Times Like This, Even I Need Prayer [Update at #292]

My own heart | 1.24.07 | Michael King

[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.

[cgk]

OT: Prayer Ping for a Special FReeper!

[cgk]

Prayers up and on the way to your brother for healing & continued strength! Prayers to you most assuredly, including comfort to your entire family for support, and guidance for the medical team.

[TNdandelion]

I am so sorry this happened to him. You and your family are in my thoughts tonight and in the days ahead. {{hugs}}

[DLfromthedesert]

Prayers for a full recovery for Rick; and prayers of comfort for you and your family.

[xp38]

Bump and a Prayer for all concerned Michael....In the name of Jesus Amen.

[Jet Jaguar]

I hope everything works out. Prayers.

JJ

[Blood of Tyrants]

Lord, thank you for the opprotunity that you have given your servant to realize what is really important. May he not be on his deathbed wishing he had spent more time with those who love him. In Jesus precious nams, Amen.

[Palladin]

Prayers going up for your brother Rick. May the Lord heal and strengthen him more and more with each passing day. Prayers up for you and your whole family, too.

[skr]

Just sent a prayer for your brother and all the family.

[no more apples]

May our Lord and Savior, Jesus, lift up your brother and your family with his Hope, Peace and Love.

I understand your pain and concern for your brother. May God grant you the strength to be your brother's cheerleader. And may He also grant you peace. Please, don't worry - just be strong and faithful. Let God be in charge and He will never let you or your brother down.

[A knight without armor]

God Bless Rick, you, and your family to get through this rough spot. Rick and you are on my prayer list now. I will be praying at night and as possible throughout the day.

[franky]

The Lord be with your brother and your family.

[Kaylee Frye]

Prayers sent your way.

[rotundusmaximus]

prayers have gone up for your brother, you and the entire family.

Blessings,

RM

[mjolnir]

I hope there will be many more positive signs.
May God bless you and your entire family!

[King Prout]

I missed this. you and yours are certainly in my thoughts and prayers.

[mhking]

To update everyone on what is going on... We've gotten some good news. Rick was moved yesterday to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in downtown Chicago. First off, Northwestern, specifically, is a well-known and respected stroke trauma center (including their Center for Vascular Disease), and is the home of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, which is one of the top rehab facilities out there as well. Once he got there, they started redoing all the tests that were done at Little Company of Mary, and then some, to try to find the cause of the stroke. We are by no means out of the woods, but things are indeed looking up. Before being moved, he had yanked his feeding tube out of his nose -- twice. Once he got settled in over at Northwestern, he didn't do it any more. Obviously, whatever they did there was more comfortable. In addition, Northwestern is the home of the sports medicine facilities for the Bears and the Bulls. Which means they are accustomed to the notion of a 6'3", 375# man in a hospital bed -- or in other words, they were able to put him in a larger bed, so he'd be more comfortable. My sister was due in there about an hour ago; she'll stay until Tuesday. I'm presently planning on flying in Thursday morning, and staying until Saturday night. The two of us will most likely plan on going back in another month or so for a longer period in order to help our parents out once he gets out of the hospital. Keep those prayers going. They're helping. And thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for the prayers and notes and positive thoughts. Their help has been immeasurable. God is Able.

[mhking]

To update everyone on what is going on... We've gotten some good news. Rick was moved yesterday to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in downtown Chicago. First off, Northwestern, specifically, is a well-known and respected stroke trauma center (including their Center for Vascular Disease), and is the home of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, which is one of the top rehab facilities out there as well. Once he got there, they started redoing all the tests that were done at Little Company of Mary, and then some, to try to find the cause of the stroke. We are by no means out of the woods, but things are indeed looking up. Before being moved, he had yanked his feeding tube out of his nose -- twice. Once he got settled in over at Northwestern, he didn't do it any more. Obviously, whatever they did there was more comfortable. In addition, Northwestern is the home of the sports medicine facilities for the Bears and the Bulls. Which means they are accustomed to the notion of a 6'3", 375# man in a hospital bed -- or in other words, they were able to put him in a larger bed, so he'd be more comfortable. My sister was due in there about an hour ago; she'll stay until Tuesday. I'm presently planning on flying in Thursday morning, and staying until Saturday night. The two of us will most likely plan on going back in another month or so for a longer period in order to help our parents out once he gets out of the hospital. Keep those prayers going. They're helping. And thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for the prayers and notes and positive thoughts. Their help has been immeasurable. God is Able.

[Tribune7]

Prayers continue

[del4hope]

Thanks for the update. Will continue to pray for Rick, you, and your family.