Home . . . "Sweet!!"
It's New Year's Eve and all of you are probably getting ready or are already having a party. I stole away for a few minutes to give a little update on how things are going here.
She was dismissed fromm Shepherd Center yesterday at around noon. In one week's time we saw amazing progress with many patients there. People in wheelchairs were up walking, some who could not speak were saying words and even reading! As Dr. Kaelin said goodbye to Shea, he got down on one knee, as Shea was in her wheelchair, and looked her in the eyes. "I'll bet you're dying to get out of here, aren't you, Shea" Her response surprised us a bit. "No, not really anymore. I didn't think I was supposed to be here and couldn't wait to get out, but now I see all these people differently. They're alive in their bodies and are desperately trying to get out. This has changed me." He told her that this experience will definitely change her life. Wheelchairs and disabilities are not foreign to her anymore. Dr. Kaelin encouraged Shea to come back and volunteer once she is well. As we were wheeling Shea out of the Brain Injury Unit, James Shepherd in his red scooter rolled up. He wanted to say goodbye to Shea, and they had their picture taken together. He smiled at Shea and said, "This really is a miracle, Shea -- it's like you stopped in for a cup of coffee and you're already on your way out." How can we ever thank all of you for your many prayers for our little girl?
We got home and breathed a big sigh of relief. Are we really home for good? Luke and Jess kept asking Shea what she needed -- more pillows? blankets? a drink? Somehow we gathered around the kitchen table and decided to listen to the CD of the message our pastor, Chip Ingram, taught the Sunday after the accident. The passage was from Psalm 90. This was the only psalm that Moses wrote. Verses 1-2 "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." Chip said, "God is great. We don't know His plan, but we should never forget in the dark what God has taught us in the light." We had a time of family prayer, prayers of thanksgiving and prayers for the Jones family as well. We were in awe -- all five of us -- home at last.
Shea tires easily, so soon she was in her own bed at last. She slept very well and seems to be improving by the minute!
Many of you remember my sister, Jeanne, who stayed in Macon for the month, tirelessly helping us. Her husband, Colonel Larry Burch returned from Iraq yesterday the same day our little "soldier" returned home to us. Welcome home, Larry!! We're so proud of you and thankful to have you back with us. There is much rejoicing in our family.
As we close 2005 we remember all of you who have walked with us and, at times, "carried" us through our dark days, Thank you for bearing our burdens and continuing to pray for complete healing of Shea's body.
Tomorrow is New Yea'r Day, and Shea's grandpa, Jerry Anderson, will be writing the blog. Since the death of our mom, our dad has been known to ask, "Have you ever seen a miracle?" Looking forward to hearing what you have to say, Dad.
Psalm 90: 14-17
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.
May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us --
Yes, establish the work of our hands."
Happy New Year!!
The Hickoks
She was dismissed fromm Shepherd Center yesterday at around noon. In one week's time we saw amazing progress with many patients there. People in wheelchairs were up walking, some who could not speak were saying words and even reading! As Dr. Kaelin said goodbye to Shea, he got down on one knee, as Shea was in her wheelchair, and looked her in the eyes. "I'll bet you're dying to get out of here, aren't you, Shea" Her response surprised us a bit. "No, not really anymore. I didn't think I was supposed to be here and couldn't wait to get out, but now I see all these people differently. They're alive in their bodies and are desperately trying to get out. This has changed me." He told her that this experience will definitely change her life. Wheelchairs and disabilities are not foreign to her anymore. Dr. Kaelin encouraged Shea to come back and volunteer once she is well. As we were wheeling Shea out of the Brain Injury Unit, James Shepherd in his red scooter rolled up. He wanted to say goodbye to Shea, and they had their picture taken together. He smiled at Shea and said, "This really is a miracle, Shea -- it's like you stopped in for a cup of coffee and you're already on your way out." How can we ever thank all of you for your many prayers for our little girl?
We got home and breathed a big sigh of relief. Are we really home for good? Luke and Jess kept asking Shea what she needed -- more pillows? blankets? a drink? Somehow we gathered around the kitchen table and decided to listen to the CD of the message our pastor, Chip Ingram, taught the Sunday after the accident. The passage was from Psalm 90. This was the only psalm that Moses wrote. Verses 1-2 "Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." Chip said, "God is great. We don't know His plan, but we should never forget in the dark what God has taught us in the light." We had a time of family prayer, prayers of thanksgiving and prayers for the Jones family as well. We were in awe -- all five of us -- home at last.
Shea tires easily, so soon she was in her own bed at last. She slept very well and seems to be improving by the minute!
Many of you remember my sister, Jeanne, who stayed in Macon for the month, tirelessly helping us. Her husband, Colonel Larry Burch returned from Iraq yesterday the same day our little "soldier" returned home to us. Welcome home, Larry!! We're so proud of you and thankful to have you back with us. There is much rejoicing in our family.
As we close 2005 we remember all of you who have walked with us and, at times, "carried" us through our dark days, Thank you for bearing our burdens and continuing to pray for complete healing of Shea's body.
Tomorrow is New Yea'r Day, and Shea's grandpa, Jerry Anderson, will be writing the blog. Since the death of our mom, our dad has been known to ask, "Have you ever seen a miracle?" Looking forward to hearing what you have to say, Dad.
Psalm 90: 14-17
"Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.
Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble.
May your deeds be shown to your servants, your splendor to their children.
May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us --
Yes, establish the work of our hands."
Happy New Year!!
The Hickoks
posted by admin | 9:16 PM
8 Comments:
SHEA!! i'm glad to see that your finally home!!
i hope you have an amazing new years!
xoxo
see ya soon girl~
courtney
Praise God for all of the blessings He has bestowed upon you and your family (immediate and blog)! We were overjoyed to hear of your homecoming and will continue to pray for you and this journey. Happy New Year!
Love,
Saundra
Zachary and Natalie Wilder
My prayers have turned to Thanksgiving now, as you are all still in my thoughts often. It's been an amazing time of watching God's healing and faithful hand upon you Shea. I pray that this new year be full of health and happiness for all of you!
Love,
Christy
Happy New Year!
What a great way to start off the new year, being able to go home and all be together as a family! You guys are an awesome family, I feel almost a part of it now. Shea, if there is anything I can do please don't hesitate to call. And when you are ready to have friends over, I want to be first in line. ;) It's a little selfish i know, but i really really miss you. It's hard not being able to just call you or see you when i want to..but anyways keep that in the back of your head and remember when your ready i'm ready!
Happy New Year Hickok's!
Love, Dani
Well, hello 2006, im hoping this year shows just as many miracles and wonders as last year (with a bit less trauma, please! lol) It was interesting because my pastor spoke about having faith and told a story about a young man in the hospital with the worst trmors a doctor had ever seen. someone from the guy's church came to pray with him and the guy said to him,"Sir, just wait a minute. I dont want you to pray for me unless you really believe God will heal me. ok?" the man prayed for him and the next day, the man who everyone thought would die from these tremors walked out of the hospital!!!! THe next day! can you believe it? i think that people must have had the same faith when they prayed for you, don't you think? Its so awesome.
And you know what else is awesome? this new found power over your brothers! I say use it up and enjoy it while you can. lol. In fact, it sounds like your feet might be hurting, why don't you ask for a foot rub??? :) They really are sweet guys. Well, im glad youre home and surrounded by the fam. Hey, i ve been wondering, what was the first thing you got to eat? Leave it to me, the culinary student to ask that, i know!!! but hey, what can i say, food literally IS my life! I just thank God im not as big as a boat! Well, i have to go to work in a few hours. you have got to love the life of a waitress! I'll talk to you later. hugs and kisses.
Rach
Hello Hickoks!
Interestingly, our Sunday morning service yesterday (Jan. 1st) was a meditation on Psalm 90 as well. We focused on one of the verses you quoted at the end of this post, "Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days".
What a special reminder this is to all of us. I find that most if not all of my failures in faithfulness to God arise from dissatisfaction. I grow frustrated, or disheartened, or just plain tired of living in a world that is broken. Why is there hurt? Why suffering? Why is everything so far from the way we know it should be?
Just when it seems unbearable, or when I'm again before The Father confessing that I've failed Him, verses like Psalm 90:14 reassure me that true satisfaction will not elude me forever. In fact, His word encourages me not to settle for the momentary "satisfaction" God's enemies offer. If I hold out for Christ alone, I am promised complete and total fulfillment. Not just a personal, private fulfillment, but the stunning assurance that God's sovereign hand will ultimate redeem every bad, broken experience into proof of His glory and His great love toward His saints. I'll be satisfied with my future, with my inheritance, with the very presence of Christ, and with the joy of every thing broken being used to the purpose of God's glory.
In other words, in Christ, I can never lose!!
Now what was I saying about dissatisfaction, I forgot?!
Shea, the work that God has been doing in you has been another tremendous reminder of the all-satisfying goodness of God. How could we live without the hope - the confident expectation we have in Christ?!
Steve and Susan, I know you're thrilled with the healing God is giving. I'm praying that when you're experiencing further progress or even an occaisional setback in the coming months you will always feel the unmovable ground of God's promise under your feet.
Luke and Jesse, though we aren't acquainted, your love for Shea is obvious even to me! Keep taking good care of her.
Lord bless all of you in this New Year!
Mike Ruetz
Happy New Year!!!!!
What a great way to open up a new year. I am so glad that Shea is home and yall can be together as a family again. I can't believe how fast this has all gone by and what a miraculous recovery Shea has made, it truly is a miracle. We all miss you at the Salon Shea, it's not the same without your sweet little voice and pretty face, and your hard work!! I am so glad to hear the good news that you are home, your testimony is incredible. Hang in there girl, you have come a long way. Brayden and I pray for all of you every day. Happy New Year! :) Let me know when you want company, I have plenty of cheese for everyone. Love ya girl.
Whitney
Shea,
Our family is new to the Bridge. We started there shortly before your accident. This means you don't know us from Adam's house-cat. (Aside: This assumes Adam and Eve were cat people, I believe they were dog people as they hid when they did the wrong thing. Dogs know when they do wrong and will hide, a cat will stare you in the face with bold denial)
Anyway, we have been blessed to read about God's hand in your life and the on-going work he is performing in your healing. I am certain He has worked hard against an enemy who desires that you become discouraged and fail. You are not and have not - praise the Lord!
Thank you for being transparent with your feelings and faith. We continue to pray for you and your family - and look forward to your return to the Bridge stage.
I have been studying Daniel lately. He was in some difficult circumstances that were outside of his control. This guy had uncompromising faith - just like you. 3:17-18 "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from...your hand O king. But even if He does not let it be known to you O king, we will not serve your gods..."
Keep up the good fight and Press-On (Phil 3:14 - my personal favorite verse)
God Bless.
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