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.
Sorry to hear this. Prayers are on their way.
I hear the Rocky theme song off in the distance. My prayers go with you, in front of you, behind you, and beside you.
My prayers for your brother, for you, and for all of your family, FRiend.
Prayers for ALL of you are going up!! Prayers for healing, for strength, for wisdom and courage!!
Prayers offered for your brother and for your family to get through this trying time.
Prayers for your brother's continued recovery and for emotional strength for you and your family. If your brother's like you I know he's got a strong fighting spirit that will help him through it.
I join in urgent prayer for your brother, you and the family!
Prayers for you and the family, mhking.
through Your loving kindness
We Affirm in faith that You are now placing
Your hand upon mhking's brother.
You know his concerns
Better than we do.
Know Also of our love for You
and our faith that You will grant
restoration and victory to this one who needs
You so much at this time in his life.
In Jesus Christ’s name,
Amen.
Prayers offered up. Age 42 is too young for such a medical problem.
Prayers for your brother and your entire family. May the Lord grant his healing.
Please notify me via FReepmail if you would like to be added to or taken off the Catholic Prayer Ping List.
Please post your prayers to mhking;
God Bless you. I will be praying.
Prayers offered for complete restoration of health.
Prayers for Rick and you and all of your family. God Bless you.
Re: the link in Post #18, "Light an FR Prayer Room Candle" -- that was most cool!
Prayers for you and your family.
Enjoy it. Use it anytime. Here's the front door to our FR room:
http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/candles.cfm?l=eng&gi=FRPR
I will be holding your brother Rick up in prayer for complete physical healing as well as wisdom & guidance for the Drs.
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.