Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Update from Michael - 12-17, 2008

Dear Friends:

We all have experienced excitedly waking up early for planned trips because we do not want to be late. Well, Melissa did the same, waking up at 5:00 a.m. on Monday morning in anticipation of her visit to CHOC (Children’s Hospital of Orange County) for her bronchoscopy procedure to remove her tracheotomy tube. Her eyes were wide open and she had a big smile on her face. We could tell she was really excited.

The tracheotomy tube was successfully removed and now Melissa can now "officially" have her necklace back on her neck. Many doctors told us that Melissa is their success story of the year. Melissa's improvement made the CHOC medical team thrilled and happy. They feel the reward of all their hard work.

Due to the procedure, Melissa was not able to eat on Monday morning. But when she was finally allowed to eat, she ate so much the nurses were absolutely astonished by her appetite! They laughed, telling us that her next visit to CHOC will be to remove her G-tube.

On Monday evening, Melissa heard that a Woodbridge high school girl was also in CHOC’s intensive care unit. Melissa went to her room on her wheelchair to visit and pray for the girl. The girl’s family was gathered in the room and Melissa's presence was a comfort to them. We were glad to be there with them. We pray this family will experience our Lord just like we did. At this point we don’t know who the girl is or what her condition is.

Melissa now knows and remembers CHOC medical staff personnel. She likes CHOC and does not want to get discharged. What a typical teenager! They just flip-flop their minds all the time!

After one day of observation, Melissa was discharged on Tuesday around noon. We celebrated by taking her to a restaurant where she ate a lot!

The Irvine School District is working on her returning to school after the holidays. We are in the process to get a release authorization and will have to make a few more calls before it is certain.

Just a reminder, there is lots of traffic this time of the year. Please take few extra minutes to arrive at your destination safely.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas !

Michael and Marlene

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Update from Robin 12-12-2008

Please continue to pray for Melissa and family. Marissa and I had a brief visit Sunday evening and were so surprised to see the progress that Melissa has made. She is truly a miracle! Please read the recent update from Dad.

Michael is doing a great job tracking Melissa's progress and getting her therapy, to Dr. appointments, etc. while Marlene has returned to work full-time. Marlene misses out on all the "daily activities" with Melissa but is so grateful that she has returned home and they can resume a family life together. They are also so humble and thankful for the support that each of you have provided through prayer and resources. You have no idea how much every little thing means to them.

I was so impressed when I shared with the Yu's about another family from Irvine, who's senior daughter was injured in an ATV accident in early Fall and is recovering from massive head, neck and other injuries that has and is experiencing many of the same trauma that Melissa and family have endured. The Yu family had heard about Heather and look forward to meeting Heather and family and sharing their journey during an upcoming trip to CHOC and Bridges. WOW, we knew Melissa's life will impact others and this is only the beginning.

Thank you to each of you that have supported the Yu family - rejoice! Our God is good and worthy of all the praise and glory! May God continue to bless and enrich each of you as we celebrate the true meaning of this special holiday.


Robin

Friday, December 12, 2008

Update from Michael - 12-12-08

Dear Friends:

We are excited to announce that Melissa is scheduled to have her tracheotomy “trach.” tube removed this coming Monday, 12/15. On Wednesday morning (12/11), her pulmonary doctor, Dr. Hicks, ran several tests and came to the conclusion that the trach. tube can be removed safely.

It's amazing to us, how much we have experienced in the past 2 months since Melissa’s return home. She has been eating, reading, speaking, and actively participated in providing her opinion on everything. Believe us, she is a teenager! She watches her sisters to make sure they do things correctly. She makes sure the house is spotless. If see sees any trash, she make sure it gets picked up in no time.

She experienced a wonderful surprise party last Saturday, December 6. More than 50 school and church friends came to celebrate Christmas with Melissa, thanks to Hannah Feldman's coordination. We were thrilled to have all the guests. Melissa told her therapists she was happy the whole weekend. Sunday after attending the early church service (Melissa has been attending church on Sundays since November 23), Melissa went and cheer Uni. High's car wash fundraiser. Even though it was quite cool last Sunday, Melissa refused to go home. She wanted to hang out with all of her friends. After the car wash, she reminded us to attend Mariners Church's Christmas Tree Lighting.

Thanks to the many Uni. High friends who have come faithfully every day to help Melissa practice her speech. As a result of their help, Melissa can write more words and pronounce much more clearly. Thanks to Emi Komiya and Natalie Hannah, who organized and recruited: Tess Nelson, Allison White, Charlotte Mountain, Becca O'Leary, Nicky Shane, Arshia Neghadar, Shaina Seidenberg, and Jessica Choi.

Melissa has been working hard to stand up with minimal support this week. She has repeatedly exclaimed "I want to walk!" She reminded me that when Jesus hear a paralyzed man’s plea, He cured him and ordered him to walk immediately. Friends, we see God performing miracles every day and we are experiencing them.

May each one of you experience His mighty power in your daily life. May His face shine on every one of you. May God protect you and give you good health.

God Bless!

Michael

Prayer Requests:

1. That the minor surgery to remove Melissa’s trach. tube on Monday goes smoothly.

2. That her right arm and leg gain strength so she can walk again as she so wants to do. Every day, we want see another miracle come true.

3. For her busy daily schedule; that she will have enough energy to face twice a week physical therapy (P.T.), occupational therapy (O.T.), speech therapy (S.T.), acupuncture, and the many doctor appointments.

4. That she will be able to start her school program next week.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Update from Steve, Wednesday, 12/3/2008

Dear Family & Friends,

During this season we indeed have a lot to be thankful for as a family. Melissa has been a true testament of God's mercy and Grace. Michael and Marlene have been empowered by God's strength, wisdom and power. Melissa has been attending Mariners Church for the past 2 Sundays.

Melissa continues to show signs of a typical teenager:

1. She went shopping on Black Friday. Instead of waiting for Christmas, she wanted her new clothes immediately.

2. Eating In-N-Out burger (just the meat and tomato) and French fries.

3. Concerned about her outer appearance. She wants to look pretty.

Academically, 10 classmates have volunteered to come by the house to tutor certain areas of school work. This is one of the many ways God's mobilizing His presence through Melissa.

Marlene went back to work full time on Monday.

Pray for endurance and flexibility in her schedule to accommodate the many doctors appointment for Melissa. Her supervisor appears to be very understanding of the situation. Thank God for the power of prayer.

Thanks,

Steve

Monday, December 1, 2008

December Meals for the Yu Family

Dear all,

Another month has gone by and praise God that Melissa is on the road to recovery. Thank you for your support in the past.

We still need your help since Melissa is having many therapy sessions. Dinner deliveries will ensure Marlene that her other kids are fed.

Would you please consider cooking one meal for Jesus and delivering it to he Yu family?

To sign up for the month of December, simply go to the following web site:

http://www.efci.org/EFCI-EM/Yu_scheduler.html

Click on UPDATE and log in to Google Calendar (E-mail: blessmyu; password: efci4myu)

Remember: ONLY sign up for MONDAY/WEDNESDAY/FRIDAY.

If the calendar system is too time consuming for you, you may also call me and I can update the calendar for you. I can be reached at 949-856-3026(H) or 949-351-1274(C).

May the Lord bless you and continue to sustain Melissa and her family.

In Christ,

Felicia