Joel's Journey

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

We have returned from the courthouse and there have been some developments that will allow us to stay here for the time being.

Joel is doing really good. His heartbeat is 123 and his blood pressure is 93/47. His hemoglobin level is staying above 10 right now which is a real blessing. Thank you for your prayers

9 comments:

Elizabeth Giromini said...: Praise the Lord! Brandon and I are praying with you and have shared your story with others who are praying as well. We will continue to pray for Joel's recovery, for his testimony to his doctors, for wisdom and encouragement for your family, and above all that God be glorified in this.
Elizabeth Giromini; January 10, 2007 at 6:40 PM
Teena said...: Thank you, Father God. PTL ~

I am so thankful.

Continuing to pray asking God to heal Joel.... that God be glorified.

I can not imagine but want you to know I am lifting all of you up to the Lord~ for your strength also as you are on this journey with Joel.

blessings,
Teena mom to 1/2 dozen; January 10, 2007 at 9:50 PM
StacyK said...: I'm so glad that he is able to stay there for the time being. I can't imagine how trying it must be to have to go to court over it.
I continue to pray for you.
Stacy
www.homeschoolblogger.com/AussieinAmerica; January 10, 2007 at 9:51 PM
Susanne said...: PRAISE GOD!!! I am so excited to hear Joel is hanging in there. I have my church here in NW Arkansas praying for Joel as well and we will continue to do so until he is healed. To God be the Glory!

Love in Christ,
Susanne (Williams) Decker; January 10, 2007 at 10:27 PM
Unknown said...: You're story has forever touched my heart. My husband and I will continue to lift you're family up in prayer. God bless you all and keep you strong.

Love Jennifer; January 10, 2007 at 10:36 PM
suzyok said...: Dear Morris Family
My sister just sent e-mail telling me about little Joel. I will be praying for him and your family and will send e-mails to my church family and friends. Please know that the Lord is always with you. I will be praying that the Lord gives you strength.

May God's blessings be showered on Joel and your family,

Susie Musick; January 11, 2007 at 1:09 AM
. said...: Praying for your family, I saw that news article on channel 4 tonight and thought I'd pop in and tell you I am praying for you all. Thank you for being a calm and Godly example to the world right now.... we know Joel's life is worthy of these effort, even if not everyone understands that.

Here in OKC with you and lifting you up to the Father,

Becky; January 11, 2007 at 3:14 AM
Steve said...: I've recently learned of Joel's story and will be passing it along to my friends. I will be praying for Joel and encouraging my friends to do so as well.

God bless.; January 11, 2007 at 3:41 AM
Unknown said...: I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers,for strength health and courage.
peace love & light zina; January 11, 2007 at 6:46 AM

Joel's Story

Joel, our 11th of 13 and a twin of Josiah, at age 3 was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, on December 6th, 2006. Joel had three perfect years of health and he and Josiah celebrated their 3rd birthday Sept. 13th, 2006. The first of Oct. Joel started having unexplained fevers for a few days and would return to active play. After the fourth round of fevers we took him to our family Dr. which they said his iron was low, so we treated that for a few weeks and took him back only to have his hemo. showing lower than before. We were referred to a hematologists and saw him a few weeks with blood checks twice a week. At a visit on Dec. 4th we showed the Dr. the bumps, (which were tumors but we did not know at the time) on Joel's head and he was very concerned and we were told we needed to admit him immediately and start extensive tests the following day. Joel went through rigorous testing and then the dreaded results were given. Joel was at a stage IV the most extensive stage, but we were hopeful that the Lord would use the means of Chemotherapy treatments to restore Joel's body. Joel endured 8 1/2 days in the hospital, came home for Christmas, and returned for his second round of chemo Jan. 3, 2007. Joel had a seizure that night after midnight and went into a coma due to a tumor bleeding in his head area and causing his brain to swell. After tests the following days, the Dr. declared Joel "brain dead" and took us to court to force us to take Joel off life support, as we did not agree with the medical field's definition of death. Our family sought to stand with the scripture, "life is in the blood,"and until Joel's heart quit beating naturally, he was living. We were making arrangements to bring him home and on January 23, 2007 his little heart stopped beating and he went to be with the Lord Jesus in heaven. Our lives are changed forever. God is faithful in the midst of this trial and we look with great hope to be with him someday.