Home

Approximately a week ago, Matt had an infection in one of the temporary closures of the incisions. This infection did not significantly affect Matt's leg. With antibiotic treatment and changing the closure, the infection was rendered harmless. After treating the infection, Matt had surgery late last week to permanently close the two remaining incisions. The surgery was successful. Matt continues to recover from the surgery nicely. Therapy and time are the two remaining hurdles for Matt. However, as of Friday, April 15, Matt will be coming home. Matt will be discharged at some point near the middle of the day. They will be making their way back to Somerville from Jackson. Matt will continue to need a significant amount of therapy to resume normal activities, which we know includes time spent playing golf. We surely look forward to seeing Matt in person in the near future. However, the Kelley's should be allowed a time to reacclimatize themselves with having Matt at home and their new schedule. Hopefully, more information will posted early next week regarding opportunities to visit or communicate with Matt. Until then, continue to leave your messages on this blog and check back for pictures later today.

Freedom!

On Monday, Matt was moved from his room on the dialysis floor of the hospital to the rehabilitation section of the hospital. This rehab center is located within the hospital complex itself. Matt has embraced this move as another step in the right direction of leaving this hospital. He will receive therapy several times throughout the day for a few hours each day. As a result of Matt's recent surgery, he has an added level of freedom to move about the rehab center in a wheelchair. Matt has enjoyed only fifteen minutes outside of the hospital since February 5. Matt anticipates some added mobility and opportunities to move outside the rehab center onto their patio. The four permanent incision closures have began to heal nicely. At this point, time will aid in the healing of Matt's incisions. However, he endures a significant amount of pain as a result of the skin graft procedures. In the coming weeks, doctors anticipate another skin graft procedure for the remaining two temporary incision closures. We should continue to pray for Matt's appetite to improve, his tolerance of pain from the skin grafts and his tolerance of pain from the therapy to be administered. Let us remain to committed for prayer on behalf of David, Candy and Christin.

The Downhill Run

Matt had a successful surgery on Wednesday afternoon to close the remaining six incisions. Four of the six were closed permanently with two incisions receiving temporary closures. Previously, Matt was aided in his recovery by wound vac systems, one for each incision. As of Wednesday evening, Matt does not use the wound vac systems anymore. This aspect of his treatment was a confining system and in use around the clock. These are additional steps in the long road to Matt's complete recovery. Matt has recovered from the surgery as we had hoped. However, his return to normal activities remains out there in the future. Skin grafts were necessary for the closure of his incisions. Matt's appetite and quantity of food consumption need to increase. His lower GI sustained a significant shock during his injuries on February 5. Matt remains unable to consume average quantities of food for meals or snacks. Matt might eat only half of a Subway sandwich. As you can imagine, this is typically not a problem for a college student to finish a whole sandwich and look for more. Please continue to pray for the many facets of Matt's recovery. Pray for no infections in the incision closures, his appetite and the therapy that continues. When the medical staff views Matt's recovery from surgery and overall condition to be satisfactory, they plan to move Matt to another floor within the hospital. This will be the rehabilitation portion of his recovery. Matt will be actively engaged in many efforts to strengthen his legs and coordinate his walking. Most of us have heard the quip, 'rehab is for quitters.' In Matt's condition, rehab is certainly not for quitters. Individually, we can be encouraged by Matt's daily battle with his own body to regain strength and activity as he had before the storms. Also, continue to remember the Kelley's in your prayers for Candy's strength, David's split life between Jackson and Somerville, and Christin's unpredictable schedule with school and family. It should be noted that Candy traveled back to Somerville last weekend to assist in preparations for the prom with Christin. As you might suspect, she enjoyed her time with Christin and equally anxious to get back to the business of Matt's treatment and recovery.

Getting Closer

Surgery is being considered for Matt later this week. The surgery will close the remaining 6 incisions on his legs. Candy has remarked about Matt's leg and about seeing his kneecap on his left leg. However, as one would expect with any invasive procedure, surgery can be an unpredictable event. Let us pray for Matt's successful surgery and the recovery to follow. Please pray specifically for infection to be no problem with this procedure. The surgical staff has included a plastic surgeon in preparation for these procedures. Considering the nature of Matt's injuries and treatment with incisions, a skin graft might be necessary. Matt continues to be very weak and lacks stamina for his therapy and other aspects of treatment. Matt's stomach has yet to regain its original abilities to consume and digest food compared to the time prior to the storms. Please remember the Kelley family during this week and the impending treatment. When the medical staff is satisfied with the recovery from surger, Matt may be moving to the rehabilitation phase very soon. The rehabilitation center is located within the hospital. Preliminary estimates for Matt's move to the rehab center would be approximately one week after surger. However, this may change contingent upon Matt's recovery.

Spring, Sun & Softball

Matt's high school, Fayette Academy, is planning an annual alumni weekend for April 5, 2008. Fayette Academy will honor Matt's with the activities of the weekend. More information can be found on Fayette Academy's website at www.fayetteacademy.com. Any questions about participation should be directed to Charlotte Karcher with Fayette Academy at 901-465-3295.

Trepidation

Matt's progress continues to be very slow and somewhat methodical. Matt has remained independent of dialysis for a period exceeding two weeks. The swelling in his legs continues to decrease. However, the left leg remains swollen significantly. Pain is one source of discomfort for Matt in recent days. As the circulation in the lower extremitites improves, pain becomes increasingly difficult to endure. Matt does receive some regular pain medication. Matt's diet and food consumption continue to improve with each day. The Kelley's have consulted with the surgical staff about an impending surgery to close all six incisions. As of Wednesday, the 19th, surgeons anticipate scheduling a surgery for the middle of next week. A definitive date and time have not been set. As we know, this will consume a considerable amount of time due to the delicate nature of the procedure and the quantity of incisions to be closed. The other two incisions are healing nicely albeit slow paced. Matt's physical therapy continues to be a rigorous regimen of activity. Matt will be assisted in moving from the bed to a wheelchair or an armchair. Matt will make slow progress from his room and down the hall. Matt's legs do not bear a any significant amount of weight at this point. Most of Matt's walking is done with the aid of therapists. Matt uses a walker and relies on his arms for support. The sensation in his legs continues to improve. This will become increasingly helpful as he regains more substantive use of his legs. Matt has commented about his legs becoming a bit heavier and able to bear a slight load. However, the road leading to independent walking will surely be slow and difficult. Matt eats his meals seated in a chair in the room. The movement from prone positions to seated positions is steady and frequently painful. As each day draws to close, Matt is exhausted from the activities of the day. However, Matt does receive visits from family and his golf teammates. Matt's optimism and demeanor improve significantly when teammates update him with each day's practice results and weekly tournament results. The banter about missed putts or low scores stirs Matt's interest and participation in the conversation. Matt's physical battles ahead certainly loom large. However, the battle for Matt's mental health is certainly not questionable. Please continue to pray for Matt's impending surgery, David's and Candy's trepidation with the surgery and recovery ahead, and Matt's slow recovery after the surgery.

Beware, The Ides of March

The ides of March should be embraced with guarded optimism. Matt's right leg appears to be nearing a normal size as swelling has diminished. The swelling in the left leg has been reduced. However, some significant swelling remains. Matt has not received dialysis treatment since March 4. Doctors believe Matt's kidneys are well on their way to recovery. However, the possibility of future dialysis exists and will be administered as needed. A visit from the surgical staff is expected on Friday to discuss the possibility of closure of incisions. This surgery may not be immediate. However, surgery is another step in the process of recovery. Matt has been sitting in a chair on a daily basis. All movement is closely assisted by physical therapists. Earlier in the week, Matt seized the opportunity to go outside in a wheelchair for fifteen minutes of fresh air. Matt tires quickly from any significant physical activity. Matt utilizes a walker when walking. However, his knees can easily be compared to spaghetti. Simply, Matt is learning to walk again. Matt has done this once in his life. Naturally, he does not remember this. He will remember this relearning of a perceived natural skill. Matt has some sensation in his right leg. He has limited sensation in the upper section of his right leg. His lower left leg does not have significant sensation. However, sensation should return when circulation to these extremities improves. On occasion, Matt is frustrated with the pace of improvement and recovery. He does remain committed to recovery at any pace. Let us give thanks for his recovery until now. We should also remain committed to consistent prayer for Matt's full recovery.

To The Door?

Matt remains independent of dialysis since last Tuesday. Assumptions of normal kidney function would be considered a bit premature. However, the progress is embraced and eagerly accepted. The swelling in Matt's legs continues its slow decline. The reduction in swelling is noticeable and measureable. Matt was exhausted after his physical therapy activities today. Therapists elevated Matt into a chair again. However, the most substantial improvement is walking with assistance to the door. Indeed, Matt did walk from the bed to the door today with careful assistance from therapists. His overall condition continues to improve. However, let us be guarded in our optimism. We can surely take the full measure of a slow recovery into account. May we be thankful for answered prayers. May we also be equally committed to prayer for Matt's full recovery.

Unexpected Visitor

Progress is the adequate description for Matt's condition as of Thursday, March 6. Medical staff see a marginal decrease in the amount of swelling in Matt's left leg. As you would imagine, this is embraced as welcome news and an answer to much prayer. More good news arrives with the knowledge that Matt did not require assistance from dialysis on Thursday. He has received dialysis on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in recent weeks. However, Matt's kidneys have improved and did not require dialysis assistance for Thursday. Dialysis may be delayed only a day. However, this one day is a clear step forward. Matt continues to sit in a chair for meals and physical therapy. He was capable of standing with assistance on Wednesday and Thursday. Has this development exceeded our expectations from February 6? At this point, no infection has manifested itself in regular blood testing. Matt was visited early in the week by Dr. Frank Crawford, Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Somerville, TN. However, all visitors were up-staged by a visit on Thursday evening by Dr. Curlin. Dr. Curlin will make the decision on Matt's progress and move from a private room to a rehabilitation regimen. Matt will not be making this move in the very near future. However, the process of recovery will continue for several additional weeks. Matt's voice continues to recover from a whisper to audible tones and inflection in his voice. As of today, Matt can set his sights on the rehab process that is nearly within his grasp. If steady consumption of a large bag of M&M's is any sign, we can be assured of seeing Matt swinging a club in the future. Let us remain obedient and committed to prayer for the Kelley's. May we hold firmly to the results of our prayer and the grace and mercy of our Lord. Specifically, continue to pray for Matt's kidney function and diminished swelling in his legs. As one aspect of Matt's condition improves, others will follow. Let us be faithful until the end with our prayers and quiet ministry to the Kelley family. Take these requests with you as you worship and give thanks to our Lord for his grace and mercy this weekend.

28 days

28 days; 672 hours; 40,320 minutes. These are the measures of time for which Matt and the Kelley's have been battling through a slow recovery. Today, Candy reports Matt's kidneys have improved measurably since yesterday. However, there is much improvement needed. Significant swelling remains in Matt's legs. His left leg continues to be the worst of the two. Matt is visited daily by two teams of physical therapists. One team addresses the movement of his legs. The other team addresses the incisions/ wounds in his legs. Therapists have mentioned the need for Matt to increase the weight on each leg when sitting and standing in the near future. Currently, Matt receives continuous treatment from a 'wound vac.' Simply, the 'WV' consists of a sterile sponge used to remove fluid from the interior of Matt's leg incisions. Doctors have advised the Kelley's of their optimism in the health of Matt's leg muscles. Health of the leg muscles is directly related to the prognosis of full recovery and utility of the legs. The legs give clear signs of the recovery for which we pray through signs of pulse and pain. From the beginning, the Kelley's have requested realistic reports from all members of the medical staff regarding Matt's condition and prognosis. As of now, the entire medical staff remains confident and optimistic in the likelihood of Matt's complete recovery. However, they remain committed to their estimate of a slow recovery. Dialysis continues three days each week, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. During the past 28 days, Matt has received approximately 10 units of blood. This is not attributed to a loss of blood or any unknown internal injury. This is directly related to Matt's ability to produce red blood cells for carrying oxygen to all parts of the body. The availability of oxygen is vital to the healing process. The receipt of this blood should be no cause for alarm at this point. This is another method to assist Matt's body in making the most expedient recovery possible. Matt has received some intravenous antibiotics within recent days. A small infection was detected and treated aggressively by the doctors. At this time, doctors are confident this infection will be clear within a couple of days.

Candy mentioned trying to clearly understand the full scope of a slow recovery. She has also mentioned good days and bad days. In retrospect, we can be relieved that good days have outnumbered the bad days. However, we should be guarded and aware of the length of a slow recovery and the uncertainty ahead. There has been no mention of surgery for the remaining 6 incisions. Specific prayers are needed for Matt's legs and decreased swelling. Pray for the continued improvement and healing in his kidneys as they aid in the healing of the legs. Please pray that Matt continues to remain free of any secondary infections. Let us remain committed to consistent prayer on Matt's behalf as well as the remainder of his family.

No Leaps, Yet

Matt felt some discomfort in his abdomen yesterday. David spent the day with Matt allowing Candy to rest and recover at the courtesy home provided by the hospital. Matt's kidneys have not improved significantly in the most recent few days. A team of physical therapists continue to work with his legs. The therapists get Matt up from the bed and into the chair. Matt has remarked about feeling the floor under his right foot. This should be considered an answer to our prayers. However, feeling and sensation in the left leg and foot has not returned. Medical staff views this lack of sensation as reasonably normal due to the swelling that remains in the left leg. When swelling retreats, sensation should return. Matt continues to eat reasonably well and regularly. The Kelley's have expressed much appreciation for continued prayer for Matt's recovery. We can take comfort and satisfaction in knowing our prayers have directly contributed to the success of Matt's recovery until now. However, as we are learning, Matt's recovery will continue to be a slow and very deliberate process. We continue to be reminded of the definition of slow recovery and a long recovery. Let us also be encouraged to be steadfast in our prayers on Matt's behalf. Prayer will continue to be the undergirding portion of Matt's recovery. Specific prayers are needed for the success of the physical therapy, decreased swelling and improved kidney function. Due to a recent rotation of close family members keeping vigil with Matt, Candy has been getting more rest. David believes he is approaching full recovery from his recent cold. As previously stated, Matt has been moved from Critical Care to room 6117 within the area of specific treatment for kidneys and dialysis. Please carry the prayers with you to church as you worship this weekend. We have traveled a great distance in the past 24 days. However, the journey ahead will prove to be even longer.

Restless and Young

Last night was a restless night for Matt. This should be attributed to the disruption of schedule and activity related to moving day. However, Matt's youth should help him regain strength and move ahead. David has spent the day with Matt in Jackson. No substantive news has made the journey to Somerville. However, we will have another update tomorrow. Let us be resolved and committed to prayer until we have another update.

Prayer Works

Matt was able to enjoy this morning's breakfast from a chair instead of the bed. Matt's food consumption continues to improve on a daily basis. His kidney function has not improved to a measurable degree since yesterday. David mentioned a phone conversation with Matt this morning. Matt was able to speak a little more audibly and clearly on the phone. Until now, his speaking was little more than a whisper. This is due to Matt's injury to his abdomen and soreness in the abdominal muscles and diaphragm. As of yesterday afternoon, Matt did take up the issue of the UT vs. Vandy game from last night with Candy. As you know, Candy enjoys talking basketball. David's brother, Tommy, is spending the day in Jackson with Matt. Typically, this would allow Candy to rest. However, time for rest will come when they are situated into a private room. As of this afternoon, Matt is moving from the Critical Care Unit to a private room. Most likely, Matt will be moved to an area of the hospital with a specialty in dialysis treatment and care. Details of room number are unavailable at this time. Considering our gratitude and relief with this news, rest and recovery remain the primary focus for Matt and the Kelley's. The Kelley's look forward to a visit with all friends once Matt has been released or substantive improvement permits visitation. At this time, visitation would be best if delayed until such time as Matt's condition will permit. A private room does not translate into the fast track of recovery. Simply, this is another step in the process to a slow and complete recovery. Earlier this morning, Candy expressed concerns of people forgetting to pray for Matt's kidneys and legs. She was given the reassurance of our prayers each day at noon as we break from our schedules to pray for Matt. It has been suggested by some that Christians do not believe in prayer. If they did, they would be faithful in prayer. Let us be encouraged by answers to our prayers. Let us take notice of specific answers to them. Let us believe in the power of prayer and remember the result of it. Surely, this is an example of God's favor toward His people when they are obedient and faithful. Our commitment to prayer must not waver in these moments of thanksgiving. Let us remain commited to prayer even when life is good and getting better.

21

This evening will be exactly twenty-one days ago when catastrophic storms tore through Jackson, TN. However, we can consider that God's plan included life for Matt and many other Union students twenty-one days ago . Matt's white blood cell count is down into a normal and acceptable range as of today. This gives a credible indication that any infection has been dispatched with treatment and our prayers. Matt continues to improve his eating and the quantity of it. A team of physical therapists came to work with Matt on Monday. The therapists were able to move Matt out of the bed allowing him to sit in a chair for a while. This was a good development in Matt's recovery. Careful attention must be given to Matt's legs in the process of moving from bed to chair. Hopefully, this change of position will indirectly aid in the improvement in Matt's leg condition. Improvement of kidney function is very slight. The conundrum of kidney function and leg injury continues to be a concern for the medical staff. While Matt is taking very small steps toward improvement, we should remember David in our prayers. David has battled a cold in recent days. Let us continue to be faithful in giving a moment of prayer at noon each day on Matt's behalf. We should be cautious to not allow ourselves to become complacent in our prayer for the Kelley's. Prayers are needed for Matt's healing legs and kidneys, David's cold, Candy's rest whenever possible and Christin's abstract schedule and time at home without all members of the family in Somerville. David and Candy have also been encouraged to know that Dr. Frank Crawford has been contacting the family and tracking Matt's progress. For those who are unaware, Dr. Crawford has accepted the invitation of First Baptist of Somerville, TN to be Senior Pastor. Dr. Crawford has yet to move to Somerville. However, his ministry has already begun. Dr. Crawford will be filling First Baptist's pulpit on Sunday, March 9.

Monday, Monday

Matt has had a pretty good weekend. He overall strength has diminished some. However, he is ever agreeable and willing to engage in his physical therapy and medical treatment. Doctors have started requesting Matt eat a certain quantity of food to provide strength and nutrition. Matt's white blood cell count has fallen to 14. We are looking for numbers in the 5-10 range. Matt had 2 incisions closed on Friday with 6 remaining. The incisions closed were on the inside of the right leg, upper and lower. The left leg remains swollen more signifcantly than the swelling in the right leg. Kidney function continues to be a concern as improvement is marginal at best. Improved kidney function would greatly enhance the recovery of the leg injuries. Also, the recovery of the legs would be conducive to a more rapid return of normal kidney function. Dialysis continues to be prescribed three days each week. Matt has enjoyed soups and sandwiches from outside the hospital and continues to do so. David informs us that Candy did receive a little rest this weekend.

Many prayers were lifted at churches in our community and from afar this weekend. However, at First Baptist of Somerville, TN, several individual prayers were lifted during a time of children's devotion in the morning worship service. The blessing was ours to hear children ranging in age from 4 -8 lift specific prayers for Matt's legs. The children mentioned Matt specifically asking our Lord 'to heal his legs.' Without doubt, our children are hearing our prayers and offering prayers of their own. Let us continue to be faithful each day at noon in breaking from our busy schedule for a brief moment of prayers on Matt's behalf. Specifically, we should pray for healing to Matt's legs and decreased swelling there. We should also pray for healing in Matt's kidneys.

Let us not be misled by the optimism in this blog that Matt's condition is anything other than critical and serious. We claim the little victories and embrace the recovery for which we are hoping and praying. Many of us desire to make a physical and tangible contribution to Matt's recovery. However, at the present time, let us be resolved to be faithful in our prayers of intercession for Matt and the Kelley family.

Successful Surgery

Matt's surgery was completed shortly before 4:00PM on Friday afternoon. Surgery was successful to close 2 of 8 total incisions. Swelling had not decreased enough to adequately justify closure of the remaining incisions. The relief of swelling is somewhat related to kidney function. Matt is dealing with a considerable amount of pain which is expected. Matt remains heavily sedated during the recovery period immediately following surgery. Let us pray for Matt's pain, improved kidney fuction, decreased swelling and rest for the Kelley's. May we also search for God's purpose in all the events of the storms and the days that have followed. We will worship Him on Sunday for His guiding Matt through His recovery.

Finally Friday

Matt has been in surgery through the middle of the day today, Feb. 22. Surgical staff will be working to close the open incisions in Matt's right leg and possibly some on the left leg. Physicians are not satisfied with the progress of the swelling of the left leg to completely close all incisions yet. We should consider prayers to be answered related to Matt's right leg healing. We can give thanks for the report ealier this week that no permanent tissue damage has been found. David has spent all day in Jackson with Candy awaiting completion of the surgery and a report from the surgical staff. Matt continues to shoot hoops into his small 'nerf goal' while passing the hours in the hospital. We should spend our time in prayer this weekend for the recovery of Matt's legs, the hours/ days after surgery, keeping out infection and any residual swelling. Specifically, pray for Matt's left leg to drain fluid and decrease in swelling to allow for closure of incisions as soon as possible. Please pray for Matt's patience as he takes inventory of the long road ahead. Please continue to pray for healing and increased function from Matt's kidneys. All of Matt's body continues to gain some strength and recover from nothing less that monumental trauma injuries. Take time this weekend to give thanks for God's provision in Matt's recovery and worship Him for His compassion, grace and mercy. Let us thank Him for being our Great Physician. Pray for the Kelley family's time together this weekend. Pray for a peaceful and enjoyable family time although it will be spent in a hospital. Check back again this weekend for update from surgery when they are available.

Union, Dearest Union

Day 16 is much the same as the fifteen before. Kidney function is steady and improving ever so slightly. Dialysis continues three times each week. Matt has a small 'nerf-style' basketball goal in the room in CCU. Shooting hoops helps to pass the time. We should be safe to assume Matt's room in CCU is a bit unorthodox. It puts a different spin on Critical Care Unit. Matt's left leg, the more severely injured of the two, remains swollen more than the right. The medical staff would prefer to see this swelling diminish before closing the incisions on the legs. We can be encouraged to know the medical staff is somewhat satisfied with the progress of the right leg. However, at this point, their preference is to close all incisions with one proceedure. Perhaps, we will receive better news tomorrow. Matt's diet is much of the same with soup, light sandwich fare and beverages other than water. Of course, David's and Candy's insurance plan provides meals from the hospital. We know the nutritional quality of those meals is good. We have doubts about the tastiness of those hospital meals. In light of a substantial change from yesterday's report, let us remain committed to prayer and hope. When we pray, specific prayers are needed for Matt's left leg. Pray for the swelling to diminish and the surgery that will be coming soon. Christin has a basketball game in Jackson this weekend. David is hopeful to spend some family time with Matt, Candy and Christin after the game. For those that may not know, the hospital owns a single family home across the street from the hospital. This house is used for out of town families keeping vigil in the CCU. The hospital has offered this to Candy. The Kelley's are the only family using this house for now. Candy has been able to catch a few brief naps while staying with Matt. David plans to spend the night with Matt and allow Candy to go to the guest house for some needed rest. David and Candy certainly appreciate your prayers and are happy to know we are finding a brief prayer time each day at noon.

Yesterday, David mentioned how compassionately and faithfully they have been ministered to by Union University staff and faculty. David talks daily with Dr. George Guthrie, Christian Studies professor, regarding Matt's progress. Dr. Guthrie has been an ad hoc liason for the university. David has spoken to Dr. Guthrie daily since Wednesday, the 6th. Literally, a multitude of Union faculty and staff visited the Kelley's during the first week. Dr. Dockery and his wife, Lanese, have been regularly contacting David and Candy to track Matt's progress and recovery. Many of Matt's current and former professors visited the hospital in the early days of Matt's recovery. Needless to say, the outpouring of love, care and concern has been appreciated. David and Candy have mentioned their clear understanding of the depth and quality of Matt's education from Union University. David and Candy have mentioned their satisfaction with Matt attending Union and the relationships that have been established there. Without doubt, this concern, love, and personal attention is most difficult to find at most other colleges and universities.

Week #3

There is news of more little victories from Jackson, TN today. Matt's white blood cell count is down to 19. Most definitely, we shall consider this to be an answer to prayer. However, our job of prayer is not complete. Matt continues to receive food that is more palatable than hospital food. He has eaten more potatoe soup, a small portion of a Subway sandwich and some of the food provided by the hospital's food service. Matt has also been able to drink a small amount of Sprite and some sweet tea from Chic-fil-a. He is receiving daily treatment from physical therapists in the hospital. He is working a large rubber band to maintain some upper body strength. Kidney function continues to be a concern. However, daily improvement in kidney function is not particularly substantial. Hope for the possibility of surgery to close Matt's leg incisions exists for later this week. The left leg has not improved to the same level as that of the right leg. May we remember Matt's frustration with the slow recovery. We all live in a time of immediate satisfaction. As we know, Matt's recovery will be very slow. We should pray for more patience for the Kelley's and ourselves. Let us all thank our Lord for His answers to prayers, specifically Matt's white blood cell levels. Let us hope for our own commitment to daily prayer at noon for Matt. We should also say specific prayers for students resuming their semester classes at Union University today. We believe nothing less than a miracle is being completed as Matt's recovery begins to take shape. If we ever thought 'seeing is believing,' this is it.

How Long?

Is it possible that the destructive storms of Feb. 5 were only two weeks ago? Two weeks seem like an eternity. However, this morning Candy and Matt were visited by the surgeon who will be closing the incisions on Matt's legs. The surgeon prefers to wait just a little longer to allow for more removal of fluid that has caused Matt's legs to swell. Apparently, Matt's left leg was injured somewhat more severely that his right leg. However, good news was received from the results of MRI completed within recent days. Images DO NOT show any damaged tissue that should not recover completely. Yes, all of the tissue in Matt's legs should recover completely. David and Linsey made a visit to Jackson yesterday afternoon after work and school. David was able to bring Matt some potatoe soup from O'Charley's. Matt has also been able to eat a few chicken nuggets from McDonald's. Nutrition continues to be a concern for Matt. We can consider Matt's consumption of 'regular food' as a small victory in the long recovery process. Matt also drank a portion of a milkshake earlier today. The quantities of food from outside the hospital is very minimal. Matt's white blood cell numbers continue to slowly decline. This number was 31 earlier today. We are looking for a number in the 5 - 10 range. The highest number was 37 over the weekend. Kidney function is improving a bit. However, Matt continues to receive dialysis as previously posted. Early reports immediately following the injuries were estimating time in the ICU to be approximately 2 weeks. However, it is safe to consider that duration to be marginally longer. Matt has his expectations fixed upon moving to another step in the treatment and recovery process. May we pray that Matt, David, Candy and Christin will continue to have strength to endure a treatment and recovery process that will be very taxing upon their patience. Typically, we consider a slow recovery to be a matter of weeks. However, Matt's complete recovery is likely to consume several months. Let us pray for the skill and discernment of the medical staff treating Matt. As concerned family and friends, we will need patience and endurance to accompany the Kelley's through the recovery process with diligent prayer at every step of the way. Earlier today, David relayed concerns from the medical staff and family to limit 'in room' visitation to immediate family only. The Kelley's appreciate prayers, concerns, and love that has been expressed by many family, friends, and community members. However, the concerns about visitation are in the best interest of Matt's complete and a more rapid recovery. As readers of this blog, would it be possible for all of us to take up noon, 12:00 CST, each day to remember Matt in brief prayer? This would be during the traditional lunch hour. However, we can be assured that many others will be pausing at the same time each day to intercede with our Lord on Matt's behalf.

Answers to Prayers

As of this morning, Feb. 18, Matt has some improved kidney function. However, his kidneys continue to receive dialysis assistance 3 days each week. This past week, Matt's white blood cell count was elevated indicating the presence of some infection. As of this morning, the white blood cells have decreased some due to Matt's receiving antibiotics. Matt has been moving his legs ever so slightly and delicately in recent days. This is very hopeful news of the recovery for which we are all praying. Matt should be having surgery in the next few days to close the incisions that helped relieve the swelling and pressure resulting from his crush injuries. Matt has already started some mild physical therapy to begin a portion of the rehab process for his legs. On several occasions, he has asked Candy to 'stretch my muscles the way the therapist does.' As a result of the many prayers for Matt's need for nutrition, Matt's Monday morning breakfast included scrambled eggs and chocolate milk. As we are blessed with Matt's improvement until now, the road ahead is very long and somewhat uncertain. Some of the improvements may appear to be small steps in the right direction. However, they are very large steps when considering the nature of injuries and the level of trauma endured. Please continue to remember David and Candy during the stress of caring for their family. Please pray for rest as it may be permitted for Candy as she remains at the hospital nearly all day, every day. Let us thank God for Matt's optimism and resiliency to this point.

Specific Requests

David & Candy have asked for specific prayers for healing to Matt's stomach. As you may know, most of Matt's injuries were internal injuries. As such, Matt's ability to consume solid food has been very limited. The Kelley's have asked for specific prayers for Matt's ability to take food orally to aid in his overall nutrition and health. Matt's stomach has not permitted him to consume an abundance of food of any kind by mouth. Some of this results directly from his injuries and indirectly from the medications he is receiving for his overall treatment. Also, an increased level of health and nutrition will make healing faster and easier, especially if any further invasive procedures are needed which are not planned at this time. Please carry these requests and others with you to church as you worship this weekend. Let us also be thankful for God's miracles, His provision, His mercy, His grace and His sovereignty in our lives.

Settling In

Valentine's Day was a good day for Matt. Matt was able to eat a couple popsicles. Diet will be a challenge for the medical staff as it relates to his kidney function. Matt was in good spirits and optimistic about his own condition. He was very compliant with the doctors' requests related to treatment. Treatment by medication and other marginal movement/ activity from the bed was embraced by Matt as a means to and end in the recovery process. As we consider the complexity of Matt's medical recovery, the most positive news of the day might be his watching the Golf Channel yesterday. Let us continue to pray for Matt's recovery in general. Let us pray for David, Candy & Christin's perseverance with the travel and inconsistency of their schedules and routines. Please check back for updates.

Slow and Steady

Thursday, February 14, is day 9 of the long and difficult task of recovery for Matt. As you might imagine, Matt has some good days and some bad. Some days are a mixture of both. Hopefully, this blog will become a mechanism by which the Kelley family can disseminate information about Matt's condition on a regular basis. This should provide updates to all who have called and cannot reach Candy, David or others. Also, hopefully, this will be an efficient platform by which information can be shared and allow Candy & David to focus all of their effort, energy, and love with Matt and their immediate family.

Matt has shown some improvement in kidney function. As we all know, the injuries to Matt's legs were the indirect cause of the shutdown of Matt's kidneys. The toxins and bi-products of the crush injury to Matt's legs were sent directly to his kidneys upon extrication from the debris. As of Tuesday, Matt's kidneys have shown very minor signs of recovery and function. This is a small step and sign of recovery. However, it is a welcome sign of the progress for which you are praying. Matt will continue with dialysis for the immediate future until a time in which kidney function is more definite and sustainable. Also, Matt has had some movement in his legs that is a definite sign of a hopeful recovery. It is difficult to understand how such an injury and trauma to Matt's body yielded no broken bones. The only skeletal injury was a very small fracture to a vertebrae in the lower lumbar section of Matt's back. This fracture appears to be of little concern to the medical staff with regard to lasting effects.

Please continue to check this blog frequently for more updates. Please pass this web address along to others who may be concerned. Specifically, please pray for rest and comfort for David, Candy and Christin as well as the rest of the Kelley family. Pray for the restored function to Matt's kidneys, his legs, and healing of the fractured vertebrae. Soon after David and Candy met Matt at the hospital, Matt asked about the condition of Union's campus. Please pray for Union's recovery, others affected by the storms in Jackson, and other students that remain hospitalized. Also, please pray for families that have experienced a loss of life, home, or possessions in other areas such as Memphis, Middle TN, North MS, etc.

Optimism and Answered Prayers

Nearly one week after storms trapped Matt on Union's campus, Matt's condition is improving. He is optimistic and eagerly anticipating the recovery that is sure to be a long one. However, far as it might appear at this point, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Recently, Matt made comments to family members that he 'just might get out of here.' As Matt's body begins to recover from a catastrophic event and injuries he sustained, there is good improvement and optimism from Matt's family, his doctors, and himself. Without a doubt, prayers have been answered and are being answered as Matt's recovery begins to take shape. The Kelley family expresses appreciation for prayers and requests continued prayer. Although Matt's condition is improving, doctors and family members believe visitation should be minimal.

Messages for Matt

Hopefully, this blog will become a place over the weeks ahead whereby friends, family, and others can relay messages for Matt while he is recovering in the hospital and at home. If you are visiting this site, it is likely that you know Matt was injured in the destructive tornadoes of February 5, 2008 on the campus of Union University in Jackson, TN. Matt and several other students were trapped for several hours beneath several tons of debris on the campus of Union University. At this time, the Kelley family and medical staff believe a minimal amount of visitation will be most conducive to a more rapid and complete recovery for Matt. However, they are most appreciative for all prayers that have been and will be lifted on Matt's behalf. Please know they look forward to the opportunity to visit with friends once Matt's recovery has made significant progress. Please leave Matt a message wishing him well and a rapid recovery.