Thanksgiving Miracle

I don't even know where to begin - On Wednesday and I was cooking away and running around the house getting work done because Saturday I was to have my kids out to the farm along with the grandson for our round of Thanksgiving... As life would have it for once I was off the phone line when a call came in that would change everything.

My DIL was on the line and stated "Nick has had a stroke they think and he is on the way to the hospital, I will call you back when I know more"

I hung up the phone and took a breath. I then snapped into the routine that I had hoped had left my brain for good some 15 years ago. That way of life that I lived for so long with my husband. The countless trips on auto pilot to get to the emergency room to be by the side of my chronically ill husband. As if on a cellular level I went to work. I took all the food I was cooking off the stove, placed everything in containers and into the freezer. Ran outside and feed, watered and locked up all the animals because who knew what was going to be facing us in the days to come. Running back to the house I took off my work clothes, hopped into a shower and appeared in minutes with city clothes. I packed a bag because I knew it would be needed. I then gathered my wits and waited for the phone to ring again. I did quickly call three prayer circles I work with and asked for help - I knew that was vital...

The phone rang again and it was decided I would come into town and take care of Reese while things where getting sorted out. I drove like the wind all that way into town only to arrive at his house to be instructed to go to the hospital because Nick wanted me there. Back I drove and arrived to find my 27 year old in the ER scared to pieces, flat on his back and with no idea what had caused the stroke.. I had been praying since I got the first call and never stopped even as I listened to all the bites and pieces of information was being tossed around. They placed him into ICU and now started the path to healing. As we sat waiting for test results I heard the story of what had happened and why I believe there are Angel's who watch over us.

While Nick was working in the mountains his felt his left side go limp and a splitting pain shot through his head. He know immediately what was going on but was also not aware that he was not connecting all the dots but in his mind he thought get into the truck and get help - so he got into his truck and decided to leave and head home. Instead of call 911 he tried to call his wife but got no answer. He could have even told his boss who was right there he was having major troubles but something inside of him directed him to go get help. After taking the side of the bosses gutter off the house he proceeded down the mountain. That should have been another clue not to drive but Angels where truly with him because even as his sight was failing and he had trouble steering his truck Nick flashed his lights hoping to get a police officer to help him. He drove and drove without hitting any one or anything else which is amazing.. The drive was on a busy interstate highway and well over 50 miles away from where he was headed so that again is simply amazing. Then Nick finally got to a church parking lot off the busy highway where police stopped him and quickly understood he was in much trouble. The Fire Department and EMT's arrived and he was taken by ambulance to the nearest hospital which just so happens to be the leading hospital for Stroke assistance in our state. They quickly gave him a shot to break the clot in his brain and went to work assessing how to proceed. Rounds of tests where given and we waited to hear why this happened and what we were going to do other then watch the clock and watch every breath Nick took.

I spent the night sitting next to Nick willing the best results to show it's self. I knew that in prayer all things are possible but I had hoped I never would be in this position with my sons because of all the years I had done this with their father. The hospital staff was wonderful as they ran every hour a battery of tests to see if he was improving. Around 3 am in the morning Nick started talking with me, drinking some Ginger Ale and was responding like the old Nick. I knew at that moment he would be fine. The doctor's and nurses where amazed at the speedy recovery he was making and by morning he was talking bike parts and downhill jumps with a physical therapist who was there to see what shape his body was in. After all the tests we still do not have any clear answers (still waiting on some blood panels) but the tests confirm his brain is showing no damage from the stroke, that his heart did not have a tear or malformation and that his body is pouncing back to every one's amazement.

While all of our holiday plans never did happen the way they had been planned - it was a special Thanksgiving. It brought back to us what is really important in life.... I do not wish this on anyone but if it had to happen the outcome was a blessing.

I am thrilled to report Nick went to his home last night and rested comfortably through the night after a long and very hot shower. I wanted to thank Carol (DIL's Mother) who flew in to take care of Reese and give her love and support to her frightened daughter as only a mother can do. To all those friends who stepped in to assist and lend support I thank you - Nick is very lucky. As for me I thank all of those wonderful Earth Bound Angels who are in my life. I know that your prayers, along with the words of love and support made Nick's recovery possible with such speed and grace. I returned to the farm last night - drained but full of hope for my sons full recovery and new life path. This morning as I returned to all the calming routines which are required to run this farm I gave thanks again for all the small and large blessings that I witness each day.

I give thanks for my newest Miracle - the healing of Nick...