Reed Family Recovery

Recently my family experienced some unexpected medical hardships.  My sister, Lola, was born to be an educator.  She has a passion for serving students and at church.  This has been the case since she graduated from college at the age of 20.  She is what I refer to as a ‘CHAMPION’ for Christ and children.  “The hands and feet of Jesus Christ”.  She is a wife to Fred Reed and has two children entering the 6th and 8th grade.  Over the past few years, the children have been home schooled.  This past year they transitioned into traditional public school which also allowed her to return to teaching.

Lola was scheduled to have a hysterectomy at the end of the 2018-2019 school year when suddenly Fred became very ill.  For about two weeks they thought he had the flu, but a visit to the emergency room and additional tests determined he had congestive heart failure.  Her much needed surgery scheduled for this June had to be postponed so her husband could have triple bypass surgery.  His surgery was successful and he was released to light activities during the first week of July and Lola's surgery was scheduled the following week, July 11th.  This would have allowed her time to recover and be prepared to return to work to kick off the 2019-2020 school year.  Days after her surgery, she ran into complications while still in the hospital which required a second surgery last week.  Just when she showed some signs of improving, she began to have additional complications.  July 24th, she had a third (3rd) surgery and doctors shared she could be out for 4-6 weeks.  In addition, because of the risk of infection and the need  for additional recovery time, she would need to prepare mentally for a transition from the hospital to a skill nursing facility.  Today we just learned that in a couple of days, she may have to have a 4th surgery due to additional complications.

Today, my family in Christ reminded me of Mark 11:24 and so I remain encouraged.  While visiting with Fred and Lola today before her surgery, I could see their FAITH IN GOD and love for one another keeps them encouraged.  She was more concerned if her kids were enjoying vacation bible school and texting fellow team members to help prepare her classroom to welcome the students back to school.  As I’m sure you can imagine, this has placed a great financial hardship on their family during this road to recovery.  Many have contacted them and me asking how they can help.  The Reed family is going to rely heavily on friends and family for prayers and additional support.  This very support is what is keeping them encouraged.