Monday, Jan. 15
As it turns out, there will be no evaluation. Somebody decided it wasn’t necessary.
As well, the Physicians Assistant overseeing Dustin’s care has — in good conscience — changed the language in her notes from “vegatative state” to “traumatic brain injury from a bicycle accident.” While language in notes may not seem like a big deal, she told Leigh Anne that that change might help with the insurance company, especially with regards to what treatments and facilities they might cover. As well, since there is — from the insurance company’s perspective — a light at the end of the tunnel (i.e., a definite timeframe for Dustin leaving his current facility), they are not hounding Leigh Anne about terminating his coverage as much as they have in the past.
Plans for the Salters leaving Travelers Rest at the end of January for Fort Worth are getting firmed up, although certain significant details (such as a place for Dustin and for the Leigh Anne and the kids) are yet to be worked out. Do pray that God would work out all these details, along with ones that no one can foresee, with his powerful and merciful hands.
Ryan Motola, Andy Hovis, and I have discussed meeting in Fort Worth soon so that we can see you and the family and help in any way we can. Obviously we’ll get in touch with you before we come. We really miss you and D.
January 15th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
What an answer to prayer! Praise God! I hope this atleast takes the pressure off this aspect of your life for a while. We will keep praying to move mountains.
January 15th, 2007 at 9:26 pm
Leigh Anne,
I can’t possibly imagine what you are going through right now, but I continue to pray for you, Dustin, and your children daily. When I lost my Dad last September, I couldn’t make heads or tails of why God would allow such dark providence to come into my life. Jerry Sittser’s book, A Grace Disguised, helped me tremendously. I hope it will do the same for you.
Continuing on in prayer…
January 16th, 2007 at 1:08 am
We have prayed, and are continuing to pray. We are ready and willing to help with any needs here in Fort Worth.
In Christ,
Steve, Cheryl, Ashleigh, Aaron, and Rachel White
January 16th, 2007 at 10:21 am
Hi, Leigh Anne!
To inject a lighter note, my husband just said, without negativity, that I’m following this like some bored or “Desperate” housewives would follow a soap opera! And we both agreed that, given my personal history (Dad being a 50-year TBI survivor)it’s entirely understandable.
Frankly, my biggest fear was eased. There *will* be a place for Dustin to be cared for. I frankly was afraid that you’d have to take him home, with no way of getting help covering home care costs. This is truly a case of “don’t try this at home”. As you may have guessed, I’m somewhat older than many who’ve posted here. In fact, I’m 59 and still telling. As such, in the past 15 years, I’ve experienced the aging and deaths of three of four parents, plus premature deaths of nephew and sibs-in-law. Additionally, my husband, also 59, is disabled from diabetes, hospitalized three times in the last four years. iow, I’ve had more acquaintance that I ever expected, or wanted, to have with caregiving as a whole.
At different times, our family’s had to deal with home care, hospitals, hospice, and nursing homes. I must admit tho, this is a different wrinkle. They didn’t have seperate TBI facilities in Dad’s day. And this, folks, is the main reason why medical care, and thus ins., is so expensive.
But let’s celebrate the light at the end of the tunnel, and “pray without ceasing” that ins. can and will cover the appropriate facility that’s just right for Dustin. And, of course, for the move to run as smoothly as any interstate move with three young kids can.
Love, Fran
January 17th, 2007 at 12:07 pm
Hi Leigh Anne,
Jen and I are still praying for Dustin’s healing. We’re trusting God’s hand is controlling all of this and that He will be glorified in the end. For selfish reasons I’m glad you’re moving back to Fort Worth - it’s much closer/easier for me to visit there than it is to visit South Carolina!
Ryan Motola, Andy Hovis, and I have discussed meeting in Fort Worth soon so that we can see you and the family and help in any way we can. Obviously we’ll get in touch with you before we come. We really miss you and D.
Grace and Peace,
Eric Levenhagen
January 17th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Leigh Anne! I hope that your retreat to Atlanta refreshed you in ways that even surprised you. I hope to get to see you in TR before your family moves back to TX. I think of you, Dustin & your family often. You are in my prayers & I will especially pray that the move goes well, the insurance makes the best decision for you & that you continue to have strength.
Sincerely,
Kelly Carew
January 18th, 2007 at 5:47 pm
Dear Leigh Anne, Dustin and children,
I think the move back to Texas is a good one. We will certainly pray that everything falls into place. I do hope we will all continue to receive these updates so we can continue to specifically go before the Throne of grace to receive mercy and help in this time of trouble. We are expecting a great outcome!
Persevero,
Cheryl Babington
January 18th, 2007 at 6:56 pm
Leigh Anne,
I have been checking the website everyday and praying for your family. I hope the moves goes well.
January 18th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
Dear Leigh Anne,
I am so thankful for the updates, and for God’s mercy w/ the insurance company.
Even though you don’t know the details for your move, God hears us, and cares about the little things. I’ll never forget moving to Japan w/ two children under three, and seven months pregnant. We were moving over there w/ no place to live. After 11 days of the four of us staying w/ a couple in a 400 sq. ft. apt, I was amazed at how specifically God answered my prayers. Even to the point that when we met our neighbor, he said (In English), “my wife and I both have cars, and will drive you to the hospital if you go into labor and the trains have stopped.” (We didn’t own a car, so I had prayed for neighbors who spoke English, had a car, and would offer to take us to the hospital) I had also prayed for a small backyard, and God gave us that too. He didn’t have to do those things, but He loves you and wants to take care of you. I am praying for you, and think you are an amazing lady. Wish I could see you. Sandi
January 19th, 2007 at 6:57 am
Dear Leigh Anne-
I feel so strongely that the move back to Fort Worth is going to be positive for you and your family- I can’t express it or explain it. I know you have been cared for and nurtured in SC but it feels so right- like there are just hundreds- thousands of arms waiting to enfold you, Dustin and the children! I admire you beyond words for listening to your heart, trusting our Lord and doing what you believe in. I’ll be praying for all your needs but I feel confident that God is with you and Dustin and your precious children- may he continue to bless you and keep you safe.
Carol Schaum
Hanover, PA
January 19th, 2007 at 10:34 am
We are rejoiced by the goodness of our Lord in the rewording of Dustin’s injury. We still contiue to pray for all the details to be worked out. Maybe you could list out your prayer concerns for us so we can pray for specifics for you, Dustin, and the kids. Now may the God of our Savior Jesus Christ grant you His peace that surpasses understanding and bring you hope. Hope not that the world knows but that which can only come through His Word and a personal relationshiop with Him. Love Ya.
Jack and Cindy Holbrook
January 19th, 2007 at 1:55 pm
Dear Leigh Anne,
Since I do not know you, I can only hope that the move to Texas is taking you home. How hard it must be to go through this especially with young kids.
We have been reading this update everyday as we go through this horrible experience as well. My dear friend Brian continues to be in a persistant vegetative state. His accident was September 30 and because of his fragile health we are still in the hospital waiting for the trach to be capped and his skull to be replaced. How far Dustin has come in such a short time!!!
I hope and pray everyday that God will heal your Dustin and our Brian. God is the God of love and knows that there are children that need their daddies. (Brian’s daughter is 6)
I pray for your strength and courage as you make this move and as you continue to set an example of love to us all.
Always remember that those of us here in Georgia are constantly praying for Dustin, you and your kids.
With love,
Jamie Corona
Marietta, GA
January 19th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
Dear Friends in the Lord,
I follow this site each day as it was brought to my attention via my friend in Florida, Judy Hartmann…and so we pray and believe that our God has His Grace and Providence in this and so many other situations that we are unable to understand…we will pray daily til all miracles come as promised in the Word….sincerely, Doris Fontaine of Life Fellowship Four Square Church, Charlestown, NH.
January 19th, 2007 at 5:13 pm
Hi Leigh Anne,
My name is Catie Miller and I have worked in the Greystone kitchen for the past 8 summers. During this past August camp I got to listen to Dustin speak for our staff and I was so blessed by it! I just wanted to let you know that I, along with so many others from the kitchen, am praying for you, your children and for Dustin during this time of transition. I also just wanted to add that the one thing that I remembered most from his talk this past summer was his love for the hymn “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go.” He read the words aloud as we all sat around a bonfire- it was so encouraging! This has always been my favorite verse. I pray that it encourages you as well!
“O Joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to thee;
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.”
In Him,
Catie
Charlotte, NC
January 20th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Oh Lord Jesus–please help. Still praying in Charlottesville. GT
January 20th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Leigh Anne, Jacob, Nathan, and Meredith:
My thoughts and prayers have been with you since Dustin’s accident on Nov. 8. You all have been though too much for any human being to endure on their own - a true testament that the Holy Spirit has been your source of comfort and strength. I am praying that you will be blessed with a lovely home here in Ft. Worth, and that all the details will fall into place very quickly. I do pray that your transition will go smoothly. I know the students at CCS are looking forward to seeing Jacob and Nathan.
With love,
Laura (Mrs. Snead)
January 20th, 2007 at 7:36 pm
Leigh Anne,
Just wanted you to know that our Presbytery (Central Georgia) met today with the women and we handed out flyers with your family’s picture on it with a reminder for everyone to pray. I hope you find encouragement that so many in South Georgia are lifting you, Dustin, Jacob, Nathan and Little Meredith up in prayer. We will not stop.
Amy
January 22nd, 2007 at 12:48 am
Dear Leigh Ann,
You have been so near in my thoughts and prayers. I have just returned from a visit to the Wellham’s in Atlanta. I wanted to inform you that their church ( St.Paul’s PCA) lifted Dustin up in prayer during the worship service. I caught word upon my return that you will return to Fort Worth shortly. How sweet it will be to see your face! Our great, good, & mysterious God will lead you in the days before you.
You keep your loving promise & lead the people you have saved. With your strength you will guide them… Exodus 15:13
He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
Love to you,
Teresa
January 22nd, 2007 at 11:37 am
Leigh Ann-
Please know MANY Covenant families are praying for you, Dustin and the children, and we are excited to welcome you back to Fort Worth, even under these difficult circumstances.
My father pastors a PCA church in Jefferson, NC, and he and his church are praying for your family as well.
Kimberlee Love
January 22nd, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Leigh Anne,
The body of believers in Fort Worth is very excited for your family’s return. We have all missed you so dearly and are lining up to serve in whatever capacity you need. You can call on us for whatever you need, no matter how small it may seem. You know that you have a baby sitter whenever you need one…if you trust me with your kids!!!
Tim Bates
January 22nd, 2007 at 7:46 pm
Leigh Anne,
The Shryoc family will continue to hold your family in our prayers. We are so excited to see you all! Abigail asked me today if we could fast-forward to February 5th so she could see Jacob. We will continue to pray for Dustin while we pray for a smooth transition back to the Fort for you all.
Robert, Trudy, Riley, Abigail and Samuel
January 23rd, 2007 at 12:57 pm
We are praying for a miracle and trust that God will answer. Our sunday school class and small group are praying for you, Dustin and the kids as well. We love you and look forward to seeing you back here in Texas. We are always here for you, please let us know if we can help in any way.
Mark and Kat