Saturday, November 15, 2008

God has BIG plans for this man's life ...

It happened exactly three days after Barack Obama was elected to be the next President of the United States. It happened exactly eight days after Keaton's 24th birthday. It happened while we were home in Indiana and Keaton was home in Florida. It happened so quick and a full week has come and gone already.

Keaton fell 25-30 feet while rock climbing with friends at Brick City. He ruptured his spleen, had internal bleeding, and possibly a collapsed lung. He called us after an ambulance ride, and after the trauma team assessed his injuries, and after a full body CT scan, and a surgeon had been called. And lots of pain medication. It went like this:

Kay: Hello?
Keaton: Hi mom.
Kay: Keaton, is that you? (his voice was so weak, throaty, and hoarse)
Keaton: Yes.
Kay: Are you okay?
Keaton: Yes, I'm okay.
Kay: Where are you calling from?
Keaton: The hospital.
Kay: How did you get there?
Keaton: An ambulance.

Kevin & I were 1000 miles away, and all we wanted to do was get there. Three hours later, I was on a plane, and praying non-stop. Keaton was in so much pain when I arrived. The next morning, the surgeon determined his spleen had to be removed and an hour later he was in surgery. So ... the long road to recovery begins. He now has a 12 inch vertical cut from his breast-bone to below his belly button, and 17 staples.

In the hours following surgery, a cardiologist was called in because of some complications ... all is good now. His left shoulder continues to be a concern, even after CT scan and xrays have shown nothing. His right hand swelled and gave us pause, but has since gone back to normal. There appear to be no broken bones and no concussion -- what a walking miracle he is!

Pastor Tim and Principal Tina have been so supportive, as have all the staff at Meadowbrook Church and Academy. All of Keaton's students made him banners and get-well cards. The church has set me up with a laptop, and I will work from here until after Thanksgiving. We are hoping Keaton will be released in the next few days. Kevin is joining us tomorrow and he can't wait to see Keaton, and I can't wait to see Kevin.

God has a plan for this man's life indeed. This man who is our son. This man who we love more than any words could say. This man, who is a brother, a grandson, a nephew, a cousin, a friend, a teacher, and a man of God.

Keaton, I am so blessed to be your mom. And don't rock climb anytime soon.

3 comments:

The Hays Family said...

Joyce told me what happened and I've been praying for you and your "little" boy.

God has all of you wrapped in His arms. Continually praying for Keaton, and the fam.

MUCH love,
staci

Anonymous said...

I am so glad Keaton was divinely protected and that he will be okay. He has my prayers for a quick recovery and also prayers for you and Kevin. Peace and love to you, my sister.
Mary

Darlene said...

OMGosh Kay ...on one hand I am so SORRY to hear this but on the other hand I'm so HAPPY to hear he is on the mend and seems to be doing well. I know with God's guidance, the doctors will do their job and bring him back to 100%. Hopefully God will whisper in his ear another hobby to take up and stay away from the rocky places. I will keep him & your family in my prayers. One day at a time my friend ... you are in my thoughts!!