Saturday, April 5, 2008

April 5, 2008

Rhonda Writes -
The kids just left the hospital. They had a nice hour long visit in Eric's room. It was emotional... They crawled up in bed with him and told them how much they miss him. They asked the typical child-like questions... What's this, what's that, how long til you come home...
It was heart wrenching for me and Carol but good for the kids. They were very happy to spend time with him. Carol just left to take them home and I'm staying a little longer. Eric's sleeping like a baby.
I'm going to sit him up in a bit. The "OT girls" told me he should sit on the edge of the bed, even on the weekend when they're not here, so I'm going to wrestle a nurse to help me do it.
It's so hard for Eric to communicate. Last night when I was leaving, he tried to tell me something. He couldn't get the words out and I couldn't understand what he was trying to say. He got frustrated, I got frustrated....
Its so hard. I'm having a really hard time right now. All the emotions have finally worked their way out and now I can't seem to control them. I guess you can only be strong for so long, huh? So, as usual, I'm sitting here crying my eyes out trying to type on the blackberry. Eric is getting used to the tears. Pray for me. I need strength now more than ever. No one ever imagines that their lives could be turned upside-down in the blink of an eye. Love each other like you've never loved before. Life is so short and can be so unfair.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Rhonda,

I am so glad to hear that Eric is making progress - even though it is a little at the time - it will come together and he will be back to his old self before you know it! I can't imagine how you have held up for this long -you are a strong person! We continue to pray for you guys on a daily basis. Life can change in the blink of an eye - and I think that nobody realizes it until they face something like you are facing now! If you need anything please do not hesitate to let me know! Keep the positive attitude when you can but don't forget to allow yourself the time you need to process this and cry when you need to - a cry can do you a lot of good! We are routing for you all and I know that God will bring you through this stronger than ever! You and Eric have already been such an inspiration to so many people, imagine the courage you can both bring to another family who may face a similar situatuion in the future! Hang in there and know that even in the midst of the storm - God - The Anchor will hold!!

Sincerely,
Erika Byrd

Mandy said...

Prayers and blessings to you. I don't think anyone at Berry's Grove Baptist Church knows you guys personally, other than me... but they've been praying for y'all too. :)
Love,
Mandy

Cindy said...

Rhonda, I'm so sorry that you are struggling emotionally so much. I can't imagine what you are going through. I know it's got to be very hard. But just know that you have so many friends that are here for you if you just need someone to talk to or someone to cry with. You need to let those emotions out. Don't try to hold them in. It's good to cry!!! I'm glad Eric is still showing progress. It's got to be hard for him to when he's trying to communicate and can't. I'm sorry things are so tuff right now, but remember, IT WILL GET BETTER!!! The love you both have for each other will only get stronger after all of this. And remember, God doesn't put anything on us that we cant handle!! As hard as it is right now, God is going to see you through this! We love you guys and I'd love to see you. I know you are so busy trying to keep up with everything going on right now, but I'd love to get together. If you need a break from everything or just someone to hang out with for only a few minutes, please give me a call! We love ya'll and we are here for you, if there is anything we can do. We will obviously continue praying and I will say some extra ones for God to give you extra strength! YOU CAN DO THIS! YOU CAN GET THROUGH THIS! Cry when you want to, smile when you can, and remember, this is all is Gods hand!!

Anonymous said...

Rhonda,
We have heard you tell each day of the wonderful miricles God has preformed in your and Eric's life. I have often wondered how you were doing. When something happens to our loved ones we suffer right along with them. Rest assured that we are suffering with you. It was so wonderful to see your beautiful face on Easter Sunday. I thought to myself, she is as pretty as ever, no one would ever guess the pain you were going through. A lot of people seem to forget that the spouse is having a harder time than anyone. We serve an awsome, mighty God. He will see you through this! We are still praying every day. If we can do more, PLEASE LET US! We are here for you if you need us. Just call. Like I told a friend today, I consider it a blessing to be able to help you. Rhonda, the same goes for you. We do love you and your family. Keep that beautiful chin up. God bless you.
Love - Kathy

Kirsten said...

Dear Rhonda,
Never apologize for tears. Remember they relieve the pressure and pain and are very cleansing for the heart and soul. Believe me, it is normal. I send you a big hug My Friend and continue my prayers for you. Be comforted in knowing that Eric is getting better and each time the kids visit it will get easier for them, Eric, you and Carol. It will be more sharing and less questions once they understand everything about Daddy's "equipment". They will get to realize that visiting Daddy is a great part of his healing process. Kids understand more than we give them credit in situations like this. Remember, your friends are here for you guys. Our love surrounds you.
Read Psalms 91 :)
Love you
Kirsten

Patti said...

Hey Rhonda, I do know how life can change in the blink of an eye. God brought a beautiful little girl into my life about two and a half years ago. She and I really fell in love with each other. She was like the daughter I always wanted. But in Feb. of this year God took her home. It was very sudden, and very tragic. No time to say goodbye. For the first time in my life I turned my problem COMPLETELY over to God. That's the only way I could get through. I am still sad, but not without hope! I will always miss her, but know I'll see her again! I would rather it had turned out differently, but it's God's plan.
So, we should count our blessings every day. Tell our loved ones how much we love them every day. And just know that God is in control, always.
You have Eric. He is going to be fine, it will just take some time. Know that it is Gods plan. Lean on Him for strength and know He will hold you up. I KNOW he will. Count those blessings!!!
love you,
Patti

Anonymous said...

Rhonda,
Mom's been keeping me updated every time she hears something, and I'm really glad she found out about this site. I'm happy to hear about Eric's improvements, and I'm proud to see how strong you are. Things will get better, and it's important that you know that there's nothing you can do, and that what you're dealing with is something bigger than yourself. Just leave up to God. I know as well as anyone that patience is a hard virtue to live by, and that it's easy to feel helpless in these situations. Keep your head high. God knows what he's doing.
There's a Teens For Christ Club at my school, and we are praying for you daily, as is my dad. We love you so much and we're so proud of you for staying strong.

Love,
Taylor Sharp

~In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. John 16:33~

Anonymous said...

My heart hurts for you. I know you are doing the very best you can, just know that there are people that LOVE you guys very much!! My prayers are with you, and we look forward to the time we can ALL get together and share some good times with each other. Do cry and don't hold back, it will be good for you. LOVE YA'LL VERY MUCH! CALL US IF YOU NEED ANYTHING!! Melanie Walker

Stacey Weaver said...

Hello Rhonda,

I am Rodney Weaver's wife and I want to express our thoughts and prayers with you.

I completely understand what you are going through. It has been 7 months since Rodney's accident. I want you to know that you are strong and you will continue to be strong. Because of your love for Eric, your children, and family. My love for Rodney, Zack, and our future is what has helped me get through the hard times. Keep your faith in God and your love for your family and you will be guided through.

I also understand your emotional states. I went from I'm not going to let him see me cry to crying over everything. Feeling helpless and angry for what has happen to him. But each day I said no matter what yesterday was, today is a new day and our love will get us through. Being positive and never doubting Rodney is what helped me get through the hardest days. I believe the power of love and positive thinking is the way to strength within. Trust us, things will get better and Eric will continue to fight. Eric and Rodney are soldiers and nothing will keep them down.

Our love and prayers go out to you all. If you ever need anything please let us know.

Sincerely yours,
Stacey Weaver