I received a phone call in the middle of the night, (the second one in 10 days of this kind) telling me that my husband had been very severely injured. ( I would soon come to know this as VSI -an actual medical term). I immediately called my in-laws and they were on a plane within hours to North Carolina where we waited for information for days until we found out that Dan would be transferred to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, Texas to be treated for numerous injuries, the most life-threatening being 3rd degree burns to 50% of his body. I recall this information not to be dramatic or re-tell a story most of you have already heard, but to thank our Lord and Savior for the compassion, comfort and truth that only He can give.
In our first meeting with the doctors, my in-laws and I heard their "best case scenario" for Dan. During this meeting, Dan was in ICU, with machines performing all functions so that he would continue to live. The doctors told us that he would have a MINIMUM of 5 skin graft surgeries, (more likely 8-10), be in ICU for 4 months, the hospital for another 4-6, and it wasn't IF he got an infection in his skin, but "when, how bad and would it kill him". But, on December 26, exactly 2 months after being admitted to the ICU, Dan walked out of the hospital after being in the ICU 3 1/2 weeks, having 3 skin graft surgeries and ABSOLUTELY NO skin infections. Smaller things, like the scarring on Dan's body, the strength and range of motion of his hands, his perfect eyesight and his energy should all have had different...worse outcomes. This testimony doesn't change who God was, is and forever will be, it changes US. God would still be as almighty, compassionate and loving if Dan had died three years ago or had followed the doctors predictions throughout his recovery, but for some reason, God chose to give us this beautiful testimony and we feel honored to receive it and tell of His almighty power and love forever.
Below are a few pictures from the last couple of years.
Dan, three months out, working the range of motion of his legs, as well as cardiovascular strength and endurance.
Our sweet Trey, who was only 19 months old at the time of Dan's injury in the hotel we lived in for 3 months
Dan on the treadmill
Dan and I, 5 1/2 months out, on Macy's birthday.Almost 3 years later, Dan literally walked out the same gate that an ambulance had brought him through when his odds of survival were less than 50%.
How true are the words by H.C.G. Moule, "There is no situation so chaotic that God cannot, from that situation, create something that is surpassingly good. He did it at the creation. He did it at the cross. He is doing it today."
Thank you Lord for the last three years. I am not the same person, nor would I ever want to be.
