Grief . . .
All of this is such new territory for me.  It is not like disappointment at all.  It goes to your core, leaving an indescribable ache. 

I appreciate greatly the several women who have written me, women who have experienced similar losses offering to be a comforting shoulder.  Once the business slows down, you may actually receive a phone call or email from me. 

Right now, I remain tired—it is like a heavy weight is on my back.  The burden of conflicting emotions and providing normalcy for my family makes me weary at times.  I am thankful for my amazing family, for they understand the Gospel.  I found there words encouraging: Let me assure you that in our helplessness and weakness the saints out in the ether pain for you and grieve this loss about 1/100^th of your grief, but are sincere nonetheless.  The Holy Spirit urges us to write and reach out to you from the unknown and to pray for you in the dark.  But it is Christ that comforts us all; it is Aslan that guides the boat.”  I do read and am thankful for every letter, email, and Internet post. 

The Funeral . . .
Dustin’s funeral was an amazing time of worship and remembrance.  A group of about 650-700 people gathered to say goodbye to our dear friend.  If you weren’t able to attend the service or just want to know Dustin better, audio from Dustin’s sermons and the service/remembrances can be found on Fort Worth PCA’s front page at http://fortworthpca.org.  I know that sometime soon, materials will also be available on Redeemer’s website. 

This month’s issue of Table Talk is on grief.  I am thankful for my closest friends who have sheltered me during this storm.  I am thankful for all of you fellow mourners and the word of God—help my unbelief.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM CST on Friday, 23 March.  They will be held at Fort Worth Presbyterian Church (http://www.fortworthpca.org/).   

A short visitation will take place before the service at 1:00. 

The Thursday evening before the funeral, Fort Worth PCA is offering a children’s service.  It will take place at the church and begin at 6:00 PM.

Today, at 3:40 PM, Dustin Salter went to be with the Lord. Dustin was surrounded by family members at the time of his death, which was peaceful.

We grieve and rejoice simultaneously.  Leigh Anne thanks you for your many prayers and support offered during the past four months. Please continue to pray for the Lord to provide for Leigh Anne, Jacob, Nathan, and Meredith.  They will need both consolation and material provision in the days to come. 

Funeral arrangements will be announced when they are solidified. 

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” (Rev 21: 1-7)

Dustin continues to breathe on his own; however, his breathing has become more erratic and labored.

While his condition remains extremely serious, hospice is providing excellent care to Dustin.

We pray as the Psalmist writes: “[F]or you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy.  My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me” (Psalms 63:7-8).

Dustin’s health condition continues to remain serious.  However, hospice has provided him significant relief, and he is breathing on his own.  

Family members are spending good time with Dustin.   Leigh Anne is thankful for and feels your prayers for Dustin, the Salter children, and their extended family.   

Pray that during this time we may know more of Christ, manifest Christ, and then bring honor to Christ.  We declare with Paul, “For me to live is Christ . . .” (Philippians 1:21) 

Dustin’s condition continues to deteriorate. Dustin now requires hospice attention.

At this time, we ask that you allow the family time with Dustin alone. Members of Dustin’s family and Leigh Anne’s family are now in or on their way to Fort Worth.

Leigh Anne covets your prayers for Dustin, their family, and that Christ would be exalted and made known.

Dustin remains in critical condition in the ICU of Harris Downtown. Leigh Anne has been meeting daily with Dustin’s neurologist. He went over Dustin’s MRI with Leigh Anne yesterday. They showed substantial damage. The situation remains quite dire. Leigh Anne is meeting with Dustin’s critical care doctor today to discuss future treatment options, especially related to the dysautonomia. It is unclear at this point if this condition is degenerative or not. Continue to pray for mercy and that the will of our loving Father would be compassionately worked out in the lives of the Salters, for that is his character and promise.

The LORD is merciful and gracious; he is slow to get angry and full of unfailing love. His unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he understands how weak we are; he knows we are only dust. The love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant. Praise the LORD.
from Psalm 103

The doctors have changed Dustin’s diagnosis from septic shock to dysautonomia. The following paragraph is from the Dysautonomia Information Network’s website (www.dinet.org) and is not a statement from Dustin’s doctors but is placed here merely for general reference sake since most of us have never heard of dysautonomia.

Dysautonomia literally means dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system is the master regulator of organ function throughout the body. It is involved in the control of heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, respiration, digestion and other vital functions. Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system can produce the apparent malfunction of the organs it regulates. For this reason, dysautonomia patients often present with numerous, seemingly unrelated maladies.

The doctors are saying that Dustin was not and has not been in septic shock. Dysautonomia can result from serious brain trauma as it appears to have in this case. The doctors are saying that Dustin is likely to improve in this instance, but that these episodes of dysautonomia are likely to recur.

He remains in ICU, in stable but critical condition.

Overnight, Dustin became more stable. That doesn’t mean he’s out of the woods but that his heart rate is stronger (in the 60s). The EEG didn’t tell much. They’re waiting on results from an MRI. But seizures have been ruled out. The main issue is that the doctors are continuing to try to isolate the source of the sepsis.