Thursday I posted Brenda’s Blog two days early because I wanted your help for the son of a friend of mine. I asked you to pray for Jadon Olsen. I believe what you’re about to read is a testament to the power of prayer. For the last six days, Jadon was critically injured, unconscious with a breathing tube. Thursday they removed his breathing tube, and he began breathing on his own.
Friday, Jadon sat up on the edge of his bed.
Jadon’s sister, Mimi, high-fiving him yesterday morning! Such joy on her face!
Jadon can move three of his four limbs. He’s wearing a helmet to protect his brain until surgeons can go back and replace the piece of his skull they removed because of the bleed and swelling in his brain. If you didn’t read yesterday’s Brenda’s Blog, Jadon and his father… at Jadon’s insistence… stopped to remove a giant tree limb from the street so their neighbors could evacuate during Hurricane Florence. As they were moving the tree limb, two other big limbs hit them both in the head. His father wound up with 12 staples in his head. It was nothing short of a miracle that medics got to Jadon, managed to keep him alive through the terrible hurricane force winds and rains and transported him to not one… but TWO… hospitals.
So many people have responded to numerous calls for prayers for Jadon. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and tears as I write this! For those of you who don’t believe in God, I understand. For a longtime I didn’t know what to think. I would look at some of the crazy televangelists… remember Jim and Tammy Faye?Frankly they scared me and made me uncomfortable. I couldn’t relate to them at all. Decades later I came to a place where I had no doubt there is a God.
When you ask why would God let bad things happen to good people, I don’t believe God micromanages our lives. He knows when we’re suffering, and He hears us. I believe God has given us all the tools we need to love and to lift one another up. No, life isn’t always fair. Heartbreaking disease and tragedy happens even to newborns. There’s always been the weak and the strong. It’s part of the DNA of every living plant, creature, man, dog, horse and blade of grass. The strong survive, and it’s up to us to help those who aren’t as fortunate or as strong.
That’s what you did when you prayed for Jadon.
Jadon and his family have a long road ahead of them, but they’re grateful for your prayers. They’re grateful their son is still breathing and has a chance to reclaim his life. Please keep praying for his full recovery and for his family to remain strong. We need young people like Jadon Olsen in the world. If you didn’t read my blog about him, yesterday, you can find it here.
Wishing you all of God’s blessings.
24 Comments
Dear Brenda, thank you so much for the update on Jadon! Such good news, where there is life, there is hope.
Terri, And without hope… We’re doomed. A week ago Jadon’s mother was telling her son goodbye and that she loved him. Friday her son was telling her “hi” and he loved her. I can only imagine how joyful and grateful they are that he has a shot at recovering. Thank you for supporting them. xoxox, Brenda
Thanks for the update! This story touched me and many of my friends.
I’m happy about that, Paula. Thanks for letting me know. xoxox, Brenda
That is wonderful Brenda. I hope he continues to improve.
Thank you, Hilda!! I do as well. Brenda
This is so wonderful! I will continue to pray for his recovery!
You’re wonderful, Elizabeth!! Thank you so much!! Brenda
So wonderful to hear that he’s awake and continuing to improve – God is good isn’t He? It’s lovely to see that an act of kindness didn’t end in tragedy.
Leanne, The acts of kindness may have started with Jadon, wanting to help his city evacuate the hurricane, but it’s led to so many other acts of kindness. Like the EMS crew who risked their own lives in that terrible storm to fight their way to Jadon and transport him to two hospitals and people… like you… who’ve prayed for his recovery. Thank you so much! xoxox, Brenda
It is an honor to pray for one another….. thank you for this prayer request. So nice to see this beautiful young man up… and on his road to healing. I will continue to lift him and his family up in prayer.
Thank you, C… It’s reaffirming to know their are people like you who are praying for a stranger, simply because I asked. I’m grateful. xoxo, Brenda
He has been in our prayers. Thank You for his update. Please keep us updated . Go Jadon Go!
Go, Jadon, Go!! I like that, Barb! We’re his cheerleaders!! Thank you, sweet lady, for your prayers. They are so appreciated. xoxo, Brenda
That’s great news. Thanks for update. Unfortunately bad things do happen to good people. But prayer is powerful.
Rose, It is wonderful news! The exact opposite of what Jadon’s doctors and family thought a few days ago. Thank you so very much, Brenda
So happy to receive the update on Jadon and to learn that he has improved. I’m still praying for a full recovery although I know it will take a lot of courage and persistence on Jadon’s part. And will be so important that his family stays strong for him to encourage and cheer him on as he meets the challenges. I’m guessing that they, without question, will be able and happy to do so.
I’m imaging Jadon well and active and happy. Just keep on healing, Jadon!
Naomi… Praying and imagining him whole… My mother used to do that. When I had breast cancer she prayed for me and held a picture in her mind of me as well, active and happy. Jadon has an amazing family. His father is a pastor, and is mother and sister are strong women. I think their community has rallied around them. It’s sad that it takes an unseen tragedy like this to get neighbors to speak and reach out to one another. Thank you for your continued prayers. You’re Jadon’s lifeline. xoxox, Brenda
Thank you for the update, Brenda. God is good always and it is so wonderful when prayers are answered in the way we want. I am praying for Jadon’s complete recovery.
Thank you so much, Victoria! Our world needs a feel good story about now, and we need a positive cause we can put our heart and soul and prayers behind. You are so appreciated. xoxox, Brenda
Such wonderful news! Thank you for sharing it with those who were thinking and praying for Jadon.
Hi Alana, Thank you, so much, sweet lady, for your support and well-wishes and prayers. I’m grateful. xoxox, Brenda
Praise the Lord! So grateful for His gracious answers!! Hallelujah! Thanks for letting us know!
Thank you, Beckye, because I know you’ve said some prayers for Jadon and his family. Thank you, sweet lady. You are so valued and appreciated. xoxox, Brenda