The Beginning - Dec 21 2012

Dec 21

The shortest day of the calendar year - the longest day of our lives.

Our day began at 4:30 in the morning with a phone call every parent dreads - your son has been in an accident and is hurt. Not knowing what to expect, we threw on our clothes and raced to Abbotsford Hospital. It was chaotic with multiple family members and injuries involved. We had to wait agonizing minutes before we were allowed to see Jordan. I cannot describe how heart-wrenching it is to see your own child lying so vulnerable, intubated and ventilated. Jordan was heavily sedated as he was quite combative after the accident. Despite all the air ambulances being in use at the time, through God's providence one was located and de-iced. By 7:40 he was transported to Royal Columbian Hospital for head trauma injuries. We drove there and braced ourselves for the worst as we were told "it doesn't look good."

Upon arrival, he was reassesed and underwent another CT scan. We were told he had significant swelling of the brain, contusions on his lungs, and two fractures on the base of his scull. We could not see him for quite a while but when we did, we were encouraged by his appearance (skin colour, etc.) The day was a blur of two minute visits with Jordan, meeting social workiers, doctors, etc... The medical staff is very caring and professional at RCH.

During some quiet time, a Bible passage I was reading struck me, "The fool hath said in his heart there is no God." The fact that our son is alive is proof that there is a God! We covet your prayers for Jordan's recovery. We are very overwhelmed by all the prayers, e-mails, and phone calls. Your support is so appreciated. The neorosurgeon met with us and is quite optimistic - Jordan has a young brain, an "athlete's heart," and is healthy. Surgery is not an option right now, but they would rather keep him calm and sedated to keep the swelling down. When his sedation wears off, he gets agitated and his motions are very "purposeful." For tonight, his sedation and pain medication will be doubled to give him a good night's rest.

The plan for tomorrow (Dec 22) - meeting with the occupational therapists, respiratory technicians, physical therapists, and plastic surgeons (we later found out that he has a broken right jaw and all his facial bones on the left side are broken). The neurosurgeon hopes to wean him off sedation tomorrow and get him siting up if they can make him a custom neck brace.

We are very thankful to our Lord that his young life has been spared. His recovery is in God's hands. We truly believe that Jordan has been carried on the wings of prayer. Please continue to pray.