The Whole World Can Change in a Minute

What was supposed to have been a fun guys getaway weekend for the men in our family - Spring's husband, Randy, my husband, Scott and my two brothers, Roger and Jim - turned to tragedy in the blink of an eye.

The guys left last Thursday after noon (Feb. 26) for the Wisconsin Dells where they had planned to do some skiing. They arrived late that night after battling some nasty weather, got some rest and hit the slopes. After just a couple of hours, everything changed. Randy lost control and skied into a tree. He hit it hard and was unconscious when Jim reached him. By the grace of God, right behind them was an off-duty EMT who just happened to be out enjoying a day of skiing. He stopped and took control of the situation.

Randy was taken to a nearby hospital and was then airlifted to the University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison. The boys met him there and the phone calls between St. Louis and Madison began, as did the now all too familiar waiting game.

Scott called me and told me what was going on, then asked me to call Spring to break the news. That phone call was the most difficult one I have ever made. She was so upset, and all I could do was try to keep her calm and talk her through it, and pray. Prayer has become my constant companion in the days since.

The news from Madison got progressively worse, and before long it became apparent that Spring absolutely had to get there. She was able to get an 8:20 flight and was on the ground by 9:35. By then, Randy was already in surgery.

The doctors put 9 pins in his back, and fused his spine, and when it was all said and done, they gave him a 2% chance of ever walking again. That was the news that finally broke me. After holding up pretty well all day long, the thought of Randy never getting to horse around with Caleb again, or care for the sheep, or drive the Charger he just bought brought me to my knees with grief. I just couldn't fathom what life was going to be like for he and Spring, in a house with so many stairs and different levels, it would seem impossible to make it work. It felt like one of those dreams where you're running but you just can't get anywhere.

On Saturday, news started to get better. Randy's heart was good, his breathing was good. He is very strong and he has this awesome support and prayer group around him.

Sunday morning brought some of the best news: Randy was able to move his right leg from the hip down! He had sensation in his left leg, but couldn't make it move, but at least we were getting somewhere. The biggest concern was, and still is this morning, leaking spinal fluid. My prayer is that by now that is stopped, but I am still waiting for word.

Scott, Roger, Jim and Spring will be heading home today. She needs to tie up some loose ends, see Caleb, pack and make some plans. My sister-in-law, Deanna, and I will accompany her tomorrow when she returns to Madison.

This is going to be a long and drawn out recovery, but we are ever hopeful that God will grant complete healing. We cherish your prayers for Randy, Spring and Caleb, as well as our family.

Blessings to you all!