Marsha sent an update on Denise and Eddie our shortybear

Friends, after several attempted calls today, I finally spoke to our dear Denise this evening.
I want to preface this news with this truth, God is Sovereign and in control.  He can heal.  And most importantly, He is lending comfort to Denise and Eddie.  Even though this has been the toughest afternoon of their lives, they sense His presence and are committed to Him and each other.
After many tests, including MRI’s and yesterday’s spinal tap, the mystery disorder is not, was not a stroke. 

• He has a cord compression and 2 bulging discs in his upper body. It does not appear surgery is an option.
• With therapy he will regain strength but not feeling in his lower body.
• Eddie will never be able to return to his job again.  He will need to go on disability.
• He had 2 options: 1) Go to the Rehab Center for 2 weeks starting tomorrow (New Years Eve) and receive PT for 3-5 hours a day. 2) Go home and a therapist will come there and do therapy for 1 1/2 hours a day.  This evening, Eddie chose option #2 and he will work hard other hours during the day with Denise’s help to do the exercises.

At 46 years old, he is stunned to think of never working again.  I know that in time, he would be able to find other areas of work that is not manual labor, but I know how permanent disability works.  I don’t know if they do or not.  If you ever go off, you can never get back on again. 
I told Denise that so many in the blog community want to help them financially in some way, potentially through a PayPal button and a website set up just for them.  The PayPal would be linked to its own bank account.  Needless to say she was over whelmed.  I asked her to please pray and to approach Eddie about this so we can get it going and help them quickly.
I was supposed to go over there Thursday, but we have bad weather rolling in again tonight, plus the hospital will be transporting them home sometime Thursday.  I will get over to see her sometime over the next few days and help her with groceries, etc.  and get the funds to her that have already been mailed to me.  They won’t be able to do any banking until Monday anyway because of not knowing when they are being released and then New Years Day on Friday.
Friends, there are so many challenges ahead for them.  Denise does not drive, so they will need to have people get them around.  I’m thankful their apartment is on the first floor, that’s a blessing. 
I know our God can totally release this cord compression if it be His will.  They are praying to this end and ask that you all join them in praying.
Denise wants you all to know how VERY thankful she is for each and every one of you, your prayers, support and friendship.  She said she just doesn’t know how she can ever thank everyone for their love and kindness.  You all have lifted both of their spirits in an amazing way.
She will be calling me tomorrow after they get settled in so I know they’re okay.
Until then, let’s continue to storm the gates of heaven for Eddie and Denise.

Donetta speaks...I have posted all comments on her blogs to be printed out and given to her.