As you know, I went to Dallas last week to visit Liz's baby, Samuel.  But while I was there, I realized it was also very important to be there for my other best friend of 17 years, Jeni Helms.  Jeni's husband, Michael, woke up on Good Friday with his entire right side paralyzed and incoherent speech.  Jeni called 911 and he was rushed to emergency room.  He regained function but experienced another bout of paralysis later.  They did many tests...MRI, CATscan, etc., and he left diagnosed with a minor sleep disorder.

Since being home, they have come to a pretty certain conclusion that it is not a sleep disorder or it is at least something more than just that.  Michael cannot stand up for more that 5 minutes without getting a terrible headache, becoming dizzy, and sometimes vomiting.  His short term memory is now declining.  At times, his speech is unclear and he is not always able to form correct sentences.  Michael has been a high school English Teacher for many years now, so this is not normal at all.  He is incredibly tired all the time, and he has not been able to return to work since Good Friday.  This is now affecting their financial state as well.  This past week Michael was given a Contrasting MRI and it too came back clear.  He will be put on an EEG test for 48 hours on Tuesday to further investigate his brain activity.

Jeni and Michael have 4 children: a 4-year old boy, Baily; 2-year old twin girls, Perri and Sophie; and an 8-month old, Remington.  Needless to say, their hands are full, and this trauma is almost more than a young family like this can handle.

Rick and I are praying for Michael's healing and Jeni's strength.  But we would ask that all of you just pray however you feel led.  They need support from the Body of Christ.  Supporting our brothers and sisters in any way we can IS and SHOULD ALWAYS BE one of our main purposes as disciples of Christ.  So please join with us.  If you feel led to support them in any other way besides prayerfully, please contact me and I'll forward you their info.

Thank you so much,

Melissa