8mm
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.
Rick has an awesome support team. May God continue to lead and guide them to his full recovery.
He'd LOVE Red Dwarf.
Good to hear from you, thanks for the update...
Thanks for the update on your brother AND you.
Being hypoglycemic, I know how important a good diet is. I also know that for me, taking small “meals” more often does more to control my weight and add to my feeling of overall health than anything else. It especially seems to help my brain! And I never feel “full,” but I seldom feel “hungry.”
My prayers are with you and your family. Keep up the good work you are doing for all of us, and thanks for being you. God is, indeed, the Great Healer.
Hold onto your faith brother and that will get you through.
Of course you know that but many people here are praying and trying to shoulder a bit of your families’ load.
Our prayers are with you and for your brother’s quick recovery. Keep us posted.
Best wishes on Ricks Therapy and to you all.
May the good news keep coming. Prayers continue.
Prayers continue for your family Michael. Good luck with the lifestyle changes -
God bless you and your family, Michael. I’m glad to see that your brother is improving and that your work situation has resolved itself. Best wishes to you from me.
May God bless you and Rick and all of your family and loved ones. Since first you asked when Rick had that stroke , I have kept him in my prayers. I shall add you and the rest. Those prayers are specific as to you and him but it might be well for all of us to ask God for His help regarding any and all prayer requests on FR that are consistent with His will and plan.
Prayers for your brother and your entire family. Please keep us updated and do take extra special care of yourself, your family needs you now more than ever!
Prayers & best wishes.
prayers and even more prayers to you and your family
Michael, I will pray for you and pinged some freepers. I had similar concerns but I lost weight which is not healthy either. Our parents are one of a kind. I wish your parents the best and you take better care of yourself for them and for your family. It sounds simplistic but do this: rest.
My prayers being said for your brother. May god bless him with a complete recovery.
Prayers for all of you.
My thoughts, prayers, and well wishes are with you, your family, and especially your brother.
Prayers for your entire family and your brother too.
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