The Power of God, Prayer, and Love

My family has been rallying around my mother these last two weeks after she suffered a massive heart attack. She was in having a procedure done as an outpatient in a clinic across the street from the hospital. While there she starting showing symptoms of a heart attack so they rushed her across the street to the Emergency Room. Once there they had to resuscitate her twice. All of her doctors are saying that we are very fortunate that she is still with us and that only 2% of people that have had similar medical emergencies survive. It is the the grace of God that they were able to resuscitate her and that she is still with us today.

As my mother lay in the Critical Care Unit family and friends gathered together to pray for her. Some family members arrived from miles away and those that were not able to travel anxiously waited for word of her progress. As each hour passed optimism grew that God was answering our prayers that she would survive through the night. The next morning there were signs of improvement and she was awake enough that everyone that could went in to see her and let her know how much she was loved and that we were all praying for her. Another day went by with additional improvements in her condition and she began to acknowledge her visitors. After five days of gradual improvement each day she was able to leave the Critical Care Unit and move to a regular room on the cardiac ward.

By now there were phone calls, texts, Facebook postings, and prayer rings abound. Each visitor brought a renewed sense of love and support that brought spark to her eyes and determination to her soul. There was no hint of giving up but instead a strong desire to fight off the pneumonia that had set in as well as fighting against the pain of broken ribs and muscular trauma brought about by the CPR that had been done to her. After five days of being in a regular room and ten days after the heart attack occurred, she was finally released to go home.

While this is a fantastic outcome due to the grace of God, the power of prayer, and the strenght of love, there is still a long road to be traveled. Distant family has returned home only to call, email, or text everyday to provide additional words of encouragement. It is a time for daughters to stand by her side while she continues her recovery with months of therapy, pain, and yes, love and prayers. My family and I can only thank the Lord for his grace and pray that Mom is able to return to as close to complete health as possible. Of course, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge and thank all the doctors, nurses, paramedics, therapists, and support personnel at the hospital for all the wonderful care they provided her and continue to provide now that she is at home. Without them working along side God, she would not be here with us today.

When speaking with all the staff at the hospital they would say she was a strong woman and it was the fight in her that allowed her to live. Of course we all feel God was there at her side the entire time they fought so hard to save her life. After Mom was moved to her regular room one of the nurses came in to see her and stopped just inside the door because my sisters, aunts, nieces, friends and I were all there and she said she could feel the love in the room. Mom agreed and said that she felt us there with her the whole time, even if we were in the waiting room waiting for word on how she was and when we would be able to go in and see her. Love and faith are powerful and will be there to help when you need it the most. Keep the faith, cherish those you love, and above all don't forget the power of prayer.