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.
Sounds like good news. Continuing to pray.
Thank you for the update, I had noticed your extended absence. Best wishes and prayers to you and yours.
Glad to hear Rick is making progress. Also glad you’re taking care of yourself.
Perhaps all of us can learn a lesson about diet and exercise? I have been thinking a lot about this lately, and this post re enforces it. Thanks for keeping us posted, and God bless you and your family.
Sending my prayers up for healing. I believe your family is up to the challenges, but a little boost never hurts. May God’s angels help to lighten the load, and point out the blessings along the way.
Continued prayers for the family. Black Adder and Father Ted are fine choices to cheer him up. They’re two of the few comedies that make me laugh out loud and we all know laughter is good medicine! I’ll be praying for strength and continued improvement for Rick. He’s truly blessed to have such a fine family!
Arioch7
My prayers will also continue for you and your family. I can definitely concur with your statements regarding stroke victims: I have an aunt who also suffered a stroke nearly two years ago and she is still not fully recovered. Like your brother, she now has difficulty putting thoughts and sentences together, although it’s a 180 degree difference from where she was when she was admitted to the hospital, unable to move at all.
...And keep up the good work on getting your cholesterol in check, too. As you said the risk factors are much higher in Black American males than anyone else.
Godspeed to you and yours.
Glad to hear that things are looking up! We’ll keep praying for you.
It is really amazing how one event can dramatically change your life.
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