September 24th, 2011. Michael and I were visiting my sister and her husband for the weekend. We had just eaten breakfast, and were sitting around their living room, sipping coffee and planning our day. We were laughing and joking and watching videos on YouTube.
And then the phone rang.
The next two hours were the worst of my life. My mom called, hysterical, saying that my brother had some sort of accident on a 4-wheeler and had been life-flighted, but that’s all we knew. No one would tell her anything. Time seemed to drag on, and minutes turned to hours, as we got bits and pieces of updates via my mom, who was getting them from a social worker. We didn’t really know anything except my brother had an accident, was life-flighted to a hospital in Austin, and it didn’t look good. Our younger sister called from the place she was staying, a good five hours from Austin, and I begged her not to drive, since she was crying so hard. Meanwhile, my parents were speeding to the hospital, which was a few hours from their home. We made plans to do the same but remained frozen, as though we knew where we needed to go, but we weren’t quite sure how to get there.
Basically, what happened was this: Jonathan went out at night, by himself, on the 4-wheeler. Somewhere along the way, he wrecked, hitting his head and shoulder on the road, and ending up in a ditch. Since his friend had already gone to bed, Jonathan laid in the ditch all night. The next morning, a neighbor found him and called 911, and since he was found lifeless, he was life-flighted. His friend called my mom and gave her what little information he had. That’s when my mom called us.
Throughout the day, we got small updates, each more miraculous than the first. He’s not dead. His neck isn’t broken. He’s not paralyzed. Only his shoulder-blade is broken. His neck has soft tissue damage only. But there were scary ones, too. Traumatic brain injury. We won’t know the extent of the damage until he wakes up. There’s a lot of swelling of the brain. We were playing a waiting game.
Throughout the next few days, he continued to improve. He was moved from ICU to a normal room. Even the doctors said his status was nothing short of a miracle. He began to walk around with the help of a physical therapist. He answered questions more clearly and was able to recognize everyone.
One week later, he was off the IV. Shortly after, he was moved to a rehab center in Houston, which is where he’s been ever since, seeing multiple therapists per day. Chances are very likely he will soon be able to leave the rehab center and stay with my parents, who will take him to outpatient rehab until he is to a place where he can drive and live on his own again. No one knows when this will be, and some are saying up to six months, but we’ve learned not to pay too much attention to timelines, because God often has a different plan. They are saying that he will make a full recovery, but again, we’re not sure when. We’re currently praying for:
-Jonathan to be able to move out of rehab and home with my parents.
-His appetite to improve.
-My parents for strength, patience, and peace in this whole situation. They have been with him every day for over two weeks.
-100% recovery as soon as possible.
-Clarity of mind and management of pain. He is still in an incredible amount of pain and experiences confusion over certain things.
That being said, my family and I are completely bowled over from the emails, calls, tweets, Facebook messages, and general support we have been receiving. Your sweet thoughts and prayers are what have kept us going and I can say that I know for sure they have attributed to Jonathan’s progress. The other night, as I was sitting with him, I was telling him about all of you who are praying for him and who genuinely care about him, even though most of you have never met him. It’s an amazing thing, and I am again reminded of how blessed I am to be part of such a wonderful community. Keep praying, friends. Miracles happen. My brother is still with us, and he’s going to be okay. I couldn’t be more thankful.
{new years, 2007}
Comments on Thankful.
From abby:
Thanks for the update. I’ll keep praying. So happy that he is healing!
From Mandy:
oh my gosh, my heart started racing as i was reading. i’m so glad he is ok, i can’t even imagine how you felt. sending lots of positive thoughts to your family and brother for a speedy recovery <3
From Julie:
It isn’t until crisis hits that the metal of your faith is tested. That’s what people say. Your family’s seems to be coming out strong. Praying for continued strength for you all. Love always,
Julie
From Rachel (De Ma Cuisine):
Prayed for your brother just now.
From Liz:
I’m so so so glad he is okay. I love that first picture of you guys; he seems like a riot :) Love you<3
From Tabaitha:
Wow, just an amazing story of how God works. So glad to hear that your brother is on the road to recovery and it goes to show that miracles do happen. Continuing to pray that the doctors will have wisdom and guidance on how to treat and work with him during his rehabilitation process. Praying for all of your family, especially your parents who will need strength and energy caring for him. Thank you for sharing an update. I know it was hard for you to rehash that dreadful day.
From Holly:
I’ve been following your updates on twitter ~ praying for you and your family! I’m glad he’s doing better!
From Amber from Girl with the Red Hair:
Thanks for the update Lauren. I’ve been following your tweets and thinking of you guys. How terrifying. Sending good thoughts for a speedy recovery. I’m so glad your family has one another through this incredibly difficult time!
From lauren:
sending my most positive thoughts your brother’s way!! *
From Heather:
Hi Lauren. I saw some posts about this on FB but didn’t want to comment because I didn’t know the whole story. I’m so thankful your brother is OK. I will pray for continued restoration of his health and for your parents. Wow – your brother has a guardian angel – that’s for sure!
From Jess:
I’m so glad. Thank God he’s ok. I hope he continues to get strong and recover!
From Chrissy (The New Me):
I’m so glad your brother is okay. I cannot imagine going through something like this with my sisters, and I have admired your strength and grace through this terrible time. Your brother is lucky to have so many people on his side. <3
From Mary:
Thanks for summing it up like this! Our family has been praying and getting texted info from your folks. Just got one, in fact, that was very encouraging! We will continue to pray. Each of you is dear to our hearts. God has shown Himself faithful and praise-worthy daily. He has given all of us pause to consider His works. He is wonderful!
From becca @ just one more trip:
oh, lauren, i don’t know how i’ve missed all this in the last few weeks. i’m so thankful to hear that your brother is making a recovery. i will most definitely add you and your family to my prayers as jonathan continues to make progress!
From Randi:
I have chill bumps reading this. I’ve been praying for your brother as well as your entire family and the doctors/therapists involved in his recovery. Thank you for providing updates and reminding us that miracles do occur and that God does hear our prayers.
From KT:
Oh my goodness how terrifying! I’m glad that your brother is going to make a full recovery, even if it takes a while. Sending healing thoughts your family’s way!!
From Katherine:
:) I love you!
From Maggie:
Isaiah 61:3- “a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair.”
Such a miracle! So happy for you and your fam- will continue to pray…
From Cio:
I love you. I’m praying for you, and the family.
Wish i lived closer to you, i’d give you big hugs.
Miss you my gorgeous friend…
From Joanna:
What an emotional post, I probably should not have read it at work in an open plan office.
So very glad to hear that your brother is on the mend. Still praying for you all x
From Stephany:
I am SO glad he is going to be OK. God is still in the business of performing miracles. Will keep praying for your family!
From Megan:
I’m so glad he’s doing well. I’ve been sending good thoughts his way. Keep us updated on his progress. :)
From Amanda:
I am so so happy to hear this! I will definitely continue to keep him and your family in my prayers :)
From Anne:
He’s in my prayers!
From lauryn:
My brother is my only sibling and I can’t imagine how scary it would be to get that phone call. I’ve definitely been keeping your family in my thoughts, and I’m so happy that your brother has made so much progress. I hope that continues!
From San:
Thanks for sharing the whole story and for keeping us updated during this very difficult time. I’ll continue to keep Jonathan and your whole family in my thoughts. Here’s to a speedy recovery!
From kristi:
Thank the Lord he is okay! My little brother was in a bad accident about 10 years ago. Thankfully he survived.
From steph anne:
I’m late reading this but I’m so glad your brother is okay and seems to be recovering quickly! Much love to you & your family!