One Year On

It is 1st November 2012 - exactly one year since Andy’s devastating brainstem stroke which left him with ‘Locked in syndrome’ Something, which at the time, we had never heard of and didn’t understand.

This is the desperate e-mail sent out three days later.....

‘The doctors can give us no assurance of any hope for even a partial recovery.

But Andy is awake, he can see us and hear us, and understands what is happening. We have this blessed assurance that Andy is held safely and securely in God’s loving hands and that Jesus lives in his heart.

Please, however tiny your faith, please pray. Don’t hold back.  Please pray for Andy, for his full recovery.

We hold on to the promise of Jesus, ‘Humanly, this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. 

Please pray in whatever way you can that God will heal Andy and that our precious son will be restored to us, your prayers are so important to us. 

Since that cry for help went out 1000s around the world have prayed continually for Andy’s healing and recovery. Many have visited him and encouraged him with their friendship and love. Others have helped in practical ways, given advice and raised money to help Andy and other stroke  survivors. One year on Andy is living at home, he is no longer ‘locked in’ but regaining use of muscles, learning to move and talk again. Surely all those prayers are being answered. 

On Monday 29th October 2012 Andy’s brother Paul married Katie and Andy was Best Man. With great courage, determination and the loving support of Emma he was there for his brother. Andy had composed and pre-recorded his best man’s speech which was very funny and very poignant - we are all so proud of Andy and Emma.

By the grace of God and the loving prayers of others our son has been restored  to us; for that we are eternally grateful. Looking forward there is long road ahead with many more ‘mountains’ to climb as Andy strives to achieve functional use of his hands and arms, to stand to walk and talk again. 

Please, if you can, pray for Andy and Emma that they will have God’s peace and the endurance and patience to face the days to come......

‘The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged.’ (Deuteronomy 31:8)

‘Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall:

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,

They will walk and not be faint.’  (Isaiah 40: 30 -31)