I hunted down the phone numbers to the two hospitals yesterday and called my friends. I was fortunate enough to talk to Tana myself. Her friend Jennifer was there with her and screening her calls, but Tana wanted to take mine. It was so good to hear her voice even though the tired pain in it made me cry. Her surgery went well and she is slowly recovering. She may even be able to go home in a few days though she has a long recovery ahead of her. I so wish I could be there to hold her hand. Keep praying for her.
Then I called the ICU in Greenville and talked to Dean. Brandon is not doing well at all. He has many small points of bleeding on the brain and one large section of the lower brain which helps control his breathing. He is still unconscious and on a ventilator. The doctors haven’t gathered to talk with Dean just yet, though they are preparing him for the worst and best case scenarios. They are telling him that Brandon will require round the clock care and the recovery will be a very long one. Dean sounded tired too. He is clinging to the hope he has in our healing God and the many prayers being offered up for his family. He wasn’t alone at the hospital, one of the elders from his church had joined him and Kathie was on her way there as I spoke to him. Other relatives were bringing Colin and Macey to join them as well. Dean said when they know more, he’ll try to update me by email so I can pass on the word to their Colorado friends.
I feel so helpless right now. Why is it that when I get in this type of situation I feel like prayer isn’t enough? I just had an idea…What if we all send cards to the family? We know Brandon will be there awhile and even if they let Tana go home soon, they’ll probably forward the cards to her. Can you take a few minutes and join me in encouraging them through the written word? Here are the hospital addresses as I found them on the web:
Athens Regional Medical Center 1199 Prince Avenue, Athens, GA 30606
Patient: Tana Turner
Greenville Memorial Hospital 701 Grove Road, Greenville, SC 29605
Patient: Brandon Turner, ICU
Their circumstances make my troubles seem dumb and insignificant, but I could use your prayers this week too. It’s been a rough week here. Someone once said “Prayer is the tool that moves the hands of God” and I believe it!
Sometimes I Write 
Niki, your friends have been in my prayers.
Here is a suggestion, if I may, especially for Tana in that she may be able to go home soon.
I used to work in a hospital, while they have every intention and try to forward mail to patients, it’s not always possible. HOWEVER, a LOT of hospitals now have a place on their main website where you can send an e-mail to a patient and their family. It’s very quick and easy and I think it would also be a great thing for the staff at the hospital as well to see how many encouraging notes come from others, especially people they may not know, but who are praying for them as brothers and sister in christ.
I know what a bless it is to the patient, the family, and I have seen and known staff members at hospitals who were also moved and blessed because of it. Just a thought.
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Sorry! I didn’t proof that before I hit send, oops! 🙂
In the last paragraph,I ment to say I know what a *blessing* it is.
Also, it should be pretty easy to get the website of each hospital, thru a web search or google or something!
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Niki,
I will keep you friends in my prayers and say a special one for you too. I am sorry it has been a rough week, I hope it gets better soon. Much love,
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