Darryl Stallings Update
Click on Title of Song to Play Each Track
Thread of Hope (recorded by Jeff Emmerich, written by Gloria Emmerich) Jesus in the Middle (recorded by Darryl Stallings, written by Gloria Emmerich) There is Nothing I Can Do (recorded by Darryl Stallings, written by Gloria Emmerich) In God's Hands (recorded by Darryl Stallings, written by Gloria Emmerich)
CURRENT UPDATE Sept 15
Another trip to Greenville behind us, Praise ye the Lord. The trip was great, Darryl had very little pain! The x-ray looked great, he goes back in 3 weeks for his next checkup. The doctor is very pleased with his progression. Darryl has gotten so much stronger over the last 2 weeks! He no longer uses the walker. He asked the doctor about lifting some light weight dumbbells to try to tone his arms. I guess I will join him since I haven't been using my muscles much either...We should be quite the pair, well we already are...! Thanks for your continued prayers!!! We are so grateful for the love of God you all have shown us. We love each of you.
Wanda :)
Sept. 9
Darryl is doing well, due to so many people praying! I truly believe that. He is adjusting to walking without his walker. He is not totally without it but he is not using near as often. He has stepped down the type of medicine he is taking and he is in good spirits. He goes back to the Dr. on Tues, Sept. 15th. We are expecting a great report. We are going to try to make it to church on Sunday!! God has really taken care of every detail. Thanks for each of you being used by Him!! We are so grateful. Also, thanks to everyone who had any part in the fundraiser this past Sat. How can people go through something like this and not know the Lord?...I am so glad I have had Him to lean on! Thanks for your continued prayers. Love each of you.
Sat. Sept 5
Darryl's new goal is to be mostly without his walker in 2 weeks, with the Doctor saying it is OK. He is experiencing pain with doing this but feels he can work through it. He is taking it easy for the most part. His spirits are great. The doctor did give him a good report and did say it would be 12 weeks in the brace. We just pray he continues to improve the way things are going. People every day are still sending cards to let us know they are praying and we are thankful for that!! What a blessing you all have been. Fellowship Baptist is doing a fundraiser for us at Powell's Point - thanks Eddie Jo for heading this up. We serve a God that is concerned about details, all details. He is awesome! He is able to do exceeding, abundantly more than we can think or imagine through you, His servants. We are so blessed. Again, we love each of you and thanks again for lifting us up to our Father.
SEPT. 1
Darryl went for another x-ray today. It looked great. We got to have a look at it this time...you could see a piece of bone that was out of place in a couple of places and you could definitely tell there had been an injury; however, the alignment was perfect! He is going to try to start weaning himself from using his walker at home, not ready for this completely. He still feels a lot of pressure when he lets go and stands without any support for long. He wants to do what he can to help with his healing - pushing himself to sit more, walk more, etc., but is smart to not over-do-it!
Most of you know Darryl through the playhouse but don't really know our family. Well, we are very blessed as a family. We are a very close family which I am thankful for or this ordeal would have been a lot more difficult. Our kids are terrific and have been such a great help to us through this. We have grown closer because of the ordeal. We pray together more. The kids have seen how God has worked and all of our faith has increased. We have seen God touch so many hearts to bless us and we know that each one will be blessed in return! Homeschooling started back last week so Darryl has gotten to see us in action more than usual and has helped out some. The kids take turns reading the Bible mornings to Darryl. All of this, as hectic as it has been, has been an eye-opener for me. I have become more organized in my house and with my time. At first the days just went by, not sure how I got through them but I just knew I slept good at night, or when Darryl slept. As with all of us, when we start our day in the Word the rest of the day falls in place. We are so thankful to all of you who continue to hold us up in prayer! We love each of you.
God bless. Wanda :)
August 27, 2009
The following email came from Wanda just this evening.
Hey. Life is still crazy! I got my hair cut short! With the natural curl it is easier, I started school this week with the kids and Darryl is still not sleeping at night...I have a new baby in the house. LOL. Seriously, we are good, just still adjusting to things. Darryl's spirits are great, he is a great patient! His pain level is still low. He is sitting at meals now and is up, just as much as he can be without hurting. He is getting a little stir crazy being in the house now. I have been out of the house with him twice to run short errands. We go back on Tuesday for another x-ray. We are praying that it is great! Thanks, thanks, thanks for all the support through prayer, cards, food, donations, thoughts and e-mails! We are so blessed. God can do so much more than we can EVER think or imagine. I am so thankful Jeff took on this project for us - I still read the e-mails we got when we were in the hospital!
We love all of you. Wanda :)
August 23, 2009
Dear Friends,
I just spoke with both Darryl and Wanda and they are very encouraged. Good friends of the theatre (the Madisons) from Norfolk drove all the way to Tyner to deliver Sunday dinner and had just left. Darryl said, "I'm amazed at the compassion of people...the calls, cards, goodies, meals, financial help...everything. Everyone is showing such kindness." Isn't that the way it should be!!
I didn’t know it but Darryl had completely lost his appetite until about the middle of last week. But, it’s back! He said he likes to get out of bed to eat. He’s got to wear the brace to get up and it is tight so it makes him feel full faster. He’s hoping to keep the weight off he has lost since the accident…always a bonus but what a price he paid.
Darryl is now sleeping better and going a little crazy being confined to the house. The trip to Greenville on Tuesday was L O N G…but, worth it to get the good report from the doctor. He wanted to get out of the house again on Friday so he “braced up” and made a trip down the road to get a haircut. It is always a little painful to make the slow walk to the car with the walker, get in the car, and deal with the bumps in the road, but he got his hair cut and felt good after that second venture out of the house.
He is walking better with the walker too and reported that it isn’t nearly as painful to lift it when making corners as it was just a few days ago. He is also able to lean over a bit when shaving which is also a sign of slow but steady improvement. The pain he experiences now is not as much from the lower back as it is pain radiating down from his right hip. Again, we know how to pray specifically so let’s all continue to pray for that particular pain.
Darryl said he is “listening” to his body and can tell when to quit any given activity. He’s making himself sit more and more so he’ll be able to take those trips in the car more frequently. He feels stronger each day…little by little…stronger.
Keep praying friends. Do you sense God is at work? Praise the Lord!
Jeff
August 21, 2009 Dear Friends,
"Folks have been so nice." That's what Darryl just told me on the phone. Food is still coming to them and they are so grateful. Some people are even bringing it down from Virginia. Isn't that terrific?!! Please keep it up. Monetary donations continue as well. There are several fund raisers happening. Fellowship Baptist in Moyock is even putting pictures of "Durryl" on sausage biscuits and selling them to raise money on Sunday mornings. Folks have stopped by with gifts and cards and the Stallings are very, very grateful to you and the Lord for provision.
Darryl made me laugh when he said, "My testimony is up to date." What truth there is in that one. He is beginning to feel inspired to write new music and has even started writing some skit material (based on the lighter side of his recent adventure) for the Christmas concert. I can only imagine that the 2009 Step of Faith Christmas Concert is going to be amazing...AND SOLD OUT!! Can't wait for tickets to go on sale!! Anyway, Darryl is rarely taking medicine for pain these days and is getting up more and more during the day. He uses a walker of course but movement is necessary to the healing process. The doctor in Greenville said he was not "out of the woods" which means that things in his lower back could potentially "shift" and problems could arise...so PLEASE keep praying. Darryl is not there yet and we don't want to leave the job half finished! I'll continue to update as I get word.
August 18, 2009 Hello! A big day is behind us. We took our first of many trips to Greenville for an
x-ray. The doctor was very pleased with what he saw! The bones have remained in place! He did say that Darryl was not out of the woods by a long shot yet. He will have to go back every two weeks to be checked. He has not been able to sit, and he’s just so uncomfortable. Well, with the hour and 40 minute ride he was in a lot of pain when we got there. The pain meds he has been on are making him nauseous so the doctor prescribed him something else. Praise God, he has not taken much medication for pain, though today it would have been nice to have had some in his system for the ride. On the way home, we stopped every 20 - 30 minutes to let him stretch his legs, we had no time limit to be home so we just took our time. Home looked really good to him today and he had a good afternoon nap.
It has just starting to sink in with Darryl all that people have done and their genuine concern and he/we are overwhelmed. He and Jeff had a good cry on the phone the other night. We are totally in awe at all the people and ways that God has used to bless us. Don't think you haven't done anything...any prayer said does not return void! God hears them all and we feel your prayers. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for allowing yourselves to be used by God! We love each of you. Wanda :) August 14, 2009
Friends,
Wanda has written a really great email below. Also, we are working on holding a benefit concert for Darryl and his family at the Rocky Hock Playhouse...SOON. Nothing is finalized yet...but, we certainly hope to pack the place out. We'll keep you posted regarding details. Here is the report Wanda sent just a few minutes ago:
"Darryl is resting. I gave him different meds before he went to bed last night...didn't think anything about it, it is something for pain/help him relax. He did not sleep...not hurting bad, just couldn't get settled down. He has rested well today. We will stick with what we know works tonight, I like to get some sleep at night! He got up this a.m. and walked around the den, still cannot be up for long - he has a full beard...he hoped again to shave today. I reassured him it was no rush. The only thing we want is for his back to heal completely!! His pain level has been low. He seldom takes anything for pain, just at night before he goes to bed, to help him relax and I do give him his spasm med. on time, just in case...
The e-mails have been such a blessing and the cards that we get from so many of you who know Darryl because of the RHP! They are so uplifting to Darryl! I read each word to him. That was super of Jeff and Gloria to do for him. Continue to remember us in your prayers, especially on Tuesday! We have to go to Greenville, that is a prayer in itself, traveling with a bad back! His first x-ray to check on his healing is on Tuesday. We will be relieved to see that. We really feel like it will be fine. Thanks for being so faithful and for representing the body of Christ by pulling together and being a blessing to our family. We love you all. Wanda :)
August 13, 2009
I just spoke with Wanda, and Darryl's pain is less...but the spasms in his legs and back are not. Now we know how to pray. He is resting better and I also talked to Nathaniel for a minute. He too sounded more alert and happy. God is good. I've asked Wanda to write an update herself today if possible. She could not get online yesterday. I don't like to pressure her. More soon.
Jeff E.
August 10, 2009
When I spoke with Wanda this afternoon she sounded less tired. But, she didn't tell me about Nathaniel (read below). Of course being an old softy...I "teared up" thinking about him because I've watching him grow from a tiny fellow who could play the drums practically before he could talk...to a very intelligent and spiritual young man. Nathaniel is what you call "passionate." He does everything with all his heart...and that includes loving his daddy. Now my prayer is that the Lord will heal Darryl twice as fast...so Nathaniel can have his dad back. There are so many angles to all of this. I've encouraged Wanda to keep sending us updates. She mentions your uplifting emails. Please, please keep sending them. Again, the Stallings direct email addresses is: stallingsr4@net-change.com
Here is today's update directly from Wanda:
"We had a good night and most of the day was good. About 7:30 the spasms started...he is lying flat with a heating pad under his hip, trying to get some relief! A lady told him about pickle juice, I just emptied my jar of juice and he ate a lot of pickles - that was his supper...his choice.
Nathaniel is starting to act differently. He can't be his old self with Darryl and has to be quiet at times and I can't spend as much time with him. I reassure him it will get better and things will be somewhat back to normal soon. He knows God hears and answers prayers. Just continue to keep us lifted in prayer and these spasms will get a hold of the devil and not my sweet man. The e-mails are sooooo helpful to me and to Darryl and the kids!!! So good to hear from so many of you. We truly feel loved. Thanks." Wanda
August 9, 2009
Many of you have continued to write Gloria and me with personal notes and we really appreciate it. Thank you. And, I know some of you are mildly unhappy with us for not doing a better job getting these reports posted on our website. We do apologize from the bottom of our hearts. I have to confess that I am not able to actually post these notes myself and must rely on our assistant to do it. Lisa is leaving us a week from today after being with us for nine years and we are training in her replacement. Some things went wrong yesterday and the "glitch" happened on our website. We'll work hard to do better. Promise. I know you are counting on us for current information.
I spoke with Wanda earlier today and the report was, frankly, not good. I asked Wanda to begin writing daily reports that we could post for her. She will do her best. The email I've copied below came to us at 7:30 this evening. We all want Darryl's pain to stop. And, we all wish we could turn back the clock and somehow keep any of this from happening. But, it just doesn't work that way. The Stallings are honest in every way and after Wanda told me about Darryl's condition I asked her to be very straightforward in reporting his current situation. She has done that below...and, it helps us know how to pray.
When she mentioned that she would be going to pick up more medicine I was reminded again at how devastating this whole thing is for the Stallings. Their ongoing medical and personal expenses are going to be astronomical. We can talk politics all day long...health care...is it good or bad...is the system broken...what to do... knows the answers? I believe in the end I prefer the bible way...basically, if a brother is in need we jump in and help! The proverbial shoe may be on the other foot some day and we would want others to do the same for us.
Thanks to each of you who have written that you are going to help the Stallings with food. You know this is NOT a time that Wanda needs to be worrying about shopping and fixing meals. She has plenty on her hands. Below is the message Wanda sent for all of you to read:
Hey. Sorry it has taken me so long to get this to you. Darryl has been in so much pain since 8am. His plan was to get up and get shaven, stroll around the den with his new best friend-LOL- his back brace. I got in touch with the Dr. on call and he called in another spasm medication. That med. was taken at 4pm and he hasn't had a lot of relief. He wants to get up but is afraid his legs will give out on him. It seems to be like a charliehorse, you have the cramp and then the muscle is left very sore. He has been log rolled, pillows under his legs, more pillows, pillows taken out...anything to try and get some comfort. It is so hard to watch someone you love in so much pain. We know lots and lots of prayers are still being lifted up for Darryl and we are thankful for EACH one gone forth and for those still going up on his behalf. I really hoped and prayed each day would be easier and we would see some kind of improvement, but I am believing tomorrow is a brand new day for the Lord to work! Please keep praying. Wanda
August 8, 2009
Sorry we did not get any information to you earlier today. We had a long (but grand) day at the theatre and didn't get back home till midnight. However, I spoke with Wanda after I posted the update last night and left the conversation somewhat concerned at how tired she sounded. Pray for her as she is worried at having to be THE nurse now. I thought of how hard it is to bring that first baby home from the hospital when you are new parents. (The..."oh my goodness I can't do this by myself" feeling... You've been there.) But, Wanda is well able to care for Darryl and we just need to keep encouraging them. You can write them directly at: stallingsr4@net-change.com. I am positive that Wanda will need something to do to fill the hours while Darryl rests. Communicating with each of you will help tremendously!!
Also, may I suggest that if you live anywhere near the Stallings you give Wanda a call and schedule a trip to their house so you can take food by? I know their church in Moyock is working on this...but, that is a 50 minute drive from Tyner and it isn't likely that a lot of people are going to be able to make the trip. I'm not saying they don't WANT to...it is just the logistics. The Stallings phone number is: 252.297.2135. I remember when Gloria had her surgery last year. It was the single greatest blessing to us when so many wonderful folks came by with ANYTHING to eat. It helped keep me out of the kitchen and close to Gloria's side.
The one thing I can report is that Darryl was so relaxed yesterday evening (due to the medication) he evidently woke up and in his "slumber" got a little confused and rolled out of bed. Wanda went in the bedroom and found him on all fours on the floor. She said it wasn't "that hard" getting him up...but, I can't imagine what it took given the ordeal I know it is to get him strapped into that body brace he is "suppose" to wear whenever he gets up and out of bed to walk. (Forget getting him off the floor when he can't really "help.")
I'll be sure to get a further update tomorrow and get it posted here. Sorry the button disappeared today. We have a new gal training to do our webmastering and the page was actually still there...but, she temporarily deleted the button. Glad one of you wrote to notify us!!
More Sunday. Jeff
August 7 (late)
I am so sorry but I did not try to call Wanda for an update until after 10 tonight. Her phone is jammed with voice-mails and I couldn't leave a message. I didn't have the heart to try their house in case I woke Darryl.
We have performances at the theatre in Washington tomorrow but I will try to contact Wanda between shows and get an update. I feel confident that Darryl is doing well. How could he not with this "prayer bath" he is getting? I'll get more information to you as soon as I can. God bless.
August 7, 2009
PRAISE THE LORD!! I called Wanda a minute ago (3:30pm) and asked how things were going. She replied, "We're almost home." I thought she meant that there had been good overnight progress. NO! She meant...they were about to round the corner of their driveway!!! Darryl was released from the hospital at noon today. I can only tell you that this is a miracle given his condition of just a 6 days ago. And, can you imagine how thrilled Wanda is going to be not having to sleep in that chair for another night!!
Obviously we need to continue to pray for a fast recovery. Darryl is still looking at many months of rehab and therapy...but...HE'S HOME. There is no better place to heal. This will also be a major event for Nathaniel and Charity. Having dad home is the BEST.
I'll continue to give you updates. After Darryl has settled in I'll find out how he is doing and write again this evening. KEEP PRAYING! Isn't it terrific to see God at work?!
Jeff etpc@mchsi.com
August 6, 2009
We stayed late visiting Darryl tonight, so I am dictating this to Lisa from the hospital. We all have a lot to be thankful for. Darryl has been up and walking with his brace several times the last two days. We were able to document with the camera Wanda practicing putting the brace on him and helping him walk down the hall. The doctors are hopeful he will be going home this weekend. We will let you know as soon as he is released.
Please continue to pray. Thank you for all of your support. The Stallings, are very grateful.
Jeff Emmerich etpc@mchsi.com
August 5, 2009
Wanda called today and told us the really great news that the doctors have determined Darryl won't require surgery. They expect he will be home sometime this weekend or the first of next week. His pain is managed now and he is getting good rest. Try to imagine Darryl staying immobile for long periods... But, doctor's orders! Sorry there is not a lot else to report...but, the news is good and we can rejoice in that.
Gloria and I will be going to Greenville again tomorrow after the matinee to visit Darryl and Wanda in the hospital. Your emails of encouragement continue to pour in and we will be taking another handful of them with us. The Stallings are "drinking them in" like cool water and send their heartful thanks to each and every one of you for your prays and thoughtfulness.
I'm sending out another email tonight regarding how we might all help contribute to the financial calamity this has caused our precious friends. Gloria and I pray that you will consider doing something...anything...to help the Stallings financially.
I will update you again tomorrow evening. God bless. Continue to send your emails of encouragement to: etpc@mchsi.com.
August 4, 2009
Gloria and I went over to visit Darryl and Wanda in Greenville at Pitt Memorial this evening after the matinee performance at the theatre. We've just returned home.
We were unable to actually visit with Darryl because he was able to get to sleep after the "ordeal" of the day and was in fact sleeping when we arrived. Wanda shared with us that he had a sleepless night but that his pain was much improved earlier today. Late in the afternoon they were able to put a brace on Darryl which allowed them to get him in an upright position to do an x-ray which should reveal whether or not he will require surgery. They expect to know the results in the morning. The physician has blocked time for surgery on Friday in case it is necessary. We can only pray that God's will be done concerning this aspect of Darryl's recovery. I only know with the untold thousands of people praying for Darryl right now that surely Heaven is being rattled and God is at work.
One saint wrote yesterday and stunned me with the revelation that we should perhaps be somewhat relieved that Darryl is able to feel pain. If he couldn't...then that would mean nerve damage or paralysis. Pain is difficult...but, certainly in this case, it's better than the alternative! At any rate the pain subsided somewhat today and Gloria and I are personally thrilled. It is very hard to watch anyone suffer... especially when it is Darryl.
We'll know more in the next day or two but we've been told that the earliest Darryl will go home is this weekend or just after the weekend. This is a very, very long hospital stay by any standard these days. Wanda is sleeping in the recliner by his bed. (Remember what I said about a "help-meet?") She even stands guard at the door when the well-meaning nurses want to bust in to wake Darryl to see if he needs a sleeping pill..... (You've been there...)
The children have returned to Tyner and are staying with grandma and grandpa. They are VERY comfortable with their grandparents and will experience less stress by being in familiar surroundings. We must keep praying for the kids. I confirmed tonight that Nathaniel actually witnessed the entire fall. This will be a difficult memory to shake. Nathaniel is a sweet and loving, but tough little guy. He is an all-star baseball player, loves soccer, and has earned multiple belts in karate. (Some of you may have heard him play the drums...which he has been doing WELL since age 3. Like his father he's accomplished even at his young age in so many areas.) Nathaniel loves his daddy and needs our prayers to be sure.
Wanda was told today that Darryl will be looking at 8 to 10 weeks of therapy with or without surgery.
Again, as we learn more I will keep you posted. Please feel free to continue to pass information to others so they too can pray for the Stallings. Direct them to this page on our website for updates. And, you may continue to write emails to Darryl and Wanda via my email address.
Continue to pray. Wanda and Darryl have expressed that your emails have added immeasurably to the healing process which has already begun. Hundreds of emails have come in so far. All of them have been printed off and hand delivered to Wanda. She reads and rereads them. She shares them with Darryl as he is able to listen and focus.
More tomorrow.
