay. Lianyungang is right on the Yellow Sea. It is smaller than Nanjing, but still has 4.5 millon people including all of the districts. It was late when we arrived so we headed straight for bed in anticipation of seeing Lianyungang in the daylight. When we woke up we looked out the window of our hotel to see mountains right behind us. As we headed down the elevator we saw the sea sprawling before us on the other side. An amazing site.

We took a short walk on the island near our hotel. The old time fishing boats were of particular interest. Fishing is a big of the economy in this area. We then looked through more of David's information to see where he was abandoned. We found out that his spot of abandonment was about 1 hour away from Lianyungang. Jason decided to stay with David at the hotel for naps while I went with our tour guide to the place where David was found. We drove west from Lianyungang to a very rural, agricultural area. The homes were quite small and made of stone, surrounded by fields and livestock. Quite different from Lianyungang. We arrived in the city of Donghei and found the hospital and even the chair where David began his journey to us. Quite an emotional moment and very special. After quite a few pictures we headed back to Lianyungang to meet the others.

The next day we went to the orphanage. Jason and I had planned to take turns going in while the other person stayed with David outside the orphanage. Jason went in and was able to view where David spent his first 15 months of life. He slept in a crib right next to a baby girl who was adopted by a family from Parker, just 5 miles from our home. We joked that the kids were neighbors in the orphanage and now they will be neighbors in Colorado. The kids lived out their lives in three rooms - the crib room, playroom, and washroom. David's area was primarily babies and toddlers. The other part of the orphanage had kids who were middle school or high school age. It was hard to see these children who so desperately need a family. The older kids were very aware of what was going on and why we were there. All the kids were "special needs" as far as we could tell. The nannies seemed to be very invested in the lives of the children. David's nanny had the day off on the day we visited, but apparently she had been his nanny for 12 months of his life. The administrative staff seemed very kind. They were willing to answer any questions they could. They told us that when they first received him, he was very ill and frail, even near death. They also said he is obstinate and a fighter. Having observed him the past week and a half, it goes without saying that that is why he survived.

Although it was very hard, we were very glad to be able to visit the orphanage. I feel like I have a much better idea of what is going on with him by just seeing where he came from.

From the orphanage we headed directly back to Nanjing to catch a flight to Guangzhou. After a 6 hour van ride back and a 2 hour flight - through which David slept :) - we arrived in Guangzhou. We hit the pillows close to midnight, but were thrilled to be one step closer to home.

David's health gets better daily. He is trying new foods and drinking formula like crazy, both answers to prayer.

Each day also brings us one step closer to home. Now in Guangzhou, the last stop for all American families, we see why this is considered the hub of Chinese adoption. So many families, so many children. It is truly wonderful to see. We ate "western food" for lunch. The hamburger was fine, nothing like Red Robin, but the warmth of the sunshine and the people was great. While there, a woman (who was here to tour, not for adoption) asked me how old my "precious treasure" was. Of course had no idea that the meaning of his Chinese name is "precious treasure baby."

Getting Used to each other

The past two days have been free days, no appointments or paperwork, only waiting for paperwork to be finished and for the next appointments, which are next Tuesday. We received his Chinese passport today, which was the final piece of documentation we needed here in Nanjing. So we have several days to do nothing but get used to one another. David's health seems to continue to improve, as does his eating. His sleep habits should come along as he does better with eating so that he is not so hungry in the night. Tomorrow we travel to Lianyungang, David's hometown, then visit the orphanage on Monday. Of course we will not be taking him back inside the building, but we look forward to being able to see it ourselves.

Tonight we stepped back into western civilization for a few moments when we got a Papa John's pizza for dinner. Not quite like the real thing, but close enough. Right now we are hearing an eruption of fireworks and honking horns outside. We have no idea why, and it is a reminder of how little we understand of this culture. Today a man walked up to Jason, pulled the hood down from David's face, and said (in Mandarin) "That looks just like a Chinese baby!" He was dead serious. This has been an unforgettable experience.

Thank you for all your prayers as it is obvious that David's comfort and health improve daily.

One step closer

Yesterday was another big day, beginning very early. David seems to be a morning person (the day started at about 5:30 or so), which would have been easier if he wasn't a night person (he was awake for most of that as well). After breakfast, we went back to the "Center for International-Related Marriage and Adoption" and finalized the adoption. It was the same location where we had picked up David the prior day. After signing alot of papers that we couldn't read, we left with a very official looking certificate that (we're told) says that he is now officially ours. While there, we also applied for his Chinese passport, which we will need to go to the US Embassy in Guangzho to get him a US passport. Lots of steps, bt slowly we continue to get over each one, and each one is one step closer to being home together. After the appointment we went to the Chinese equivalent of Wal-Mart, a fascinating experience in itself. This store is buried under a skyscraper in the 2nd and 3rd basement levels. The big hit purchase was the stroller, which to our surprise, David really seems to like. Afeter taking him around outside for a bit, we came back to the room and all were ready to call it an early night. Throughout the day he seemed to eat a bit better.

Last night David slept a bit better, though he was still up quite a bit through the night. The good part of that is that he ate quie a bit during the night. Although he remains sick, it seems it is most likely something simple like a respiratory and ear infections. We have amoxicillin for him, and we should be able to get the infection cleared with that.

We all continue to get used to one another and are working hard to bond. We appreciate your prayers toward that end, and also for rest, health and appetite for all.

Finally in the arms of Mom and Dad

Gotcha!

Hooray! This is the day we have been waiting for ! The day began about 5:30a.m. for us (because I couldn’t sleep anymore J ) We had our breakfast then we were off to the registration building. On our way our guide said , “ In 15 minutes you will meet your child”. Our anticipation grew. We arrived at the registration building and headed in. It was at that time we were told that our children were not here yet but still driving down from the orphanage in Lianyungang. We observed another family who was in a room receiving their child. Tears were coming to my eyes and it wasn’t even our child yet. We waited in the room for just about 15minutes. Out the window we saw the van park and out walked the orphanage director and some other helpers. We recognized David right away. Now the tears started flowing. The other family with us was getting a girl and she was with them as well. They came into the room with us. The director was holding David. We didn’t know quite what to do or at least what was culturally appropriate, so we waited and just talked to him while he was in the directors arms. Finally, the time came when she handed him over to me. I spoke the very little Chinese that I know , assuring him that I was his ma ma and that Jason was his ba ba . We also told him in Chinese that we love him .

He went to both of us without any fuss. We held him close and facing us, encouraging attachment. I had brought a little plastic car with me. He loved it. I don’t know if it was because it was a car or that it made noise when you shake it. The director told us that David likes things that make music and noise. I thought that was a good sign in many ways. For one it means that his hearing is o.k. and two it means that he will fit in well with his sisters.

We signed a bunch of papers and got our picture taken together for a “public announcement”. Next we left for the hotel. David was very content with his dad. He even laughed out loud when Jason tickled himJ . We tried feeding him a bottle when we got back since we weren’t sure when he last ate. He didn’t think much of it and just fussed. So that is when I decided to do “the sway” , and sing praise songs to him. I don’t know which worked best but he finally fell asleep. Now we are waiting to go sign more papers, pick up laundry, and get a small stroller. We are hopeful that he will eat when he is hungry. I guess a typical concern for any parent with a new baby.

We have been very thankful that David seems to connect with us and wants us to hold him, but he is having difficulty with eating and seems to have an upper respiratory infection. We took him to the Children's Hospital here to have him seen (quite an experience in itself) and were given an antibiotic and expectorant. Please remember David in your prayers regarding his eating and a respiratory infection.

Arrival to Nanjing

We are finally here in Nanjing following a very busy time in Beijing. We welcome the slightly slower pace of Nanjing. It seems here there are a lot fewer cars and more motorbikes. It is Sunday and it obviously a "market day" for people here. We look forward to exploring our surroundings.

Tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. we will finally meet our son. We are very excited and a bit nervous. It was something else to walk into our hotel room and see a little crib all made up for our son. Our tour guide here, Savor, has already given us some of the Chinese formula and rice cereal.

The next time we post we will have our son!

A View of China

Wow. What an incredible day. After our very large breakfast, which included everything from cereal to congee to steamed biscuits, we headed out on our adventures for the day with Helen, our tour guide, and another family from Michigan who are also adopting.

First off, we went to Tinamen Square and the Forbiddeen City. We weren't able to visit all 9,999 rooms in the emperors palace , but we got our fill. The palace is 960 meters long and 750 meters wide. Needless to say Jason got his walking in for the day.

Next, we went to lunch at little local place with outstanding food. Lots of spice and plenty of jasmine tea. We then went and toured by rickshaw ( a bike like carriage); the Hutongs, the "old city" of Beijing. The homes are all one story high, with four corners, and connecting courtyards. People still live in this area today, and consider it an honor to have a place within the "old Bejing". We had a chance to visit a local woman there and have tea in her house, where she lives with her mother, grandmother, and son.

Next, we were off to the "kungfu" show at The Red Theatre. We were greatly impressed with the athleticism and dancing ability of the performers.

Lastly, we were taken to the "Peking Duck" resturant. We were still stuffed from breakfast and lunch, but still enjoyed the experience.

We enjoy all of the tours, but we are most excited to meet our son.

A long day, but we made it

After a very long day of travel, we arrived in Beijing this afternoon (November 1). Thanks to a sympathetic flight attendant, I was able to stretch out in businees class for part of the flight, which was very helpful. Our travel really went without a hitch. We are very tired and as it is evening here, are going to rest and post more soon.

Clear to take off

I went in for my seven week visit with Dr. McVicker today. The x-ray looks good, and healing is proceeding as expected. Spasms have decreased substantially over the last several days, and I will be allowed to begin weaning from the brace. Over the next several weeks, I will be able to gradually increase activity from stretching to strengthening. I will be able to get in the swimming pool (gently) do easy lifting and rowing, push-ups, etc., all of which sound very appealing after 7 weeks of near inactivity. Most importantly, I will be allowed to travel to China on Wednesday morning, and lifting/carrying restrictions have been loosened enough that I will be able to hold my boy next Monday. I guess that's what everybody wanted to know, so having said that, I'm going to bed. We'll post again when we get to China-check back in a couple of days.

Six weeks and change

Well, six weeks have passed. I have felt improvement in the pain overall, however the spasms continue to be fairly strong and frequent. I am still wearing the brace, but am hopeful that within the next few days I will be able to begin to wean out of it. So far the physical therapy I have been allowed has focused on core strengthening, which I know is important, but not particularly gratifying in a tangible rehabilatative sense. I have returned in large part to the pre-accident routine at work, but am getting a ride to and from the office with Eric most days.

The big change is on the way in another 10 days. On October 31, Rebekah and I leave for Beijing to pick up our son David. The emotions have run the gamut, but we are very excited to meet him and bring him home. The trip will last 17 days, beginning in Beijing, then to Nanjing where we will actually pick him up and go through the adoption process, then finishing at the US Consulate in Guangzho and returning to the States via Hong Kong. Although we were not able to upgrade our seats, we were able to get a full row on the way there, and 3 of the 4 seats in another row on the way back. That (combined with some Ambien) should make the trip a little easier on my back. Hopefully by then the back brace will be off, which should make the flight (not to mention airport security) a lot easier. We will continue to use this site to keep all of you posted on the details of the trip as they transpire, and we should be able to post some pictures as well. Thanks for all of your prayers and support in getting us this far, we are thankful that they will continue throughout our journey as well.

A full month of healing and learning

Hard to believe that yesterday was four weeks since the accident. In some ways it feels like so much longer, yet these weeks have in so many ways been but a blur. Last week I had an appointment with Dr. McVicker, the neurosurgeon who operated on me. In many ways, it was a predictable vist. My body continues to heal well, I need to be careful not to overdo it, etc. I think I was a little bit disappointed that somehow I wasn't some sort of superman, that I didn't walk in to a doctor that said "I can't believe how fast you've healed, go forth with the rest of your life!" Not that I expected it, but I've been tired, and am so anxious for wellness and to return to life as I knew it before the accident. I expressed my frustrations with some of the restrictions and the effects of the medications, and he graciously reminded me that I did break my back and have a very major surgery several weeks ago. He also encouraged me to take the medications in a slightly different manner that would prevent some of the grogginess that I had felt with them previously. The latter suggestion has been helpful in that it has allowed me to have less pain, but more importantly, far more (and better) sleep, which helps my outlook immensely.

A good friend called me the day after the appointment and asked if there was anything he could do to help. I politely declined, but then talked to him about how difficult it can be for me to take help at all. I have always thought of myself as someone who was able to take care of things myself, and didn't want to "inconvenience" others with my responsibilities.

"Be careful denying other people their blessings," he said.

Lying in bed and unable to sleep, I had several hours to think about the conversation. What is he talking about denying blessings? I'm trying to make sure that others don't have to carry my burden. I don't want to inconvenience him. It's not his responsibility to blow out my sprinklers or sweep my garage. Several nights I have lay in bed, unable to sleep because I had to go to the bathroom, but in my pride and stubborness, unwilling to ask my wife for help putting on my brace so that I could get out of bed. 'I just want her to be able to rest' I thought. But that wasn't it. I didn't want to have to ask for help. I didn't want to inconvenience her. Or burden her with "my things."

I'm being independent. The opposite of independence is not a positive thing. It's dependency, or codependence, or laziness, the list goes on and on. And suddenly my friend's response, the delivery of which had been simple and kind, hit me squarely between the eyes and hard. The opposite of independence isn't necessarily any of the above. The opposite of independence isn't even necessarily negative. For me, the opposite of independence needed to be humility. Independence for me had become synonymous with arrogance and pride. Not in a way that looked cocky, but in a way that made me believe I was completely self sufficient, like I could do anything and didn't need help. And maybe that's true sometimes. But what my friend had said was still resonating. See, he is someone that I believe has the gift of giving. He thrives on helping others, on sharing with others. And to deny him the opportunity to help me in my time of need denied him the opportunity to use his gift. It also created a barrier in our relationship. If I won't let my wife serve me in my time of need, I am implicitly stating that I don't need her.

I think that all of us are wired with a desire to help others. I know how good it feels to me to be able to do something for someone, even if they could have done it themself. I also know the closeness I feel to others when I have been able to help them.

Wouldn't it be cool if we didn't have to go through things like broken backs to pay enough attention to learn these lessons in life?

Updates and encouragement

Yesterday was my two week follow up appointment with the doctor. He removed the staples, took a look at the incision, and took alot of time to discuss my questions, progress, etc. The physical healing appears to be going very well; the surgical site is closing cleanly and without infection. The real problems has been, and to an extent continues to be, the muscle spasms in my back. The neurosurgeon was very clear prior to the surgery that this would be the case, but I guess it's easy to underestimate how it would feel. At any rate, I have been trying to go about my routine statue-still to prevent any further damage, and at the appointment yesterday, the doctor gave me a green light to start moving around and involving my muscles substantially more. Of course I have to avoid over-doing it, and I have to isolate my back from any exercise, but the mere fact that I can begin being more active in my recovery is incredibly encouraging.

I have been hitching rides to work with Eric Brown, who lives and works within several blocks of where I live and work, which has been great both because it allows me to begin feeling productive again (getting into the office), and gives me good time of fellowship. As many of you know, Eric is my great friend, long time training partner and, along with Tom Norris, was with me at the time of my accident. Rebekah diligently comes and gets me from work after a few hours before I spend too much time at the office, as I always have difficulty feeling like I have tied up enough loose ends to leave, and probably wouldn't be smart enough to go without prompting. It does feel like the psychological portion of my healing is well under way as I begin to slip back into the routine at the office, even on a minimal level.

Continuing the mend...

I am healing physically, but it sometimes seems so slow. I have to remember that it's been only two weeks since the accident and just a week out of the hospital. The pain associated with the rib and vertebral fractures has been mostly manageable, and is actually beginning to decrease. The spasms in my back muscles have been the cause of the majority of the recent pain, and hopefully that also will subside as they recover from the surgical trauma.

The greatest difficulty has been the incompatibility of my physical condition with my desire for activity, I guess a pretty bad case of cabin fever. In spite of feeling well enough to do many things I would like, I know that to allow my body to heal I must take it easier than I want. It can be pretty frustrating to wake from a nap and get out of bed simply to go sit in my wheelchair so that my back can tire enough to lie down for another nap. I realize that in the grand scale of life this recovery will be relatively short, but at times the hours of inactivity and being cooped up in the house do drag by. I will have a visit with the doctor this Wednesday and hope to be released to some minimal activity, perhaps knitting or macrame. In the meantime, my nurse continues to care for me with her tireless patience and kindness, whether it's managing my medications or my spirits. Thanks, Rebekah.

I continue to be encouraged by the outpouring of support from friends, family, and our church. Hardly an hour goes by without an encouraging note, phone call, or visit. Again, I thank you all for that, and I will continue to keep you posted as news and status progress.

My second night home

Jon helping with some tasks in the house, and Justin rockin' out with the weedeater.










Last night was my second night at home. What had been mostly sleepless nights are becoming more restful thanks to better pain management and the security of my own bed. I continue to rise quite a few times in the night, but Rebekah's servant's heart is just as keen in the night as in the day, and she is cheerful and willing helping me put on the brace, helping me remember which medications to take and stuffing more pillows behind me to create a more comfortable position.

I got to take Elizabeth to school yesterday and one of the moms there asked "Are you Rebekah Goodman's husband?" (My backbrace and turtle's gait must have given me away.) After I responded in the affirmative, she told me that she had met Rebekah at the neighborhood swimming pool earlier in the summer and continued to tell me what a warm, caring, kind and thoughtful wife I have. Not knowing what to say, I simply told her with a smile that "I guess I shouldn't have to break my back to figure that out."

I realize I have only been out of the hospital two days now, and that I did break my back and ribs and bruised my lung. Being a very task oriented and accomplishment driven individual, the past few days have been very difficult for me. I have felt very helpless, not even being able to dress myself, and hopeless, feeling dismayed at the complete loss of energy after only moments of standing or moving. For better or worse, I have always been a relatively capable individual who rarely needed to ask for help. My current inabilities and the associated feelings of worthlessness have been nearly as painful as the broken vertebrae and ribs.

Perhaps one of the lessons God has for me in all of this is the humility to ask for - or even just accept - help from others. Since I got out of the hospital my mother and brothers have been at the house helping with some of the menial (and long overdue) maintenance projects that need to be done. Many of you have brought meals, made visits to the hospital or our home, offered use of chairs, vehicles, time, or just been there with kind words. These have ovewhelmed me, and I thank each of you.



I think the other lesson I am learning is that our worth is not measured simply by what we can do or accomplish. Having always been capable, that's always been a convenient (and flattering)measurement of myself. But hearing at my daughter's school from some random soccer-mom why my wife was so remarkable to her, coupled with the way she and so many of you have served me in these last days, has reminded me that at my funeral, my eulogy won't include anything about the condition of my lawn. It's about how we can serve others, and about how we can serve one another in the short time that we have.

Sometime today, take a minute to show someone how much you love them by serving them in a tangible way. And when someone offers to serve you in something you could just as easily do for yourself, allow them. It's a challenge I'm making to myself, but one on which you're welcome to join me if you feel so called.

HOME AT LAST!!!

Jason was discharged from the hospital today at about 2:00pm! He is very happy to be home with his family. Jason's Mom and his brother and sister-in-law will also be in town for a couple more days and have been such a wonderful help to Rebekah. Jason will be able to sleep without his back brace, but has to wear it for everything else.

Thanks to everyone for all the help and prayers throughout the week. Please continue to pray for quick and complete healing.

Racin' for Jason

Despite a week full of trial and physical exhaustion, Rebekah and Deb were able to push through and complete their long-prepared-for triathlon. Each of us took the opportunity to share Jason's story with other participants and spectators and we were all reminded again of God's guiding hand through this difficult week.

Thanks to the girls for "sticking to it" and finishing what they had started many months ago.

Eric Brown

The included photo and many more can be viewed at: http://picasaweb.google.com/debbie.sue.brown/CrescentMoonDebAndRebekah

One more night??

In spite of the amazing experience this time at Swedish has been:) we are feeling like it is just about time to begin the next phase of rehabilitation at home. Although the pain remains fairly persistent, it seems that the muscle spasms are beginning to come under control and the rest is largely managable.

In today's therapy, I was able to negotiate up and down two flights of stairs as well as the hallways getting there and back. Hopefully tonight will be comprised of some very good rest allowing me to leave the hospital fresh and energized to begin to acclimate to the at home routine.

Words cannot begin to express the love and thankfulness I have for my wife, for her unconditional love and support of me during this past week. Wow, this experience was miserable to endure with her at my side. It would have been intolerable, no, impossible without her. I thank you Rebekah, the love of my life, for the love you have shown me this week. And when it comes down to it, you love me like this every single week whether I realize it or not.

Tomorrow it will be back home. Thanks also to all at Swedish who have helped make this such a manageable recovery.

More than Baby Steps

Today has been a huge leap towards recovery. Jason was visited by the physical therapist this afternoon and they took him for a walk down the hallway and back. He did great and although the pain is still there, it is becoming more and more bearable.

Also, the results came back from the x-ray on his neck and they found that there is no abnormal movement in the cervical spine and so he gets to take the c-spine collar (neck brace) off. His neck is a bit stiff, but he is glad not to have this restriction any longer. Jason got to pose for his first picture with his sweet family since the accident. If this doesn't make you cry, I don't know what will. God's blessings are overwhelming, and to see Jason standing and looking like "Good Ol' Jason" is wonderful.

New info about Lian Jia Bao (David Lian)

The Goodman's received the following information on 9/12 regarding their new adopted boy Lian Jia Bao (David Lian):

Medical/Development:

• His current health is good.


• He sleeps soundly.


• He has a bath once per day and it is in a tub.


• He can not take any steps on his own and now he can stand with support.


• He likes to be held and hugged.


• He eats congee, bread, noodle, meat, eggs and cake.


• He is babbling, but can not say any words.
  

Personality:

• He does not move to music.


• He does laugh and giggle easily.


• He has not obvious response to strangers and is not shy or afraid.

Fresh and Clean and full of Hope

This morning Jason was visited by his surgeon (Dr. McVicker), who fitted him with a completely different back brace. It seems to fit better, and support better. Dr. McVicker will be going on an international vacation and gave Jason some helpful orders for the next couple of weeks. He also left with words of blessings for Jason. What a myriad of wonderful connections God has brought about throughout this ordeal! They have decided to try the "shower chair" this morning and give Jason a fresh new outlook (as it always feels when you haven't showered for days). The other thing that is supposed to happen today, is an x-ray of his neck. This is exciting because they had originally said that this would have to wait until the 6 week check up. They will be able to see if

how the swelling is and whether the neck brace is still needed.

An update from Jason

Better sleep last night worked wonders physically and emotionally. The exhaustion and confusion that I had been feeling really had me down. Last night's rest and visits from so many friends who have gone out of their way to show their love for us caused a real rebound in my heart. Thanks to all of you who have been and continue to reach out to us through gifts of time, love, humor, and generosity.

Updates from the Surgeon

After reviewing post-op x-rays and CAT scan results, Dr. McVickers was very positive about the results of the surgery. In addition, he provided some explanation for some of Jason's acute pain suggesting that, although secure, the compressed T5 vertebrae would continue to cause him discomfort. Overall, the objective of securing the damaged T6 vertebrae was accomplished.

Orders have been written for proceeding with a physical therapy regiment and evaluations will begin tomorrow. It is still uncertain whether Jason's initial therapy will be in-patient or out-patient and his final release from the hostpital is still unknown.

Pain management continues to be a point of frustration but, regular adjustments offer hope for improvement.

Progress

An occupational therapist came in and worked with Jason on skills like getting dressed, brushing teeth, and walking. Every time up Jason seems a bit stronger. Progress has been made today.

Jason was just moved to 4th floor multi-trama unit where he will be cared for by nurses that specialize in spinal care. He stood to transfer beds! Please pray for relief from the pain and that he can find a comfortable position to rest! He is hanging in there!

A step in the right direction

Physical therapy came in this morning and helped get Jason up to a chair and even helped him walk with a walker about 20 feet. Praise God for Jason being able to walk! The restrictions for the next 6 weeks include: brace 24/7 , no lifting more than 10 pounds, no twisting, and limited stairs. He CAN take walks and the kids can sit on his lap.

Right now we are getting packed up to move to the 4th floor of Swedish to the multi-trauma unit. Pain management is getting much better. Hooray!

One day at a time

Jason just returned from radiology following an anterior / posterior x-ray. This as well as the CT scan this morning are to confirm the placement of the "hardware" in his back. Just waiting to hear results of those tests.
Pain control continues to be the biggest challenge and can be frustrating at times. We are looking forward to a possible transfer tomorrow to the MTU (multi trauma unit). We have been told that the nurses are excellent in the area of spinal injuries. Physical therapy and occupational therapy were not able to come today. We are looking for them to be in tomorrow.
Jason and I continue to feel very blessed by all of your support.

More improvements

The pain management seems to be under control and Jason is sleeping well. They have also custom fit his brace and he notices a considerable difference in the comfort of it. As of last evening, he is allowed to eat food again and has had a great appetite, free of nausea.

There will be a physical therapy consultation today and they are looking towards transferring him to a multi-trauma unit. He has been told that he will need to limit the climbing of stairs, no lifting more than 10 pounds, no pulling, twisting, or reaching too far. So, unfortunately, he won't be participating in any dancing for a while. Rebekah and Jason continue to be blessed overwhelmingly by the support of the community of people that have rallied around them.

For Prayer:
Jason had a very good night's sleep (PRAISE) which is important for recovery. Because of this he woke to a great deal of pain. Please pray for his pain management during this healing process. He remains in good spirits! He and the family really appreciate your words of encouragement on this blog, so feel free to post a comment.

Thanks from Jason

I am out of surgery and wearing a brace that covers my torso and neck. The staff and physicians here at Swedish have been wonderful to me. They are working very hard at pain management, but we still have some progess to make on that front.


My heart has been overjoyed by the number of you who have taken the time to support my family and I`with your phone calls, e-mails and visits. Thank you so much for that.

Being exhausted now, I hope to write more later.

Post-surgery update

Jason is out of surgery!!! He went into recovery at about 4:00pm and is slowly waking up. He is in quite a bit of pain, but everything is normal and he is looking good. He will be coming out of recovery between 5-6pm and will probably be drowsy for a while. Rebekah is still waiting to hear about all that Jason's rehabilitation will entail, but does know that he will be in a back brace for the next 6 weeks. As far as we know now, he will be at the hospital for another 3-4 days.

Our church (Castle Pines Community Church) has set up a meal plan schedule for the next couple of weeks for the Goodman's. If you would like to contribute a meal to them, contact Kerri Norris at (720) 733-0330.

Picture of Jason in Neuro CCU at Swedish Hospital (pre-surgery)

Surgery Update

Jason went into surgery around 12:00 noon and Rebekah has been receiving hourly updates. As of 3:00pm the surgery has gone very well without any surprises. We will continue to provide regular updates as information becomes available.

At Jason's request, we will provide a picture of him in the CCU at Swedish Hospital.

The battle is not ours!

My dad Gary came in this morning with some words of inspiration for the day from 2 Chronicles 20:15, 17, 20a, 21b .

" Do not fear or be dismayed because of this great multitude, (surgical situation), for the battle is not yours but God's. You need not fight in this battle; stations yourselves, stand and see the salvation of the Lord on your behalf, O Judah and Jerusalem (Rebekah and Jason), do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out to face them (surgery), for the Lord is with you. .........put your trust in the Lord your God, and you will be established. Give thanks to the Lord, for His lovingkindness is everlasting."

Surgery Posponed until Tuesday

Jason's surgery has been postponed until ~11:30 AM tomorrow, Sept. 11th.

While on a mountain bike ride on Sunday, Sept. 9th, Jason was thrown from his bike and had to be flown out from the trail by helicopter to Swedish Hospital and is in the Neuro CCU. After a CT scan, they found that he had broken 2 ribs, had a bruised lung, some swelling in the cervical spine, and the 5th vertebrate in the Thorasic region of his back was broken. He is able to move his arms and legs and is in considerable pain. They are trying to make him more comfortable and he is in good spirits, able to talk and even smile.

He is going to be having back surgery today Monday, Sept. 10th around 4:00 pm. They will be placing some rods on either side of his spine near the break. The surgery will last 4 to 5 hours and then Jason will be in ICU for 24 hours with 4 to 5 days in the hospital after that. Please pray over this surgery, the surgeon and staff, Jason and the family during this time.

God was watching over Jason throughout the whole incident. He was accompanied on the ride by two friends, Eric Brown and Tom Norris. As they were trying to figure out what to do about getting help, they decided to stop and pray for a moment for guidance and God sent His answer immediately when a biker passed by on his way down the trail. Eric and Tom were able to give him the information to get help and the search and rescue teams were on their way within a short period of time. After about 3 hours of waiting, the helicopter showed up and they had to carry him about a mile to a place where the helicopter was able to land.

While this was all going on, the wives of the three men were starting to get worried when they missed their 5:00 return time. Kerri Norris decided to drive down to the trail site as it had started to get dark. She found Jason's car at the trailhead and knew that she needed to send the search and rescue team up the trail. Kerri found the rescue team right away. They asked how she knew where to find them and she said that God led her to them. While Kerri was waiting for news, she started to talk to anybody who was coming down the trail, and she met two men who after only a few words from Kerri, sat with her and prayed with her. God had all the details set up even before anything had happened to Jason. What a wonderful God!!!

Debbie