Joie Culpepper Update (7:00pmCST 1/9/06)

A bit of encouraging news tonight. Lisa(Fish) and Randall were in to see Joie a short time ago. Lisa spoke to Joie and asked if she knew who she was and if she knew she were there. Joie was able to squeeze Lisa's hand to acknowledge her. Randall then told Joie that he was there and he squeezed his hand as well. He told her that he loved her and her eyes opened widely and looked at him. The nursing staff asked that they not try to get her to respond too much as this will cause them to have to sedate her more heavily. It is good that Joie is responding and I am sure that Randall feels much comfort in knowing that she knows he is there and that he loves her. There has been some stabilization of her vital signs but there is still work to be done with them as well. Of course, she remains on the ventilator for respiratory support. At this time, there does not appear to be any neurological damage. Lisa said that after they see Joie again (Last visiting hours of the night) that they plan to try and get Randall settled to get some rest tonight. They have a cot set up and waiting for him. There will be someone with him through the night tonight. They have had a tremendous number of phone calls and visitors today and it has been difficult for them to keep up with everyone. Lisa said that Randall is very appreciative of each and every call and visit. They have been keeping a record of everything in hopes of remembering this all and in order to show Joie just how much everyone loves her and cares for her. Several people have written and left notes for Joie, at the hospital and they plan to share those with her as soon as she has recovered enough to do so. Please continue to Pray that God will heal Joie and will keep his hand on Randall and the rest of the family. These will be trying days for them and with God's help, things will work out according to God's plans. Friends and family are important to them and they will need the support from all of us as they work through this. Thank you all for being there for them. Carolyn~