117 SECONDS

    That's how long it took to get back a missing piece of Katie back to us.

    I stood there alone Friday night, 629p, looking outside the south facing hills of Loma Linda, dotted with low embered lights, holding Katie's hand.  Night had just fallen.  Filled with anxiety and fear for what was to happen next.  Never has time moved so slowly.

    Nervous, but filled with hope and apprehension, I witnessed a small group of Doctors, Nurses and RT's ever sooo slowly, take out the vent and feeding tube - that served as Katie's arch nemesis and saving grace for the past 12 days.

    I didn't know what to expect?  Will she be able to speak again? Would words come tumbling out? Or would would they be replaced by a cacophony of sound foreign to my ear, like nails to a chalkboard?

   Could she even recognize me at all? I had to brace myself for what was to happen next...a million thoughts and scenarios flashed before me, all with a variety of outcomes.

I said a prayer and held my breath.

"God, if there was ever a time where I need you now.."

And with 2 small coughs and one last heave, I felt a symphony was reaching its final cresendo....

The Good Lord, along with the amazing ICU Staff, gave Katie the ability to speak once again - albeit in a faint whisper. Music to my ears!

     I remained by her bedside till 5a Saturday morning, and although there were moments of wondering and frustration, she was had Many moments of clarity.

(She remembered the names of my 3 dogs :-)

    It was difficult to find any sleep in the most uncomfortable chair in her room, with various ringers and buzzers continously going off.  But just to have her talking to me (all night by the way) was all I could've asked for. :-)     Sleep is way over rated -  Lol.  

 

   What a great way to start the Sabbath.

   Thank you Jesus!

 -Richard
"Every heartbeat is a second chance..."