A Parent’s Worst Fear

12:45 AM, Sunday, May 23, 2021. The phone rings. Nothing good happens after midnight. My 19-year-old son, Reece Martin, had been in a single car accident. His lifeless body didn’t look good when he was wheeled into the emergency room where I was waiting for his arrival. How did this happened? What are his injuries? Will he live? So many questions. I prayed for Reece’s recovery as I held his hand.

Reece’s Condition

We praise God there were no broken bones, internal injuries, nor spinal cord damage! There were a few hairline fractures on the front and back skull, cheeks, and pelvis. No surgery would be required. However, his swollen face and blank stare told another story. A subsequent MRI revealed Reece had sustained multiple diffuse axonal injuries or, simply, brain injuries.

Single Mom, Registered Nurse, Former ICU Nurse

As a single mom, I wonder how I am going to care for my other two teenage children while I sit with Reece. Their father remains unemployed due to COVID19 reductions but is not eligible for unemployment compensation. My parents and friends will help as much as they can. As a Hospice nurse, how can I attend Reece and care for my patients? I can’t. After about four weeks of unpaid leave, I will not have an income because I am not eligible for extended family leave. How am I going to pay bills, rent, or buy groceries. As a former ICU nurse, I am fully aware of what Reece’s medical condition means.

Rehab

Reece had recently returned for the summer form Notre Dame College in Cleveland, Ohio where was a freshman and member of the football team. This young man who had squatted 600 pounds now requires four therapists to hold him in a standing position. He follows me and the hospital staff with his eyes and follows simple commands as best he can. He utters a few sounds but no speech yet. Will he be able to walk, feed himself, or even talk? We don’t know. What we do know is he facing an extended rehabilitation process. Reece will have a long road to recovery.

THANK YOU!

Thank you from the depths of our hearts for your prayers and any contribution you make. God works miracles. He has brought Reece a long ways already!