The Hospital John

If you remember my post about The John in My Backyard you might be interested in hearing that this same uncle had a horrible accident about a week and a half ago. He fell from a balcony at his home, lay unconscious until he was found in the morning, and then remained unconscious until 2 days later. It REALLY didn't look good, and prayers were going up everywhere for him. He is well known in his community, and he had lots of people who wanted to visit (too many, actually) and know how he was doing. I last saw him on Tuesday. He was awake and was starting to recognize some people, but he didn't recognize me. His wife told him to turn to look at me, and one eye focused on me--sort of--but the other eye didn't really follow along. He kept rubbing his temple on the opposite side of where the knot on his head is. I really don't think he was using the other hand much at that point, and I think he was in lots of pain but couldn't really pinpoint the source of it. They were still keeping him pretty sedated, too. I know this has been painfully slow progress for those who are with him minute by minute, but I was able to go see him tonight, and he has made so much progress I had to fight not to tear up in front of him. All I can say is that God is doing miracle after miracle in him.

Tonight he was giving fist bumps to my kids, he didn't say my name but he talked about my dad and called him by name, so I know that he knew who I was. He was definitely confused and struggling to find the right words, but just hearing words out of his mouth brought so much joy to my heart. Even in his struggle he is still funny. The words he can think of are just funny. Like he said he was going to "oompa loompa" the idea of...(talking about staying in bed all day). He still needs prayer. No doubt about that. But God has already answered so many, and they anticipate a full recovery--eventually.

Tonight was the first night my kids have been able to see him. I think it puts a new perspective on "be careful or you might fall and hit your head." Probably not many preschoolers follow that up with terms like "brain injury." We've gotten some new books on how the body works, which has been helpful. We have one on the brain, and we have one on the heart since we also have an uncle who recently had a heart attack. I never wanted to have field trips to the hospital to visit people we love, but it is good for them to understand WHY it is important to pray for people. I've prayed from the day they were born that we would be a family who ministers together, so praying together for loved ones has been one way we can do that.

For those who know my family, thanks so much for your prayers. They have meant so much!