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Times Like This, Even I Need Prayer [Update at #292]
My own heart | 1.24.07 | Michael King

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.


TOPICS: Daily Prayer; Miscellaneous
KEYWORDS: mhking; prayer; prayerrequest
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To: mhking

I do not know the details of the timing of your story, but

if he was quickly taken to the hospital, his chances of complete recovery are very very good. He would have been treated with agressive clot busters (not just "blood thinners") which will very significantly increase his chance of a complete recovery.

The fact that he is already moving a bit is so so good. Doctors always downplay good signs, but this is very good.

"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."

My dad had the same kind of symptoms with his stroke, but he was older AND delayed going to the hospital by 24 hours. The clot busters were barely in existence then so he may or may not have gotten them.

The doctors told him he would never talk, walk, work etc again and basically told him and my mom to get themselves ready for the change.

Well, all you have to do is tell an Irishman they can't do something and then you better get out of the way.

He walked, he talked, he played golf and he went back to the job he loved.

So I see your brother as doing very well. God love you and him and the rest of your family through this very difficult time. Prayers offered.


201 posted on 01/27/2007 5:33:48 PM PST by HonestConservative (Illegitimi noncarborundum.)
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To: mhking

Prayers for your brother, Michael. May the Lord have his healing angels and a skilled team of docs hovering at his side.


202 posted on 01/27/2007 5:34:11 PM PST by STARWISE (They (Rats) think of this WOT as Bush's war, not America's war-RichardMiniter, respected OBL author)
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To: mhking

God bless and take heart. You have many people praying for you and all your family.


203 posted on 01/27/2007 6:06:18 PM PST by DCMB (Bless GWB and all our troops)
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To: mhking

Prayers up for your brother and all of your family and friends. Sounds like a strong willed person which is very important in rehab. Please keep us posted! Take care!


204 posted on 01/27/2007 6:20:32 PM PST by PhiKapMom (Broken Glass Republican - Vote Rudy/Steele - Take Back the House and Senate in '08)
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To: mhking
Prayers for your brother. May he get well soon.

And thanks much for the update.

205 posted on 01/27/2007 6:21:04 PM PST by Victoria Delsoul
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To: mhking

Hi. I'm so sorry to hear this news. A member of our family had a cerebral stroke last year (at age 37), so I know how scary it can be. We're thinking of you out here in California; wishes and prayers for a speedy recovery. You and your family sound very strong and close-knit. Take care of yourself.


206 posted on 01/27/2007 6:28:32 PM PST by lainie ("You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body." - C. S. Lewis)
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To: mhking

Prayers up for your brother, Michael...and for you and your family as you all struggle to help your brother through his time of need.


207 posted on 01/27/2007 6:29:54 PM PST by Mrs.Liberty
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To: mhking

Prayers from me, too.


208 posted on 01/27/2007 7:03:18 PM PST by Kate of Spice Island (Jawn Eff Qari - what a maroon!)
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To: mhking

Continued prayers for all of you.


209 posted on 01/27/2007 7:37:57 PM PST by Dolphy
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To: mhking

Keeping Rick, you & your family in my prayers.

May our Divine Physician guide Rick's doctors and give him a complete healing!

Blessings,
Julie


210 posted on 01/27/2007 7:49:06 PM PST by JulieRNR21 (Thanks be to God from Whom all Blessings flow..........)
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To: mhking

Good news..Prayers for a full recovery.


211 posted on 01/27/2007 9:22:28 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES.)
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To: mhking

Prayers for your brother, you and your family, mhking!


212 posted on 01/27/2007 10:54:44 PM PST by TAdams8591
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To: mhking

I continue to pray for Rick. I remember you, too.


213 posted on 01/27/2007 10:59:39 PM PST by A knight without armor
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To: mhking

'Tis good news, and don't worry about the formatting.


214 posted on 01/28/2007 4:49:45 AM PST by steveegg (Now playing in Hell - the Hussein family reunion, produced by President Bush, directed by the Iraqis)
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To: Howlin; mhking
God Bless You and Your Brother MHKING!!!

Hang in there!

215 posted on 01/28/2007 5:11:00 AM PST by Earthdweller (All reality is based on faith in something.)
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To: mhking

great news, prayers continuing


216 posted on 01/28/2007 11:07:34 AM PST by nina0113
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To: mhking

Praying for your brother, you and yours, mh!


217 posted on 01/28/2007 1:05:44 PM PST by Slip18
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To: mhking

May he find the strength to recover. My brother also had a stroke at a young age. May God bless and heal.


218 posted on 01/29/2007 3:24:30 AM PST by ClancyJ
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To: mhking

Prayers and thoughts going out for you and yours right now mhking.


219 posted on 01/29/2007 7:29:38 PM PST by HangFire (I'm only wearing black until they come up with something darker...)
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To: mhking

Prayers up for your brother's complete recovery, for strength and patience for all of you. In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen.


220 posted on 01/29/2007 7:33:04 PM PST by Smokin' Joe (How often God must weep at humans' folly.)
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