Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Week 3
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Week 2
-He has numbness in his legs and toes; he said it feels like his feet are asleep all the time. The doctor said this is from nerve damage and could take 6+ months to heal.
-He is taking a large dose of Tylenol/Advil regularly and was concerned with how long before it could be harmful. The doctor said 2 weeks...and since we're at that point, he wants Eric to stop taking them.
-He continues to have severe pain in his hip/stomach area. The doctor ordered a CT scan (which we had today) so that he can determine the extent of the injuries and which pain medication to prescribe in lieu of the large doses of Tylenol and Advil.
As many of you know, we're leaving for a much needed week long vacation this Friday. We're headed to the Jersey shore with my family for a time of relaxation. We continue to appreciate all your prayers and words of encouragement!
Jana
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Week at Home
Although Eric has been home from work all week, we tried to keep some normal social activities. He mentioned that it helps to get out of the house and get his mind of things. So we spent several evenings over at his parents house with his sisters and their children. We also went to see the fireworks on 4th of July, and to a birthday party last night. So he's getting out of the house and moving around which is good. Eric is planning on returning to work tomorrow (Monday) possibly beginning with half days to see how things go. He has no memory of both Monday and Tuesday (the day of the accident) so it will be strange returning to projects and clients he doesn't remember working on or talking to. He's already read some emails that he doesn't remember writing...which I'm sure feels strange.
So please continue to pray for us. Mostly that the pain would subside to a manageable level so he can sleep at night and get rest. Also for his first few days back at work that they'll be a smooth transition.
And for all you Rambling Randy fans, I'll see if I can get him to write another entry soon. :)
Jana
Monday, June 30, 2008
First Day Home
Today we had many visitors, which Eric enjoyed because he doesn't always remember those that came in the hospital. I'm just amazed how each day he grows stronger! Only the awesome God we serve could have made it happen that six days later he would be sitting at home being his good old self. I was going to take our house key off his motorcycle ring and give it to his mom so she could stop by while I go back to work this week. He made the comment, "But then how would I ride my motorcycle?". What am I going to do with him!
I'll try to keep putting updates as he makes even more progress. I might even get the man himself to write a few words, if he's feeling up to it. :)
I wanted to thank everyone for their prayers, words of encouragment, and support over the past few days. It made us realize what a strong community family we're a part of. And although we recognize this could be a long journey of healing for the both of us...at least we're doing it together.
Sunday, June 29, 2008
HOME!
Eric is feeling much better, even better then yesterday. He will be taking the next week off for sure it sounds like, and then checking things out the following week. If I know Eric at all, he's gonna get bored...maybe I will sneak him out of the house for a round of golf or something haha :)
Cleared to Go HOME! June 29
Jana did not know exactly when today, just that it would be later this afternoon! It will be another adjustment for them to be home, but a good one. The hospital has been home for the past few days, so it will be nice for them to be back in the comforts of their own home. Continue to pray for healing and rest for Eric and Jana.
WOW!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Eric in his new Room!

Jenn and I went to see Eric.....AND Jana tonight! This picture seems to paint the picture of how everyone seems to be feeling. The past two days have been so great. We have had the pleasure of hanging out with Eric and Jana's families, and we have thoroughly enjoyed it. Of course the reason we all met together was not good in the beginning, but it has turned into rejoicing.

Look at ERIC, doesn't he look Great...
I know it might sound a little funny coming from another guy,
This truly has been a wild ride of emotions. It will continue to be an adjustment for Eric and Jana for the next while, so keep them in your prayers. Thank the Lord, and tell your friends and family that you Love them...even if they may get a chuckle out of it :) ( We told Eric tonight we loved him....it was fun haha :)
6/28-Room Change
He is now out of ICU and into a regular room and is excited to see people. The family is asking that visits be limited to 10-15 minutes, so that Eric can get the rest that he needs.
They are planning on releasing him tomorrow...PRAISE THE LORD!!
What a faithful God we serve! Hard to believe that he is almost ready to come home and it's only been 5 days.....
AMAZING!!!
Update #2 6/27 (technically 6/28)
We are hoping that he will be doing well enough to be moved out of ICU and into a regular room, tomorrow.
He walked some today, so that is encouraging.
I'd also like to ask for prayers for Jana, Eric's family, and Jana's family. These past few days have been filled with ups and downs, lack of sleep, joy, praise, sadness, concerns, and many more emotions. It can be overwhelming at times, so please pray for them too.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Talking with Eric on the PHONE!
After getting Eric on the phone, I asked if it was ok with to put him on speaker phone because my wife Jenn (author of this blog...I'm so proud), Kelby (trying to take over BEST MAN status but not gonna!) and Jill (pregnant with a monkey baby), Rod (my older brother) and his wife Jessica (sherbet shoes), were all over at our house. We all took turns talking, joking, and encouraging Eric. It was so much fun. After our short conversations (5 minutes maybe) with Eric we all were so excited. We had just talked to our little ET and he sounded great. At the end of the conversation I asked Eric if he was tired, he of course said "yes"...so we told him to get some rest and that we would be in to see him tomorrow (Sat.)
Talking to Eric totally made our night. We have all had some rough days, but it all seemed to melt away when we talked to him.
Eric, if and when you read this blog...you need to know that we have been worried sick, scared, crying, --happy, joking, excited, praising the Lord and jumping for Joy, all because you are still here with us...WE ARE CRAZY ABOUT YOU, you little sand-bagging son of a gun.
Update #1- 6/27
However, he is having intense pain in his lower abdomen, so they will be running some tests today, to determine the cause.
Prayer Requests:
~Thanksgiving that he is improving by the hour and that his fever is gone
~Relief from his pain
~That the tests would find the cause of the pain and that it would be resolved quickly
I just want to say again that we all appreciate the amazing comments! I have been printing them up to take to the hospital. Everyone loves to read the comments and we have laughed and cried over them. It is inspiring to see the support from all over the country. We can feel the love and prayers! Keep it coming....
Thursday, June 26, 2008
The Hero - Andrew Cratty
This is the man who the Lord sent to help save Eric's life.

Talking with Eric - HOW COOL!
In one of our conversations, Andy said "Eric, Derek Rose went first in the NBA Draft" and Eric responded by saying "for the Bulls?" Which obviously means he knew which team had the first pick in the draft. Eric then proceeded to ask, "Who did the Magic get?", Which is totally like Eric to want to know the latest sports news.
During our time in there, he did complain about pain in his stomach and on his right side, but he answered all our questions and responded to all our comments. It was such an awesome time to be in there talking with him! How crazy, the other day we were so unbelievably upset, and today we were overjoyed.
When we first got in there I said "Eric did you see Andy over there?" and he said "yeah." Then I said "you see Kelby?" He mumbled "yeah." Next, Andy asked Eric if he knew who I was and he just grunted...it was funny. Anyway, it feels like I'm babbling, and I probably could quite a bit longer, but I will end it with this one last short conversation we had.
I said
"Eric, we had Dutch Heritage to eat tonight."
"You didn't get me any?"
"We've got more, and were eating fish fry tomorrow...you want some?"
"Yeah"
"Did you get a ticket?" (It's for a Palm Grove Youth Fundraiser)
"Yeah"
"Did you get one for Jana?"
"No"
Which is true, He got one for himself, but Jana didn't want one, so he remembered that from last week. Like I said already, it was awesome to be in there talking with him, and seeing the amazing improvements he has made in just today alone. We are anxiously looking forward to his progress in the days to come. Continue in your prayers, and don't forget to PRAISE THE LORD!
Update #4 6/26
Please continue to pray for healing of his burns and that the the Lord would relieve the pain. He is still in a considerable amount of pain, especially on his right side and stomach.
Update #3 6/26
He asked for Jana!!!!
Prayer requests:
~ Eric is running a fever, so pray against infection
~He also said that he is in pain, so pray for comfort and that the Lord would ease his pain
Update #2 6/26
He was grumpy :) and agitated (most likely from the pain), but we still take it as a good sign that he is trying to communicate. They are giving him pain meds and have sedated him, so that he can rest. He did not speak, but the pain meds made him very sleepy, plus the ventilator probably made his throat sore. He will be resting for a few hours, then they will try to get him to speak again.
Thank you all for the kinds words and prayers. I will be printing the messages so that Jana can read them to Eric. Please feel free to offer stories of inspiration as well as funny memories/stories that Eric would like to hear.
Again, we are so appreciative of the prayers and words...THANK YOU!
6/26
Keep Praying!!
He is breathing on his own!!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Things That Make Us Cautiously Optimistic
~Andy (jogger) said that Eric "responded" after one or two applications of CPR. He did not respond with consciousness, but his upper body responded
~Andy doesn't know if Eric took a breath of his own, but he was spitting up and moving his jaw and mouth
~Andy said that Eric opened his eyes several times as he was doing CPR
The real test will be tonight as they begin bringing Eric out of the medically induced coma. We covet your prayers, but are hopeful.
~Bob (Jana's Dad)~
6/25- Update #1
Around 9 PM tonight, they will slowly be bringing Eric out of the induced hypothermia and medically induced coma. His core body temperature was lowered to 93 degrees, and it will take around 11 hours (or more) to slowly raise his body temperature back to normal. They will also be bringing him out of his induced coma and perform a CAT scan after he regains consciousness.
Specific prayer requests:
~Pray a prayer of thanks that the Lord had His protective hands around Eric last night. The Lord put Andy in the right place at just the right time.
~Pray that Eric's Body responds well as he comes back to consciousness and as they raise his body temperature
~Pray for peace and comfort for Jana and the family as they wait for results
June 24, 2008
Eric was fishing (wading) in the water at Siesta Beach on Tuesday night when he was indirectly struck by lightning. A jogger (named Andy) saw it happen and didn't see Eric come back up, so he ran and pulled Eric out of the water and started CPR, then ran to get help.
He is in the Cardiac ICU and they have him in a medically induced coma and are bringing his temperature down to 93 degrees for at least 17 hours (LINK). Then, they will bring his body temperature back up and bring him out of his coma. We don't know if there is damage to his heart or brain, but things look positive and we are praying that the Lord is going to bring him back to full health.
Welcome
Please take time to post words of encouragement and prayers in the comment section. Eric and Jana need to be encouraged during this time, so your prayers and kind words are very precious to them.