Thought for Today: Weariness

Thought for today,

It is when we are closest to the break through, that we sometimes become wearier than we've ever been on the journey, but keep pushing because I am.  I refuse to get this close and give in to the tactics of evil spiritual forces.  I am still moving through the book of Job.  Meditating on the word and will do a post on it soon.

Thought for Today

Thought for today (not a study post):

So as I read through Job ( and this is not a study post) what I realize is that how we interpret and experience God's word has a lot to do with how we know (relationship) him.  The things that have bothered me most, is others interpretation of this particular book, and my refusal to go back and read and allow God to reveal to me what he wants me to take away from it.  I think I read through this entire book many years ago, but since Robyn's stroke, because of my issues with the first chapter, I refrained from reading it.  Where as some may not understand that, Job did, and I am sure those who have had questions about where they are in their walk after life situations happen may understand that too. And of course God knew what was in my heart and I am sure it is why he led me here.

A Mother’s Perspective on Medical Negligence and Parallel Study of Job’s Struggle

As I go further into Job, still somewhat ambivalent to why God has me here and sharing my thoughts openly, because my thoughts can get really wild sometimes, but I am staying really close to the Lord on this because I know me.  So as I write I am asking God, are you sure you want me to share this? 

In my first post regarding my study of Job, I shared how he was not the first that God and Satan discussed.  Yet, Job, as God stated was one of a kind.  A blameless, upright man.  I also think I drew the parallel between us and Job.  Our belief in Jesus has cleaned us up.  Jesus presents us as blameless and faultless before God.  Hence, the battle has begun.  So we have essentially been placed right where Job was. We are also forewarned of this in 1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV).

8 Be sober, be vigilant; because[a] your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world.

So I imagine that many like me, if we had the opportunity to speak with God about this medical negligence stuff, would have asked him to table it.  I would have begged, not me, and please no one else.  If he had said, Veverly, you will birth a daughter. A very bright academically-multitalented young girl, and at 13-years-old she will be struck down by medical negligence.  Her life will be changed forever, but I will be with you through all of it, I would have kicked and screamed, “Jesus, please, not me.” 

But, since man has free will and many are led by their greed and have little regard for human life, families like mine, find themselves at this crossroad due to preventable medical errors.  The spirits within those opposing us are sick.  The reason the battle appears impossible is because many politicians are protecting those who are killing our loved ones.  While politicians should be protecting the public, many are not because they are benefiting from the evil.  We are warned in God’s word about these powers and spirits.  We are also instructed to arm ourselves with the armor of God.  So that we can withstand (Ephesians 6: 11:13).

11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

Honestly, if I did not trust whole heartedly in the Lord, I would have given in years ago.  This battle can be overwhelming to the spirit, but the Lord continues to renew my spirit daily.  It is impossible to imagine how patients and families feel when they find themselves at this crossroad.  There is a feeling of discouragement and hopelessness in realizing there are no built in protections from the dishonest practices in the medical field, and that those in the law profession are sometimes paid off to undermine the patient’s case.  At that point, the brick wall appears, because those that could help, are afraid to take a stand.  Although many see and know the harm done, self-preservation cause them to stand by and watch the struggle instead of getting involved and stopping the killing and disabling of patients.

So as we know, Satan first destroyed Jobs possessions.  This news, he actually took well.  But, when he was told about the destruction of his children, like many of us, he was devastated.  As a matter of fact, this was the one thing Job feared the most. His wife told him to curse God and die and Job rebuked her. What I found interesting at the end of this passage is that it says “In all this Job did not sin with his lips (Job 2:10)” I thought it was interesting that it specified with his lips.  For me, someone who has been through a situation in which, initially, I did not openly say what my heart was thinking (Why God? Why?)) , I think is a first indication of Jobs inward struggle with what God was allowing in his life.  He was over wrought with grief.  He wished for his own death.  He felt alone.  I stop here because many times, we, as Christians, know the correct responses, but God knows the inner struggle that others are not privy to.  What I see in this passage is that Job refused to speak what was in his heart.  There was a struggle going on between the spirit and flesh.

I remember my own struggle after being told that Robyn was brain-dead.  My first question to God, why Robyn?  If tragedy was going to strike, why not me?  My biggest struggle was when God had me to actually speak and tell the medical team and the doctors, “God gave me life for Robyn.”  I struggled with that and wondered about my own sanity for a moment. 

For most parents, I think if we were given the option when tragedy strikes, we would take the place of our children.  While Robyn, did not die.  She lost parts of herself.  I know we are blessed.  So do not take my honesty as being ungrateful, but the reality is we lost part of her to medical negligence. 

While I was writing the first part of this post, Robyn came into my room.  I could tell she had something on her mind the way she burst through the door.  She said, “Mom, I need to talk to you.”  I said “OK.”  She started,

                “You know the school he is applying to was the school I wanted to attend.”  The “he” she is referring to is her younger brother.  The school, while I will not give the name is one of the highest ranking in the U.S.

                I said, “I know.” She just stood and looked at me for a moment.  I continued. “I have cried for you and prayed for you, because I knew this had to bring back memories.”

                “You have.”

                “Yes, I have.”

                “I didn’t think you understood.”

                “I understand and it pains me.  I am your mother.  I knew it was coming.”

                “I was all prepared to tell you, you don’t understand.”

                “Oh, but I do.”  We laughed because she was amazed at how quickly my response disarmed her.  She told me she was prepared with one of her, you don’t understand speeches.  She was utterly amazed that I was right there with her.  But I knew when we started visiting college information sessions for her brother, that they were causing triggers with her.  I cannot even imagine her pain, but as a mother I know my own, and some days it is a major struggle not to become consumed by the anguish.  This is what medical negligence has caused in our lives, but God has been gracious and we have overcome many obstacles getting to this point, and I told her she would get past this.  She just needs to focus on how far she has come.

Well, I will stop here.  Didn’t get very far.  I am in the very first verses of Job chapter 3.  I think I am getting off topic a bit.  I will do better next time.  Not sure were God is going with this...

Waiting for God’s Response to Medical Negligence

I know there is purpose for everything that God allows in the lives of believers.  We all know that in his word we are told that it rains on the just and the unjust.  We, as believers are not immune to pain and suffering.  Actually, because of what we believe we face more.  But, his word does tell us that even the pain and suffering works together for good in the life of the believer.  So as I struggle to put this medical negligence battle into perspective, and continue to move forward, I am waiting and watching for God’s response because I know he has one, too many of his children are being affected.

Last week, I read and meditated on the faithful lives of Ruth and Esther.  How they stayed focused and on course.  When I was about to close the book, the Holy Spirit compelled me to move right into Job.  Now, the beginning of Job has always been one that I have struggled with, and just now God has given me a better understanding.  It was the conversation between God and Satan that I had a big issue with.  I imagine I am not the only who have asked, “Why would God do this to his faithful servant, Job?”

I have been in church since I can remember.  It is very possible that I missed the sermon on this part or I just never really got an understanding from the Lord, and today because this has always bothered me and I asked, he broke it down for me.  It is better sometimes to seek the source.  So here is what I received this morning.  The very moment we accept salvation, we are placed in the same position as Job.  The trials come when we act on our faith and according to our faith.  The enemy attacks because of our faith.  So the conversation with him and Satan, about Job, was not the first time nor the last.  It is one that he allowed us to see and hear, but yes, Job was a good example for us all and this is why he has given us a close up of what transpired. 

As simple as that was, I never got that out of what I read in the conversation between God and Satan.  I always felt like, “God, why did you do that?" Or, should I say, “God why did you throw Job under the bus?”  I believe this is how we sometimes feel, but as believers we must understand that the attacks do not come from him, but because of our belief in him.  So for me, this morning, this has helped me to stand even firmer against medical negligence.  I am even more certain that God will move.  

A Mother’s Perspective on Medical Negligence

Many days I want to just walk away from this fight (medical negligence).  I look at it and say, “Dear God, the apathy is so great and the officials are so corrupt. How on earth will your children find justice?  How can we stop the destruction of another life when there is so much money involved; consequently, many officials will look the other way because they are benefactors.  Dear Jesus, how do we fight against such?”

At the moment I am ready to throw in the towel, I read about another victim: a child, a father, a mother, etc. and I am reminded of where I was in October of 2007.  The day my 13-year-old daughter’s life was forever changed due to a preventable medical error.  At that moment, I pull myself together, ask God to forgive me for whining, and start again at writing and sending out my book to officials praying that it gets to the right one.  The one who will stand with the many victims of these heinous acts to create a national standard that will protect all patients across this nation from medical negligence.

There have been enough forums and hearings on preventable medical errors (medical negligence).  Now, there needs to be action taken to stop these horrendous acts.  We know that millions are affected each year, of these, approximately 440,000 thousand die and many others are left disabled.  Consider that this number is just an account of hospital errors, and does not account for those that occur in doctor’s offices.  If these acts were being committed in another country, it would be broadcast across the U.S. media and we would feel obligated to act because we stand for “Human Rights,” but it is happening right here and we are moved to do nothing, but hold meetings.  How can this be so?

Only a few states have dared to tackle this beast. California has Proposition 46 on the November ballot and, oh, the political pundits have made it sound like this proposed legislature will do harm to doctors.  Asking for accountability does not create a hardship to the medical community, it blocks the heart ache and the devastation created by a profession that lacks responsibility.  I applaud California for taking it on, but my daughter’s basic human rights were violated at the age of 13-years-old as a patient in Idaho. This should also be on the floor of the U.S. Congress and Senate because of the widespread violation of patients in this country.

If you wonder why others and myself keep pounding on the same brick wall, it is because we believe that at some point the blow will be hard enough to break through.  That someday a politician with enough courage will do more than talk, and will help us create a national standard for the medical profession.  One where medical records cannot be manipulated after a grave error has been committed and where criminal laws are applied to such an offense.  One where medical boards will be held responsible when they continue to allow negligent medical professionals to retain licenses when they know full well that these individuals are harming patients.  This is why I keep writing and others like me are speaking out, writing, and pleading for our Senators and Congressmen to do something.

Many days I long for the normal life I once had.  I often wonder where I stood before this day.  I ask myself, did you look and walk away.  But, I really had no clue of the injustice.  A person’s life can be destroyed by the health community that is purportedly there to help preserve it, and that this very community then becomes the predator and the patient the prey.  The injured has to be painted as misguided or delusional in order for the medical professional to preserve his/her status.  In my daughter’s case, of course they had done all they could, including changing medical records to undermine me.  I was painted as the misguided mother.

As the numbers show, many people are added daily to the list of patients affected by preventable medical errors.  I have joined with others on Facebook who want to stop the list from growing.  You can find me and many others who are taking a stand against medical negligence in ProPublica Patient Harm Community and NAMMV (National Association for Medical Malpractice Victims), Truth In Medicine, and many other groups, these are just a few. Not one more family should suffer this devastation, when elected officials have the power to reform the laws pertaining to medical negligence.  Stop by and see what happens when there is no accountability.  Great harm is done from a profession that takes an oath to “Do No Harm.”

It would be remiss of me not to mention that there are many in the health profession who are responsible. Who work hard and have helped families like mine to recover from the damaging effect of broken systems.  Yet, there are also those in the profession who witness the actions of the negligent monsters, like the one that nearly killed my daughter, and are quiet.  I ask this question of them, how much more are you responsible for knowing and not reporting it. 

I was catapulted into this fight in October of 2007, and as much as I would like to throw in the towel, I cannot because the cause needs as many voices speaking out as possible.  My faith tells me that my presence here is for a reason.  If you are reading this, your voice could help.  Share this post and spread the word.  Patient’s lives are being destroyed due to preventable medical errors at an alarming rate in the U.S. and we want our elected officials at the national level to take action.  Enough forums, hearings and meetings have been held on medical negligence. Now, please, take action to stop the death and disabling of American citizens in this country from this grave injustice.

Letter Sent to Idaho Falls Commissioners Seeking Assistance for Federal Investigation into Actions of Prosecutor Running for Judge in November Election

Letter sent to Idaho Falls/Bonneville County Commissioners: Christensen, Radford and Staker

My name is Veverly Edwards. I am writing because I need your assistance.  I have petitioned the court, prosecuting attorney Pickett and other officials in Idaho Falls and Boise to assist me in getting an investigation into the fraudulent actions of my daughter’s attorney (G. Lance Nalder) and the doctor (Erich Garland) we filed a malpractice lawsuit against in 2012.  Both of these individuals used fraudulent information to defraud the malpractice lawsuit.  I have written a book God’s Miracle Among Corruption in Idaho and placed the information that documents the criminal behavior of Garland and Nalder and the unjust practices of City Attorney Fife, Prosecuting Attorney Pickett, the Idaho Falls Police Department and other officials in Idaho.  I know that no one will believe what transpired unless they see it.  These individuals attempted to quiet our voices. So I placed their letters filled with false information in the book to show and document their unethical practices.

After nearly losing my child (Robyn O. Edwards) in 2007, I discovered that Dr. Eric Garland, a neurologist in Idaho Falls, Idaho gave Robyn a prescription drug (Zomig) that caused a massive stroke. Once he realized his grave error, he then changed her medical records to reflect a migraine headache diagnosis and symptoms that she did not have. The drug, Zomig, is only given to treat migraine headaches. Robyn was having numbing sensations in her limbs. She never had a migraine headache.

In 2009, my ex-husband and I retained Nadler Law Firm to represent my daughter’s claim against Dr. Erich Garland. The case was scheduled to go to trial in October of 2012. Six months before going to trial, G. Lance Nalder withdrew from the case. I would have dismissed at that point had it not been for the fact that Nalder attempted to intimidate me with false medical records. I informed Nalder and the opposing side during a deposition in 2011 that the document in question, presented as a part of Robyn’s medical records, was not in my handwriting. I have since had a forensic document examiner review the document Nalder said compromised my testimony and the document is in Dr. Garland’s handwriting.  Nalder also made false accusations against the expert witness that his firm retained to give testimony.  He claimed that the expert recanted his statement, but I have a written statement that says the expert did not recant. It is also in the book.

These individuals made a mockery of my daughter’s medical malpractice case and of Idaho’s civil litigation process. Idaho Statute 18-2601 and 2602, states that it is a felony offense to introduce false information into any trail or court proceeding in Idaho even the investigative process. I have attempted several times to file a complaint with the Idaho Falls Police Department and they have refused to take a report. I even wrote Mayor Fuhriman and the city council for their assistance in 2013.

Mayor Fuhriman asked for City Attorney Fife’s opinion and Fife in a written letter lied to Fuhriman about the facts of the case.  I am sending you copies of the book “God’s Miracle Among Corruption in Idaho” because it has their letters and emails showing how they lied regarding the facts of the case.  In the letter addressed to Fuhriman, Attorney Fife states that he and Prosecuting Attorney Pickett did not think it was proper to prosecute Dr. Garland for violating statutes 18: 2601 and 2602.  My question is when is it proper to prosecute someone when they have committed a felony offense during a civil trial process?  What discriminating factors did Fife and Pickett use to determine it was not proper?  Was it because my daughter is African American and they are all white? You will find this information in chapters 3-6 of the book.

The people of Idaho need to know what kind of man Pickett is before electing him to a judgeship position.  If he cannot fairly operate and prosecute offenders of the law as a prosecutor, surely he does not need to be elected to the position of a judge.  He would only harm the citizens and turn his head as he has in his present position, when someone he deems it improper to prosecute has committed a criminal offense.

The statute of limitations have not run out on the fraud that I discovered in 2012 and reported to the police.  The police just refused to take any action. When I first spoke with Captain Cook of the Idaho Falls Police Department in 2013, he stated that even if I could prove Dr. Garland falsified the records, the statute of limitations had run out on Idaho 18: 2601-2602. He attempted to convince me that the time started when Garland falsified the records. However, it did not become a criminal offense until Dr. Garland used the documents during the court/trial process. So how could the statute of limitations for this offense start before he introduced and defrauded the court process? I did not discover it until my attorney attempted to defraud me with the material in 2012.  My belief is either the police cannot read and interpret the laws or they think the citizens are unread.

After I wrote the Idaho Falls City Council in 2013, the police finally took a report from me but did nothing. As a matter of fact, the emails in the book will show that I even sent evidence showing the offenses and they did nothing to investigate the fraudulent acts committed by both Dr. Garland and Attorneys Nalder and Barton. 

I also believe, because Garland was heading an initiative that the City of Idaho Falls had a stake in, is the reason that everyone took part in this deceptive plot.  Please read the book all of this information is spelled out in it.  My goal is to get the federal government to intervene and investigate all of the individuals that took part in this scheme to defraud my daughter’s case.

I would think that the representatives of the people of Idaho Falls would have a problem with this. It is a dangerous precedence to allow a doctor to blatantly and willfully falsify information, allow it to be used during a civil court proceeding, and not hold him accountable according to the statutes of Idaho that cover such criminal behavior. This doctor’s actions forever changed the life of a 13-year-old girl. Innocent people do not change records and defraud civil cases. We need help in getting a federal investigation into this doctor’s criminal offense, G.  Lance Nalder’s criminal behavior in defrauded his own clients, and all of the officials who turned their heads and allowed these criminal acts to go unaddressed, including Prosecutor Pickett.

I hope you read this information and realize that a grave offense took place.  No one in Idaho has offered to assist Robyn and me, or give us any directions on how to continue.  So I am writing you as County Commissioners of Bonneville County asking for your assistance in getting a Federal Investigation into the actions of all of these individuals.

Sincerely,

Robyn Edwards 

Veverly M. Edwards

Website: www.veverlymyers.com

Blog: www.un-heard-voices.blogspot.com

God can handle the Inquisition-You Just Stand

I remember when Robyn was in ICU and a petition was filed against me to take custody of my children. While this was upsetting, I knew that the petition was filled with lies, so for the most part it didn't bother me. What bothered me was to leave Robyn’s bedside, but fortunately for me one of my sisters was there and stood in while I addressed the situation. A few weeks later, I received a phone call from an attorney in Memphis, Tennessee stating that a complaint was about to be filed against me for refusing medical care for Robyn, because I was waiting on God to work a miracle. I told the attorney God had already worked the miracle. What I refused, was to allow them to experiment on Robyn with mind and mood altering drugs. I was so upset after that call. I went to my car and cried out to the Lord, “Why are you allowing them to make a mockery of me?” He replied to me, “It is not you they are questioning, it is me.”

If you feel like your faith is being attacked, it probably is, but who they are really aiming at, is God. So give it to him because he can handle the inquisition-you just stand.

Job 19:25 (KJV)

For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth