Monday, December 1, 2008

brain surgery and heart attacks

This holiday weekend proved to be full of family togetherness, mild productivity and then a little heartache.

Saturday my aunt Tricia was in a repelling accident while visiting her children in St. George. She flipped completely backwards and whacked her head on the rock. It was a pretty good whack, enough to get a super quick helicopter ride to salt lake and undergo surgery to relieve pressure in her brain. Surgery went well and everyone waits... waits for her to finish her slumber and wake up, waits to find out the extent of the damage to her brain, waits to see just how much this incident will change their lives. and we pray. And we have faith. And we know that the Lord's will will prevail and all will be well.

Sunday Denten's grandpa Dale had a heart attack. Grandpa is hands-down one of my favorite people on the planet and he's also among the most stubborn (hmm, maybe that's where my children get it). It took lots of coaxing for him to get to the hospital to check out the pain he was experiencing. After being monitored and tested all night, it appears that he, too, is on the up and up.

The recovery and future of both of these dear family members is yet to be determined, at least by us earthly folk. Both incidents could have ended their lives immediately and yet they are still here, either to continue their journey and accomplish things still left undone, or to continue to teach us and provide the opportunity to care for and fine tune our compassion. Both of these greats are fighters. I'm not just saying that. Apparently aunt Trish kicked one of her nurses as she was dealing with a catheter issue and let's just say that it is very likely the hospital will kick grandpa Dale out the minute they're able as he's a force to be reckoned regarding his own care.

While I've wished a few times that I could be closer to both of them during this time, I am grateful to be removed from the immediate situation enough to feel peace and hope and our Father's presence with both of them. Dwelling the the negative prognosis that is thrown around fairly freely can become incredibly discouraging, so I don't. I choose to know that they are surrounded by their angels and that Heaven has this under control. I pray that grandma and the family surrounding their bedsides can feel peace and release the worry pent up inside them. I pray for the ability to appreciate even more the good health that we experience every day.

And while I'm at it, I pray for little Beckham as he and his mouth had a nasty encounter with a coat hanger yesterday. It was most definately a bummer, but he's gonna be just fine and maybe I just needed a few more reasons to let the responsibilities of the day slide and cuddle with my baby.

6 comments:

The reviewers said...

Wow Amberly... I have had an experiance much like yours with a family member over this holiday. My little cousin (14 yrs old) was in a head on car accident, and was not wearing her seat-belt. She flew into the airbag, and the airbag flew back at her at 200 miles per hour. She just awoke her coma a few days ago, but we are still unsure as the what damage has been done. She can now open her eyes and wave, but cannot talk or show any kind of expression. It is a scary thing. We will keep your aunt in our prayers! keep us updated!

-Raynie

The reviewers said...

well my cousins accident actually happened the week before thanksgiving. Just wanted to clarify :)

Anonymous said...

Aunt Trish, Grandpa Dale & Raynie's cousin will be in the Carter's prayers. What peace the gospel brings, knowing that there is a divine purpose in all things. Our challenge is to better understand the eternal perspectives and help where we can.

Tricia's Family said...

What a weekend. We're all grateful for the peace, that's for sure. I hope your Mom holds up. She's quite a trooper and I'm so glad she is available to help Trish and her family. XO Michelle

Croslands said...

Oh my goodness! Well your grandpa sounds like someone I would love.

You are able to express yourself in ways that my brain can't even think. I love reading what you have to say. And I love you.

Amy said...

This is such a bummer Amberly...really. I hope you & your loved ones are able to feel the love of our Heavenly Father through this time. You'll be in our prayers!