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.
Rick,you and your family are in my prayers.
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.
Prayers up! Sounds like he is a fighter!
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.
God bless you all, especially Rick and may he achieve recovery with little or no residual effects.
Prayers lifted Michael.
He is young, and his fighting back already is a great sign. We'll keep your brother in our prayers. You and the rest of your family are in them as well.
What a wonderful story Mike! From many miles away that sort of thing does your heart good.. and for your dad.. well , like a double shot of B-12.
Please feel our love & please keep us posted
I wish the very best for your brother. It sounds as though he has a good prognosis and a wonderful supportive family to care for him. You be sure that you take good care of yourself through all of this!
Prayers up, Mike ...
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.
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.
Michael, you, your brother and entire family, have our prayers.
I don't always post a response to prayer threads, but when I see them, I always pray.
I believe that prayers for strangers or people you have never met in person, certainly do help. I wont go into it in great detail right now, but when I was 10 years old, I was on what I had learned was going to be my deathbed. I was on the third day of a temperature of 108.
Believe me, you haven't lived until your body is being ravaged by an infection ( the poor doctors had no cure) , while your entire body is in relentless pain, being given continuous ice enemas, while on an ice mattress, with fans blowing in the room as the nurses rub you down with alcohol. :>)
I had thought an old man was on a bed outside my hospital room and I heard nurses say that he was going to die tonight..... and I heard them crying. I was scheduled to have my left arm amputated (at the shoulder) the next morning.
I saw snow coming down and thought of angels flying in the night sky. I had thought that they may be coming for the old man. I prayed for that old man. again and again.
By morning, my fever had broke and my arm was never amputated. When I asked about how the old man was doing, I was reminded that I was in a children's hospital. I spent a year in that hospital and although I had endured horrible pain, I look back on those day with fondness. Also, I did get to meet the Harlem Globe Trotters while I was there.
The point of the story: I always pray for those that ask......and hey, you never know, you might actually be praying for yourself.
Now.......do yourself a favor...eat, sleep, think and in all ways, try to keep yourself healthy. You, your brother and entire family do not need the stress of another problem right now.
God Bless,
Dan
P.S. I would also pray for the Doctors, many have been true heroes in my life. It is often the dedication of those doctors that help us get to our next breath, next heartbeat and on the road to recovery.
I will say a prayer right now for you and your family.
Thanks for the update. Stay strong.
Continued prayers for you, your brother and your entire family.
I know you would work yourself to death if you didn't think of the consequences, so always think of the consequences.
My wife had a cerebral hemorrhage from a ruptured aneurysm and despite the initial misdiagnosis and dangerous treatment at Kennestone, she was back to normal within a few weeks.
They ignored her stated symptoms of temporary loss of motor control that caused her to call 911 and put her on a treadmill to check her heart!
The X-ray of the hugh mass of blood pooled in the brain was the scariest part of the whole experience.
My wife is fine now and I'm sure Rick will be fine!
*snicker* From what you wrote of Rick's reaction to your Dad playfully taking the necklace, it looks like you may not even need to do that!
God Bless Rick and his family and all of your family. I'll add him to our Parish Prayer list for a full recovery!