Whitney Cerak

We, the Cerak family, are elated beyond description at Whitney’s return home. It is so much more than we ever imagined three months ago.We would like to restate our plans of not speaking to the media. There is still much on the road to Whitney’s full recovery. We want to thank the media for the respect they have shown of our privacy in this time. And ask that the same courtesy given us would be extended to our family and friends.

Saturday, July 01, 2006

July 1, 2006 "Let us hold unswervingly..."

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is FAITHFUL."
Heb. 10:23

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words can not express." Romans 8:26

"Pray continually" I Thess. 5:17

We were reminded this morning of our need to pray continually. Not for only the few that have been a part of all of these events...but for all the Brothers and Sisters in the Lord and to pray on behalf of those who do not know Christ as Savior and Lord. I am amazed at the number of people that are praying for Whitney and the
VanRyns, the Erbs, the Smiths, the Larsons and the Felvers...as well as for Vicki, and Connie, and Michelle. We can do much if we continue to unite in prayer for not only these but for all those that burden our hearts. God will do so much more if we come together and lift up all in prayer. We will continue to be amazed at what God will do if we pray. So please...PRAY.

Yesterday was one more good day for Whitney. Praise God!!
She had a great night's sleep but was somewhat disappointed that she couldn't sleep in as did her sister, Carly. Whitney is getting some good order back into her brain functions. This Friday morning she showered totally without help (which has meant so much to her)...then with her schedule for the day in her lap, she wheeled off to her first therapy...this all on her own!!

She is beginning to be herself in the area of her desire for independance. She even let us know that she didnt need us in therapy with her. What a joy to see and hear!!
With aid of a map, that she got off the computer, she had to figure out a route to a specific place...then direct her therapists there and do some shopping. She did a great job, we are told, and did it even though she is not really a shopper at heart.
In the afternoon...more stretching stiff joints; working on muscles tone, hopping more than 100' again; and speech therapy.

A few close friends of ours came to visit...some chocolate covered strawberries and our mail from Gaylord came with them. Whitney was gracious, sweet and glad to see them. Then off for another weekend away! She enjoyed herself last night talking and staying up late.

We thank God today for your prayers. And once more we are honored to join you in prayer for so many others in need. In need physically, emotionally, but most importantly...spiritually! Let us be found faithful by God!! Unite in prayer for ALL!

In Christ alone...Whit's dad

23 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Whitney,
All of us over here on Long Island are so happy to hear of your progress. Keep up the good work. We love you.

10:28 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Your Canadian Friends up north think of you all the time. Keep up the good work. Celebrate all that has been accomplished within the last few weeks.

11:29 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey...such great news...we love you and pray for you in Illinois

11:30 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To all of you...we covet your prayers...and thank you for this blog...Ths Lord is soooo good.

Have a wonderful weekend with your loved ones.

I too feel concern for the other families from this accident...we should all remember them in our prayers.

a mt zion mom

11:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Have a great weekend. I'm sure the sunshine and fireworks will do her good :-) Again, I wish I could come see/meet you with Alysha & Matt. But I trust that it will be a great weekend with family and fellowship. Praying for a safe/relaxing weekend. :-)

12:16 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thankyou so much for this blog! Whitney has been such an insperation to me thoughout this. I don't think I'd have responded the way she has if I was in her place. I'm praying for you daily.

Rachel (from Whitney's Intra psychology class at TU)

PS. How's the infection in her leg doing?

12:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow!!! what a great weekend your family will have...as all of the rest of us also enjoy the 4th of July.

Betsy Smith's family always have a neighborhood parade on the 4th...this year will be a sad one for not having our sweet Betsy here to enjoy with us...she will forever remain in our hearts and minds.

I pray all who read this will hug their child more often, tell them you love them each day, and thank the good Lord for all the people we love...

1:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Have a great weekend Whitney! Thinking of you daily!

3:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm glad to hear of the positive recovery Whitney is going through. God Bless the VanRyn's and your family. From your neighbor up north in Boyne City.

4:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you for faithfully maintaining this blog. It is uplifting to read it daily.

If I may offer an observation re: the person who is abusing this technological tool with rude comments. I would encourage everyone to make him/her/them a matter of prayer but to IGNORE the remarks they make. By responding or referring to the person(s) and/or comments in any way, we are giving that person the 'high' they're after.

God bless us one and all!

4:38 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank you... Finally! Someone agrees with me. =)

XO Chicago

4:52 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was appalled that some one would write such trash. Let us pray for them. I have been following this blog and enjoy hearing about Whitney's updates. I continue to pray for both families, you all have been thru so much. May God Bless all of you.

5:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Dick & Jane are so proud of you Whit. You are a fighter, and you are doing such a great job. "You can do all things through Christ who gives you strength." We love you. Give Dad and Mom a hug for us.

6:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

For these two weekends away now, where are they going? Do they have to stay close to the hospital? Or do they acutally come home to Gaylord, and allow Whitney to sleep in her own bed?

6:28 PM  
Blogger Carrie said...

Go Whitney! I'm so proud of you! Newell, you encourage me on a daily basis--as does your whole family. While I'm not going through anything even remotely similar, it speaks to my heart every day. Prayers never cease, and neither does God! He is faithful! That's the fun part. You can't "out faith" or "out give" God. You spent your life giving for God, and look how He is giving back for you. Much love!

6:49 PM  
Blogger Darcy Keith said...

Cerak family,

Thank you for keeping us up-to-date concerning Whitney's improvement and your daily scriptures! It has been such a blessing!

It's great that Whitney is successfully using a map and finding her way around. That was a hard thing for me to do when the therapists would take me on a "journey" in the multi-level hospital and have me find my way back to the brain trauma unit.

There are so many things that Whitney will learn via cues and pneumonic devices that will improve her memory and "stick" to it. That's a blessing and a curse for me, as my husband doesn't like to ask for directions (like most men do?) and my "training" on trying to remember where I've been and were I'm going has gotten me into "trouble" when he takes a wrong turn and I have to try my best to keep quiet and let him drive. :) Keep up the good work, Whitney!

You're in our prayers daily,
Darcy Keith, www.DarcyKeith.com

7:32 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Whitney,

We are so happy to hear you are doing so well- YES- we do have a great GOD-

We have the peace that passes all understanding through the love of Christ in all of you- and all of the church family.
We pray for the other families who lost dear ones- as we pray for you and your family- Thank you for the info everyday-
We know that all things work together for good- for our God is in control- praise GOd !!!

8:16 PM  
Blogger XtraXtra said...

She may be stiff/weak in places, but she's YOUNG and that is possibly the best thing she has working in her favor.

8:55 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I am incredibly Happy to see Whitney progress so well. Keep up to excellent work. My prayers with you and all the families.

9:19 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Robert Said:

I went to Wobblingscruffbag's blog and as he predicted I praise my God for doing so, but not for any reason he would understand. He is a very deeply disturbed man, and it is very important that "NO ONE" responds or makes any reference to his statements. This is a site for Whitney and for praising our great God and Savior, so lets keep it that way. We are the salt of the world as Jesus said and perhaps it is making him thirsty. I hope so, or it may be something else. I don't know.
God Bless the lot of you!!

P.S.
We're not running from you Wobblingscruffbag, we're here for you if you truly want help. In another forum of perhaps.

10:56 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

qq

2:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Praying for a great weekend away! Love you guys! Whitney, we're so glad to hear about your increasing independence and so very proud of you.

Jeanette

6:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mr. Cerak,
Please do something to block these obscene and vulgar comments on your daughter's blogsite. Children have access to this site and can read this filth.

6:34 AM  

Post a Comment

<< Home