On days 3 and 4 we
were flooded with loads of support via calls and e-mails from family and
friends (see below for the emails). I can honestly say that although we
might have had something to be depressed about, we were focused on Tam and how God
had He had gotten us through every second of this ordeal so far. We were
becoming stronger individually, but more importantly we were growing stronger
as a couple as a result and that has to be a good thing, right??? :) So
many times "bad" things happen and it crushes families beyond repair.
No matter what the outcome, we were resolved not to have our family be just
another statistic! Not too much to rehash for days 3 and 4, I’ll let the
updates below take care of that. J
So.....let’s rewind just
a couple of min’s: 2 things I wanted to share from Day 1 that I neglected to
mention....starting with the more serious of the 2. Sharon and I were
sitting in church that morning and for some reason she pointed out Jeremiah
29:11 “For I know the plans I
have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give
you a future and a hope” (ESV). Little did we know that we would be
hearing that verse repeated by our dear sister Sherry on the roadside after
the accident. It was immediately after finding out that Tamara has been hit that I
ran from the front doors of the church and started south on Rt. 202 for
the entrance to Doylestown Hospital's driveway, where I could see a lot of
activity. I never ran the 440 so fast in my life (coach Benner would have
been proud), it was pure adrenaline! As I approached the accident scene a
policeman was running toward me, I guess he didn't want just anyone there, I
stopped just short of where he was trying to catch my breath and he asked who I
was.....I was able to squeak out "I'm Tamara's father". He put
his hand on my shoulder and with a halfhearted smile, assured me that she was
alive. Oh my word! A Ten Thousand pound weight was immediately lifted from
my shoulders. Tam was alive! So many thoughts flooded my brain
right then…like how we would have another chance to hold her, and kiss her
goodnight, and wish her more happy birthday’s! Just then, another officer came over and said Tam was being prepped for
transport to Philly, and that he wasn't sure if it would be Jefferson or CHoP.
I said “CHoP without question; she is already a patient there”! Suddenly, I
could hear Sharon yelling from about 200 yards away...."where is she???”
with utter desperation in her voice. For some reason I didn't
respond at first, I just turned back to the Sgt. to see what other info he
could give me. Again Shar screamed, with that uncertainty that only comes
from asking about the unknown..."WHERE IS SHE???" This time it
registered loud and clear, and I responded by yelling back and motioning that
she was already taken down to the hospital by ambulance. Now there were
more people accompanying Sharon on her journey. I went back to her and
just held her and said that Tam was alive but needed to go to CHoP immediately,
I could feel the sheer relief as she melted into my arms. Sherry was
there along with Al, and Toni Ann and Dave, and I said we need to pray (I could
hardly get the words out), and we all just dropped to a knee (we were
"Tebowing" before Tim did it). Anyway, Sherry started us
off with none other than Jeremiah 29:11, saying that we knew He had nothing but
good plans for Tam's life, plans not for ruin, but for good. We all
prayed for several more minutes, each one taking a turn, and then we all cried
and just held each other. I don't think I have ever felt that much of an
outpouring of the power of God in my entire life, with the exception of the day
I finally gave my wayward life to Christ. Then, almost immediately after
we had finished our impromptu prayer meeting, the PennStar Chopper flew
overhead and we knew we had to get down to CHoP, and quickly! Shar and I
went back over to the church to let our other children know what had happened
and to let them know they would be going with the Anton's for a while. As we
were leaving the church parking lot (in Bill's sweet, red convertible Audi) I made sure to
ask Ally and Nathaniel to be praying for their big sister. Nathaniel
asked why again, and I told him Tamara had been hit by a car and she needed to
go to the hospital. (here is the other thing I wanted
to share from day 1.) Nathaniel, in his cutest little, barely 4
year old voice told the other children who were there at the
time..."Tamara Dot Hit by a Tar!!!!” It was all I could do not to
laugh....he had no idea how those 6 little words made all the difference to me
for just a few seconds as we drove out of sight. The toughest part now was
the uncertainty of Tam’s actual condition; as we never saw her before she was
flown down to CHoP, so we had no idea what to expect. On our way down to
Philly, Brent and Bill were great, not saying too much but knowing just when to
interject, and having exactly the right words, at exactly the right
moment. It was so a God thing! Sharon rode up front and I was in
the seat behind her. We just held hands front to back and prayed, and
talked and I'm sure we even had several light moments mixed in there. Like how I forgot to put on Sun block before getting in the car, and how my
head was gonna be fried when we got downtown. Bill had the top down on
his convertible and it was a bright, sunny and beautiful day! One thing
that I always remember is what an absolutely awesome day it was weather
wise. Very similar to the weather on Tuesday Sept 11, 2001, but that is another
Blog post for another day. All for now!
***Please take just a
few more min’s to read through my quick updates and a few of the incredibly encouraging
e-mails we rec’d over these couple of days. ******************************************************************************************************************
Tam Update 7-11-07 8:00 am Hello Everyone! Tam was still doing fairly well when I left CHOP
around 10:15 last night. Here's a quick follow up to Monday;
Her O2 level which was very unstable, has been great and the DR's are Very
encouraged to see her not needing the ventilator as much as the first day or
so. The antibiotics appear to have done the trick with clearing up
her "Post Op" infection and her fever is gone. So there
are some of the good things. The one bad thing for the day is that we
found out from a Trauma Nurse Practitioner that she still has a slight margin
for concern with reference to a brain injury, although the Doc's we asked were
not concerned. Enough said there! Just to rule out anything serious,
Tam is scheduled to have an MRI of her head and neck at 8:30 on Wed morning
7-11. ***WED Update #2***
I spoke with Sharon at 7:30 this morning and she said Tam had a very restful
night. (first one in the hospital so far, Praise God!) and she was still
waiting to hear about the exact time for Tam's MRI. As soon as I hear
from Shar, I'll send another update. Most likely around lunch time today. God continues to be our Rock on which we stand firm! P <><
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. --Philippians 4:4-7 ******************************************************************************************************************
Below are some e-mails from which I
have removed the "Sender’s" names to protect the innocent. J
*****************************************************************************************************************
We're earnestly praying for Tam and you guys too! So much going on! I'll
be requesting prayer at prayer meeting tomorrow night so you'll
have a few hundred more praying for her too :O)
******************************************************************************************************************
Dear
Peter and Sharon~ I hope you don't mind, but I got your address from one of
your updates. I just want to let you both know that you are all in our
prayers. From the moment of corporate prayer in the sanctuary Sunday morning,
until now, we've been in constant prayer. We praise God with you that Tamara's
injuries are not more serious, and are confident that Tamara has been given a
very attentive angel by our great God! :) I also want to compliment
you on your wonderful attitude regarding pointing fingers. I'm sure your mercy
has provided much relief to anyone who may feel responsible. What a horrible
burden to carry. I have been praying not only for Tamara's recovery, but for
you and Sharon, for just such an attitude of grace and mercy. You are both a
wonderful example of Christ's love. In Christ,
******************************************************************************************************************
All
my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Tam will be
receiving a present - probably tomorrow - unfortunately it will not say who
it’s from (cause I forgot). It's from all your friends here at Advanta.
Positive Thoughts!!!!!
******************************************************************************************************************
Hi
P.S. -- my thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family. Sounds like
you are all staying strong. God Bless!
******************************************************************************************************************
I'll
keep you and Tamara in my prayers. ******************************************************************************************************************
Dear
Peter, Sharon and family, Thank you so much for keeping us posted on Tamara's
progress. We just want you to know that you guys and Tamara are rarely far
from our thoughts and prayers. We're thanking God for His provision
and are praying for her comfort and your peace. Please let us know
if we can help in any way, In His Love,
******************************************************************************************************************
Hi
Peter and Sharon - Thanks for the update on Tamara. I just got off the
phone with Letty to see how she was doing and how Tamara was doing and she
updated me on the surgery and plans for cast. When I read the email about
Tamara when it first came through I started crying because I knew she has
already been through a lot and Letty has had some health issues of her
own. God is in the midst of all of our prayers. What do people do
without the Lord????????? The God of the Universe who orders the steps of
a righteous man or woman. WOW!!!! Again, thanks Pete for the update. In
His Love
******************************************************************************************************************
,
I am so happy and relieved that Tamara is doing well. When I first heard the
news it hit me like a ton of bricks. My niece was hit by a car 6 months ago and
was flown to Children's Hospital too (she is okay). The Doctors there were
great. A parent’s worst nightmare. I thank God that she is doing well and that
it was not more serious. I hope that you are holding up and I will continue to
pray for Tamara and for you guys as well as for healing and strength. God bless
you all. ******************************************************************************************************************
Dear
Pete and Sharon, We don't understand why these things happen, but we know that
we have a God who loves Tamara and is holding her in the palm of His hand.
Please know that we are and will be praying for her and her complete recovery.
We pray that during these anxious hours of waiting, God will prove Himself very
precious to you both. Love and prayers,
******************************************************************************************************************
Dear
Peter and Sharon, We are saddened to hear what happened to Tamara on
Sunday. We are praying for complete healing for her little body. We
pray that God will give you both strength and guidance to get through this difficult
time. Let us know if we can help in any way. In Him,
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