Jim sure did give me a different perspective on the events of the past two weeks! Thanks, Jim. I will always treasure this... and the lessons learned too.
It was a typical Tuesday! We were going about business as usual and making preparations to leave town on Thursday for a five day trip. When my wife, April, got that fateful call informing her that our 21 year old daughter,
Laiel, had been involved in an automobile accident, it was not the callous voice of a law enforcement officer she heard, nor was it the indifferent official notification given by a medical professional. No, when April received that call, it was the caring and loving voice of a dear sister in Christ who shares our love for
Laiel, and who has children of her own. Her words were tempered with wisdom and prudence, giving April the information we needed, but leaving out details which could have only added to April's anxiety. In this simple way, our Lord was so kind and merciful and it was truly the voice of Jesus April heard.
Shortly after the accident occurred, two men arrived on the scene. They had responded from the
Clearwater Fire Dept. They did all they could to protect and sustain our daughter until the ambulance arrived. These men were not simply doing their jobs - they are volunteers. They did this because they care, and in this way they are in Christ-like fashion, laying down their lives for their brother.
One of the paramedics from the ambulance, recognizing the possible severity of
Laiel's injuries felt compelled to offer up a prayer on her behalf. Yet another
expression of our Lord's love and compassion for His people.
There was a young lady who happened upon the accident scene as the paramedics were
extricating Laiel from the wreckage. She did all she could to assist and comfort our little girl. It just so happened that this lady, a complete stranger, is a qualified first responder and the ambulance crew allowed her to ride with
Laiel as they transported her to a location where the helicopter could land to meet them. The ambulance crew had apparently recognized that this lady was truly ministering to
Laiel's needs, and they wanted her along. Again our Lord, in His abundant love and kindness had sent this angel - a true minister of Jesus!
I was overwhelmed as friends, brothers, and sisters in Christ dropped all they were doing to gather around us in the hospital that first night. We were absolutely surrounded by love and concern ("As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so Yahweh surrounds His people"-
Ps. 125:2). These angels sent by our loving Father prayed with us, encouraged us, and did all they could to bear our burden with us - and again - they were the hands, the feet, the voice of Jesus.
My dear mother arrived at our house at hardly more than a moments notice to care for our children while April and I were at the hospital. My big sister (yes, she still is!) showed up a little while later from out of state to help my mother help us! Yes - again - the hands and feet of Jesus!
Words cannot express the thankfulness which fills my heart for all that I've witnessed as days have rolled by. One brother retrieved our wrecked van and completely handled that part of the ordeal so that I didn't need to lift a finger in that regard.
Friends have rallied around us from around the country and abroad to keep
Laiel in constant prayer. Our Lord's precious servants have shown up at the hospital in a never ending stream to encourage and pray with us. Many have brought food to the hospital ministering to our physical needs as well. Some of our brothers and sisters have been so committed to "being there" for us that they have spent nights in the hospital with us. I have joked about their determination to share our pain, because sleeping in the waiting room recliners usually leaves me craving chiropractic therapy.
Other friends and brethren are taking turns preparing and delivering meals to our house for our family there. Such thoughtfulness and kindness comes from the heart of our Lord, Jesus.
Even the youngest of our Lord's servants have participated by sending cards, letters, pictures and various sorts of notes of encouragement for
Laiel.
One brother delivered hay to our home for
Laiel's horse. He knew that it was needed and I had not had the chance to take care of that - so he did! A man delivering hay? No - the hands and feet of Jesus - Hallelujah!!!
A sister established a website so that anyone who desired could keep a constant vigil on
Lai's condition. This has enabled everyone to know exactly how to pray at any given time. It also has greatly reduced the amount of time April and I must spend on the telephone giving updates. Yes, we know who inspired that!
We have truly been ministered to in every way - spiritually, physically, and even
financially. Every need has been met and we have only been praying for
Laiel's healing! Yes, I have seen Jesus in this.
Jesus has shown up to minister to us in the hospital regularly. I have seen Him in the faces of strangers who have heard of
Laiel's need through emails and prayer chains. They have taken time out from their busy lives and make the trek to the hospital to pray for our daughter, and to encourage, exhort, and edify us. His mercies are new every morning!!!
Believe it or not, it gets better. After the initial emergency surgery, the marathon began. The team of surgeons had dealt with
Laiel's internal bleeding by removing her spleen and packing the liver in place. She had multiple punctures in her lungs from her nine broken ribs. Other injuries were relatively minor for the most part. However, a substantial contusion to the left side of her head caused concern. A CT scan revealed no brain damage and the spinal cord was intact. The doctors counseled us to be prepared for what may be ahead. There could be blood clots, infections, pneumonia, or other potential hazards.
It has been one long day to me, so I'm not sure of time, but the blood and fluids were drained from the injured lungs, and other procedures were constantly performed.
As sedation was withdrawn, doctors and/or other specialists gave
Laiel stimulation tests. She would move her legs and feet, even her head, but not her arms or hands. Eventually, when she should have been awake, she didn't seem able to snap out of her drug induced slumber. Another CT scan was administered and revealed several blood clots had made their way to
Laiel's brain. These blood clots had prevented oxygen from reaching areas of the brain. These areas atrophy, or die. The neurologists explained that these areas were in the front, rear, left and right regions of the brain. These "dead spots" in the brain were strokes and would result in
neurological deficiencies. Just what functions and/or how many bodily functions would be impacted would be determined as
Laiel regained consciousness. We should be prepared for long term
disabilities, possibly
rehabilitation, etc., etc..
Laiel would probably need to re-learn some things, and could have some
disabilities for life.
But Yahweh GOD - the One who created
Laiel - the One who designed her body had different plans for her. The Almighty One, who spoke the cosmos into being touched
Laiel's body, mind and spirit. Those circuits in the brain have been either re-routed and/or repaired by His hand. He has done what no surgeon made of flesh can do!
As
Laiel regained conscientiousness, she was mentally alert and responded to us. In short order she was moving her arms and most of the rest of her body. By the following day, not only could she move her hands, she could squeeze my fingers in hers. By the next day her strength was greatly improved and when she squeezed my fingers then I could only speak one word -
HALLELUYAH!!! Jesus, my Lord -
Yahshua (Yahweh's Salvation) had shown up again!
Laiel has continued to become more alert and communicates better as time goes by. Because of tubes in her throat and so forth she can't speak and we are forced to attempt to read lips. She is sometimes frustrated when we can't figure out what she is saying. Regardless she has regained her smile and is mentally sharp!
My little girl has been returned to us whole, intact, restored in mind, body and spirit -
HALLELUYAH (Praise Yahweh) - for His servants who have been so faithful to do His work. And
Halleluyah, Praise Jesus for His Healing Touch!
Yes, from the very beginning of this ordeal until now, my Lord has been faithful. He has provided every need from the most basic and simple to the most profound. Through His loving body and ultimately by His divine touch He has abundantly supplied my family's needs. He healed my daughter and He calmed the storm in me!
If I had not believed in Jesus before, I would believe now. If someone asks why I believe, I can smile and say - I saw Jesus today!!!
** Thanks to Taylor H. for sharing her photos**
Wish I could have caught our evening in a photo.
We have been promising Isaac a trip to Dollywood all year. What perfect weather for a day of fun. Cool weather means no lines on the water rides too!
Isaac invited a friend to spend the day with us. We sure did enjoy having Jacob along- maybe because he is just such a sweetheart... and maybe because he rode those crazy rides with Isaac that Eddie and I weren't brave (stupid!) enough to ride.
I tell you what... these guys had me rolling in laughter. They are both such riots- get them together and well, let the fun begin!
Yep, Ben. They really did ride it- without Baby Jonathan!
I just knew this kid would wear down and take a nap at some point in the day. He has to be a more light sleeper than even his mom!
Jonathan turned six months old the
The long awaited day has arrived! Jonathan has slept three nights in a row. Life is good. Plans were to camp out tonight for the Feast of Tabernacles- but I'm a little hesitant to mess up a good thing. He even went to sleep in the stroller one day!