In the beginning of the month I like to plan out what I would like to focus on for my Thankful Thursday posts. But this week I have just had one thought on my mind.
Thursday night I learned that my brother had been involved in a hit and run. And to make things worse he drives a motorcycle. He was alive but they didn’t really know the extent of his injuries. Luckily I was already planning on spending a quick weekend in California, where he lives. We were going to be taking our kids to a full scale tabernacle. The week before was crazy. I hadn’t even texted him that I would be in town.
I was able to see him Saturday night and, man, it was hard. Hard to see him in a hospital bed. I was able to chat a little but really he needed to sleep. He broke his femur, his hip, his arm, and his kneecap. He also shattered his elbow. His whole left side was in pain. It’s hard not being able to do anything for him. Well, I shouldn’t say that. We’ve been praying for him nonstop. I don’t think my kids really know how serious his injuries are. My daughter had so many questions on why her uncle had a broken leg and arm. It broke my heart to see him in pain.
But he is alive.
And that is what has been on my mind. He’s alive. And I am so thankful.
And he will be able to walk, eventually. His spine, neck, and head are okay. It could have been a lot worse. I am so thankful for amazing doctors and nurses who save lives everyday. They worked hard and hustled in school so they can help people and save lives. They work long hours, nights, weekends, and holidays to be there when we need them. Thankful for technology and pain medication that enable my brother to work on healing. Thankful for police officers who were able to notify my mom and who tried to find the person who hit him.
I love my little brother! I love his tender heart and his sense of humor. I love his love for reading and sharing what he learns. I love what a great uncle he is to my children. He listens to them and plays with them and sings to them. He always treats me with such kindness and respect.
He has been so kind and grateful to those taking care of him. He has been gracious and funny. He is still the same person. And his goodness is apparent even when he is in pain.
So we continue to pray for him. And those doctors, nurses, and surgeons working on him. He is having his third surgery today. I wish I could personally thank everyone helping take care of my brother. It’s hard not being there. Not that I would be taking care of him. Totally not my skill set. But it reminds me again to be kind and grateful for all the amazing nurses and doctors out there. And luckily for him, his girlfriend is an LVN. That will be helpful when he can eventually go home.
Life is precious. And I don’t even want to imagine what my world would be like without my brother. Thankful he is still with us. But it sure is hard seeing him in pain. He has been such a trooper. I’m thankful for all those that have been able to visit with him or send their love. Thankful that I could see him and tell him I love him!
And what a bummer my left handed brother hurt his left side. I told him I’m glad he would “be all right.” as in his right side is okay. He gave me a pity laugh as I reminded him about what the doctor said about Buster on Arrested Development being “all right.” My older brother laughed much more.
Thanks for letting me share my heart with you today. There are tender mercies all around us. We just need to recognize them when they happen. I would love to hear about something you are thankful for this week. Share it in the comments below.
