November 2, 2010 was a day that has changed my life -- the life of many actually. My beautiful 16 year old daughter suffered a brain hemorrhage. We spent a week in Intensive Care in the closest large city of Tulsa, OK~around 45 minutes south of where we live. Although I am not at ease yet in sharing all the details, I can tell you that miracle after miracle came my daughters way and a week and a day after her collapse, we were able to bring her home. That doesn't mean life has not changed, however, as she has to have someone with her 24 hours a day as well as Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapy sessions that require a great deal of time. Our daily goal is to protect her from anything that could cause rebleed until eventual surgery, most likely in January...then r
ecovery to "normal" life by March.Our community, friends, family, and strangers even surrounded us with strength, support, and prayer. When I am able to put this all into written form, the testimony from this test will, undoubtedly, be a source of strength and joy to many. As we learn day by day how to adjust, I am able to continue with the writing and publishing somewhat. I have a couple of dear, sweet ladies who just happen to be authors and mothers who jumped in without hesitation to lighten my load and ease my anxiety in the business realm. They are my angels: Jaimey Grant and Ellen C. Maze. To say they are amazing is an understatement! Without them and the many others who have helped and are helping daily I don't know what we would have done...another chapter to be added to the eventual book that I plan to write with a happy ending!
Aw, thanx Linda. I just wish there was more I could do. I'm happy to help in any way I can.
ReplyDelete{{{HUGS}}}
Linda, you guys have been through a terrible ordeal. But it really is true that these things make us stronger if they don't kill us! You are a strong lady and surrounded by so many who love you. I think the outpouring on Facebook proved how many you have in your corner and that would not be so if you were not the kind of sweet, kind, generous soul that you are. You are going to have your happy ending with Katherine, and I know that happy endings are the thing you LOVE most in the world! So keep on keepin on and remember God and your family and friends are with you every step of the way. This was an awesome post to read. It is quite a miraculous story. I am so thankful that Katherine is okay and continue to pray she will be fully restored to perfect health and wholeness as soon as possible. Love you, dear friend. **BIG HUG!!**
ReplyDeleteI know this has been said over and over again, but it can never be heard enough. "God will only give you what you can bear". You are a very strong lady and though I only know you in cyber land, I can tell with 100% certainty that you have a warm and loving heart. I can also tell that you have a deep faith in Our Lord. For this reason, you will continue to be lifted up to Him and the resources of strength needed to bear this cross will be given to you. Prayers abound and remember that He loves you, Linda, as we all do.
ReplyDelete(((Hugs))) to you,my friend.
Linda, I feel as tho I know you because of facebook and your talks with Chris. So glad to hear your sweet Katherine is where she is and I feel sure with all the people who love you continue to pray she will recover to a full and happy life. We continue to pray for her and your family. Glenda Kenner
ReplyDeleteI am a pediatric critical care nurse and can imagine what you have been going through. My prayers are with your daughter for a complete recovery and for your family too.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and prayers,
Terri Forehand
http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com
Linda,
ReplyDeleteI can hardly imagine all that it has meant to get through the last few weeks. May God continue to strengthen and guide you, your daughter, your family and all the friends who love and support you. I cannot wait for the happy ending!
Linda, I am so happy prayers have been answered. You're strength and faith have been such an inspiration. I can only imagine what I would do if something like that happened to my 18 year old. God bless! Thank you for sharing your story.
ReplyDeleteLinda,
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower from MBC. I'm sending hope and prayers your way!
Carla
www.jollyjansen.blogspot.com
http://HoustonParentsMagazine.com
You and Katherine -- and the whole family -- are a total testimony of faith and perseverance to us all. I am blessed to know you!
ReplyDeleteLove in Messiah Jesus :-)
ellen
Linda, I just read your story and I can't imagine what you have gone through in these past days. Four years ago my husband had a heart attack and bypass surgery and I remember those days vividly as he was touch and go for awhile. I wound up writing a whole novel on this a year later, so I understand your thoughts now.
ReplyDeleteYour daughter is beautiful and I hope that she will be back to her old self as soon as possible. I believe in prayer and good thoughts. Keep strong and it's so wonderful you have had such an outpouring of affection for you. At the time of my husband's illness and again this past year when he was ill again with hypercalcemia, my friends spread out their arms and gave me virtual hugs whenever they could. People all over the country prayed for him and my hope is that the positive thoughts and prayers will help your daughter and keep her safe.
This brought tears to my eyes. The pictures are moving and so are your words. I will pray for her quick recovery and peace for you and your family.
ReplyDeleteWhat sheer terror..I will be praying for your family!
ReplyDeleteSo thankful for your attitude of gratitude, even while things are still not settled. You are an inspiration!
ReplyDelete~Debbie
Now that I know more of your story, I will certainly be praying! I remember Katherine sewing that seed of faith for Becca's recovery. I have never forgotten your faithfulness to pray for our family. I can definitely understand the living in the PICU and the uncertainty from day to day. The Lord is with you and He will uphold and sustain you.
ReplyDeleteStephanie Leupp