Reconciliation in the ICU
This is a very recent and true story from a dear friend…
My dad had a brain aneurysm a few days ago, and here is an update. They think it was a vein and not an artery, but haven't confirmed that yet. They are doing another angiogram today. A hole was drilled in his head to release the blood and pressure. Some good news: he is able to move his hands and feet, and more importantly remembers who we are. He doesn’t know facts like what year it is and who the president is. The Doctors say his chances of recovery are good, but he is still in critical condition. In fact, the next 30 days are a very critical period. He will be in the hospital for a minimum of 7 to 14 more days if all goes well.
I would like to share a cool hope building story that happened while we were in the hospital. Aunt Linda, my dad's sister-in-law, has been estranged from her daughter for 6 to 7 years. They have not spoken at all during this time. Little did we know that when my Dad was put in ICU, Linda's son-in-law was being rushed to the same hospital and put into the room across the hall? Of all the rooms in all the hospitals in all of Kansas, they are across the hall. In the middle of these two emergencies, a mother and daughter ran into each other in the hall way, wondering how the other knew about their circumstances.
My spiritual antennae were buzzing, and the following evening I went to try to connect with someone from Linda's family, whom I had never met. As I was standing at the counter waiting to talk with the receptionist, a woman walked up and asked if my name was Tim, my Uncle Rick's son (she could see some family resemblance). I then asked her if she was Linda's daughter, and was glad to learn she was the exact person I was hoping to meet.
We went into her husband's room and what followed was a sweet time of prayer and fellowship with my sister in the Lord. She shared with me how Bryan had been sick for years, had a severe stroke, and had been declared brain-dead. He was being kept on life support for his liver to be donated. This seemed to be very important to the family... that life would come from his death. While I was in the room with Bobbi, the doctors came in to tell her that they had indeed found a recipient for the liver. She was so excited, and I was so blessed, that Bryan's death could help save a 60 year old man's life.
The following day, Bobbi and her mother Linda spent time together, and Linda got to see her grandchildren for the first time in a long time. Not only was Bryan's death used to save a life, but also to begin to reconcile a mother and daughter relationship. Aunt Linda would never have even known had she not been there for my dad.
Could the Holy Spirit have divinely orchestrated this meeting at the KU medical center in the middle of two life changing events? This really puts everything in perspective for me. I realize even more than I already did that He really does have everything under control, and is writing a beautiful story of life and forgiveness. Linda said, "This is putting my atheist beliefs to the test."
The cross of Jesus is all about reconciling and restoring relationships. His death is what brings us to the Father, and consequently to each other.
Please continue to pray for my father's healing, that Jesus would move in power at Bryan's funeral, and that KU Medical Center would experience more of these kinds of miracles. If you don't know Jesus, I encourage you to ask Him to reveal Himself to you and let Him wash your heart clean.
“And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony.” Rev. 12:11a
Overcoming by the Blood of the Lamb and my testimony! In the grip of Papa’s grace, Ron Ross
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