A Bittersweet Day in Macon
Four weeks ago today we received the dreaded phone call that every parent fears. That morning at the hospital is somewhat of a blur, but we remember the doctors, the corridors, the waiting, the counseling room. The many words and phrases that we never dreamed we would hear -- "There's nothing more we can do," "On a scale of one to ten your daughter is a fifteen," "She is not responding to life support" and many more. As we sat with our sons and family and friends, we cried out to God for a miracle, and only by God's grace were we able to offer our precious Shea back to Him if a miracle was not to be.
Today we looked into the eyes of our daughter and she was "there." No grogginess, no squinting of the eyes -- fully alert. Another miracle! As happy as we were to have our Shea in mind and body, our hearts were saddened as she asked about the wreck. She wanted to know everything, and so we told her that her boyfriend, Mike, had died. We thought that she might have an idea, but she was completely surprised. The tears began and she asked, "What was the last thing I said to him?" and we said, "Knowing you, probably something very sweet." She patted her chest -- "My heart hurts." Our hearts ache for Mike's family as well. Mike was the very first guy from Atlanta who befriended Shea and Luke, "the new kids" from Arizona. We love you, Jones family, and thank you for encouraging us in the midst of your grief. We are praying for you now and especially during the holiday season.
Once again, it's been a good day in Macon. Oh if we could wrap our arms around all you "bloggers" right now, we would. At the end of each day we sit at the computer and cry (and sometimes laugh - we need that too!) as we read scriptures and words of encouragement from all of you. "Praying without ceasing" -- you are true friends. Thank you from the bottoms of our hearts for bearing this heavy burden with us.
Just tonight one of Shea's nurses came into her room to change her IV. She looked at Shea and said, "You really are an amazing girl." Shea gave her that puzzled look and said through her trach, "I'm not amazing, I've been sleeping for a month -- God's amazing!"
We love you --
Steve and Susan
Today we looked into the eyes of our daughter and she was "there." No grogginess, no squinting of the eyes -- fully alert. Another miracle! As happy as we were to have our Shea in mind and body, our hearts were saddened as she asked about the wreck. She wanted to know everything, and so we told her that her boyfriend, Mike, had died. We thought that she might have an idea, but she was completely surprised. The tears began and she asked, "What was the last thing I said to him?" and we said, "Knowing you, probably something very sweet." She patted her chest -- "My heart hurts." Our hearts ache for Mike's family as well. Mike was the very first guy from Atlanta who befriended Shea and Luke, "the new kids" from Arizona. We love you, Jones family, and thank you for encouraging us in the midst of your grief. We are praying for you now and especially during the holiday season.
Once again, it's been a good day in Macon. Oh if we could wrap our arms around all you "bloggers" right now, we would. At the end of each day we sit at the computer and cry (and sometimes laugh - we need that too!) as we read scriptures and words of encouragement from all of you. "Praying without ceasing" -- you are true friends. Thank you from the bottoms of our hearts for bearing this heavy burden with us.
Just tonight one of Shea's nurses came into her room to change her IV. She looked at Shea and said, "You really are an amazing girl." Shea gave her that puzzled look and said through her trach, "I'm not amazing, I've been sleeping for a month -- God's amazing!"
We love you --
Steve and Susan
posted by admin | 10:23 PM
41 Comments:
Praise God for answered prayers! It is wonderful to read that Shea is making such great strides towards a full recovery.
Every week I keep my Bible Study class informed of Shea's progress and we continue to pray for her.
To God be the glory, great things He has done - and continues to do in the lives of his children!
Miriam Witcher
Stockbridge GA
Wow. Praise the Lord that Lauren Shea recognizes His power in her life. Thank you for ongoing news, Steve and Susan, in sharing your incredible journey with us. May God continue to pour out His grace on Shea, and on you, and may He give each of you a restful night. We love you. Gaylard & Sharon
OUR GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!!! She is an amazing girl, I hope and pray my little boy will grow to be the Christian Shea is today! What a testamony to his work. I was checking the blog again before going to bed before church tomorrow, and when I hit refresh, the new posting came up. I hope Shea is taking the news of Mike and her accident as well as can be expected, sounds like her faith in the Lord is her strength. I have asked a special friend to pray for Shea. Her son, Eric, a friend of mine from high school, was in a very bad car accident about 8 years ago. Eric suffered many serious injuries, but by the grace of GOD survived and is with us today. His mother, Joyce knows the healing power of prayer. She will be yet another prayer warrior for Shea.
You both are amazing. Get some rest, so "us bloggers" have plenty to read and rejoice about tomorrow! :o)
Our love always,
Jenell, Stephen and Nicholas Roberson
Steve and Susan~
As I passed through Suwanee this weekend, my heart ached for you as parents but rejoiced that the
God we worship has you in his grip! You are loved and prayed for!
Debbie Peek
Oh, if only you and the Jones' knew what an inspiration you are and how God has used your families in my everyday life- in even the little mundane things. Our Father above truly works in mysterious ways. Who are we to comprehend or understand His mighty plan? Thank you for your amazing faith. Bless all of your hearts, and I mean that in the most sincere way. If I could send a hug through this computer I would! Dear, sweet, Shea- Your Father in heaven loves you so much and He will not let you down. He will carry you through and you will know joy like you have never known before. It will come with time. Thankfully each one of you who have been so closely related to this horrific accident will be restored emotionally. All of you will come forth as choice silver. The Lord has chosen this valley, you will walk through it, He will be your light, He will lead the way, and He will draw you nearer to Himself. He will be faithful in His answers to your many questions of "why"; just remember to be still and KNOW that He is the GREAT I AM and our magnificent creator. He promised you his love.
With lots and lots of love from my humble heart, and lots and lots of prayers,
Marian Madden
Dear Steve, Susan and Shea,
I can't even begin to imagine all of what you have been through these past four weeks, the emotions; pain, fear, uncertainty, joy, sorrow, especially as a parent, being a mother myself.
Your family,immediate as well as extended have truly been a testament to a family who loves and trusts Jesus. Every couple of days I log onto the blog to see God's handiwork and small daily miracles in Shea's healing.
Your experience has truly strengthened my faith in your daily struggles and triumphs. As I listen to Shea's first song, thinking of the surgeons playing it in the operating room, each time it brings tears to my eyes, thinking about the Glory God is receiving through your faithfulness and daily trust in Him, knowing that apart from Him, you probably could not have travelled this path. Thank you for your faithfulness and your vulnerability in sharing your story with many.
May everyone who is partnering in prayer with your family forever be changed having witnessed all the miracles that have taken place on Shea's behalf.
Forever may we count our blessings, naming them one by one, counting our blessings seeing what God has done, for He has done exceedingly above what I have asked or imagined.
May his face continue to shine on blessed Shea and may He give your family peace.
Scottsdale, AZ
Shea,
Today is my birhday and to read abour the ongoing and miraculous recovery today is such a wonderful gift. It is such a blessing to see God work in you. Keep the Lord close to your heart and keep on being such a blessing to those around you.
Steve, Susan, Luke, Jesse
We love you and are always in prayer for you. Our God is awesome!
Love Ya!
Ksthy
Shea:
We serve such a great and glorious God! He has been busy at work in and through you, but you slept though almost all of it!
You may never know (this side of Heaven) just how many lives have been touched in the last few weeks while you were dozing! Just to read of all the many states - and foreign countries - represented on your prayer team reminds me that the body of Christ is not just here in our little corner of Arizona - it's worldwide! Of course, I knew this, but it's good to be reminded now & then - we get so wrapped up in ourselves and our own communities and our own culture.
Mom & Dad said that today was bittersweet - but from where I sit 1,900 miles away, it looks like today was another "good day in Macon" - because once again, God was at work!
Today, let's rejoice and thank Him for another good day!
Psalm 106:
1 Praise the Lord!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
2 Who can utter the mighty deeds of the Lord,
or declare all his praise?. . .
44 he looked upon their distress,
when he heard their cry.
45 For their sake he remembered his covenant,
and relented according to the abundance of his steadfast love.
48 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,
from everlasting to everlasting!
And let all the people say, “Amen!”
Praise the Lord!
Keith Shull
Shea,
I can only say with great joy WELCOME BACK!! Yes you are a miricle girl....you are one of God's miricles that I have been able to watch come to pass. We do not know each other and maybe our paths will never meet but I feel as if I do know you. I have looked in a "window " and seen the greatest thing on earth which is LOVE. Your famly has covered you with a tapestry of the purest love. Few people will ever be able to experience the love that flows within your family. You have made such great progress because God has been present at your side as well as your loving family non stop. God is definitely not through with you yet...this I am sure of. As I have told you before I know your Aunt Kathy and Uncle Charlie. You are so blessed to have them too. Kathy has been a wonderful mentor to me as I grow in the Lord and I do miss her now that she has moved to Knoxville. I will be looking forward to "blogs to come" as your
healing continues.
I think this would be a great Christmas song tonight because there IS so much joy
Joy to the world the King has come
let earth receive her king
let every heart prepare him room
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and nature sing
And heaven and heaven and nature sing
There is Joy in Macon today
Thank you dear Father for your love and your healing of Shea. Be with her and her family in the days to come . I ask this in Jesus's name amen
i love you shea hickok...
-blair
Shea, dear...
We're so sorry about the pain you're feeling right now. In spite of the gratitude we all feel for your being spared, and miraculous recovery so far, I can't begin to have the words to express what you must be going through at the loss of Mike. Oh, how we wish there was something to do or say to fix it, my dear. Please just continue to know that you're always in our hearts and prayers, and will continue to be.
You are very loved,
Hayes and Sheila
Good Morning, Shea Star!! I am so glad you got some rest. How our hearts ache that we cannot be at your bedside now, too! To see your sweet face and hear your voice..... God restoring you to us is the best Christmas gift ever. He has blessed us richly, indeed. We love you, sweetheart!!! Huge hugs across the miles, Cate and Sean
Shea,
I can't wait to see you again and hug you and talk to you for hours. You're such an amazing, amazing girl and you already have such an incredible testimony of God working through you. He's got awesome plans for you, Shea...He's making you strong so that you can use your experiences to help others. You're such a blessing to not only me, but everyone around you! I'll see you soon, beautiful!!!
Love,
Lauren Kelly
Dear Hickok Family
Philippians 4:6&7 (New Living Translation) says, "Don't worry about anything, instead pray about everything. Tell God what you need , and thank him for all that he has done. If you do this, you will experience God's peace, which is far more wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus."
We have all been witness to this glorious truth. Praise God...our words seem so inadequate for all He has done.
I always feel badly when I hear people say they are too sad to celebrate Christmas.....the birth of our Lord. I find that the more challenging life gets the more my heart bursts with joy this time of year because it is filled with such great Promise. Merry Christmas to you all!!!
Judi Comstock
Our love and prayers go out to you Ms. Shea. We miss you so much and have continually kept you in our prayers. We check the blog I know at least 10 times a day to see if there is any news. The kids as they come in and out are so excited to give me updates on your condition. (Richard-Paul is back from college so the kids are once again filling the house.) It is not the same without you. So Ms. Shea, get well and we will come to see you soon. God has answered so many prayers that have been sent to him on your behalf. You truly are a miracle girl. Your testmony will be a blessing to others. I know it has been for us. I listened to your songs on this blog and they were amazing. We are waiting for the C.D. to come out. Shea, God Bless You and Keep You. We love you.
Tina
(R.P.'s Mom)
Shea's right..God is amazing!! God's just working through you, Shea. Wow..a month ago we were all gathered in the hospital crying and praying for a miracle. And look at you now Shea. I love and cannot wait to see your smiling face!
Megan
I am Michaels aunt and have found it difficult to write until now. We have been praying for Shea as well as my church family. I knew Mike thought so much of your family and he loved Shea very much. We were hoping to meet her this holiday season over at Bill's house. We will continue to pray for your entire family. Hopefully, some of us would like to go down to the hospital in January and visit all of you.
Our love, daily thoughts, and prayers will be there for you.
God Bless,
Vicky Wagoner (Bill's sister)
Cumming, GA
Dear Hickok Family!
God is good! We celebrate with you as you begin a new phase of your journey together. Know that our family is praying for you each day. May you continue to experience in big ways how HE completes us!!
With much love,
Jeff, Jodi, Landon & Autumn
Shea I love you so much and cant wait to see you back at church!!!
You are such a beautiful girl, with a beautiful heart your my role model and so many girls at church look up to you I love you so much and im praying for you!!
Love, Payton Polhill
I have to say it once again...God is sooo at work! So many lives have been changed by this tragedy and God's faithfulness is so vivid! God made heavy on my heart yesterday to pray for the wisdom and peace in telling the whole story to Shea and then to read that just this morning she asked about Mike. I can't tell you how God has talked to me during this time and how when God wants our attention, how the Holy Spirit practically knocked us over to pray for all of you. I sit here and cry.
Thank you God for your amazing power and faithfulness! Thank you God for your incredible healing touch! Thank you God for the 'family' you created in this blog of believers! Thank you God for Shea and her amazing love for you! Thank you God for the example in Steve and Susan and Luke and Jesse for all the people around them to see their faith in You! Let us not forget. Let us not brush this aside. Once Shea is up and about and back home, singing praises to You..let us not forget every day that you took us all by the hand and walked us ALL through this tragedy. Let us not forget your grace.
Christy
Bittersweet is right. I couldn't help but cry as I read this. I am so happy that Shea is talking and communicating and really "back". My heart also breaks again for the difficulty of telling her about the wreck and Michael. As a "blogger" I wish I could be with all of you in Macon and wrap my arms around all of you every day. God is so amazing. More amazing then the word "amazing", or any other word for that matter, can even sum up. I am continualy praying for you all.
I love you all so much.
Beth Motley
Shea,
You are without a doubt a blessing to this earth. You are the most beautiful person, and we need more people like you around. I remember in our economics class, I was pretty upset one day because I found out my mom had breast cancer.. and you came up and talked to me, and you didnt even know me... you have such a big heart. Mike was my boyfriend for 2 years, and I know that he was so happy with you. You were all he ever talked about. I am so happy that you have recovered as rapidly as you have. I cant wait to see you again.. and if you ever need ANYTHING, I am here for you. You are such an amazing person, and God really needs you here with us. I know exactly why. I love you Shea and I wish you the best of luck with everything.
-God bless
Nicole McElhannon
Shea, you're right! God is amazing, and He's certainly revealed Himself through you! Praise God,
-Amy Wright
Thank you, Steve and Susan, for sharing your words with us on this latest blog. You heard Shea yesterday, and we got to hear you! Precious testimony.
There was great applause at The Bridge this morning when Jason shared the news that Shea had spoken.
We rejoice with you in this milestone!
Much love to your whole extended family,
Lisa
What a miracle indeed! Our hearts are heavy with the loss of Mike but God does have a reason for everything, even when we can't even begin to comprehend it! Shea, you and the others in the wreck(as well as their families) remain in our prayers daily. Godspeed girl and keep fighting!
Once again... Hey Girrrrrl!
I think about you everyday girl and can't wait to speak with you in person! It has been HARD to get everyone in class laughing without YOU! How big is our GOD!?!? This is trully amazing and i wish i could convey how much my faith in our Lord has grown through this. You are so precious and zaxbys is calling your name girl.... i hear it every wednesday! When i first learned about your accident.... i started praying. The peace i felt that day was honestly indescribable, the Lord assured me of his control. Hope to see you soon Shea...
Jessica
Shea
We are all here for you. Paige and I were talking about how we want to be there when you first speak of this testimony that you have, that has brought so many of us closer and closer to our Father. I can't wait to see you and talk to you and give you the biggest hug ever! i miss you girl! i'm so sorry for your loss but we all know where Mike is now, probably looking down at your beautiful self. He is your guardian angel. I love you girl!! 0:)
Love, Dani
Susan
Tears of joy are flowing right now. I am thrilled with the progress Shea is making. I can't believe it has been four weeks. It seems impossible so much has happened in such a short time. I cried when I read Saturdays report and smiled with Shea's comment about how amazing God is!!!!!! WOW your Shea is one special gift from God. Let us know if we can do anything. Our thought and prayers are with you always. Love and miss you, Phyllis
P.S. Tell Steve Leigh is doing a wonderful job for The Bridge. She has put together a lot of great people to help on Sunday mornings and he will be impressed when he returns next year. We miss him but are thrilled he is with his family.
Shea, Hey there, I am Michael's cousin Keri that goes to Kennesaw as well. Although we have never met, I just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you and your family everyday. I am so happy about your progression and know that it will only continue to improve. Your strength and God's grace have produced yet another miracle. I check on you often and thank you for the hope of a better day. God bless you Shea!
Shea-
Hey girl- I am so glad to hear of all the great things God is doing through you!! I am so sorry about Mike- I cannot even imagine and I am not sure how to comfort you- but I do know that God is sovereign and He definately has an awesome plan for you!! We miss you so much at the salon and can't wait till you come back to us. Thanks for showing us such strength and faith!! I love you!
Paige Hayes
Dearest Shea -- my heart hurts too. Somewhere in the fabric of life, G-d made a place for the dark threads. From heaven's view I can only hope the beauty of the tapestry is apparent. Watching & praying...
love
We are Will's parents and just wanted you to know that yau have been in our prayers here in SC everyday for the past month. And it just isn't us but our church and several churches in Kentucky. God has a wonderful purpose for you. Psalm 46:5
HEY SHEA STAHRRRR!!!
wow girl, it's been amazing to see all the progress you've made!! i miss you more and more each day! i can't wait till i can come see your beautiful face!!!!
i think and pray for you each day!
i love you sooo much!
keep up the sucess in your recovery.
XoXoXoXoXoXo
Stay Strong!
Court
Dear Steve and Susan,
While we are so excited about the strides Shea is taking in her recovery now, we know it is only a little of the joy you must feel! Though you know better than any of us that there is great difficulty ahead, it seems as if God has allowed the clouds to break for a time and that He's given you some moments of rest in this hard journey. I thank Him for that!
We are praying for you and for Shea as her heart just now feels its wounds and begins its slow healing. No matter how many tears fall, as sure as Our Father is real He'll wipe every one of them away! Times like these just make us long all the more for that Day, don't they!
Love from the SC Ruetzes
We are so happy to hear that Shea is talking. We read the info everyday to keep up on what is happening. We all are praying every day for Shea and for all of you, we can only imagine all you have been through in the last four weeks. Our bible study and my parents are also praying. My parents know Luke from last Christmas. I loved the last comment about the nurse saying Shea is amazing..and Shea giving the glory to God. AMEN!! Thinking of you
Love The Cook family
God is amazing, indeed! And once again, I'm in awe of His marvelous works. Shea, each day I can't wait to read the new post about how you are progressing. I pray that God would give you the rest you need to keep up with the rapid pace He is keeping in healing you! I'm praying for your eye and for complete recovery for you.
Steve and Susan,
I so wish I could be there to hug you guys. But I'm here in Phoenix hugging you in prayer.
Love,
BA
Shea, never once did I doubt the power of God and the hands he had/has wrapped around you. He has a plan for your life, it's amazing!! You are a miracle right before the eyes of everyone. Your life is a true testimony, and has touched so many. I can't imagine what you are feeling right now, but I know that with your faith in the Lord that you will continue to stay strong. I am so sorry about your loss,I know it hurts, but Myke shared the Gospel with so many and now he is being rewarded for it!!! He is in a much better place, somewhere we will all be one day!:) Shea, I miss you girl, and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you. I knew you were amazing the first day I met you, you have a glow about you. You are beautiful not only on the outside but on the inside to. I can't wait to see you, i'm still hungry for some cheese. Hang in there girl, you have people praying for you everywhere. I love you girl, and I am always here for you. GET WELL SOON!!
Whitney
Dear Family,
Wow, what an amazing girl, God is so good. I know this has been a long, curvy road for you but we have witnessed a miracle right before our eyes. You are in my thoughts and prayers everyday. I just want you to know that not only has you daughter touched the lives of so many but so have you. Your faith and trust in the Lord is obvious. Continue to stay strong, this will all be over soon. If you need anything please do not hesitate to ask. God Bless you and your baby girl!!
Whitney Pelletier
(Salon 124)
Truly an amazing day. You are so lucky to have this network of friends and family and complete strangers thinking about you and praying for you and your family every day. Somehow, you have touched the lives of so many people. Welcome back, Shea. I hope to meet you some day.
Helena Sanchez
Shea, I haven't posted since the first day this blog went up, but know that you have been in my prayers daily. I am continually amazed at how God is working in your life through this terribly trying time. I am so sorry for the loss of your boyfriend and for what you are going through. I pray God will heal your broken heart, as well as continue to tend to your physical needs. We sang "O Holy Night" in church tonight, and I couldn't help but think of you and your beautiful voice filling the SBC Worship Center. God willing, you will be singing again soon.
Steve & Susan, I am praying for you, as well. I can only imagine what you have gone through this last month; all the ups and downs. Thank God for all the "ups"! It's been hard, but God is good. I pray that you, Shea, Luke, & Jesse will have a wonderful Christmas. You have so many reasons to be thankful. Thank you for all the information on this blog so that we may see God's hand on Shea. God bless you all!
Good Evening My Beautiful Sweet Shea,
Ya know i was sitting at the dinner table tonight with my mom at Chilis and you are all that i could seem to talk about. Shea since the day that this happened, since the phone call that i got about you...you are on my mind everyday. All throughout the day i talk to your picture from my heart to your knowing that you can feel it in your heart. Just everyday praying Lord please heal this wonderful sweet Shea that i feel you have been an angel put into my life. You have changed many attitudes and beliefs of people at the salon. At times it gets so hard, but i just have to think to myself that you were always such a postive person at the salon even when those cramps were so bad with you sitting on top of the dryer not knowing what to do. You are so uplifing and are a ray of sunshine everywhere you go. Your music is just wonderful and i know that it is going to take you many places...with not a doubt in my mind. Your songs are played in the CNN make-up room and just uplifts the room. There are so many people who just care so much that you dont even know. And Shea i know that this is a hard time for you with Mike and I know that you know how strong you are. You are a living testimony everyday and have really opened Chris and I eyes about life. Since this has all happened i feel like my life has changed and i look at life in a totally different way. I cant wait to have you back around to do Towel Time and complain about the 101 shampoos a day and just so see that Beautiful Shea Smile! Shea i love you so much and I continue to pray for you.
Good Night My Beautiful Bunny,
Love Always,
Your Mousey (Renea)
Dear Lauren "Shea", Steve, Susan, Luke-
We have lost contact with you guys for so long, but I still remember shooting the Soldier's tribute song video (during Desert Storm) with your beautiful blonde locks blowing in the wind, standing next to your dad. You were so patient, content, and happy at your father's side as we attempted a perfect lip-sync
out in a field on the outskirts of town. We have been blessed to see you grow in the Lord and we are trusting, "that all things work together for good for those that love the Lord." Know that God will bring His purpose as witness to the world through your situation. We love you, your family and are praying for your FULL recovery--God's grace will continue to be heard from your voice!!!!!!!
Much Love,
The Olivers
Phoenix--greymatterfilms@cox.net
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