This wasn’t how I planned to start my blogging journey, but we plan and God laughs. Or in my case, we put it off and God gives us something to write about. And so the journey begins…….with a phone call.
Wednesday 4/19 was a, somewhat, emotional day to begin with. I spent a good portion of the day, with a friend, cleaning my cousin’s house in preparation for her to come home from an extended stay at Cleveland Clinic where she has been fighting MDS (Myelodysplastic syndrome). I’ll write more about my amazing cousin Renee in another post, but let’s just say her wicked sense of humor has kept us in stitches our entire lives. Anyway, I had a shower and was having my own little pity party when Jeff left for practice at church. An hour and a half later we received the phone call that every parent fears………”Mom, I had an accident at work and I’m in an ambulance on the way to St. V’s.” All I heard from that point on were the sirens in the background.
I’m not even sure if he told me that he had been burned or if I just knew when I heard St. V’s. They are one of the top four burn units in the country. If you have a burn in this area, this is where they take you and this is where you want to be! Let’s rephrase that……….nobody wants to be here, but you get the idea. A big huge thanks to the City of Bowling Green Fire and Rescue for not messing around and recognizing the severity of his wounds. They didn’t even attempt to take him to another hospital and they broke every speed law known to man to get him here. The only person that was ahead of them on the expressway was Jeff, who managed to beat the ambulance. (He was about 5 minutes closer than I was since he was at practice at church. There is a funny story to this that I will tell at another time.)
I won’t go into detail at this point about his injuries or how it happened but what I will say is he has mostly 2nd degree burns, and some 1st degree, over 15-20% of his body. It is predominately on the right, upper half of his body and face. It was a fryer full of grease that exploded and Sam’s reflex was to raise his right arm and shield his face as he turned so there is also a spot on his back left calf. The majority of the impact was taken under his right arm and torso. Those burns may turn into 3rd degree and required skin grafts. We hope not, but burns develop more over time and they are also prone to infection, especially if you are dealing with grease because it’s very dirty. We have seen this first hand as he developed an infection on the back of his arm and his leg and is being treated with IV antibiotics.
We have learned so much about burns and how the body heals. First, blistering happens because the body is saying “hey that spot needs moisture.” Second, the degree of burn is based on how deep you’re burned, whether the burns blister and how many layers of skin are damaged. This can’t be determined right away because it continues to burn for a while. The degree can also change based on infection. Third, you have to get the dead skin off and they way you do that is debridement. Look it up…….. yep, its bad, it’s painful, and it’s awful. And Sam is handling it like a champ! He is so tough. There is no quick fix for any of this. It’s not like a broken bone that you can cast and will be healed in 6 weeks. Diagnosis is a waiting game and so is treatment, determined by how his body responds. And recovery is a long process, based on age, health, if he is a smoker (working on that), infection, if skin grafts are needed, and how many calories and protein he eats. The one bonus to a burn is you can eat anything you want. The higher the protein and calorie count the better! Of course you’re in so much pain you don’t want to eat and hospital food isn’t the best. We have managed to get some of his favorites brought in from friends and family. For now there is no discharge date, we just wait.
The first several hours here were scary and surreal. There were so many things going on and so many different doctors and nurses asking us questions and giving us information. It was overwhelming and exhausting. As the days go on you fall into a new normal. You no longer sit and stare at your child in the bed 24/7. You walk down the hall and get a drink, maybe venture to the cafeteria to pick up food. As the comfort level grows, you go to the cafeteria and eat at a table. You’re not hungry and you don’t taste the food but you eat because you know you have to. At some point you go home and take a shower and try to straighten up the life you abruptly left when the phone rang. You may even sleep in your own bed. Not a restful sleep but it’s not in a plastic recliner or a love seat the pulls out into a medieval torture device that is supposed to be a bed. You push through and function the best you can because what other choice do you have? Your kid needs you. I was doing one of those “new normal’s” on Sunday as I ventured down the hall for a drink. I passed a kid in the hall that looked about Sam’s age. I overheard him tell the aid he was 22 and a student at BGSU. Then I saw his parents in his room. I didn’t know them but I knew them. They were us three days before. Scared, dazed, confused, overwhelmed and exhausted. I smiled at them and they half smiled back. I asked if it was their first day. They said “We got a phone call at midnight that our son had been stabbed.” That’s how their journey began, with a phone call.
Thank you Kerry for putting your thought on paper. It takes your world to a very personal level of what you are feeling & going through. Thanking God for the progress & praying for your miracle. Love, Pam
Kerrie, sad to hear about Sam but I know he is in good hands; God, good parents and a great medical facility. It is so hard to witness our children suffer. Prayers go out for Sam and his recovery. By the way, keep blogging!
I just can’t imagine what your momma heart is going through right now. Love you, friend.
And although this wasn’t your preferred story to begin blogging with, you are a beautiful writer.
I’m so sorry for what your son is going through. My best friend in high school was severely burned when her nightgown caught fire while she was by her fireplace. It is indescribable. Prayers for quick healing!! I know your amazing joy and laughter will keep your family going❤️
Kerry, I am so sorry that you and your family are going through this. You are all in my prayers & I hope Sam’s healing is as quick & as painless as possible (I know, that’s asking for a lot, but our God is with all of you!).
I would be happy to help in any way possible…..even if it’s just dropping off cheeseburgers (or whatever is Sam’s favorite).
Blessings for all of you,
Holly
Praying for all of you. Hang in there friend!
Kerry Suzanne…hoe my heart aches for all of you. I remember the weeks that Chelsea was in ICU and not knowing what the next day was going to bring is a pain only a mama’s heart can understand. Our Lord is watching over all of you and as was already said your sense of humor and Grace will be your strength through all of this. I love you!
Colleen
It is really hard being ‘the one’ who is supposed to keep it together and be there for others to lead on. I know the you and Jeff can ‘do this’ with God’s help. We hope that Sam’s pain will be minimal and healing time quicker that is expected. Remember, we love you and are praying for your family.
I have no words sweet friend…but please know I am praying! Hugs! ❤
Michelle
Love you and your family! Sam is a tough kid, this is where all of that stubborn strong will is going to pay off! I’ll be praying for all of you!
So sorry to hear about this terrible accident. May God, our great physician and healer watch over Sam and heal him quickly. And may he also give you both strength to get through this ordeal. I pray he gives the doctors and nurses guidance and wisdom to help with Sam’s healing process. Many prayers continue and thank you for sharing.God bless!
Are prayers are with you hope for a quick recovery. God Is With you always
Now you’re officially a blogger, and now you have something to do in between the parade of professional and personal visitors in the Burn Unit! You really captured the last week with your words. Keep up the good work, and we’ll see where God directs you next.
So sorry about your son Sam. Will be praying for all of you. Can’t imagine the pain that all of ou are suffering right now. Our God is awesome and will get you through this. Love you guys.
Thanks for sharing Kerry. Beautifully written start to a painful story that we are praying over time becomes a more beautiful story than you could ever imagine for all of you. Thinking of you and sending our love.
Kerry, I just wanted you to know that all of you are in my thoughts and prayers! I have sat in that same chair and watched through those same “mom” eyes as you. My daughter Alex has had 14 surgeries in the last 10 years. It’s not easy and it’s very painful to watch your child hurt. You would do anything to change places with them. If you need anything, even if it’s someone to share coffee with in the cafeteria please don’t hesitate to contact me. Sending love to you, Jeff, Maddie and especially Sam. Peggy Beard Jones
Thank you for sharing your story. Praying for quick healing, very little pain and a short stay at the hospital.
Thank you for sharing Kerry, sending prayers .
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers!
So sorry about your son. Praying for all of you. Thank you for sharing.
No pain is greater than your child’s pain. Praying for your family.
That u know u are loved and strengthened by our Creator, God, King and you live your faith…be blessed today my friend. I love you!
So sorry that you are having to go through this! God is faithful and is with you all to give you His strength, peace,and comfort. Know that many are praying for you and sending our love. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know.
LOVE YOUR BLOGGING NOT FOR JUST YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, BUT FOR US, YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY. THE LORD HAD SET A SEED IN YOUR MIND TO DO THIS. IT HELPS US SOOOO MUCH TO HEAR IN YOUR WORDS YOUR STORY, YOUR LIFE, YOUR NORMAL FOR NOW. (((HUGS))) TO ALL AND I LOOK FOEEARD TO YOUR NEXT BLOG ☝️☝️☝️👆👆👆
Dear Kerri.
I was heartbroken to learn about Sam but I am so grateful that Barb posted your blog…you need all the love and prayers that can flow your way. You couldn’t have a more loving support network of people who care for you and love you.
My prayers for you and Jeff…to stay centered and focus each new day. And remember to think WIN = WHAT MATTERS NOW.
My prayer for your son…that the Lord flushes his heart and soul with strength and resilience and faith. That he finds hope from the fact that each day is one less day of recovery. That each day is one more day closer to a victorious personal testimony.
In Jesus’s name, I pray for Sam and you and Jeff and your family.
: )
Oh Kerry, so sorry to hear what’s going on for you guys!
Will be praying from this end of the world.
Prays your way. God is a awesome God. So thankful that we have him and don’t have to go it alone. Being a parent is never easy no matter how old your children are. That u for the blog., prays for your whole family. Love in Christs name.