Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Overdue Update…

A lot has happened in the last 2 months since our last post.  On October 16th, 2 days after returning from our second Russia trip, I had a stroke (hemorrhagic stroke in the pons area of my brain…to be exact). (Barry is typing this) I woke up around 12:15 am and my head was spinning and the right side of my body was tingling and going numb.  Then I got violently sick all of a sudden.  I got Barry to call 911 and he got me to the bathroom.  The paramedics got there quickly, but I wasn’t able to talk by the time they got there.  Fortunately we were at  home in our bed when it happened and we live across the street from a hospital, so it wasn’t but just a few minutes later that I was in the ER.  It was terrifying for both Barry and I (even though I was not responsive, I could hear everything that was going on, and could hear the doctor talking to Barry about if we had a living will or power of attorney). 

I stayed in the SICU for 3 days and then a regular room for 5 more days before being transferred to Healthsouth rehab hospital for the next month.  I am still in a wheelchair.  My vision is still double and jumpy.  I can’t hear much in my right ear, and even though I can move my right arm and leg there is no feeling in the right side of my body.  The neurosurgeon in Birmingham said that it was what is called a cavernous malformation that bled, and that there is nothing I did to cause it or anything I could have done to prevent it, and unfortunately nothing can be done to prevent it from happening again, except to pray that it doesn’t.  He said sometimes they don’t bleed again for years or decades, and sometimes never, but that he couldn’t guarantee that it wouldn’t happen again sometime soon.  Not the news we wanted to hear, because the original suspicion was something that you can take proactive measures for. 

Meanwhile, Barry and my parents left for Russia to pick up Elijah on November 13th.  (I’ll post later on 3rd trip specifics).  It was beyond crushing to not be able to go, especially because we knew on October 16th that I would not be able to, and I had a month to think about it.  Not to mention the worry we both had that our third trip might be put in jeopardy because of the situation.  So I’ll leave you with a few pictures of Elijah…

Here he is in one of the pictures they sent us when we got the referral.

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Here he is on our first trip in May, when we met him for the first time at the orphanage.

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This is from our second trip (after court) in October, playing outside at the orphanage, right before we saw the rainbow.

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This one is from trip 3, after the 30 day waiting period.  He had just gotten his new Russian passport.  Doesn’t he look so proud of it?

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And here he is now, back home in Dothan at the park!

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Sorry it took so long to make a new post.  I’m sure you have heard the recent news regarding the ban on US adoptions in Russia.  Please keep the orphans and all the families affected by this new law, especially those who are currently in the process of adopting, in your prayers.

38 comments:

  1. I'm so happy that you got your little boy :) He's beautiful. I don't remember when it was but I'm sure it was around that same time that I woke up during the night and felt God telling me to pray for you and I have been praying for you since. God is watching over you. I will pray more specifically for you. I wish you a speedy recovery and that God continues to heal you.

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  2. What a beautiful family you all make!! It is so sad to hear of the ban. I love you so much and pray for your continued recovery and safety! I hope to see you soon!

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  3. I'm so glad to hear from you Lisa! I did hear about the ban on US adoptions and you guys were in my thoughts, as I did not know how it would affect you guys, but I'm so relieved to see that little Elijah is home with you! He is absolutely gorgeous!

    I am so sorry to hear about your stroke though... I want to recommend a teaching series from Andrew Wommack for you called God wants you well, you can find it here: http://www.awmi.net/extra/audio/1036. I am sure it will help you al lot with your recovery process!

    love, Marion

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  4. Oh my goodness what an update. I just want to say that I'll definitely be praying for your recovery and future health AND Elijah is precious!!!! I'm so happy that he is finally home.

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  5. He is adorable! I am so happy for your family :) I will continue to pray for your recovery. Congratulations!

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  6. Lisa, Melinda my office manager just came in and told me about what happened to you. I pray God heals you completely! Elijah is so cute! What blessing of getting him our of Russia when you did. If we can do anything let me know. Earl Kelley The JOY FM 94.3.

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  7. Lisa, I know I don't know you but when you didn't post for a long time I wondered if something was wrong and prayed for you. I am so sorry to hear about all that you have been through in the last two months. I can't imagine how difficult this must have been for you. Your little boy is the sweetest...prayers for you and your family during this season of trial.

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  8. Wow! I am sorry to hear about the health but praise God you have your baby and were able to bring home before the ban on russian adoption. You'll be in my prayers!

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  9. I heard the news about the Russian adoption ban, and you and Barry were the first thing that popped in mind. I was stalking your blog and facebook hoping that everything worked out. Praise God that you were able to get your little one home. My heart is with you during this time of transition. I am praying for your health. Please keep us updated on your progress.

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  10. So scary! Praise God you are alive and well. And praying for a speedy recovery and that this does NOT happen again.

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  11. Oh, Lisa, I'm so sorry you had to go through all that! How scary! I'll be praying that you make a full recovery and it doesn't happen again, especially now that you have a sweet little guy to care for. He is so precious!!! Keep us posted!

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  12. Lisa - My heart rejoices over you finally bringing your little boy home, yet aches over the news of your stroke. God has placed you on my heart so many times over the last few months, particularly when there were no updates. I simply prayed His peace and provision over whatever was taking place. And that is my continued prayer for you and your family. I ask God to give you new strength with each passing day. In Him, Jody

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  13. So happy your son is home with you now, but so sorry to hear about your health scare. Hope things I keep greeting better and better.

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  14. Dear Lisa and Barry! I thought something was up when I could not get a post or see you on facebook but I never thought of a stroke. What a bitter sweet time for you. We will be praying for your full and complete recovery Lisa. If there is anything we can do please let us know. Thanks for letting us know and for the precious pictures. love, liz

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  15. Oh my goodness. I am so sorry about your stroke. I hope you will continue to heal and recover. I'll be thinking about you. Your Elijah is just gorgeous! So glad he's finally home with you. I recently moved to your neck of the woods because of the Army!

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  16. Lisa, I love you & am praying for you and your precious family! God is good and He is in charge!!

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  17. Lisa,
    We posted a while ago as we were in Volgograd for Trip 1 to meet our son we are calling"little E" for now - from the same orphange as Elijah. Elijah is beautiful. We wish you a quick recovery and are glad that you are together as a family. All the best - Jen & Bert

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  18. You've been on my mind and in my prayers a lot lately. I'm so relieved to see an update (what a precious boy!!!) and yet I'm sorry to hear of your stroke. How frightening! Many prayers coming your way as you adjust and heal.. <3

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  19. I am so glad for the update and I love the pictures. He is so adorable. I think of you daily and am hopeful that your recovery will continue.

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  20. I was prepared for great news about E, but not that you'd had a stroke! I will keep you in my prayers for a full recovery. I am so glad you have E home with you!! Please keep us updated!!

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  21. After hearing of the new ban I had been thinking of you and your family. So glad it didn't affect your adoption. So sad for those who were affected. I'm so sorry to hear about your stroke!! Glad you have such a wonderful support system. I will be praying for you! I'm so glad to finally see pictures of your little man. Can't wait to see/hear more!!

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  22. I thought of you two also when I heard about the ban. But I think you are both so blessed to have your baby home before this happened...by the way, he is adorable!!
    I'm heartbroken about what happened to you. I'll be keeping you all in my prayers.

    God bless,
    Sarah

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  23. i stumbled across your blog while googling "praise God anyway" and i just had to say that i read several of your posts and was very moved and touched by them. I even printed some out to share with my husband when i get home. to say that the last two years have been the worst years of my life and some of the worst of his is an understatement and i found your blog to be very encouraging. i'm thankful you found the courage to be so transparent, honest, and open. even though i have never met you i am praying for you and your little family today.

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