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Diabetic Connect Member Deleted User

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Leigh Marsden: More Prayers For Her And Jolene

by Deleted User
January 16, 2009 12:12 PM
57 Replies
405 Views

I feel this discussion is very important to many of us, and very needed by our friend, Leigh, so I think it is time to have more room for prayers and discussions.

Tags: fellowship

From Replies
Diabetic Connect Member LadyDi
LadyDi
LadyDi replied January 16, 2009 4:10 PM 

I was thinking the same thing this morning. I know we're all so very concerned about Leigh and her daughter, and the other discussion had become extremely long. Good idea.
Diabetic Connect Member highlandcitygirl
highlandcitygirl
highlandcitygirl replied January 16, 2009 4:28 PM 

yes, it is a good idea! this way we keep lifting them up in prayer!
Diabetic Connect Member Deleted User
Deleted User
Deleted User replied January 16, 2009 7:13 PM 

I am glad you agree; because I really did not want to ask her to do it. She needs all the extra alone time she can get. By that I mean, nothing extra to have to do to take away from some well-needed rest.

I am definitely with the rest of you with my prayers for Leigh and Jolene.
I will keep praying and am also asking
anyone who for help if they know of any.

I can not get out but, I don't now where Leigh lives. If I can find out on her profile page; maybe I can find out if I can do something from here. I will get back to you.

Leigh Marsden replied January 18, 2009 3:51 AM 

Thank all of you soooo much. I hold your prayers sacred to my heart. Joleen is at the HarborView Hospital in Seattle Wa. She is there for rehab. She has full ROM in her arms but still nothing in her wrists and hands. Her legs are painfully spasming... which is a good sign. But, Joleen needs prayer to undergo the pain involved with the physical therepy. She has been unresponsive in a lot of the exercises due to the pain involved. So, I pray for her strength and comfort from the Lord....


Leigh Marsden
945 Cedar St.
Poplar Bluff, MO. 63901
(573) 776-6347

Thank you all for your prayers and support from the beginning of this. I will try to keep you updated on Joleena's progress.
Your Freind, Leigh

MISS PAM replied January 18, 2009 4:11 AM 

I will continue to pray for Jolene and I've put her name on the prayer list at my church. Stay strong.
God Bless,
Miss Pam

LadyDi replied January 18, 2009 1:49 PM 

What is Joleen's last name, Leigh?

Leigh Marsden replied January 18, 2009 9:58 PM 

Last edited 10 months ago

Hello,
Her name is Joleen Osburn.Her Nick Name is Joleena.. She is at the Harborview Hospital in rm. 815N She is unable to answer the phone though . My ex-husband's name is Allen Osburn he will be the one to answer the phone. He has been with her since day 1. Bless his heart he is tired. Joleena's children are still in Anchorage Alaska. Her boyfriend since age 15 is working and saving to relocate here to Missouri to be with her.
I don't know how to thank all of you for your support. My heart goes out to all of you for your prayers.

Your Friend, Leigh

LadyDi replied January 19, 2009 12:36 AM 

I wanted her last name because we only have her first name on the prayer list at church.

I know everyone is working so hard to get everything arranged. Having to deal with all the logistics, etc., only adds to the stress and worry. We know God is good, and that He will see you all through this. Much love...Diane
Diabetic Connect Member teddybearcub
teddybearcub
teddybearcub replied January 17, 2009 2:01 AM 

I also agree that a new page needed to be put up for Leigh and her daughter. So we can show our support to our dear friend, as she and her daughter need prayers from all.

Diabetic Connect Member sparkysmom
sparkysmom
sparkysmom replied January 17, 2009 2:19 AM 

She is on our prayer list at church and my Auntie's church too
Diabetic Connect Member myrtle
myrtle
myrtle replied January 17, 2009 10:29 PM 

praying for you and your daughter please take care of yourself also

Diabetic Connect Member Deleted User 12427
Deleted User 12427
Deleted User 12427 replied January 18, 2009 2:15 AM 

My prayers and thoughts are with you both!!

Leigh Marsden replied January 18, 2009 10:12 PM 

Last edited 10 months ago

Thank you all for your prayers. They are appreciated. Prayers are what is carrying her through all of this and for the things she will have to learn all over agian in the future.
I cannot be with her due to my own disability's. My heart yearns to be there. I had planned to go to Seattle to be with her but, upon futher consideration, I realized that I am not in physical health to make the trip. I am still paying for the 3 wk. trip to Alaska. Plus, I will have to pay for her trip here to Missouri and possibly my ex-husbands way. He is the only one well bodied enough to care for her. Won't that be awkward if they both end up under my roof with me and my current boyfriend/fiance' Gene.(5 yrs)
I guess that I will have to pray about that situation.....
I am trying to get Joleena set up for a program called NTAF. They take donations on the web and will teach me to fundraise for Joleen's care. I have to call them tomorrow and Please pray for this to go through. She may be able to get a vehicle with a lift ... She could be dependant so to speak...
Thank you for all of your prayers... Please continue to hold her up to the Lord...
Your Friend, Leigh

Diabetic Connect Member teddybearcub
teddybearcub
teddybearcub replied January 18, 2009 10:16 PM 

I also have Joleen and your family on our list at church for prayers.
Diabetic Connect Member highlandcitygirl
highlandcitygirl
highlandcitygirl replied January 18, 2009 10:49 PM 

i have not forgotten you either, i pray that everything goes well in what you need to do! and that peace will rule in your household
Diabetic Connect Member Deleted User
Deleted User
Deleted User replied January 18, 2009 11:00 PM 

Good to Hear from you, Leigh, and yes the family situation and sleeping arrangements do need a little prayer offer also. Wow, that will be the first time I have heard of that kind of situation.

G. Thomas, has been looking for you and sent me an email. I do not know if he found this discussion site or not, but he is concerned; so, wanted to relay that to you, along with my continual prayers. I am hoping to try to work with other contacts soon. See if there is anything we can do.

highlandcitygirl replied January 26, 2009 3:35 AM 

has anybody heard from leigh?

Deleted User replied January 26, 2009 11:39 AM 

No, I still have not heard from her either? I hope she is just too busy getting arrangements done and ready for her daughter. Or maybe they are settling her into an apartment as she mentioned might happen.

Goddess replied January 26, 2009 11:48 AM 

My prayers are with you and Jolene. I hope you are taking care of yourself as much as you can.(((((((((HUGS)))))))
Diane

Leigh Marsden replied January 26, 2009 7:57 PM 

Hi there,

I have been busy... I just got into a program called NTAF... for Joleen. (She's still in WA. at Rehab)
NTAF is a program that I will be working with that fundraises for Joleen. They are going to be sending me more info sometime this wk... the fund raising money goes to NTAF and they will purchase her wheelchairs, medical equipment, and it will not be counted as income so, it will not affect her medicaid and ssi.... Now, I will have to come up with fundraising ideas...

I don't know how long Joleen will be at rehab. They may send her back to Alaska before she can come here. I wish she could come from WA. it would be sooooo much cheaper. 7-800.00 cheaper.

There is something wrong with the arm that got crushed. It is swelling and they don't know why... She is in terrible pain with it and is refusing to use it for rehab... so, they may send her back to Ak. as non=compliant with treatment. Which means she will have a hard time getting into any other treatment facility... That's what they are saying...
But, Joleen is in considerable pain. I am worried. other than that, she is doing well in treatment. She still is not talking so they took a tube and went in to see why. Her vocal cords are working but not touching which is critical to speech but, they can not figure out why this is happening. She is still on a trach... and copd machine. until she can come off of all of these she will still need to stay in a medical facility...

Prayer and more Prayer.... Your Friend, Leigh

highlandcitygirl replied January 26, 2009 8:08 PM 

yes! yes! yes! i will keep praying! if the poor girl cannot talk, refusing help may be a way of of showing her frustrations! i pray that she gets some relief soon!

LadyDi replied January 26, 2009 8:36 PM 

Last edited 9 months ago

I just cannot imagine what she - and all of you - must be going through. I keep thinking of my own children and how it would be for one of them to be in that position. It nearly kills me! And I know that's how you feel. I pray that they're keeping her pain controlled to the extent they can, and that soon things will begin to look better. I hope she knows how many people -some who do not even know her - are praying so hard for her.

Much love,

Diane
Diabetic Connect Member highlandcitygirl
highlandcitygirl
highlandcitygirl replied January 30, 2009 6:59 PM 

leigh, how are doing? how is your daughter doing? let us know when you get the chance!

Deleted User replied January 31, 2009 5:44 PM 

Leigh, we would love an update when you have a chance.
Claudia

Leigh Marsden replied February 2, 2009 2:05 AM 

Hello,
Joleen is struggling... they have it so that she can now talk... I started bawling.. I was soooo afraid that she would talk through that box forever. that was a strong possibility. I have been sick so I haven't been on-line. So I apologize for not answering sooner. Joleen is having severe pain in both arms now... they say that because she refuses to use them in therepy that she is refusing therepy. Therefore, they are sending her back to Anchorage on the 18th. The doctor threatened to have her put in a "Home"... if she didn't participate... I am going to contact him tomorrow and the people in charge of her placement tomorrow... I am madder than a wet hen, I can tell you that much......
I am still going to Alaska to get her and bring her home. They say that I can't take her home from Seattle. The difference finacially is staggering... But, I don't know what else to do...

Please Pray for this to become a good situation. I am frustrated,angry, and afraid for my daughter.

You have been so much support for me I have no way of repaying any of your love and care that has been freely given. Thank you all so much.
Your Friend, Leigh

highlandcitygirl replied February 2, 2009 3:09 AM 

leigh, i am sorry that you are having such a struggle! i pray the LORD give you HIS strength to carry through. i pray that joleen would take heart and choose to help herself more. i pray that all your money needs are met. i pray you get the help and understanding that you both need from the medical people, in JESUS name.

LadyDi replied February 2, 2009 4:01 AM 

What you're dealing with - all of you - is just beyond belief. There aren't words to say how sorry I am about all you are experiencing...about what has happened to Joleen. My heart breaks for you all. In times like this there is such a helplessness felt, but God is still there, and He is still in control and working His miracles. I'm praying so hard for that for all of you - a miracle. I continue to worry so about your health and what this is doing to you financially. Take care of yourself as best you can and know my prayers are being lifted up throughout this ordeal.

In God's love,

Diane

Leigh Marsden replied February 2, 2009 5:43 AM 

Hello Everyone,
I thought that I would send you all a picture of Joleen right after the accident. I will send another as of now, and I will send you one of before the accident. This way, you can invision the much needed prayers... The strength of our Lord is the only way..
Diabetic Connect Member Leigh Marsden
Leigh Marsden
Leigh Marsden replied February 2, 2009 5:44 AM 

Last edited 9 months ago

here is Joleen before

Deleted User replied February 2, 2009 10:22 AM 

Oh, Leigh, what a beautiful daughter you have, and I am so sorry for the struggle that both of you have to endure.

Please hang in there. Everything happens for a reason, so I have been told, and maybe; hopefully, things will soon get better for you both.

Continually praying with all my heart, and soul.
Love to you both
Claudia

Goddess replied February 2, 2009 2:31 PM 

Leigh,
Know that everyone here is praying for you and Jolene. Our prayers never stop.

Love your friend,
Diane

highlandcitygirl replied February 2, 2009 3:34 PM 

thank you for putting her face with her name, i can picture her in my mind as i pray.

LadyDi replied February 2, 2009 4:09 PM 

What a lovely young lady. I pray for strength and comfort for her and for you and your family. Something like this takes a terrible toll on everyone.

Diabetic Connect Member Leigh Marsden
Leigh Marsden
Leigh Marsden replied February 3, 2009 6:07 PM 

Good News for the Home Team!!!

On the 18th of Feb. Joleen will be transferred to Anchorage Alaska. She will be in the progressive care unit. They are going to work with the St. of Missouri (Where I am) to have everything transferred here BEFORE she arrives. Her Medicaid, equipment, home care, ect....
When, depends on when she can get off of all of the machines... She is still on oxygen, the cpod machine... IV feeding ect...
Things are going as well as can be expected...

Thank you all for your continued support and prayers...

Blessings to you all, Your Friend, Leigh

LadyDi replied February 3, 2009 6:12 PM 

You will remain in my prayers. I will be praying that this transition goes smoothly, and that you 2 can soon be together. I know you will feel better when you can be with her and see for yourself how she's doing. And I know Joleen with feel better having her mom next to her.

highlandcitygirl replied February 3, 2009 7:16 PM 

i'll not forget about you and joleen.

Leigh Marsden replied February 14, 2009 8:13 PM 

Thank you all sooooo much for your support.
Joleen is now off of her trac... she can cough phlem up herself... this is a HUGE step to her being able to live independantly.
She is going back to Anchorage on the 18th of this month. She will stay in the progressive care unit, then, she will be coming home to me... I am sooooo excited.

I don't know how to thank you all...
Thank you for your ongoing prayers and support. You have all been my saviors and sanctuary. I will never forget any of you either....

May the Lord bless you all... financially and physically...
Your Friend, Leigh

LadyDi replied February 14, 2009 8:19 PM 

Glad to hear from you, Leigh. I know the power of prayer and what it means to have people that care about you. However, I personally feel so helpless and wish there was more I could do. I will continue to pray, and my church contiues to pray for you all. You sound encouraged, so I'm hoping things just keep improving.

With love,

Diane

highlandcitygirl replied February 14, 2009 9:04 PM 

this is good news leigh! i am very happy to hear about her progress. keep us informed,as we continue to lift you both up in prayer!

Deleted User 12427 replied February 14, 2009 9:30 PM 

Thank you so much for the update. This is great news. Prayers are answered.

Goddess replied February 14, 2009 10:40 PM 

i am glad to hear from you and that things are working out. i'll keep the both of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Leigh Marsden replied March 3, 2009 4:08 PM 

Hello,
I am currently trying to set up travel from St. Louis to Poplar Bluff. Also, I am looking for resources for medical equipment. She will need a wheelchair/bed for a quadriplegic.
Things are plucking right along...
Her doctors are filling out the forms for her own website... it is in their hands...
Her father is desperately seeking employment in Anchorage Alaska. He is currently out of resources. He has been with her from the beginning. He has used up his savings and is now in a homeless shelter in between seeking employment and being at the hospital with Joleen... I am requesting prayer for him... his name is Allen Osburn. After he gets employed he will save his money and come with her. I don't have the money to send for him too... my heart goes out to him. Plus, pray for him to save enough for housing, bus fare, and food until he finds a job here.

I don't know how to thank all of you for everything you have done already. Your prayers are cherished.
Your Friend Leigh

Goddess replied March 3, 2009 5:15 PM 

My prayers will be with you and your for as long as need be.

gma replied March 4, 2009 12:56 AM 

Leigh
My Prayers are with all of you. the power of prayer is the greatest thing God will find a way for everything to work out ok.

highlandcitygirl replied March 4, 2009 1:08 AM 

i am praying that all your needs and the needs of your family are met.
Diabetic Connect Member Leigh Marsden
Leigh Marsden
Leigh Marsden replied April 3, 2009 8:15 PM 

Our Prayers Have Been Heard!!!

An angel whispered in my ear and told me to place an ad in the "FreeCycle" (a club on-line in each state that gives items away for free to other members. All they have to do is pick the items up.
I put in an ad asking for medical equipment for my daughter that we so desperately need.
I got one response from a couple that opened a medical equipment business due to having such a hard time getting equipment for thier 2 disabled children.

They are going to provide EVERYTHING that my daughter needs... brand new-state of the art equipment. Lifts, specialized bed for quads, bathroom equipment, ect.... EVERYTHING!!!

MY heart stood still and my soul soared!!!

Thank you for your prayers... Thank you Thank You Thank you from the bottom of my heart and soul....

As soon as Joleena is well enough... She will be coming to stay here!!! Today is a day of Rejoicing!!!
Thank you all soooooooo much!

Your Friend, Leigh

Judimar replied April 3, 2009 8:48 PM 

*hugs Leigh*

I am so thrilled for you!

Best wishes,

Judi

highlandcitygirl replied April 3, 2009 8:58 PM 

how absolutely wonderful ! thanks for letting us know!

Goddess replied April 3, 2009 9:19 PM 

that is great news.

teddybearcub replied April 3, 2009 9:41 PM 

It's great that when we ask Jesus he always answers our prayers. Praise Jesus

Deleted User replied April 3, 2009 10:15 PM 

Last edited 7 months ago

That's wonderful news Leigh. I hope Joleena is well enough to travel soon so you can be together.

Hugs,
*Judy

gma replied April 3, 2009 11:21 PM 

I am so happy for you thank God and I pray that there are alot more blessings to come your way

Diabetic Connect Member Leigh Marsden
Leigh Marsden
Leigh Marsden replied May 9, 2009 4:27 PM 

Hello Everyone,

I am sorry that I haven't been writing for awhile... I am busy to my delight, preparing for my daughter, ex-husband, and grandaughter Christiana's arrival May 24th!!!


YES.................. She is finally coming. Her Bedsores have healed enough for the 11 hour journey....

PRAISE THE LORD!!! Prayer has been answered...

Needless to say, I will be stretched to my limits healthwise, but I will be having a CMA come in and assist with my daughter. They will move into their own place asap. I am going to sign my daughter up for independant housing.. My grandaughter will be staying with me though.... hopefully, permanetely

I don't know how to express my graditude to all of you for your support and prayers... You were my lifeline in my darkest hours and I will never forget your kindness!!!

Forever Your Friend, Leigh

highlandcitygirl replied May 9, 2009 8:05 PM 

you are welcome ! i haven't been around much, but i haven't forgot you or your daughter !

LadyDi replied May 9, 2009 8:11 PM 

Last edited 6 months ago

A while back I cleaned out my items that I was watching, and unfortunately have not checked this discussion in quite a while. I just read the part about the couple helping with medical equipment. What a blessing! That is so wonderful! And now I am so thrilled at your news that you will soon have Jolene home. Also thrilled that there will be some help for you. I hope you're doing well and that Jolene continues to make progress and feel better day by day. Be strong, as I know you are. We'll continue to pray!

Leigh Marsden replied June 27, 2009 3:44 PM 

Last edited 4 months ago

Hello my Friends,
I apologize for not touching base sooner.

Joleen got here safe and sound. I have been so busy that I am exhausted and collapse when she is settled in for the night.
My grandaughter Christiana came with her. Sorry to say, she is EXTREMELY SPOILED... the worse case that I have ever seen. She has adhd to top it all off.... I have been spending my time correcting her and basically following her around because she gets into everything. She is 7 and weighs 112 pounds. She uses her weight to push me around when she is throwing a fit, that resembles a 3 yr. old tantrum. I am soooo frustrated, and sadly to honestly say, I will be glad when her father comes to pick her up next month.

Joleen has finally gotten her medicaid transferred to here. She is in the process of getting her in home care....
I signed up for someone to come, under my disability to help housekeeping .... she will start on Monday, Praise the Lord. I knew it would be a hard task taking this on..... but, I am sooooo tired. I went to my Rheumatologist this last week and my ANA test came up positive so, my lupus has flared... I am out of remission. Please help in prayer, this is not the time for me to get ill...
My poor baby, she has been in pain, so I brought her to see a bladder specialist. We will find out on Tuesday when they will schedule a surgery for her, due to her having multiple bladder stones... She has been in enough pain that she has been bawling like a child., broke my heart. They have her on some very serious pain medication now, so she is at least resting.(as well as I).... Prayer has delivered us this far, so I am trusting in the Lord

This has been a very testing month and a half, but, we are in route to recieving assistance. Alot of the programs that told me they would help, got cold feet or forgot to mention certain requirements.... So, I have been caring for her total needs since she got here, I am exhausted...
We finally got thier birth certificates in the mail so, that she can apply for the Housing Authority's program. They said that she will have a 2-4 month waiting list.

Thank you all for your continuing support. You will be in my heart and mind for the rest of my life.
Your Friend, Leigh

teddybearcub replied July 1, 2009 11:43 PM 

My prayers are with you, and you know the good Lord hears all prayers. I just sent a prayer for you two.

Take care, and God Bless you both,
Jackie