Their world was rocked.

There’s really no other way to describe the feeling of his accident on Thursday, April 30th, 2015. James Wilson, husband of Shannon Margolis Wilson, father of sweet baby Madison Jeanne Wilson, and son of Ken and Debbie Wilson, was involved in a tragic motorcycle accident on his way home from work. While the exact details are still under investigation, we know that he had a horrific collision that left his bike in 3 pieces, and James was immediately transported to Kaiser Hospital Vacaville. His injuries were extensive including both physical and brain trauma: a broken arm needing a steel rod, 5 broken ribs, broken scapula, as well as, a bruised body and some lacerations. They were optimistic as he went into surgery that he looked pretty good, physically, for someone who’d been in such a severe accident. Under the impression that he’d be waking up once the surgery was over and the sedation began wearing off, they were disappointed when he wasn’t responsive as the weekend went on. The doctors were not satisfied with such little progression, so they ordered him an MRI which showed that he definitely received brain damage from the accident. The Lord gave Shannon and family little pieces of comfort as James would occasionally open his eyes and squeeze their hand… Unfortunately, not even that could help the pain of hearing the report that broke their hearts. On Sunday, they were given the (premature) news that James may never recover or be the man he was before the accident. They found out that he had permanently severed part of his brain that does not heal. The possibility was high that he’d never come home. It was a sickening hopelessness and grief that immediately filled their hearts and minds. Family, prayer warriors, friends, and their home group did NOT take this news sitting down, though and immediately interceded on James’ behalf. Hope is not in doctors or any flesh and blood, but in Christ Jesus alone. Hours later, Shannon was given the evidence of that very thing when she was given the report that after the correct doctor went over the results of his MRI, he deemed that James’ condition was no longer labeled as “severe” and instead was “moderate”. This was a drastically different outcome. Joy and relief filled them as they realized what this news meant:

JAMES WAS COMING HOME!

They didn’t know when, they didn’t know what condition he’d be in, but they knew he’d be able to survive this now. His family went from envisioning a future without him, to a future with a hard but worthwhile journey with James in it; a future that included him overcoming obstacles, being a daddy who can watch his little girl grow up, and being a man that is the epitome of God’s strength and power in a fallen world. James has been diagnosed with DAI (Diffuse Axonal Injury) which was caused be the intense movement of his brain inside the skull, similar to shaken baby syndrome. Due to the severity of his DAI, for now, time (and the Lord) will be the sole teller of what his recovery will look like. They know it will be long journey. They know it will be hard journey…but they also know that it will be a journey that is worth every tear, every struggle, and every sacrifice. Thank you so much, to their family, churches, friends, and some wonderful staff that have already made a huge difference as they embark on this road with James. Seeing the love of God demonstrated as so many come alongside to serve as the hands and feet of Christ, has been humbly uplifting during such a dark time. Even though their whole world has been rocked, God is bigger than this world, and they feel the swaying of the arms of the Lord enfolding them in the midst of it all, through the ministry of love He has provided thus far. They will continue to accept all the prayers, love, support, and help that so many of you have graciously offered so far. Please look to the Caringbridge site, to get regular updates as they move forward in the journey they never expected to be on, yet are so thankful for given the alternative.

Separate from the day-to-day needs are the numerous financial stresses that come along with a tragic disruption like this.   It's been difficult for Shannon to ask for help with even the miniscule tasks that need to be done, so you can imagine the challenge of also expressing the monetary needs that have begun.  Time off of work, medical bills, child care costs...are only the beginning of what will be a long journey of faith in the Lord to provide for their needs.  We know that He does not leave us nor forsake us, and we are grateful for the promise of provision through all of you.  This will be a long, grievous, challenging, and costly journey for the Wilson family, but nonetheless, they forge ahead with hope and joy, thankful for  his life every day.  If you are so inclined, please prayerfully give as your heart leads, and share this link with anyone else who wants to be a blessing.  Your prayers, of course, most of all, are appreciated and they are grateful to each and every one of you!

http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/james.a.wilson

This fund is established to assist James Alan Wilson and his family as they continue to rehabilitate James. Anyone wishing to send cards, letters of encouragement or contributions in the form of a check may do so by mail at:

Patient: James Wilson
Room # Rehab 3003

Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation Center
Kaiser Foundation Hospital
975 Sereno Drive
Vallejo, CA 94589

All checks must be made out to: James Alan Wilson

Commonly asked questions:

1. Who you are: Shannon Wilson the wife of James Alan Wilson

2. Where you’re from? Vacaville, CA

3. Your relationship to the parties you’re raising funds for? Wife of James Wilson and mother to our daughter Madison Jeanne Wilson

4. How the funds will be spent? Funds collected here will be used by Mrs. Wilson to cover James' medical expenses, rehabilitation costs and any costs associated with his recovery.

5. How you intend to get the funds to those in need? All funds collected on this website will be withdrawn to “James Alan Wilson,” a bank account established at Western Healthcare Federal Credit Union by Mr. James Wilson before his accident.