This is where our story actually begins because without this news we there would be no story to tell.

The first weeks in the Intensive Care Unit are hard to describe. Our family and Robert's friends were lost. We did not know weather to believe the words of God in our hearts or the words of the Doctors in our ears.

As we sorted out the details of Robert's life, home, divorce, children, medical needs, lawyers, finances we were also dealing with the issue of the value of his remaining life.

At no time did we feel there was a decision to be made. Although to others it appeared we did have one to make. My mother had to get guardianship over Robert from wife whom believed that Robert would not want to be a burden to her or the children.

From that moment on there was no way my Mother could take away the child that she brought into the world.

So we began our long, hard and rewarding struggle that has brought us to today.

We have documented Robert's peaks and valleys associated with his healing process to this point. Please feel free to read any of the messages in his guestbook. It is actually a journal for him to read later when he is able.

Robert has had several prognosis' since 23 Aug 98. Each time that Robert was sent to a new facility they also gave a new prognosis. It is sad but we decided as a family to believe and trust in our feelings over their medical prognosis' for the majority, otherwise we would of not been strong enough to survive the various ups and downs associated with hearing so many negative and varying medical opinions. We have learned through all of this that the only person that knows Robert's potential to heal is GOD! As his family all we can do is stand by his side, hold his hand, and help God do his work by getting Robert the best possible care, and be his eyes, ears, physical therapist, doctor, and nurse until he can do those things for himself.

Today Robert is home, and continuing to heal and thrive. He gives us so much joy. He may not be speaking yet, but his actions say 1000 words. He is always communicating and showing us his desire to live, and heal by his actions and drive to do his best. Each day it seems there is a new improvement. Not to say there are not valleys to still cross but he smiles through them, as if to give us strength. We do not feel unlucky, or saddened by the lack of hope and compassion show to Robert by some, instead we have chosen to feel blessed by the love, and strength shown to Robert by family and friends that do care. My brother has surpassed 98 % of prognoses given by the medical doctors. Where they said he is brain dead he showed life. When they said he would need life support and be vegetative for the rest of his life he chose to breathe on his own without the aid of machines. Where they said he would always need a catheter to urinate, he chose to take that control back. Where they said he will be paralyzed, he had movement of each and every body part. Where they said he would be blind he watches and follows. Where they said he could not hear us, he smiles appropriately to our comments and has established a yes finger to aid in communication. Where they said he was physically unable to move body parts to his desire, he hugs us and reaches for us. Where he was told he would never speak again he has worded I LOVE YOU. We now understand what family means. It is not about blood, but rather love. Our family has grown not only spiritually but also by numbers. Yes we are blessed! Robert will continue to heal at Gods pace, and we will all be there holding his hand and cheering him on because we NOW understand the power of Gods love and how it can heal!

Email Cindy