My wife, Kolbi, hovers somewhere betwee life and death in the Neuro Intensive Care Unit (Neuro ICU) due to a horrible car crash she was involved in two weeks ago.  Her condition remains guarded at best; doctors aren't sure as to whether she will ever wake up again; if she does, she may end up permanently brain damaged or disabled.  Her condition hasn't really changed all that much.

It has been hard on the family, especially myself and the children.  Our children are only two and four; I just thank God that they weren't in the car with Kolbi when that semi truck plowed into her car; they would have probably been killed.  They don't really understand what their mommy is going through, but the older one (Klint) knows that his mommy was hurt and needs to be in the hospital in order to get better.  Meanwhile, Hunter is too little to understand the gravity of the situation.  

He is, after all, only two.

I just thank God that my Mama is here to help take care of the boys, so I can be with Kolbi.  I don't want to leave her side, in case the inevitable happens or if she should decide to wake up.  It's put a huge sense of relief to know that Hunter and Klint are being well cared for by their grandma.

Meanwhile, I while away the days, sitting at my beloved's bedside (or in the hallway waiting area when doctors run their tests on Kolbi, to see if there has been any change to over overall condition), hopeing, praying, and wishing for that elusive miracle.  

Even in the midst of my own pain, it is a little comforting (for lack of a better word) to see that I am not alone in my suffering.  Other families are going through the same thing I am.  Even though their loved ones' circumstances may be different than mine, we are all in this together somehow.

For example, Tina Monroe's husband, Wally, is basically brain dead due to a progressive neuromuscular disorder, so time for him is rather short.  Tina is currently waiting for the doctors to tell her that Wally has passed on.  There is no hope for him.

And then there's Sandra.  Her granddaughter (aged six) had a severe seizure and suffered from brain damage after being without oxygen for over four minutes.  

And then there's Henry.  His mother, Hilda, age 87, had a massive stroke last Sunday while at church, and she is in a coma, unresponsive to all tests and stimuli.  She just lies there, not moving at all.

Each story is a heartbreaking testiment of the unexpected happening, each one as tragic as my own; we have learned to lean on one another and try to look at the good in each situation.  We pray for each other and try to encourage, even though our own hearts may be breaking.

Well, Dr. Munumaneshaj wants to talk to me about the next plan of action for Kolbi, so I will go.  Just pray that the news that he is about to deliver isn't devastating; I can't really take any more bad news!  It's been the worst two weeks of my life; all I want is for my precious Kolbi to wake up and say "I love you" to me!

~End of part one!~