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.
Regards, Ivan
Thinking of you and your family.
I know what that means!
In any event, sometimes God reaches out and rattles the cage to remind me who's truly in charge.
Please see today's Daily Reflections with Oswald Chambers thread here; I hope it will greatly encourage you.
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.
What they are telling you is true. Do not lose heart; only believe!
We figure there will be more of a need for us to help out then.
There is wisdom in this: Rick will need motor and speech therapy/help/practice continuing after his return home, and you and your sister will be great instruments of that healing.
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.
Absolutely right on. It is a hugh privilege to be a part of Christ's Body on the earth: when one member suffers, all suffer with it. Out of the resources of one part, another is compensated, amen. I'm praying with you!
I will pray for your brother, his family and you all for strength in this time of trial. May the Lord Bless You All.
Prayers for you, your brother and your family.
I'm very pleased to hear the medical team's encouraging prognosis. Hang in there Mike.
Oh dear FReeper FRiend Mike, I am so sorry to hear of your brother's stroke. Rick is MUCH too young to have suffered this and I know how it must trouble you to know that your parents are there and under the pressure & pain that is so present in these situations. But parents are always parents...no matter how old they or the "kids" are & their care, love & nurturing is now again being needed.
Prayers for all of you along the way & I think you are wise to step back & realize this is NOT the time - unless TIME & MONEY are no object - where your presence will be most appreciated. It is hard to be so far away when those you love are hurting or in need, many of us here can attest to that. I wish I had $1000 to send to you & say, fly home for a few days & check things out & give everyone a hug.
Know that your FReeper FRiends are with you in spirit & prayer in this matter. All of us have appreciated over the years your wonderful sharing of fun, frustrating & informative things you have pinged us with to brighten our days. And now we are grateful for your sharing a bit of your soul and pain now.
I had not followed about the work you are doing in Atlanta.. bravo!!!
our FReeper brother Mike is in need of our prayers. Would you let the people on your lists know?
Oh, ((( Mike ))) you, your cherished brother and your family have my humble prayers.
Prayers for your brother Rick. He sounds like a fighter, and has the blessing of your strong family.
You take care of yourself too.
Do what needs to be done for your family, both your brother and your own family. Slow down on your work schedule. No one, when they are dying, says, "I wish I'd spent more time at the office."
And when you can, tell your friends here how things are going for you and yours,
Cordially,
John / Billybob
It really is.
My mother had a very poor prognosis after her stroke, but even at 70 she was eventually able to get about 2/3 of function back. A woman she met in rehab, who was in her early sixties, came back twice as fast as my mom (much to Mom's irritation).
Now think about the difference between 42 and 60, health and strength-wise.
Your brother has a lot of work ahead of him, but every reason for optimism.
Prayers up for your family -- and for you.
Our thoughts are with you and your family. Our deepest wishes for your brother's speedy recovery.
I didn't send up the smoke signal when I posted this last night -- I was in one of my down-swings when I wrote it.
This has been an emotional rollercoaster, and I'm sure the ride isn't over yet.
Thank you and God bless you to all who have responded. I'm sure your prayers coupled with mine and others have helped raise our moods, our spirits and our hearts. The spirit of the Lord is certainly in this place.
Rick (Richard Curtis King, for those who needed to know) was scheduled for an MRI this morning to provide a deeper scan of his brain and cranium.
My dad told me that last night, Rick's wife took off his necklace and put it on his chest. He reached up and took it in his left hand, looked at it, put it back on his chest and patted it.
My dad, playfully, reached over, snatched it and backed away, holding it up and grinning.
Dad said that Rick rared up in the bed and opened his mouth as if he was going to say something, and then huffed.
Dad held the necklace out to him. Rick took it back, and put it back on his chest, patting it assertively.
'Mine,' his motions seemed to say.
But that told volumes. He's in there. He's aware. He's fighting. He's willing to do what needs to be done.
And that's the brother I know. That's the man that grew from the boy I grew up sharing the same bedroom with. And if my sister and I have to fly to Chicago to kick his ass and make him walk when he gets out of there, we'll do it. 'Cause that's what families do.
I finally ate something last night, but my appetite isn't back to normal yet -- I suspect it won't be anytime soon. And I did get a decent night's sleep last night, not like the fitful night prior.
And thankfully, the phone did not ring.
I'll keep everyone apprised as I learn more. But I can't thank everyone enough.
mhking,I have been praying and we prayed on the air for him.I just have not had time to post.This is great news and we will keep praying,fatima
Our prayers are with you and yours, Michael.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
Rick,you and your family are in my prayers.
Prayers for your brother, you and your family. Please keep in touch and let us know how you all are doing.
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.