Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times,and a brother is born for adversity.

If you have had the chance to follow blogs by my daughter Moriah and Facebook postings by my wife Laurie, you are aware of what has happened the past few days. To put it briefly as possible, I went to the hospital last Friday with symptoms resembling a TIA stroke. Severe headache, confusion, speaking nonsense, stumbling and in total denial that there is anything wrong (not typical of any other GUY huh?)

I can't really recall how many tests I had, but the list includes EKG, EEG, 2 CT scans, and 3 separate MRI's (one lasted an hour and a half--me in a tiny little tube). They found that I was losing cerebral spinal fluid and my brain stem had dropped about 1 1/2 inches and was compressing against my spine. Seems to me I should have been a bumbling idiot..wait, come to think of it.....

So, believe it or not, it's not the lack of spinal fluid that's the issue--as the neuro docs said they see that all the time. It's the lack of a specific cause, such as a spinal tap, epidural or recent head trauma. So, in the end, they never did find the cause. The solution was a blood patch, which simply means they injected 20cc of my own blood into my spine and hoping that the blood finds the leak and coagulates, plugging the leak.

Herein lies the last remaining problem. There's no way to know if it plugged the leak, as the doctors have no idea where the leak is. All they can do is wait and see if the symptoms return. If they don't, they plugged the leak and all is well. If symptoms return, it means that it didn't work I've got some pretty invasive tests ahead that the neuro surgeons at Barrows Neurological Institute are just giddy about the prospect of performing.

So I just got released from the hospital a few hours ago. I'm a bit lightheaded from being on my back for 5 days, but have no symptoms right now. I covet your prayers and pray that this blood patch worked.

But the reason for this blog is to thank God for the amazing friends that ministered to my wife Laurie and I over the past five days.

FACEBOOK: As Laurie posted her comments on Facebook, the comments amazed and humbled us. FIRST: the number of people who said they were praying for me was incredible. People who have been a part of our lives over the past 25 years were popping back up and praying. SECOND: The comments people made about how we made an impact on their lives. Most of the comments were on times we had no idea we were making an impact, but Christ using us to make the impact. I cannot explain with words how it feels when you're sitting in a hospital room, wondering how this incident is going to effect the rest of your life, and people write comments on how important you are to them. To each and every one who made comments on Facebook, thank you so much for taking the time to let us know that you are there for us. We NEVER felt like we were in this alone. And it was very very humbling to know that people cared so much.

HOSPITAL VISITS: When I am on my back, I have no symptoms. My brain leaks only when I stand up. So while lying in bed for endless hours on hours, your mind can really play tricks on you. You go through a wide range of emotions, from hope to despair, from content to feeling sorry for yourself. However, it seemed that whenever I was feeling discouragement from the pain of lying flat on my back or despondent from the lack of identifying the source of my brain pain, someone would walk through the door. My daughter Moriah, my Son by marriage Wes and my Grandson Camden came for a visit on more than one occasion, keeping my life in perspective. When I was in total back pain from lying perfectly flat for 24 hours and very discouraged, Dave Robinson and Mindy and Paul Hubbard walk through the door, and we're laughing by the time they left. Glenn and Brenda High brought dinner by, and we were reminded why we have been friends for nearly 30 years. My nephew Jarrad and his wife Capri brought me chocolates. When I came back from an EEG with my back in spasms, I asked Laurie for a couple of chocolates while I was moved from a gurney to a bed. It was a little pleasure in the midst of pain. Robin Fourmy was there for Laurie praying, counseling and encouraging every step along the way.

In addition, there were many many family and friends who stopped by and let me know they were praying for me and offering to help in any way they can. Each and every visit was appreciated.

STEPPING UP: Finally, the people who we did take up on their offer to help from Bethany Fourmy picking up my daughter from school, and Lyndsey Huff making dinner for my daughters every night.

In the end, the number of family and friends who called, came by and commented on Facebook was overwhelming. The encouraging words, the promises of prayer and offers of help was truly a source of strength.

While in the hospital, it occurred to me, how many people will go through their whole lives and never get the chance to hear how much your life has meant to the people around you.

My wife Laurie is truly amazing. She never left my side. She slept beside me every night. She rubbed my leg during 2 hours of MRI's. She's the most selfless person I have ever known. And besides that she is HOT! There are many advantages to marrying "up"!

So, as of today, I have no idea if my brain issues are over, or just the beginning. I pray they are behind me. However, I will always treasure the heartfelt comments and action by people I love. Thanks for being my friend at all times and brother (and sister) in adversity.