Prayers Needed...

My dad's sister, Loretta, has been like a second mom to me over the years. We talk often, send notes to each other, and I always make a point to visit at least once a year.

She is an amazing woman. As you can see below, I inherited her skills in gardening. She has taught me cooking lessons and numerous life lessons. She has always been there for me, and I've been told she just lights up when she hears my voice or gets to spend time with me. I'd say the feelings are mutual...

Her spirituality is her strength. She loves the Lord with all of her heart and soul. She has demonstrated grace under pressure, and has always been "the rock" for her family.

When I visit, we spend hours talking: Either on the swing on her front porch, or running around to various places around Port Arthur... we have an amazing bond, and I love her with all of my heart.

Right now, she needs your prayers...

On Friday evening she was leaving her shift at Wal-Mart in Port Arthur when she collapsed in the entryway. She was rushed to the hospital and it was discovered she had had a stroke. Now strokes are prevalent in our family. My grandmother had several. In fact, Loretta had a stroke a few weeks ago, but had recovered as it was a minor one.

This one wasn't a minor one.

Yesterday was pretty upsetting for me. It started with early-morning phone calls from my cousin Lori (who is like a sister to me - in fact, she calls me "Bro" instead of Cousin Regan) informing me of what had happened. I was stunned...

During the day, I received numerous calls... all getting worse and worse. As it turned out, my aunt didn't have just one stroke, but multiple. And, they were on both sides of her brain. Even worse, the stroke she had earlier in the month had re-stroked. And then the worst... she was still bleeding in her brain almost 24 hours later and there was nothing they could do but wait it out.

I went out with my friends last night... honestly, I kept it to myself. I didn't feel like talking about it. It had been an overwhelming day already. While I had planted my garden (according to Loretta's tried-and-true directions), there were many tears shed. I guess I just couldn't believe this was happening...

We had to wait overnight to see if the bleeding would stop. That would show up on this morning's scan.

Well, good news! The bleeding has stopped, and they can now administer her drugs that will break down the clots. And, because they don't believe she will suffer any more strokes, they are going to move her out of ICU and into a room.

The damage is done. We just don't know how bad it will be for several days or weeks. She currently cannot speak, and there's very little movement. She can open her eyes and can squeeze your hand, but that's it.

My entire family is gathered at the hospital, and I probably will be joining them later in the week. Ironically, I'm on vacation next week, and my plans were to visit my Aunt Loretta and other family members...

We ask for your prayers - that whatever God has planned in this situation, He will receive the glory. It's been a tough weekend for Loretta Thompson and her family... but God's grace will get us through.

Thank you in advance...