I'm not sure where to begin

Absolutely -- there's just no telling how it will turn out.  I think the hardest thing she's dealing with right now is the overwhelming guilt -- a celebration turned into tragedy.  "If only I'd decided NOT to go to the beach but ...." And we just can't do that.  We make the best choices we can moment by moment, and go from there. 

Right now she's just NOT able to think clearly so friends who are just there to listen, pick up the pieces around the edges as well as possible and have a cup of coffee ready for when she IS ready to drink it ... that's the best you can do.  The fact that you care, that you care enough to ask others to pray and be supportive -- THAT ALONE will help her. 

When you speak to her today, say something like "I belong to this crazy dogboard, and even tho it's a public forum it's a very spiritual group and they've actually got a whole section specifically FOR prayer, and not just prayer about dogs, but anything that touches us and I've already posted asking for prayer for you.  So if it helps, you actually have people praying and lifting you up who don't even KNOW you, don't even know your name.  But I've seen amazing support and answers here so I wanted to add you to it to give you just that little extra measure of help for whatever it's worth."

 She won't be offended, but she WILL be comforted.  There is something about knowing that even strangers are lifting you up -- he DOES help.  You're a good friend!

I'm just seeing this today, but hoping and praying that there's been some positive news. What a very difficult time this must be for friends and family. I'll keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

calliecritturs

She won't be offended, but she WILL be comforted.  There is something about knowing that even strangers are lifting you up -- he DOES help.  You're a good friend!

I am a very strong believer in the power of prayer myself.   My prayers are with your friend and her family this is just the begining of a very long road.  She is running on adrenaline right now, she will need your strength and lots of prayers in the coming days ahead.    You must insist that she eat and rest or she too will be in the hospital.   While you will be there for your friend, we will be here for you.  When you need to release...just holler!

Sending lots and lots of prayers. 

 How awful. My thoughts and prayers are with this family. I can't imagine what the parents are going through.

I am hoping and praying that somehow this will turn out all right.  I hope there's a miracle out there.

 I'm sending prayers too; young people can be very resilient.

Thank you guys.  I don't really have much of an update.  She called me today and said that her mom was on the way from Georgia.  She was on vacation there. 

The doctors spoke to her and let her know the test results were not good.  The blood oxygen levels were bad, she's not seizing anymore but her brain is not functioning much at all.  She's not brain dead but there is only minimal activity.  She's not breathing on her own still. 

So this morning that was the latest.  I haven't heard from her tonight but I'm hoping even though it's late here that I still will.  All of us at work are so upset, my bosses wanted to go see her but they felt funny.  All the girls were calling me tonight to see if I had any new info.  I'm the closest to her because we work the 2nd shift together.  It's also all over the news so my mom and dad had heard about it too. 

Please keep praying.  I know she will love this when I finally get to show her.  She told me today that some people from her church were going to the hospital to pray with her. 

My mom said, "she's in God's hands now". 

My thoughts are with this family - wishing for strength, courage, and stamina for them all and for reason to hope.

This mornings update is that they see that her arms and shoulders are moving.  They aren't quite sure if it's involuntary or what.  So, they are going to take her off the machine and see if she can breathe on her own today. 

Please keep praying for some reason I'm sensing that she might be improving at least a little!!  Thank you all too!!

Lori

I am late to see this. As I read through it I can feel the power that goes with it. Prayer is very powerful and has brought much strength to the weakest of weak.  I will keep this girl and her family and friends in my prayers.

I hope that the news is good today. I'm not sure how a family copes with the uncertainty and anguish of something like this. I'll keep them in my thoughts and prayers.

I was saddened to read this.  I hope there is positive news soon.

Oh my!  Adding my prayers into the mix. 

Oh my!  Words escape me.  My prayers are with your friend, her daughter & those who love them.