John Paul Helm: A couple months ago my friend John had a staph infection take over his body that almost cost him his life. This young father of three has spent several weeks of being on a ventilator. He’s lost a leg and a large portion of his skin. He’s yet to get out of ICU. He’s had about a dozen surgeries, and twice the family was called in because they didn’t think he’d make it. For the first time yesterday, I got to actually go back to his room and see John. We spent some time visiting and praying. His attitude through this has been amazing. I love the fact that he sees that God has played a major role in his healing. John’s wife, Leah, went with us to Honduras this past summer, and she has been an amazing support to John. This December while I’m in Honduras, the group from Childress will be building a house in honor of John. We’re calling it the “John Helm Victory House.” Personally I think that’s very cool. The doctors say John will be in the hospital through Christmas. John told me with great determination on his face, “I’ll get to go home for Christmas.” Told you he had a great attitude.
Parker: Yesterday Parker celebrated his 19th birthday. We took him and Taylor to eat and dropped of a birthday surprise. It’s amazing how fast my kids are growing up. I’m thinking there must be a correlation between my kids getting older and my eyesight getting worse.
Four of my favorite people (Parker, Lea, Lloyd Christmas, Taylor)
Augment House (Extreme Home Makeover): Here’s a quick update for those of you who are keeping up with our Extreme Home Makeover, Childress Edition . The new wiring and electricity is about 95% done. The new heating and air is about 95% done, and the house now has new windows and doors. New kitchen cabinets, tile and sheet rock have been purchased, we just haven’t got them in yet. We’re ordering siding today, and the new roof goes on in a couple of weeks. Can’t wait to show you all the pictures. I’ve got a lot of pictures on my Facebook page, you can check them out here.
Ticket Redemption: For those of you who read the sad story from Monday about us not getting into the ball game … we think our tickets are going to be good for Game 6 of this next series of games versus the Yankees. I’m a little gun-shy though, I plan on calling before we just show up.
I am a Christian husband and father, who moonlights as the minister for the church of Christ in Childress, Texas. My wife Lea and I have been married for 23 years. We are doing our best to raise our 4 boys, who are all growing up way too fast.
John Paul: We’re praying.
Parker: He’s huge! And I also love your family and Lloyd Christmas!
Augment House: inspired. Amazing!
Rangers: I hope all works out with your tickets. I was very sad for you and was afraid to say anything to you about it yesterday when I read your story! Let me know if your tickets work out for game 6.
Not sure if many people got the “Lloyd Christmas” joke, but I knew a few would.
I really don’t care much for sports on the professional level, but out of my deep respect for you, I am a HUGE Texas Rangers fan right now. This is baseball, right?
hhhhhhmmm why don’t you and the “Fam” quitely sneak out of town this time — and nose rub AFTER you get the pictures of yourselves at the game! (just sayin……WINK!!)
Many prayers for John’s healing and many happy returns to Parker