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.
My wife and I will be holding you and your family up in prayer.
Our God is an awesome God. He is the Great Physician and Healer, and he heals hearts, minds, bodies and souls. And I thank Him and praise Him and go to Him in prayer each and every day.
Prayers continue, Mike
Prayers for your brother's recovery, fellow FReeper, from me and Hub. Also for your Dad, and for you too.
God bless and keep you all in His Healing and His Love.
Prayers up. May the Lord give your family comfort and patience. If you need to talk, fmail me.
It sounds like the Lord is at work already. Hoping you will keep me appraised of his progress. God bless.
Oh Mike what a great report. I know it did your soul well to be there & participate in the process. Prayers continue. I hope he can loose some of that weight. A burned on his poor body all the way around. He has to make the choices to be compliant or not, frustrating as it is.
keep us posed.
Amazing the progress your brother is making, and there are thousands of us trying to will him into more and more of it. I'll bet this is one time you can't wait to be cussed at by your brother! Continued success to you and your family.
Thanks for the very encouraging update! So glad to hear how his recovery is coming, and your family's spiritual strength is also inspiring and touching. All of you continue to be in my prayers.
Great update! Sounds as if he is taking little, but important steps in the right direction. Hopefully, they will nail down the cause soon.
YOU take care too.
keeping you all in our thoughts,
tatt
Wow!
Clearly I have not been paying enough attention! This is all wonderful news! So glad that he is doing so well, that the family is hanging tough, and really glad that they know some of the causes.
keep doing what works ;}
p.u.s.h.
tatt
Thank you for the update.
Sounds like a small miracle, so pleased to hear about it.
Cheers.
God is awesome! Continued prayers for all of you!
'Tis great news.
free dixie,sw
May God restore your brother's body and mind completely, for His great glory. Rehab's no fun, but with God's grace he'll get through it just great. In Jesus' name, Amen.
More prayers from me, Mike.
Bill
WONderful! Fools rush in where angels fear to tread... I can't help but think that your sister being there first and your later arrival was great medicine. It gave his body a chance to rest, his mind to quiet, and then-
it looks like when he saw you BAM!
Interesting about the platelets. We're testing for something like that in our family, also. Curious to know if he's been prescribed a blood thinner.
Please post your replies to mhking
Wonderful news mhking. I will continue my prayers for your brother and your family.
Blessings,
trussell
If you want on/off my prayer ping list, please let me know. All requests happily honored.
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.