Paralyzed From the Neck Down

In an earlier post I shared that a former co-worker of mine when I was in IA, has recently suffered a terrible tragedy and is now a quadriplegic. These are situations where one just doesn't know what to do.

I don't know what to do or say, but regardless, I did call her dad today. We had a nice conversation and I told him Shelley called me a "Bible Thumper" and that he can tell her I'm "thumpin' for her" now. He appreciated that and remarked that they have been overwhelmed by the calls and the outpouring of compassion and concern.

It sounds like the family is coping at the moment, but I think the shock is still there and it probably feels like a bad dream right now. Shelley, he said, is in pretty good spirits at the moment, but he acknowledged that she is on so much medication right now that she may not be really comprehending her predicament. Her dad told me that she is only complaining of pain in her neck since the recent surgery to try to align a part of her spine in an attempt to regain some feeling in her arms and possibly hands. He also said "she's always had a paranoia of things being around her neck, and now they have a halo on her...kind of ironic". The plan is to start rehabilitation as soon as possible.

I can't begin to understand how scary this whole situation will be for everyone involved when reality sets in.

I've read some of the books of Joni Eareckson-Tada and through that have some, very little, insight as to what an active and healthy person may experience when they are suddenly faced with being a quadriplegic. Her site suggested a book called When Your Doctor Has Bad News: Simple Steps to Strength, Healing, and Hope by Dr. Al B. Weir. I've sent that to Shelley in hopes that her friends and family may be able to read it to her and that they will all realize that there is hope, and a God who loves them.

The hospital where she is now at in Des Moines, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, has a set up on their website that allows people to send cards to patients. I sent a card with a short message...it had to be short because one only gets 250 characters! Ugh! That's just not enough...but, that doesn't stop one from sending multiple cards! LOL

Shelley's dad said that they are working to get a website up so progress reports can be posted regularly and Shelley will be able to keep in touch with friends that way, once she is able.

I other health news...my cousin's son, Noah, 6, is going to Disneyland thanks to the Make a Wish Foundation! In August he was diagnosed with brain stem glioma, and is progressing through treatment right now. HelpNoah.com was established to keep friends and family updated on his progress and the different events that have come up to help support his family. It is heartwarming how people can come together and make a difference in the lives of people.

Postive thinking about these situations is good, but falls very short of the power of Christ. These physical bodies of ours are weak, and temporary. The only true hope is in Jesus Christ, and my prayer is that these victims of very unfortunate circumstances, and their friends and family, will come to know the saving Grace of God through His Son. In Him alone will we find the hope and strength to endure the fragile life on this planet.