Update on R. J. Guidry

Posted Monday, November 20, 2006

The following information was received from Mark Coutright, Mission: Rodeo Cowboy Ministries:

Dearest family in Christ,
Last night, I went to see R. J. Guidry and pray with him and his family at Herman Hospital. As you know, R. J. was severely injured at the Casey Mears Memorial Bull Riding last Saturday night, suffering a broken neck and some internal dammage. Having endured over 6 hours of surgery on Monday, he is still in very critical condition. The doctors feel that the chance is slim of him ever having use of his limbs again and that he will probably be permanently paralyzed, however, when I arrived at the hospital, I was informed that R. J. is openning his eyes and trying to form words with his mouth, although due to the tubes and his weakened condition, he can't make any sounds. His family is hopeful that he will confound the doctors by overcoming the prognosis given and, by God's grace, will one day regain use of his limbs. I spent a lot of time praying and talking with the family prior to getting to go in to see R. J. They are holding up as well as can be expected and leaning upon God for their strength; trusting in His love, knowing that God has a plan and works good through all things for those who love Him.
I was somewhat encouraged that R.J. is coherent enough to recognize family members and even nodded his head when asked if he remembered me. They only allow a few in at a time to see him, so his father (Hugh Guidry) and I, along with R. J.'s fiance, and friend and fellow bull rider Josh Whitlock gathered around his bed laying hands on R. J. and praying for him. As I prayed, I noticed several times at key points in the prayer that R. J. would nod his head in affirmation and that tears were rolling down his cheeks. At this time he can move his head, form soundless words with his mouth, open his eyes, and shrug his shoulders slightly. He does recognize faces and responds to questions and statements directed at him in a way that tells you that he fully understands what you're saying.
R. J. Guidry, 21, of Alvin, TX had come home on leave from the U. S. Navy on November 9th, his dad's birthday, just two days before the accident occurred. He and his dad and brothers were planning a hunting trip to Del Rio on Sunday after the rodeo, then when he returned, R. J. was to be married to his fiance on Saturday, November 18th. Now, instead of preparing for the wedding, his fiance and family keep a constant vigil at his bedside, praying for the best and seeking God's comfort as they wait. Friends and family crowded the waiting room and all are maintaining faith that God will pull him through this. His dad said that the Navy is taking care of R. J.'s expenses at this time and that they've been really good to the family since this happened. Hugh has rented an apartment near the hospital so that they won't have to drive so far every day to be there for R. J. and now it's a waiting game. R. J. is expected to be at Herman Hospital for quite a while (possibly months) and the family can use your continued prayers and support.
I will be going up periodically, as my schedule allows or as the family needs me, and PBR bull rider, Gary Richards was there on Monday. I spoke with Gary on the phone after leaving the hospital and he's planning on going to pray with R. J. tomorrow and visiting again as often as he can. Gary's mother-in-law is on the fifth floor of Herman, so he will have opportunity to drop in on him from time to time as well.
The I.C.U. area that they have R. J. in at this time is very crowded, so I would not recommend sending flowers or gifts, but if you would like to send a card or letter to let him know that you're praying for him, he is at:
Memorial Herman Hospital
6411 Fannin St.

Houston, TX 77030
4th Floor, Jones Pavillion, I.C.U.

I know that the family greatly appreciates your prayers and support. I'm sure that having cards and letters to read to R.J. would help him and his family as well as he recovers. Please continue to pray for them.