A Really Joyful Update (June 2016):

A little over one year ago, I received what I can only describe was a gracious gift, a miracle.  In December of 2014, I survived a Subarachnoid Cerebral Hemorrhage (ruptured brain aneurysm).  Not only did I survive, but the incident was classified as a non-traumatic stroke which, as I understand, means that it produced no negative ongoing medical or physical deficits. From what I’ve been told, the survival for this type of episode is very low and with a positive outcome like this is statistically quite rare.

After just three weeks in ICU (following an emergency brain surgery on Dec. 4, 2014) I was discharged directly to home and was able to fully participate in our son’s wedding just 25 days following the episode.  No step-down unit and no rehab was indicated.  And after about five additional weeks of working from home, I was cleared to drive and returned to work full-time. In fact, over the past 17 months, I’ve not so much as taken a Tylenol for a headache.

UPDATE June 2016: Health wise, this past year and a half has been relatively uneventful – with the exception of a non-emergency 2nd surgery last June 2015 (that was needed to do additional repair) and a few followup brain-scans necessary to monitor healing and progress.

This week my neurologist said confidently that from here out, he expects to only perform annual scans for the purpose of “monitoring for long-term developments”.  He went on to say that I do not need to consider this aneurysm when making day-to-day decisions regarding activities of any kind, and that “I can go on and live my life normally”.

“He went on to say that I do not need to consider this aneurysm when making day-to-day decisions regarding activities of any kind, and that “I can go on and live my life normally”.

Needless to say, my wife and I are pleased beyond words and thanking God for this undeserved gift of life, mercy, and grace each day.  I wake each morning excited about whatever future that I have left, and expectantly listening for God’s voice regarding my purpose and whatever comes next on this journey.  It’s all good.

Thanks to everyone who has encouraged and prayed for us during this unsettling time.  Thanks for your love and concern, your kind words and listening ears.  My prayer today is that sharing our story somehow brings hope or encouragement to whatever difficulties or heartache you may be experiencing. We pray that whatever you may be struggling with that you discover, or draw closer to, the God that created you in His image and loves you beyond words.

-gary