Saturday, January 31, 2009

Sykler's note

Daniel

Yesterday at 6:24pm
I'm copying Anna by doing this, but it was a great idea, and between us hopefully more of our friends won't feel like we didn't tell them. I apologize if I didn't tell you this face to face, but this is hard for me to discuss in person. Our family has gone through a bit of a shock this week. After two peaceful days off of school, I was awakened at 3:30 A.M. by my mother and told we were going to have a family meeting in her room immediately. She informed Anna and me that our dear brother Daniel's heart had stopped earlier that night while playing basketball. No one was with him when it happened, and he collapsed and went without oxygen for ten minutes or more. Luckily, he was soon discovered and sent to the care of an intensive care unit. Since no one knows how long Daniel went without oxygen, we are not sure whether or not he has significant brain damage. We do know, however, that he began seizing that night and that he is now under heavy sedation to prevent any more seizures. After a few tests, the doctors have informed us that it appears Daniel has not retained any major brain damage, which makes us all feel better. However, Daniel is still in critical condition. Though the first tests have informed us that his brain seems to be fine, brain damage from oxygen depletion can continue to appear for up to another 72 hours. He has yet to awaken, but he has been breathing on his own at one point today (he had to be put back on respirators because of the heavy sedatives). Whether or not Daniel is meant to continue his life on this earth, I cannot tell you at this point. I am, however, thankful for the knowledge that my family is sealed for time and all eternity, and not even the jaws of death can change that. I love my brother very dearly. He's always been there for me, and now I want to be there for him. Even if he does not live, I know that I will see him again and that our family will be reunited. Through all the chaos and pandemonium of the past few days, I have been able to feel peace I did not think possible to feel under such circumstances. I know that it is the Spirit that is comforting our family, and I witness that my Savior loves me and knows exactly what I am going through at the moment. I can't thank all of you that have been praying and helping our family out, for it continues to add to the sense of peace. We're so grateful to know that we have so many good friends. This morning at seminary, I came across these scriptures [Not a coincidence. I know Anna came across the same ones. That was also not a coincidence.] John 14:16-17"16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."I thank you again for your prayers and kindness, though no words can express our appreciation. I know this is in the Lord's hands and the outcome will be what is best, though I may not understand it at this time. I know that he lives and loves each and every one of us.Isaiah 12:2"2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation."

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