As I said earlier - 10 years ago today Sharon and I had the biggest scare of our married lives when Tamara was hit by a car. Over the next week or so I'd like to recap that time via the e-mails (sent and rec'd) and thoughts from key players during that trying time. I'm hoping I can finally get through this, as I've tried twice before without being able to finish. :)
So, after determining that Tamara was not in any immediate danger, Shar and I decided that it was time to make a couple of overdue phone calls. They were the 2 hardest phone calls I have ever had to make; to my parents and Sharon's parents. Keep in mind that the accident took place at approximately 11:30 am, and it was now almost 4:30 pm. We weren't trying to hide anything from anyone but simply trying to protect her grandparents from shocking news without definitive answers to pass along. Those calls were difficult to say the least but they went surprisingly well, and we had more prayer warriors enlisted on Tamara's behalf. We couldn't have made it through that first few hours without the support of family, dear friends; and our brothers and sisters in Christ who gave so sacrificially of their time that first day. Bill and Brent drove us down to CHOP and their wives, Toni Ann and Laurie watched our younger children for long hours until I could come home from Philly to get Shar the clothing and other items she would surely need because it was going to be a long stay in the hospital. Pastor Chris and Rick F. also came down within the first 30 mins or so at CHOP and stayed for quite a while just praying with us, and reminding us that God is never surprised by anything that happens and that His hand was on Tamara. We knew that and trusted in God's ultimate healing power to take over, but when you're in the midst of the storm and you can't see the end of it; it becomes even more comforting to know that the Lord will walk with you all the way, regardless of the outcome. As I said back then and still do to this day "God is good, all the time, whether we get what we want, or not". More from the first day in updates to come.
So, after determining that Tamara was not in any immediate danger, Shar and I decided that it was time to make a couple of overdue phone calls. They were the 2 hardest phone calls I have ever had to make; to my parents and Sharon's parents. Keep in mind that the accident took place at approximately 11:30 am, and it was now almost 4:30 pm. We weren't trying to hide anything from anyone but simply trying to protect her grandparents from shocking news without definitive answers to pass along. Those calls were difficult to say the least but they went surprisingly well, and we had more prayer warriors enlisted on Tamara's behalf. We couldn't have made it through that first few hours without the support of family, dear friends; and our brothers and sisters in Christ who gave so sacrificially of their time that first day. Bill and Brent drove us down to CHOP and their wives, Toni Ann and Laurie watched our younger children for long hours until I could come home from Philly to get Shar the clothing and other items she would surely need because it was going to be a long stay in the hospital. Pastor Chris and Rick F. also came down within the first 30 mins or so at CHOP and stayed for quite a while just praying with us, and reminding us that God is never surprised by anything that happens and that His hand was on Tamara. We knew that and trusted in God's ultimate healing power to take over, but when you're in the midst of the storm and you can't see the end of it; it becomes even more comforting to know that the Lord will walk with you all the way, regardless of the outcome. As I said back then and still do to this day "God is good, all the time, whether we get what we want, or not". More from the first day in updates to come.
So, fast forward to today: Tam is now 19 and doing very well...Praise GOD! She just graduated from CB West and we just returned from her Make-a-Wish trip to Hawaii. Tam will be going into the TOPPS program at West next year for some continuing education, although she really wants to go to College in the worst way, there just doesn't seem to be a school that has something to fit her particular needs.
This blog is dedicated to the Love of God, and the strength that only He could have given us to get through that 6 week period in the summer of 2007. Below you will find some of the e-mails from the first day. They are mainly back and forth traffic from our Church Family at the time FBC Doylestown. All for now...thanks for reading! Peter, Sharon, and family! <><
This blog is dedicated to the Love of God, and the strength that only He could have given us to get through that 6 week period in the summer of 2007. Below you will find some of the e-mails from the first day. They are mainly back and forth traffic from our Church Family at the time FBC Doylestown. All for now...thanks for reading! Peter, Sharon, and family! <><
*** At the end of each post, I'm going to include e-mails and messages and prayers from the various days of our stay at CHoP, but I'm stripping out most of the names for privacy reasons. Please take a few moments to read them and be encouraged.
7-8-07 emails //
Hello ABF,
As you heard in Sunday School today Tamara Stachelek was hit by a car outside of the church. The following email was from Kathy C.:
Little Tamara Stachelek (around 8 years old) was hit by a car this morning outside the church. The congregation prayed for her and her family at the end of the 2nd service. She was taken by helicopter to Children's Hospital (CHOP). Please keep Tamara in your prayers for healing, protection, comfort, courage, and peace. Pray for her parents Peter and Sharon and her siblings Allison and Nathaniel for strength, courage, and peace. Pray for the doctors for God's wisdom in making diagnosis and treatment decisions. Pray for Tamara to experience no complications through this process and to return home soon. Pray for God to be glorified through this experience. Ask these things in the power of the name of Jesus Christ.
I will keep you updated if there are changes or updates on Tamara's condition.
God bless you.
This is an update as of 3PM today (7/8/07):
At this point, all of the upper body scans have been negative and have shown no internal bleeding except one questionable spot on the scan of her head. They want to rescan this to rule out bleeding there.
Her left leg is broken and the worst of her injuries. At this point no word about surgery or needs for this fracture. Her right leg is badly bruised but not broken.
Please pray for Tamara and her family. Please also limit the calls, as we will keep you updated via email as soon as we have new information.
Have you prayed today?
Update as of 9 PM 7/8/07
At this point, the only confirmed injury is a fracture of both the Tibia and Fibula (lower leg bones) on the left leg. It appears to be a clean break and Tamara will be evaluated by the Orthopedic Surgeon to see if she will require surgery and pins or if she can have a simple cast. One of the top Orthopedic surgeons just "happens" to be on call this weekend. The spot on her brain was ruled out as being a bleed so there are no other injuries except some bruises. Tamara is heavily medicated to keep her from moving and injuring her leg further. Peter and Sharon are doing well now that they know the extent of her injuries. Tamara is in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and the direct line to the room is 267-426-XXXX. Peter said it would be ok to call and talk to Sharon. Have you prayed today?
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