Blessings

So tonight makes one week our family faced something we never could imagine. I wanted to take this opportunity to share some pretty amazing things that took place during the past week.

Originally, Kevin was taken to Brandon Hospital. When Brandon realized Kevin needed special care and while waiting on AirMed to transport Kevin, the nurses and doctors at Brandon Hospital stayed with Kimmie until Kevin was placed in the helicopter and gave her money for gas to travel to Bay Front. Kimmie tried to tell the nurses and doctors she didn't need any money but they placed the money in her pockets anyway. What a blessing!

Tampa General was not able to take Kevin because they had no room which is why Kevin ended up at Bay Front. Bay Front's top two nuero surgeons just happen to be at the hospital around midnight on Tuesday. What a blessing!

Kevin's surgery took almost 5 hours, After the surgery, the doctor spent about 30 minutes with us walking us through what took place and what we could expect in the coming months. I honestly felt like I was having a night mare. All I could think was, my family is hurting and I can't do anything about it other than pray and ask God to heal Kevin and protect my family. That night or I should say early morning, the doctor told us to hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. That statement made me pray hard and often and I haven't stopped praying since!

I checked on Kevin's benefits at work and Kimberly learned, beginning January 1st, Kevin increased his life insurance and added long term disability! What a blessing!

On Friday I attempted to work. I prayed all the way to work, Lord just help me walk through the doors. I was an emotional wreck. I kept praying and asking God to heal Kevin, protect my family and allow something good to come from this situation. As I parked my vehicle, I noticed the tag on the car in front of the parking space while I parked. The tag read "HIS WILL". I sat in the my vehicle and cried. I knew it was a sign from God that HE is in control and that HE is going to take care of Kevin and the rest of my family.

On Monday, Kimmie called her place of employment to follow up with her HR department. She spoke with her supervisor the day after Kevin turned ill. Keep in mind Kimmie has only been at her current job for 7 months. The company is going to give Kimmie 4 weeks leave of absence, plus allow her to maintain her benefits and give her another 5 days paid time off. What a blessing!

On Saturday, Kevin opened his eye's for the first time. What a blessing! He continues to amaze the doctors. The doctors indicated they normally don't see this type of progress for 30 days! Again, what at blessing!

Today, Tuesday 2/2/2010, our Progressive friends and family gave Kimmie $160 which Kimmie will use to fill her car with gas, plus a $25 McDonald's gift card for Maya! Maya loves chicken nuggets! What a blessing!

About 3 weeks ago, Kevin had a new set of tires put on Kimmie's car! Given all the miles Kimmie will be traveling, the new tires are a blessing! So you can see the blessings began prior to this happening to Kevin.

I have so many people to thank for caring and praying for my family. I hope each of you know how important you are to me and how much you are loved!

Also, I couldn't have gotten through this without my sister, Debby. She created the blog for Kevin and she has been right by my side since the night Kevin turned ill. She's just not my sister, she's one of my best friends too!

So, you can see blessings take place even during the darkest times! As a family, we are trusting and putting our faith that God is going to heal Kevin completely and return to him Kimmie and Maya and the rest of our family.

Remember to tell your family you love them and make each day count because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

Keep God first in your life and you too will have blessings!!

Love to all,

Kathy aka Mama Payne