If you’re the praying type, I have a request for you.

I hate to start a post like this by talking about myself, but I want to clear something up: I don’t subscribe to organized Christian religion but I do believe “someone” is out there and is listening and, yes, even cares. That’s why when stuff like this happens, I actually pray myself and very much appreciate it when others do, too. So:

This afternoon (Saturday), “Rupert” and I were at an engagement party for some friends of ours when his cell phone rang. It was his mom up in Illinois, and she told him bad news.

Rupert’s dad is named Joe, and he rides a motorcycle. He was riding it today when a [possibly] drunk driver car swerved into his lane and hit him head-on, and then apparently ran over him. (Updated to clarify the guy was NOT drunk.)

Joe was CareFlighted out to the hospital. I’ve gotten a few reports from Rupert’s aunt and the injuries include a possibly fractured pelvis, a possibly broken femur, a badly mangled foot/lower leg, and an as-yet-undefined brain injury. I don’t know if a skull fracture is involved but whatever the cause, he has intracranial bleeding on both sides of his brain, bad enough that they have already put him into a medically-induced coma and will be operating on his head tonight.

I just got back from taking Rupert to the airport so he’s on his way up there as we speak. I didn’t go with him because there wasn’t time for me to get coverage for my work and we have no one to keep the dogs because my parents are out of town; Rupert wanted me to hold down the fort here for now and go up there later, when Joe’s in in the recovery phase.

That’s all I know for now. Rupert will call me with a full report later tonight after he talks to the doctors, but from what his mom and aunt said, it’s a pretty serious situation. A coma is never a desirable state. Neither is having a fractured pelvis. Joe is a healthy guy and he’s only 56 so I know he’ll recover just fine and be back to his ornery self in no time, and believe me, the man is ORNERY, but the next few days and weeks are going to be a really rough time for him and his family.

Rupert’s mom needs prayers, too. She’s had a hard time the last few months because of Rupert’s call-up to the Army and now with his impending neck surgery. She worries a lot about her only child and it’s just been really hard for her. She and Joe were going to come down when Rupert has his surgery (which we expect to be week after next), and now obviously they won’t be able to, and well hell. I can’t imagine how very much more stressful and painful everything has gotten for her now and my heart really goes out to her. She’s a wonderful woman and she doesn’t deserve all of this worry.

Something inside me always screams aloud when things like this happen, telling me that even if prayers are never answered, I must try anyway, and if I have people to ask to do the same, I should. So here it is. I’m praying for Joe’s speedy, full, and incident-free recovery. Praying that he won’t be in too much pain when he wakes up from the coma. Praying that bad things stop happening to Rupert’s family.

And I doubt she’ll be doing it any time soon, but Rupert’s mom reads my blog and the comments, so if you have words of comfort for her, I know she’ll appreciate it when she gets the chance to see them. For the same reason, please no stories or anecdotes that would in any way increase her worry about this. And I know these people I’m talking about are complete strangers to you but somehow I don’t think it matters. I’m a stranger to you, too, and I tell you that the things you all said when Digger died last year and when Rupert was called up helped me get through those times.

In case you’d like to know what kind of man this is who I’m asking you to pray for: he’s worked in coal mines a good part of his life and he’s rough-n-tumble, yet he cried the most moving and heartfelt tears I’ve ever seen in my life at Rupert’s going-away-to-the-Army party. He’s funny and he’s makes the best fried eggs I’ve ever tasted and he loves his cat Forrest even though Forrest doesn’t deserve it because Forrest is evil. He shoots guns, and the motorcycle that is now ruined was a beautiful Harley with creamy-ivory pretty parts on it. (I don’t even like motorcycles but I wanted to lick that thing when I first beheld it.) He plays Wii with his 12-year-old niece and even when she kicks his ass, which she does, he has a good time. He told me the day I met him that he wanted me to marry his boy…so clearly he’s highly intelligent. I’m just saying. He’s loyal, generous, and I know beyond any doubt that he’d give his life for Rupert or anyone else he loves if he had to. His flaws are charming and piquant. His son is the love of my life.

I think I’ve made my point. Joe’s one of the good guys and that’s why even I, the agnostic, can’t help but pray for him with everything I have and to ask a few thousand people to do the same.

112 Comments


-Comments do not necessarily reflect the views of the blog owner.
  1. mixdup Says:

    My prayers are with Rupert and his family- and of course you.

  2. joeythelovesponge Says:

    Joe’s on the list…

  3. Steve Says:

    There’s some old saying, and I’ll mess it up - but it goes something like; Prayers are always answered, they just aren’t answered as we thought they might be. It sounds like the Docs have a good handle on things, but know a quick prayer for a speedy recovery has gone out.

  4. Frank Says:

    You got it Rachel. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Joe and all of you. I know it’ll be tough but keep us informed if you can. If we can help, just say the word.

    Hoping for the very best.

  5. Xenophon Says:

    Hi Rachel,

    Never posted a comment, but I read you all the time. Praying for Joe:

    …and the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up, and if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven him.

    James 5:15

  6. John the Baptist Says:

    Rachel - Consider it done, and this request will be passed along to some good folks I know. Prayers for you as well, I know first hand how difficult long-range family concerns like this are for you.

    He sounds like my kind of man, down to earth, good, honest, blue collar worker, who lives and works not for his own aggrandizement, but to put food on the table and care for his kin. I do pray that God has mercy on him and his family, that his body and mind are healed, and that all the anxieties of friends and family are eased throughout the long process this will take.

  7. rebecca Says:

    Rachel my husband and I will pray with all our hearts for Joe, Rupert’s Mom, and for you & Rupert. My heart is so heavy reading this, I really am sorry.

  8. rickl Says:

    I’m not much for praying, but he’ll be in my thoughts, for whatever that’s worth.

  9. George S. Says:

    Rachel,
    Rupert, his dad & mom, and you are in my prayers tonight. God speed to all of you.

  10. Redhead Infidel Says:

    Joe sounds like a wonderful man - seems like he really wants to be a father-in-law, and maybe even a grandpa (someday???). Hey - strange things are happening in these here parts, so who knows these days? ;)

    I sincerely wish Rupert’s daddy a speedy and uncomplicated recovery. He sounds like a robust man and a fighter - someone to be greatly admired and loved (which he obviously is). Extra love to Rupert and his mom as they get through this latest crisis.

  11. Kyle Says:

    Rachel,
    He sounds like an outstanding guy.

    Seems hes getting top shelf care, as long as everything goes well with the brain injury I’m sure everything will be ok. The next 12 hours are the worst. The foot-leg-pelvis recovery will suck (broke my pelvis 3 years ago) but as long as everything goes well with the head trauma all will be well. He young, and if he was a coal miner hes in good shape. So hes got alot of positives going into it.

    My family will keep yours in our prayers.
    Please keep us updated.

  12. Annie Says:

    You got it, Rachel.

    Side note: My dad is 77 and took a spill from his Harley last summer when a lady hit him. His bike skidded under and got mangled. My dad got cartwheeled over the top and bounced on the pavement behind. He had an assortment of broken bones and a fractured skull.
    Today he’s just as spry as ever and back to riding.
    I’m hoping for the same outcome for your Joe. Keep us posted!

  13. Adam Lawson Says:

    Keep us updated. Of course we’ll all pray for him. I hope everything turns out all right. He sounds like a great guy.

  14. Erbo Says:

    I’m still sorting out my own religious beliefs, but I, like you, am now convinced that there is a God and He does care what happens to us.

    So, God, if You’re listening, help Joe out; he’s one of the good ones. Give a little “nudge” to his doctors, help them fix him back up. We need more people like him. I know this is kinda informal, but I still need to learn how to best get a call through to You. So forgive my ignorance, and just help Joe out. Thanks in advance.

  15. daddyquatro Says:

    My heart goes out to Joe, Rupert, Rupert’s Mom and you. You have our prayers.
    -D4 and family.

  16. JohnW Says:

    You will all be in my prayers tonight. Never doubt.

  17. The WIZARD, fkap Says:

    Our prayers are with you all……

  18. JT Says:

    You’re all in my prayers.

    We pray, O God of hope,
    for all families
    whose lives are torn and disrupted.
    Strengthen them to seek help.
    Bless them with the power of your love,
    which imparts transformation and wholeness
    to those who trust in your name.
    Grant that as they walk this tortured road,
    they may journey together
    and bound close in the bond of love.
    Amen.

  19. Lance Salyers Says:

    Done.

  20. Kurt Duncan Says:

    You got it.

  21. Haverwilde Says:

    I read your blog just moments after I sent out an email. In the email I was thanking the many people that prayed for my granddaughter. (She spent the first four months of her life in various hospitals. She is completely cured, and is a delight.) After being the beneficiary of massive prayers it is only fitting that I now have someone to pray for. I have been blessed, and I am praying that you, Rupert, Rupert’s mother, and most of all his father are blessed by the healing power of God.

  22. Judi/Sister HB Says:

    Absolutely praying for all of you.

  23. Erin Says:

    My family and I will be praying for all of you tonight and in the days to come.

  24. Evil Twin's Wife Says:

    I’m so sorry - prayers going out to you all.

    Our son was born 12 weeks premature (2lbs, 5oz) and wasn’t expected to live, much less thrive. We had friends and family from ALL faiths praying on his and our behalves and I’m hear to tell you, he is a happy & healthy 10 year old with no complications. Prayer is powerful, no matter what faith (or even none).

  25. Bill (Mamba1-0) Says:

    Know that prayers are going up from here, too. And if there’s anything we can do, just give a shout.

  26. Sharon Says:

    I don’t have any words that can possibly be of any more help than what everyone else has already written, but please know that all of you will be in my prayers.

  27. Jennifer Says:

    Rachel,
    I will life him up in prayer. I just went through a similar situation and although my prayers were not answered as I had hoped, I do believe they were answered. I just lost my 37 year old Cousin in a motorcycle accident. He was in a coma and ended up being brain dead. However, we were able to donate 8 of his organs and give new life to 7 people who’s prayers were answered.

    I will keep you family in my prayers. We can’t begin to understand these things, but we have to trust in Him.

  28. Dee G Says:

    Consider it done.

    FWIW, my 85-year-old great uncle two years ago suffered a similar smash-up car accident, which involved several operations, medically-induced comas to reduce brain swelling, fractured bones, and the like. He came through, and is back to doing his own thing which includes playing guitar and rolling on the floor with his great-granddaughter Maggie.

    Best advice I can give is to send best wishes by non-telephonic means (ornery men get even more so in hospitals and hate visitors seeing them vulnerable; phone calls can interrupt fitful sleep that may not be easy to come by). Rupert’s mother will also need a ton of support (just dealing with the driving alone and scheduling medical reports can be overwhelming). If you can create a central place for her where his medical information and details can be kept and easily accessed, that can be a godsend; trying to remember all of the details regarding medications, timelines, surgeries, body part names, nurse’s names can get overwhelming.

    Hoping for the best…

  29. doubletrouble Says:

    Done deal kiddo.

    FWIW- I had a good friend in a MC accident four years ago after which they also put him in an induced coma- we all thought he was done.

    He just stopped by the other day on his Harley.

    God Bless you, “Rupert”, & the family.
    We’re ALL pullin’ for ya…

  30. Gravypan Says:

    Done.

    Hoping for the best for Rupert’s dad.

  31. Paul J Says:

    Rachel,

    I will be praying for Rubert’s dad, mother, Rubert and you.

  32. UncleSamWifey Says:

    Done.

  33. Shannon in AZ Says:

    I hope all turns out for the better for you, “Rupert” and his family. Such an incident is never easy to bear and I know we’re glad to help bear it with you.

  34. Sharkman Says:

    My prayers are with you all. Please be at peace in your heart and mind, Rachel.

  35. Dawnsblood Says:

    My best to all of you Rachel. I will pray and and ask others to do the same. Not to sound pushy or anything but God loves us all, even those who are ummm unsure :)

  36. Robyn Says:

    Consider it done Rachel. Me and my hubby will be praying for him. I will ask my Mom to have her church pray for him, and I will ask the people I work with (I work at a Jewish temple) to pray for him as well. If you need anything please don’t hesitate to ask. Take care and God bless.

  37. Jeffro Says:

    I am convinced that prayer works. There were a lot of people praying for me when I had open heart surgery, and I’m still here and kicking. Lots don’t make it. I’ve prayed for several bloggers who’s future was very tenuous, and the support from so many people seems to have worked.

    So, I’m more than happy to answer your call. Prayers for Rupert’s family (plus Rupert and you) are on the way.

  38. Jenn Says:

    Hey Rachel,
    Of course He-Who-Brought-Us-Rupert is in our prayers. I think, however, that God is very good - if Rupert hadn’t needed his surgery, he wouldn’t be here for his mom and dad - and you.

    God is already holding you in the palm of His/Her hand - just trust and believe.

    Mrs. Rupert’s Mom - Joe will be ok. God’s got His/Her eye on each of you, and it sounds like Joe is a delight to God and to all those he (Joe) loves.

    Be good to yourselves.

  39. Maggie45 Says:

    The whole family, and you of course, are in my prayers, now, and daily from now on. As are Joe’s doctors, that God may guide them.

  40. Anne Says:

    How our lives can change in a moment. It’s mind-boggling. I can only imagine how difficult the waiting is and how slowly time passes.

    Rupert, his dad, mom, and you will be in my prayers. I’ll pray for healing for Joe and strength and peace for the whole family. I’ll even pray that Forrest reforms his evil ways so that when Joe comes home he’ll have a bundle of fur to scritch under the chin.

    Remind everyone (you included) to take care of themselves. No one benefits when the caretakers make themselves sick as well.

    I hope good updates are on the way.

  41. Sluggo Says:

    Time for a little spiritual warfare….prayers from the land of blowing sand & dust are on the way. Be strong Joe!

  42. edward Says:

    God, the Father of Jesus Christ does indeed hear prayer. I pray for peace and health for Joe, Rupert’s mom, Rupert and yourself. May these words find a place in your hearts:

    “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

  43. Dawnsblood Says:

    Rachel I apologize if it upsets you, but I put your request on Free Republic here. My best to you!

  44. Jeff Bonwick Says:

    Done.

    Something to keep in mind: a few years ago, my dad suffered a concussion and was knocked unconscious. He was about 70 at the time. We got him to the hospital quickly, and it was several hours before he came to. When he did, he was confused and frightened at first because his memory wasn’t working quite right. That is normal. But over the next couple of days — after he rebooted, if you will — he got better and better and was soon fully back to 100%. Still is today.

    We are tough creatures, Rachel. Every one of us is the child of 1,000 generations of ancestors who were healthy enough and resourceful enough to reach adulthood and bear healthy children. Each one of us is here because our ancestors won the cosmic lottery 1,000 times in a row.

    Here’s to 1,001.

  45. another joe Says:

    A prayer from an anonymous crush.

  46. Some Guy Says:

    After your Firefly posts, I’m pretty jealous of this Rupert guy, but I will indeed say a prayer for you and Rupert’s family.

  47. Bad Penny Says:

    Done and done; prayers said.

  48. Rob F Says:

    I’ll be praying for him and the rest of you, too.

    Get well soon, Joe. And hugs to you, Joe’s wife, and the rest of his family.

  49. Heather Says:

    Prayers from my family to yours.

    Sometimes I truly believe my Becca has God’s ear; she loves reading your posts so I know she will be praying with all her little might at mass in the morning. She’ll probably also put you in her prayer circle at religion classes.

    My hub was in a horrible snowmobile accident March 10th. He shattered his femur, rattled his brain and lost 1/2 his blood volume. It was touch and go for the first couple of days, and the now three-month recovery hasn’t always been pleasant, but he’s still gimping about and wisely listening to my sage advice (garnered from the best doctors our area has to offer) on the best mechanisms for continuing to progress toward a full recovery.
    The hardest part of dealing with the ornery ones is keeping them *down* so they can continue to heal after they start feeling better — and restless!

    [hugs]

  50. ethne Says:

    My thoughts and prayers are for Joe and his family and of course, you. It’s hard being the one waiting for the phone calls alone. May whatever supreme being there be - be watching over all over you.

  51. daddyquatro Says:

    Holy crap!
    I recalled the words, but had to look it up.
    James Chapter 5
    [13] Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.
    [14] Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:
    [15] And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
    [16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

    I’d only add the PC amendment “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous person

  52. gd Says:

    You got it. Will be praying for Joe, Mrs. Joe, Rupert, and you. May God bestow His tender mercy upon all of you.

  53. Ess Says:

    Have been on the same spiritual boat as you…but it is done, we are here for you, rooting for you with all our hearts, minds and spirits…

  54. BigEZ Says:

    Done, and will do again.

  55. gc Says:

    Dear Rupert’s Mom (& Rachel & Rupert)

    A friend of mine the same age endured much the same exact type accident approximately a year ago~~ the extent of injuries is almost identical including the medically induced coma & the intercranial bleeding, crushed pelvis, femur, etc.

    He is also very onery & it was a very long, difficult recovery. It doesn’t happen overnight. But it does happen.

    He’s home & he’s back to full time onery-ness.

    It does happen. One of the things this guy had going for him, like Joe, is a lot of friends & family & people praying in whatever way they chose to pray.

    It does happen. You’ve got my prayers.

  56. Jaymie Says:

    Oh, Rachel. My heart goes out to all of you. I am praying for Joe and Mrs. Joe, and for Rupert and for you.

  57. Ted Says:

    I prayed for Joe and the family. As well as I know how.

  58. Pam Maltzman Says:

    I’m not the praying type, but I’m sending best wishes for all of you…

  59. Curt R Says:

    done

  60. Denise Says:

    Oh, Rachel, don’t worry. Prayers are going up all over the country for Joe, as well as for not Rupert, not Rupert’s mom, and for you. I know you all are worried, as anyone would be. We’ll also be praying for Joe’s doctors and nurses, that God will give them special abilities where he is concerned. If there’s anything else we can do, just let us know. You have a huge family that is ready and willing to help you.

  61. Morris Says:

    Done.

  62. fozzy Says:

    No atheists in a foxhole… we are all praying for you.

  63. Michellecag Says:

    All of you are in my prayers and my mom reads your blog too so she’ll get a whole heck of a lot more prayin’ people on it. *major hugs*

  64. Ratherread Says:

    One of my favorite books ever is Rumer Godden’s In This House of Brede. In that book, Dame Philipa, the main character tells another that: “Prayer is a force - and it’s strong” I’ve felt the strength of prayer several times in my life. I will pray for Rupert’s dad, his family, and for you too. And the dogs - mustn’t forget the dogs.

  65. Cloudfish Says:

    I, like you, Rachl, don’t subscribe to organized religion. I really hope there’s something out there and think of it often, but….

    I do, however corny it may sound, try to send good thoughts to people I love and those I know in need. When I read this my heart went out to you all. As a Life Flight pilot myself I see quite a bit of tragedy on a regular basis. You have to get a bit jaded after a while to handle it. You brought it back home. I really, really hope everything goes well for your family.

  66. Mata Hari Says:

    My mind and heart are w/ you & Rupert, Joe and his wife.

    May this time of ordeal make you stronger, pull you even closer together and may Joe strive in this battle he is fighting.

    May the Great Doctor’s breath be laid upon the doctors, may they be inspired to heal, cure and protect.

    May Virgin Mary’s bosom take Joe’s wife and sooth her Spirit, releasing her from anguish.

    for I wish you all nothing other than the most desirable of outcomes.

  67. Jamie Says:

    I am so deeply sad to hear this. My heartfelt prayers are most definetley going out to him and ya’ll as his family. He and his wife sound like top notch folks. Lots of love to you all!

  68. hindmost Says:

    Absolutely, Rachel…

  69. felicity Says:

    Left the screen up last night to the previous thread. Left a silly quip there and hit the banner thinking, “Now perhaps Rachel has told us what she’s been up to that’s made her so quiet . . . ”

    I’m praying for Joe’s speedy, full, and incident-free recovery. Praying that he won’t be in too much pain when he wakes up from the coma. Praying that bad things stop happening to Rupert’s family.

    Okay, girl — us too!

  70. Susan Says:

    Will pray!

  71. MargeinMI Says:

    Heart going out to them, prayers going up to Him.

  72. ZK Says:

    One prayer, comin’ up. :)

  73. jae Says:

    Praying here, too. One of my friend’s parents were in a similar accident on a bike around two months ago. Mom was in a similar induced coma and her progress has been amazing. There is always hope.

  74. lis Says:

    Your family has my prayers. I can’t imagine the emotional trauma your MIL is going through right now.

    I wish you all strength and health.

  75. chucky Says:

    I pray that Joe makes a complete recovery soon.

    I pray that as his body gets stronger, so may his spirit and soul be likewise strenghthened, and those of his family.

    I pray that the difficulties in Rupert’s life serve to make him stronger, and that he not define himself by misfortune, but by the strength he gains in overcoming these trying times.

    I pray that the world has more people like you. God knows, we need that.

  76. jodie73 Says:

    Along with everyone else here, I’m wishing Joe a speedy recovery.

    And remember, we all hoped and prayed that Rupert would be returned to you safely and that worked. We even got him home early for you. We’ll see Joe back to good health and we’ll see Rupert through his coming surgery. We’re that good.

    In all seriousness, my thoughts and best wishes are with you and Rupert, as well as Rupert’s mother and family.

  77. Chris from Racine Says:

    Joe sounds like my kind of guy, and the kind of guy to beat this and come out stronger. Prayers to Momma Rupert, and all y’all. Please keep us updated.

  78. marla Says:

    You got it, Rachel. And thanks for asking - I can’t afford to hit the tip jar to thank you for the niche you fill in my life, but I can hit the prayer jar in abundance, unending, and I sure do mean to.

  79. og Says:

    Spoke with The Man this very morning. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  80. Page Says:

    Rachel,

    Just did, and will continue to do so.

  81. rhett Says:

    Your pa-in-law to be is on the list.

  82. Sluf Says:

    We’ll add our prayers to the growing list. Speedy recover to Joe, some peace of mind for Rupert’s family (including you), and an easy and safe surgery for Rupert as well.

    Sluf and family

  83. Margaret Says:

    Praying for Joe’s recovery to good health, and for peace and comfort to Joe as well as to all of you who love him.

  84. Donna G Says:

    You’re all in my thoughts. Heal quickly and well, Joe … and the rest of the Rupert/Rachl family.

  85. Dougman Says:

    I’m praying for you all and thanking the Lord for guiding the surgeon’s hands in the operating room.

    America is and has the Best care givers ever.

  86. BT in SA Says:

    Of course we will keep Joe, Rupert’s Mom, Rupert, and you, too, Rachel, in our prayers. You just let us know if there is MORE that we can all do for you.

    Damn, Rachel, if I was there I’d be babysitting your two Kids for you - and I can type pretty fast, not the 120 WPM I used to be able to do, but still… If we were in the States, Rachel, I’d be right there to cover your job for you too. I used to do transcription for a psychiatrist, so I just know I could do it… Big hugs from Saudi, Rachel. Hang in there!

  87. Equus Pallidus Says:

    My Prayers are with the whole family. I don’t know you, and I care. You are correct there is someone “up there” that not only cares, but loves you all very much.

    May God heal your heart and give you and the family peace, no matter what is to come.

  88. Instinct Says:

    Rachel, everyone who knows me knows that I’m not the praying type.

    I’m making an exception in this case. My prayers and wishes for Rupert, yourself and his parents.

  89. Charybdis E Scylla Says:

    I find it helps to be specific in what you pray for. So, I’ll be praying for peace, comfort and strength for all of you. In addition to praying for healing and safety for Joe, I’ll also pray for wisdom and insight for the doctors and nurses providing his care.

  90. tibby Says:

    Consider it done. He’s on th list at church too.

  91. chickia Says:

    Praying for a speedy & full recovery

  92. cranky Says:

    May God bless and keep Joe and Rupert’s Mom and Rupert and Rachel close to His heart and heal the hurts quickly and completely.

  93. Shane Says:

    Ergo - prayers don’t have to be formal, God loves you so much he’s just happy when you phone home.

    Rachel - I’ve phoned home for you, Rupert, Joe, his family, and the incredibly skilled people who will be tending to Joe’s recovery. And I’ll continue to do so until further notice.

    Shane

  94. Peter Says:

    Rachel,

    Joe, You, Rupert, and Rupert’s mother will be in my prayers. God is able not only to heal the body, and to bring comfort to the hurting.

    I also pray that God would honor your quest for understanding and reveal Truth to you.

    God bless you all.

  95. Shannon in Fl Says:

    I am praying for you all. Stay strong.

  96. Jason Says:

    Will pray for Joe and you.

  97. Dr. Feelgood Says:

    Caught this late, but I’m praying for Joe and his wife, in addition to Rupert and you. May God’s strength carry you all through this difficult time, and may His great love draw you ever closer to each other as He calls you nearer to Himself.

    Please, Father God, bless this family and grant speedy healing and full recovery to Joe in Your majestic and sovereign Name.

  98. Jeff Setaro Says:

    Rachel, I lost dear friend a few days so my heart goes out to you, Rupert, Joe and his wife. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

  99. pete in Midland Says:

    sorry for the delayed response … storm took out our power and phone lines.

    “Rupert” … please pass along best wishes for a speedy recovery from those of us in the biking community. Many/most of us know how dangerous it is out there even without the drunks, and we all make time to spare a thought for our injured fellow riders and offer up a prayer or three. Wishes for strength for you, your mother and Wachel as well!

  100. B....... Says:

    My Wife put Joe on her church’s prayer list (Southern Baptist - but it can’t hurt).

  101. disgruntled Says:

    Best wishes and a prayer or 3.

    Drunk drivers suck. So sorry.

  102. Vivian Says:

    Many prayers being said.

  103. Tuerqas Says:

    My prayers are sent…will be rinsed and repeated again this evening and anon. God may see things differently, but we’ll all just send him the shortbus for a quick trip to Joes’ bedside.

  104. Davy Says:

    Rachel,
    Roger, Wil-Co! Rupert, and his parents will join you on my prayer list.

  105. Erin_Coda Says:

    May God bless Joe and bring him a full, speedy, and complication-free recovery;

    May his wife be gifted with the strength, courage, and love of good friends to get her through this difficult time,

    May God bestow the best of compassion, technique, skill, and wisdom on all of Joe’s caretakers,

    And may He uphold in grace all who love Joe.

    In Jesus’s name, Amen.

  106. Thomas Says:

    Done: You will all be in my prayers.

  107. Gayle Miller Says:

    I’m perhaps a tad late to this, but nonetheless, my prayer will be with all of you through this frightening and stressful time!

  108. maxxdog Says:

    That I can and will do!

  109. Chuck in Michigan Says:

    I’ll be praying Rachel.

  110. Larry Says:

    Dear Lord,
    Have mercy on Joe.
    Have none for the jackass that hit him.
    Amen.

  111. SoCalOilMan Says:

    I’m just another Rottie that dropped by after reading about your Father-in-law. My prayers are with you and your family.

    I’ve read that the latest prognosis is slightly better than the original post. Joe sounds like a guy that going to tell the doctors hurry up, “I gotta get my new bike before they jack up the price again”.

    Joe’s wife, sounds like you’re with a hell of a man. May you enjoy many, many more years together.

  112. Mrs. Who Says:

    Lord Jesus, our Saviour and our brother,
    listen to our prayer and look with love on Joe.
    Visit him in this time of suffering
    and fill him with the gifts of your Spirit,
    that he may have the courage to carry your cross,
    the strength to believe in your love,
    and the faith to persevere in hope and prayer.
    Restore his strength
    and bring him back to full health.

    Lord Jesus, unite our prayer to your own,
    and present it to God most high.
    To God be glory and praise for ever and ever.

    Amen.