March 19, 2008


As I started thinking about what I could jot down for an update this evening, I got a phone call from one of my best friends. His call put everything in perspective tonight. So before we get to ‘how the Rosses are doin’, I’d like to ask each of you in your own way to offer prayers for this man, his team and his family. He is a Homicide Sergeant at a large police agency here in Colorado. He lost his brother in the line of duty two years ago. A second officer from that agency was also shot and killed later that same year. I knew them both, and they were both fine young cops, dying on streets they swore to protect. Tonight, my friend called me from another violent scene, asking for prayers. His own sister’s best friend and maid of honor was murdered today. His job is to seek the truth in the jumble of broken bodies.
Folks, this family has been through the ringer. Through all the heart ache that will never fully go away, they were one of the first to step up and offer to help me and my family with our challenges and have been there for us every single day. This good man was also there for me 8 years ago when Garrett had his first transplant. Please find it in your heart to ask our loving God to hold them now. This most recent act of cowardice will once again shake this loving and considerate family and the police department to it’s core, as the victim is the sister of another officer. They need to feel Christ loving them and guiding them. Pray also for the officers who must investigate this scene and try to find answers. Psalm 5:12 For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield. I ask, oh Lord God, to send Saint Michael to their sides, to shield them with the armor of Your righteousness and strength so they might seek clearly the path to truth and fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. I would also ask you all to pray for the family and soul of a dear lady who worked with me in Narcotics when Garrett received his 1st heart. She lost a tough battle with cancer this week. She was very concerned and kind to me during those difficult times.
As for the Rosses, we have now spent 24 hours in our new digs. The brand new Ronald McDonald house in Aurora is where we will hang our hats for a while. The place is not home, but is a very nice, clean and quiet atmosphere. The building is about 5 minutes from The Children’s Hospital and offers free shuttle service for appointments. It is huge, about 40,000 square feet with private rooms for about 40 families. So far only about 10 families have moved in, which leaves a lot of space for those of us here.

There are several kitchens, laundry facilities and multiple nooks and crannies where you can read a book, pray or just relax. It is a secure and staffed facility with tremendous employees and volunteers who readily understand the stresses of families uprooted from home to be with a sick child. Kathy and the kids love it. There is a large play room and a “Bronco Room” where a professional athlete is scheduled to come in once in a while and read to the kids well enough to attend. Jessi and Garrett have already become quite tickled with one of the main coordinators. She seems equally enamored by them, and goes out of her way to make sure the kids are having a good time. The other families have similar situations so no one with even a cold or cough is allowed to be here. That gives us great comfort in the face of Garrett’s severely compromised immune system.

In all, we are finding victory in each passing day. It’s hard to feel bad about our situation in light of the tragedies such as what was just described. If I could, I’d be there for them right now. I am, …in prayer. I have my family, resting safe in a clean and secure facility and close to the hospital. Things just aren’t so bad.

Tomorrow is another transplant clinic visit to check on Garrett’s healing heart. I expect to find that he is continuing to mend well. Other than the night time issues of comfort and nightmares, Garrett seems to be doing great and handling the quantities of medications well.

I hope this finds you all as secure in your own lives, counting His endless blessings and praising His name. John Quincy Adams once said "Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish." These are words we try to live by right now.

God Bless you all and thank you for all you do, for us, and for them.

In Him,

JD