Photina

Photina
n., An issue of water from the earth; a spring; a fountain. v.intr., To rise to the surface, ready to flow; to rise or surge from an inner source. v.tr., To pour forth. adj., In a satisfactory condition; right or proper. interj., Used to introduce a remark, resume a narrative, or fill a pause during conversation; used to express surprise.dictionary.com

Friday, February 28, 2003

More news about Al Kresta.

Once again I thank you for all your prayers and efforts for Al Kresta.

1. Al remains in GOOD condition.

2. Al has been moved from the Step Down Unit to a General Surgical Room.

3. Al appreciated all the callers, well wishers etc, to the program yesterday. Alexis, his daughter, brought the CD to his room and played it for AL and Sally.
We had a little revelation yesterday too. While the cards and flowers and great rush of prayers and expressions of joy for his progress are uplifting and have a positive healing effect, Al is in a very contemplative frame of mind. He ask if everything could be removed from his room except a crucifix and the CD player (he wants some Gregorian Chant in the background). Al is using this time to meditate and pray. As Alexis put it, "he wants a monastic atmosphere". Al wants to use this small amount of time to build an even deeper commitment to Jesus. He is "on retreat". He is meditating on Salvifici Doloris (On the Christian Meaning of Human Suffering) by John Paul II.

4. Just this morning Al expressed his tremendous gratitude for your prayers, then, he asked for the intercession to continue as he is still in great need.

Please continue to pray for Al. Make your own retreat, spend an hour with our Lord. Contemplate. Ask for an increase in Faith, Wisdom and Courage.

Be assured that we continue to collect Cards, intentions and well wishes here at WDEO and on the website www.amcguild.org . Al will read each and every one. (after his retreat).

Praise God for his mystical body and the love and affection we have for each other.

posted by Heidi | 28.2.03

Thursday, February 27, 2003

Still more good news!

Another day of good news. Praise God! Your prayers are working miracles. Please do not stop now.

Al's condition continues to improve. All his vital signs are stable. Al's official condition is GOOD.

Al was able to receive Holy Communion.

Al is more and more lucid each day.

Visitation will continue to be limited to family only. However you can let Al know you are praying for him and send your well wishes by leaving him a message in the "Karing for Kresta" guestbook.

Just one week ago we were fearful for Al's life. Today he is in GOOD condition. This dramatic turnaround is attributable to the Mercy of God, your intercessions and Al's fighting spirit.

Al will have a prolonged rehabilitation period. So the challenge is not over, but we are as we prayed for, out of the proverbial "woods".

Thank you for your continued efforts.

posted by Heidi | 27.2.03

Wednesday, February 26, 2003

Yet more great news! Hallelujah!

Al's condition is upgraded to FAIR.

Al has been moved to the step down unit from surgical intensive care.

All blood pressure medication has been removed.

Al is beginning to take some food.

Praise God for this wonderful step forward towards recovery.

Your prayers, the Masses, the time spent before the Blessed Sacrament, all the intercession and efforts on behalf of Al's health have been key. Please continue as now we have a high hill to climb. We need that condition to be continually upgraded.

May God continue to bless all those who are praying. Thank you again and again.

You can still send your thoughts and prayers to Al Kresta and his family via the guestbook on the Ave Maria Radio website.

posted by Heidi | 26.2.03

Tuesday, February 25, 2003

Praise God! Even better news about Al Kresta!

Today Al's Condition remains Critical. He remains in The Surgical Critical Care Unit.

However, by the grace of God and through your countless intercessions, Al continues to respond well to treatment.

Al has been removed from the ventilator, he is completely breathing on his own.
Al is no longer sedated. He remains on heavy pain killers and various other meds. He is more and more lucid.
Al has also been removed from the feeding tube. He is beginning to take food.

Al is making great progress. Please do not let up on the prayers. This time of trial is not over and we do not want to give an inch on the spiritual side of this battle.

As always, your intercessions on behalf of Al and his family are greatly appreciated.

And again, you can send your thoughts and prayers to Al and his family via the guestbook on the Ave Maria Radio website.

You can also send Al cards, etc., via regular mail to the following address:

Al Kresta
Ave Maria Communications
P.O. Box 504
Ann Arbor, MI 48106

posted by Heidi | 25.2.03

Monday, February 24, 2003

As of this morning, Al remains in critical condition. He is still responding to treatment, but the doctors are continuing to keep him sedated, and because of the sedation, he is on a respirator and is being fed through a feeding tube. Previous updates are below.

I'm keeping this page current as I find out news from family members, but you can also check the Ave Maria Communications website in the scrolling section under "News" for the latest releases.

Prayers are still very much needed. You may add your thoughts and prayers to a guestbook for Al and his family.

posted by Heidi | 24.2.03

Sunday, February 23, 2003

More good news! Al Kresta did not end up having to undergo kidney dialysis on Friday; the doctors are hoping it will not be necessary. He has also been taken off some of his medication as his condition has begun, very slowly, to stabilize. He is still not out of the woods; they can still use all the prayers they can get.

There have been some amazing stories in the midst of this...God's hand has definitely been upon it. Please continue to pray!

posted by Heidi | 23.2.03