From the Other Side of the Tapestry

Romans 8:28 says: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him...."

Sometimes what happens is so clearly in line with what I think God should be doing; however, sometimes God allows things to happen that I have trouble reconciling with the loving, sovereign God that I know and trust. When I think about it, though, it's pretty arrogant to see sit back and say, "Nice move, God. I would have done the same thing myself." Or, alternatively, "Wow, God... you really messed this one up. You're going to have to get really creative to work this one out for the good of those who love you (i.e., me and mine!)."

So this is one of those times when I could think of a million and one "better" ways that God could have re-taught me valuable lessons like "appreciating my dad" or "recognizing that I should take nothing for granted." BUT, I choose to believe that GOD is working out something GOOD that is beyond my ability to comprehend. It is painful, no doubt... but we are in God's loving hands.

Here is a recap of yesterday's activities...

To summarize with one of Dad's favorite sayings: "You never know what a day will bring."

MEDICAL STUFF: Dad's in a coma right now, awaiting an angiogram (map of arteries and veins in brain) and then a brain surgery. He had a stroke at work yesterday - apparently due to a cerebral arteriovenous malformation... if you don't want to look that up, it is basically a wacky artery-to-vein connection. The doctor says he has had it all his life and, looking back, some of Dad's migraines, hearing issues, and other assorted physical symptoms are classic signs of a CAM. But, hindsight is 20/20. Anyway, this CAM popped, causing blood to create pressure on his brain, which then put pressure on his spinal cord and caused him to lose consciousness.

YESTERDAY'S ACTIVITY: Dad was in the lunchroom at work, having just finished lunch with everyone. He mentioned that he didn't feel well and went to his office, where he apparently threw up in his trash can. True to form, he came out calmly and told his boss, Bob Baldo, that he really didn't feel well. He asked Bob to call an ambulance and returned to his office to sit at his desk. Bob came in, and Dad was sweating and white and told Bob what to tell the EMTs before he put his head down on his desk and passed out. Bob helped him out of his chair and onto the floor and held his hand and talked to him until the EMTs arrived. When he got to the hospital he had slipped into a coma and he hasn't been "awake" since then. We don't know if Dad can hear us or not; some people can hear and remember things from when they were in a coma, but others can't (like dreams, according to his nurse).

After summoning the EMTs, his work tried calling us (family). Mom was in a movie with Sarah, and their phones were off. Sam and Bethany had sleeping kiddos and silent phones. Anh, one of Dad's wonderful co-workers, was going through all the Sorbellos in Dad's phone and finally contacted Cousin Shanon, who was with Dad's bro, Uncle Chuck. They gave her my cell phone number and I sounded the alarm to the rest of the immediate family. I zoomed off to the hospital after handing off a case that was supposed to be a jury trial today, and met Bethany and Richie there. Another long-time co-worker of Dad's (Eileen) was there to meet us in the ER (thanks!). Mom got out of the movie and arrived at the hospital about an hour later, after Dad had been taken back for the emergency surgery to release the pressure in his brain.

THE LATEST: They plan on "waking him up" in about four days, after they try to stop the flow in the wayward cerebral artery/vein. The angiogram was this morning, and they were able to identify the problematic area of Dad's brain. Another brain surgery is scheduled for 2:00, at which time they will try to embolize the artery and take out the affected portion of brain tissue. It sounds like the affected area is bigger than the doctor had hoped, so please pray that the doctor's act wisely and skillfully.

THE FUTURE: When Dad is "awakened" from his coma in a few days, the neurosurgeon said that in the "best case" scenario, Dad would be able to move his limbs a little. Even then, he would remain in the hospital for a couple weeks relearning some of the things most of us take for granted. Worst case scenario would be that he doesn't make it (Dad would not agree that this is worst case... he's always been ready to meet Jesus). The in-between is a vast unknown (to us). As you may know, there are many different outcomes for stroke patients, most of them not good.

THANKS: It's great to be surrounded and supported by great friends like all of you in this tough time. Thanks so much for all the support via text/cell/e-mail/facebook.

TAKING A STEP BACK: To summarize again with another familiar saying: God is good... ALL the time! Note: this is when that "all the time" part really comes into play and makes you lean heavily on God's sovereignty and the Holy Spirit's peace. If we had no hope after this life, we would be hopeless, indeed.

LEST WE FORGET: Bethany has her C-section appointment on Saturday, so it will be an intense week around here. If you're the praying type, please pray for Mom, Sarah, Bethany and Richie, Grace (who is Antarctica and trying to find a way home without her passport, which was lost on the trip there), and Dad, of course.

FINALLY: Please do not come to the hospital to visit unless you call me first and get the okay. With Dad in the ICU, Mom isn't feeling like seeing lots of people right now, which is totally understandable. That's all for now... we will probably know a little more tonight. Thanks again for your prayers and offers to help!