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 for you and your brother, Mike
You are a favorite poster of mine on FR. I appreciate you including me with some great stuff. I hope that you take this terrible event as a health wake-up warning for yourself. We all know the higher odds of strokes and heart disease among Blacks, men in particular. Please see a doctor regularily and make sure they follow up with tests and screenings. Strokes and heart attacks come without warnings in many cases. God Bless you and yours.
Oh, Michael, what a terrible shock. Know that you will all be in our prayers. The prognosis really is encouraging.
Prayers for your entire family.
Prayers to you and yours.
Excellent prayer, all bases covered. All that's left is, "Amen".
Peace and healing.
†
Prayers going up for Richard. My Dad had a stroke so I know something about it. Sounds like Richard is going to fight this one out. I am encouraged by what I hear.
Dear Heavenly Father, we know that you are a healing G-d. G-d we pray, faithfully, for healing for Mr. King's brother. Touch his body, Lord. We pray for peace and strength for his family while you work out his recovery. G-d we are looking for the miracle that only you can do. Guide the physician's and nurse's thoughts and deeds to help this man on his way to healing. In the name of your precious Son Jesus we pray. Amen
Prayers up for your brother, FRiend.
Prayers up! Sounds like he is a fighter!
Prayers in droves for you, one of our truly outstanding Freepers, and your brother and family. The early signs of progress are very encouraging. You have an awful lot of people pulling for you. All the best.
Prayers up.
Mhking, you and your family are prayed for.
I will, like others here, wait for a good report.
Love,
MeekMom
It's wonderful of you to share this with fellow freepers - he and your family will certainly get many prayers for all of you. My newphew two months ago, at age 43, had a similar experience. They weren't sure if he would survive but "voila" - with all the prayers and his fighting hard he is almost, not quite, back to normal. A long hard haul on him and all his loved ones but the prayers and loved ones helped. God Bless you and Rick and your families. Love, Shirley
Praying that the healing power of Jesus Christ may come upon your brother and your family.
Continuing bowed head prayers for Richard, you and your family. It sounds like Richard has determination. Good. Praying he is willing and eager to fight this.
Sorry to hear about your brother and he, as well as you, is in my prayers. After all the concerns about work in the past, it is good to see you doing well in that area.
Praying for your brother and all whom love him.
prayers up
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