I sit here by the bedside of my son, Archibald (Archie), who is currently in the fight of his life.

I don't know if he is going to make it or not.  Right now it is too soon to tell.  Seems that he was the innocent victim of a drive by shooting.  Shot in the chest; he nearly died but somehow the medical staff was able to save his life; yet his condition remains extremely critical.

He is currently in the Intensive Care unit here at Fisk University Hospital; he's been here for the past two days.  A bank of machines, medications, and tubes keep him alive; he is currently knocked out, thanks to powerful drugs, so he can rest as much as possible.  It looks worse than it really is, but I feel so helpless seeing my big, strapping 20-year-old son looking more dead than alive ...

I am trying to keep the faith because I truly believe that God will hear my prayers and heal my boy.  He's managed to beat the 48-hour critical period, so maybe there's a fighting chance for my Archibald to make it.  

When I am not keeping vigil at Archie's bedside, I walk the halls, or I go to the hospital's chapel, where I pray and try to seek God's wisdom during this difficult time.  My husband (and Archie's step-dad), not to mention, my daughter (Archie's younger sister, JoDonna, who is 16 and has Down syndrome; she loves her big brother so very much) and other son, Cadavious (Archie's older brother; he's 26) come to relieve me if I get tired; I then go to the ICU waiting room and try to catch up on needed rest or talk to some of the other people waiting there.  They are all in the same boat as I am: they have loved ones in the ICU.

It is good to know that I am not alone in this battle.  Plus I have the comfort of my Lord and Saviour to sustain me.  I truly believe that Archie is going to get well; he will survive.  He's always been such a strong boy; he just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and got shot.  I know it wasn't his fault; it was just an ugly incident that shouldn't have happened.

 I have been praying for the person responsible for Archie's demise; I don't hate him (or her); I pray that they come forward and publically apologize, not only to me, but to Archie (when he is able to).

~To be continued.~