Posted on 01/24/2007 10:24:26 PM PST by mhking
As most of you know, my time is generally not my own these days -- I am a web producer for the NBC station in Atlanta, plus at this time of year, I'm also a tax preparer for H&R Block. Plus I always keep a side-hustle of some sort or another (I've been doing a lot of mystery shopping the past year or so)...
In any event, sometimes God reaches out and rattles the cage to remind me who's truly in charge.
I received a phone call yesterday that truly rocked my core.
My 42-year-old younger brother had suffered a stroke. My dad called me at work with the news, sounding so much older and weary than I had heard him in many years. He and my mom were at the hospital in Chicago, along with my sister-in-law and her entire clan.
Thankfully, I had enough presence of mind not to jump behind the wheel, realizing that I was in no condition to try to go home. After a silent prayer, and a rushed phone call to my wife, I threw myself into my work, trying to get through the night.
He has no movement on the right side of his body. He cannot speak. But, my dad says, he has recognition of those around him. He's able to nod and shake his head yes and no.
The doctors say that with what they called aggressive rehab and therapy, that he should regain the vast majority of what he's lost. They say that his age is in his favor.
A good sign is that he has been fighting to try to move his right foot and hand.
A CAT scan today showed no blood or fluid buildup in his brain. An MRI tomorrow will look a bit deeper, to be sure.
The physical therapist came in to see him today, and said that Rick was trying to pull himself up with his left arm, and using that arm to pull his right arm across, which, too, is a good sign.
I'm in Atlanta, and my sister is with her husband in San Francisco. We figure we'd be in the way if we tried to go home now, so we are waiting a bit -- perhaps until he comes home. We figure there will be more of a need for us to help out then.
And while I'm praying real hard for him, I can always use more hearts praying for him. And for myself for that matter. I'm not being selfish; I just need to have more strength to endure and be strong for everyone else.
Our family -- blood and extended -- is a strong one, and we're all there for each other. I just know that extra prayer is always in order. I thank you all in advance, folks. And God bless each and every one of you.
Prayers up for your brother and for all those who love him. The initial recovery signs sound very positive.
A great FReeper needs the crew!
That's so awful to hear, Michael. But it's good that they expect him to recover. I will pray.
Dear Michael, I have said prayers for you and your family. Praying for much strength in your direction as well.
May God Bless,
-JDM
Prayers for your brother, you and family.
Absolutely. You and your entire family will be added to my prayers tonight. Thank you for sharing. It means a lot that you trust us enough to share.
Prayers up for Rick, you and the rest of your family.
Michael, prayers up, and a Psalm that speaks not just of this life but 'eternal health':
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2091&version=31
Prayers for your brother and for the doctors and nurses treating him, and for you and your family.
God bless you too, Michael. And God bless your brother and your family. I will remember your brother and you in my prayers, and ping other "prayer warriors" here as well...
Prayers for you and yours.
Our FRiend mhking and his brother are in need of our prayers...
Prayers up.
Mike: I'll say prayers for your dear brother, that he make a full recovery and that you all have the strength to stay positive in the days ahead.
For what it's worth, my now-85 year-old grandmother had a serious stroke in her mid-30s, and recovered fully. Prayers for your brother's full recovery, and for your family's strength in this difficult time.
My prayers & best wishes.
Prayers for Rick, you and all your family.
be thinking of you, my friend!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.