Part 2
I’m not a writer. I don’t have the skill or ability to adequately describe to you the mix emotions that were going on inside of that ER. Amy, strapped to a backboard in tremendous pain, IV’s and wires coming from everywhere, this interaction with our kids, the confusion and chaos that seemed to be unleashed around us, just no words describe. As a pastor, I know all the right things to say and do in that situation, but I couldn’t think of any of them. There was no “right” answer. There was nothing that could be said right then and there that was going to make any difference in the world. We prayed with Amy just before she was loaded into the helicopter. Amy’s parents, and a few family and friends stood by as we watched the helicopter lift off. A very, very lonely and strange feeling. Indescribable really.
After the helicopter was out of sight, all I could think about was getting there. The pilot gave a strict talk about not racing down to the hospital. (He assured me he would win). He was right. Everyone insisted on driving me, of which I was very grateful, but I really needed that time to myself. I needed to be able to pray out loud, yell, and cry in the privacy of my truck. I did a lot of each.
Its amazing how your prayers change when you’re truly desperate. Though I don’t consider my self a “prayer warrior”, I talk to God a lot, and I pray consistently; but my prayers have never been so desperate. I prayed the things that any husband or parent prays. “Let me trade places”, and stuff like that. All I could think about was how different this world would be if Amy were not in it. Not just because of my family, but because of the incredible way in which she lives her life. She has such a contagious way about her that everyone becomes her friend - almost as if they didn’t ever have a choice. I’ve always been clear that the only reason people become friends with me is so that they can hang out with Amy - and its pretty much true. It was almost like I was trying to remind God of how His Kingdom would not be able to move forward the same way if Amy were not here. He could not afford to lose her! That little one hour drive to Sacramento altered the way that I pray forever.
Before leaving Oroville, we did not know what they would do with her once they arrived at the hospital. They believed that most likely she would go into surgery right away. Unsure of what was happening, I finally arrived, and made my way to the Intensive Care Unit where she was. They had not taken her to surgery. Though this was far from over, I can’t even begin to tell you how good it was to see her face again, and hold her hand.
Immediately she was in great care. I can’t say enough about the team of people at Mercy General. She had a Neurologist, an Interventional Neuro Radiologist and a surgeon that immediately evaluated her condition. Based on signs, her age, and level of responsiveness, they opted to not take her into surgery that night, start her on an IV blood thinner, and get an MRI/MRA in the morning. Based on the results from the CT scan, they believed that she had a Carotid Dissection.
Now, if you’re like me, that means nothing to you. The short description is that the arteries have many layers to the outer wall. A dissection happens when the layers tear and pull apart and blood begins to seep in between the layers. Think of it like a big blood blister - but on the inside of the artery, which ends up blocking the flow of blood, and creating blood clots that can cause strokes. They said the only reason that she did not have a severe stroke was because the other arteries in the back of the neck (the vertebral arteries) were so strong that they were compensating for the loss of blood to her brain from the Carotid.
The next morning they took her away to run the rest of the tests. The MRI, and the MRA, and various other scans. They could not believe the results. The images clearly showed that not only did she have a tear in her carotid artery (which is not uncommon), but she also had a dissection of the Right Vertebral artery which was almost completely closed off. The result was mini stokes on both sides of her brain, but primarily the left side. They looked at us with amazement. This was incredibly rare, and the doctors along with the rest of the nurses made it clear that she was absolutely lucky to be alive. For us, we saw it as nothing short of an absolute miracle of God.
As a result of the unique nature of this case, they brought on a team of doctors with different areas of expertise in order to adequately diagnose and treat Amy. They opted to stay the course with the blood thinner as long as she did not develop any new symptoms. If she did, than we would have to go the surgical route. Over the course of the next few days we had a couple of scares, as she experienced different types of pain that resembled that of a new stroke, but the scans all came back negative. In the end, the only damage done was some loss of fine motor function in her right arm, and some dullness in sensation on the left temporal part of her face. They anticipate a full recovery for her arm.
After a week in the hospital, they have now released her. It’s for moments like this that I wished I were a writer or a poet or something, because there is just no way to describe the joy of being able to take Amy home from the hospital back to her home and her family. Perspective changes everything. The trees were greener, mountains were taller, the sky was bluer, and our God was much, much bigger, and yet much more personal all at the same time. A mommy’s rightful place is with her family, and I can think of few things more beautiful that my boys getting to hug and kiss their mommy, and baby Addalyn putting her little hands on Amy’s face and grinning in only the way that she can. Truly priceless.
Life will look quite different for some time, and will be different forever in some ways. They say that she will still experience significant pain while the dissections heal, which they anticipate will take about 6 months. She’s on all kinds of different meds that require a strict schedule, and keep her in a fairly consistent state of sleep and grogginess. Nausea and dizziness still get the best of her at times. She will of course be on a Coumadin treatment for the next 6 months that require her to severely restrict her lifestyle and diet during that time, as well as frequent blood draws to monitor levels. They say that while she will make a full recovery, that she will always need to be cautious when putting any real kind of stress on her neck and shoulder region again. She will receive another MRI in two months that will give us a better idea of how she’s healing, and we’ll just “figure it out” from there.
I have a BA in Biblical studies, philosophy and theology, that suggests I should be able to explain why certain things happen the way they do; but I’ll be honest, I don’t have clear answers for this. The oldest question recorded in scriptures is why do bad things happen to good people. I can’t tell you why it seems as though God answers some prayers and not others. People say kind, but often very theologically incorrect things during a crisis. We did not know if Amy would pull through this, and there is absolutely nothing in Gods Word that guarantees she would. What it does say, is that He loves us more than we could ever even begin to understand, in spite of our circumstances. That we can trust God with our whole hearts, and when we do, He will help us figure it out. That when really really bad circumstances come our way, that regardless of the apparent outcome, that He can take the pieces and work them for the good of those who love Him. These truths, kept us standing firm.
As I tried to convey on Facebook, your continued prayers and support have meant more to us than you could ever know. The way our family, both blood and church, immediately jumped into action, was beyond what anyone could ever ask or expect. People have anticipated, and continue to anticipate our every need before we could even ask. Truly amazing. The Body of Christ flexed its muscle, and it is something to behold. I doubt we will have the chance to ever fully communicate how grateful we are to everyone in person, though I pray we get that chance. Amy has read every post and message that has come our way, and has felt incredibly loved. While still in the hospital, I asked God to let me feel the prayers that were being prayed; I asked that He would allow me to get a glimpse of what it looked like to have so many people praying. The image I have is a beautiful one. It’s of heaven, but the ground is shaking. Almost as to the beat of a heavy bass drum, or the feel of artillery shells being dropped on the ground. Gods Word tells us that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective, and I’m convinced your prayers literally shook the heavens.
Though I pray this would never happen to us or anyone ever again, we know that it surely will. Uncertainty will strike, and it will never be convenient or welcome. However, its our prayer that through this circumstance, that the Kingdom of God has and will move forward. Amy and I pray that everyone in your life is that much more valuable today than yesterday, that your conversations with God would be more frequent and personal, and that regardless of what life throws at you, that you find yourself being caught up in the great mystery, wonder, and fullness of a life lived with Christ at the center.
You say you don’t have the gift for writing, but your words made me cry! I am SO happy that Amy is home and doing well! We will continue praying for all of you! If you guys need anything, please don’t hesitate to ask!
Hey Guys,
I know Mike and I have not spoken to you both in a long time! But I have been reading and praying for you guys since this whole thing happened. I agree with you Shawn about how different things would be without Amy, Although I only spent 1 week 1 year at youth camp she made an impact on me that will last a lifetime. Amy, there is just something wonderful about you..you just over flow with love and happiness and just an amazing presence. I can see God through you. Even though we dont know either one of you very well, you inspire us to be better..better parents, better at reaching people.
I hope and wish that this is the end of everything, I hope that you heal fast and in the least amount of pain as possible and that you can go back to what normal was.
You will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers! I cant wait to read the updates, and see that your healing just fine!!
By the way Shawn, the way you wrote everything out…i was able to get a glance into what was happening.
God Bless you and your family!
By His Grace,
Melissa and Michael Wurz
Hi Shawn and Amy,
I’ve known Amy for very long time and have been following these events. I have raised up the prayer warriors that I know here in Sparks, NV and friends through FB. Shawn, you don’t know me, BUT you do know the Pastors I serve with here - Tom & Linda Anderson. Rest assured they have been praying and will continue to pray as long as the LORD brings you, Amy and family to their hearts. I will continue likewise. There is NOTHING that compares to the POWER of prayer.
Blessings and love to the Hayse family.
Marla
Shawn,
I loved the image you shared with us about prayer shaking the heavens…..I am glad that she was able o come home and you are able to be back near those who love you. If you need anything, just call me…Ill do what I can. Love you man.
You are a better writer than you think Shawn! Well said! My prayer life over the last few weeks has also greatly changed! We serve an incredible Savior! I am thankful for your updates! I love you all so much!
Dear Shawn and Amy, what an incredible journey you two have been on this past week, and one that you must continue for some time longer, it appears. God’s hand has obviously been with you, Amy. You are a miracle from God. We thank Him for preserving your life, dear friend. Know that we will keep praying for your total healing. May the Lord bless and keep you both, and may His presence be more real than ever before. We love you!
Shawn you have done a great job in capturing the ups and downs of the last week. I am very proud of you, your heart, spirit and ability to ask good questions and evaluate complex information and out of that make good decisions.
Shawn: Beautiful story of a beautiiful family. You are truly blessed.
Our God is an awesome God! Thanks for sharing your “God Story”. We never know how it feels, until we are in the position where all we can do is look up and trust God to hear us and do what’s best for us. You’ve done a very good job of describing some almost undescribable events, I’m so glad that your family is reunited and back in your home. You and yours will continue to be in my prayers. Abundant Blessings of Every Kind! Carolyn
Shawn & Amy,
Like Rodney has said, “we are doing life together” and that means everyone has to be there. We love you guys and cannot praise God enough for the miracle he has given us all! If I am going to look at this glass half full and see the positive it would have to be the way it has caused a wave of compassion and caused people to step into positions and do things they might never have done before. As far as the Haiti team, I could just see the release of stress the minute they saw you at the airport. Your words to them were so encouraging and we can only trust that it happened the way God wanted it to. You both are a blessing to our family; Love the Henry’s….
Shawn and Amy
amazing and shocking. Our prayers continue! We love you both!
Kait & Mike
The best writers write from the heart. That’s you, Sean. We continue to pray.
SHAWN, THE WORDS YOU HAVE WRITTEN COULD NOT HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED ANY BETTER THAN IF GOD HIMSELF WROTE THEM. AMY’S STORY WILL TOUGH MANY HEARTS, IT HAS ALREADY TOUCHED MINE. GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY…………AUNT MARY
Wow - I’ve followed closely on fb & talking with Heather I knew most of the details but reading this still brought tears to my eyes & a very real assurance that Amy is a miracle to all of us.. I am very glad she’s home & with her family - where she belongs - I hate to be cliche but I’m sure this will only make you stronger not only as a couple but as a force together in the kingdom of God!!!
SHAWN, OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. AMY IS TRUELY A LIVING MIRACLE!!!!!! AUNT MARTHA AND COUSIN BRIANNA
You and your family have been constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so thankful that you have the support and love of this wonderful church and town of Oroville. I can testify to the abundant compassion and thoughtfulness of this community. It has been my sheer joy to see your boys in Vacation Bible School this week. Life can be very difficult and confusing for them right now, but keeping them active and close to God is the best remedy for them. May God bless your wonderful family. Love to you all!
Shawn,
Your family is constantly in our prayers and will continue to be. God is Great and will continue to fill you with His Grace and Peace.
Deanna
I agree with Becca, Shawn,–you write very well. Thank you for taking the time to bring us into your world over the last week. We love you guys and are continuing to pray for Amy as well as you and the kids.
We are praising God for His healing touch on Amy! He is so faithful in His love for us.
Keep writing your thoughts, Shawn. God is using them as testimony of His power that is at work in a broken world. We never really know why some things happen in life. How you have responded to this major crisis is a blessing and a witness. Keep writing.
Please hug Amy and tell her it is from Auntie Vonnie and Uncle Rick.
Well said Shawn! God’s Spirit in you is the one who helped you write this! No one or anything else would be able to! I truly see God already working His great work in you, Amy & the rest of the family. He loves you like no one else… this you know. I’m sure so many verses have become that much more endearing to you these last couple of weeks; 1Cor.10:13 comes to mind for me!
May we all grow stronger in our faith from your powerful witness of God’s grace, goodness, strength & mercy that He’s given you. Please remember that we’re here for you however you choose to let us help you! Love you & Amy & family, Connie
Shawn,
Thank you for sharing your story with the rest of us. Amy is such a blessing to so many people, and I know that the story of God’s faithfulness told with such pure sincerity has been and will continue to challenge and encourage others for quite some time. I cried as I read, and I confess that my tears began as tears of empathy at the fear of loss and a mother’s separation from her husband and precious children. But they became tears of awe and joy at such a clear reminder that God is sovereign and He does truly work all things together for good, regardless of the outcome. I am so grateful that in this case He chose to return Amy to you and your beautiful family. It really does put everything into perspective. So, thank you again, Shawn, for being honest and for sharing such an intimate account of your encounter with God. May the Lord bless you all, especially in the coming months of recovery. Praise the Lord that Amy is home!
The clouds of despair hung over me
but didn’t keep You from hearing my prayer
You proved it to me with Your answer
and the tenderness of Your care!
So whenever I can’t see your face Lord,
and my heart begins crying out
and my heart beats in despairation,
I know Lord, you’ll hear me, no doubt!!
Shawn: I now know what it is like to have life changed completely very quickly and there are so many stages you go thru from denial, anger, determination to overcome to finally trusting Jesus and realizing that life comes as it comes. My journey with Chronic Fatigue currently has me living between the couch and a lawn chair with many frustrations and regressions. I am getting closer to really relying and believing God’s word as God cannot deny his word. He will do what He says He will. My prayers are with you and we just never know when we will not be living life as we know it and be thrust into another realm. There are treasures in these processes. Nothing I would have picked but I believe God is going to heal me. Blessings to all of you. Debra
Shawn & Amy -
We are overwhelmed with the grace that God showed you, and that you allowed us to experirence with you. We have not idea how your posts on Facebook helped us stay connected and know how to pray for the entire family. We love you all so much, and we are praying for God’s sovereignty as the healing begins - both physically & emotionally.
Stessa
Beautifully written. I’m so glad all went well.
Amy and shawn, I was reading this blog with all of these details. What a long event for you guys. I heard that Amy was sick and in the hospital. I was really concerned because she has always been such a leader and love to anyone who encounters her grace. We need you Amy to hang in there. We love you its a bunch.
So glad to hear that Amy is home. I know recovery from something like this is very tough. But I also know that Amy is tougher. I’ve been praying for Amy and your family since the first Fb post by Jan. During this difficult time if you guys need anything. Just let me know. I will continue to pray for Amy and your family.
Please know we love you & are praying for Amy’s recovery completely! This to shall pass!
Amy is a strong lady & has great will power & knows that the great physician has given the doctors the knowledge & wisdom for her care.
Hi Shawn and Amy, you don’t know me…..unless Amy remembers me from when she was very young and at L.T.
But I know Amy’s parents well, and my wonderful husband Scott and I have loved and of course after they moved, we have missed them greatly!
I come from a medical background, and I fully understand the situation that Amy was in, and it is amazing that she is home and with you and your kids so soon! Take good care, Love, scott Karen and Kristen. (Jonathan too)!!
Goodness, computer issues!! Please ignore the grammar issues! I had tried to say that our family has loved Amy’s family ever since we met at L.T., and we have missed you all since you moved. Amy, we remember you and your sisters being such beautiful and truly sweet girls. We are thrilled to hear of your amazing start on recovery, and thank God for watching over you! Love, Karen. Please say hi to your parents!
Amy, I am so sorry to hear all of this….after my own blood clot scare in February, I have been on Coumadin since. The ladies here at the Coumadin clinic at Oroville Hospital are great and your in good hands. If you ever want any first hand exp. or have questions from a younger (41) woman who has been on it for a while….drop me a line or give me a call…….
Prayers are with you!
Dana Lamb