A Time of Reflection

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28, NIV).

Today marks 22 years since my older brother, Tony, was involved in an ATV accident. What began as a normal Friday, just like today, would end up changing the trajectory of his life. 

Just a few weeks after turning 22 years old, he was near my parents house on a day trip riding 4-wheelers with some family and friends when a tragic accident nearly claimed his life.

Nobody other than the Lord knows exactly what happened. But, by the grace of God, moments after his 4-wheeler hit a tree, throwing him about 50 feet down a creek embankment, my cousin and her husband at the time arrived on the scene. 

Both with medical experience, they found him lying face down in the water, and he was not breathing. CPR was safely and correctly administered, no doubt saving his life, until EMS arrived. As they loaded him into the ambulance, nobody was even sure he’d survive.

Many compound fractures, a brain injury, and an eventual decision to amputate his lower leg, he was finally on a very long road to survival and recovery at University of Louisville Hospital.

After spending weeks there, he was transferred to Frazier Rehab where he began the process of relearning to do many of the things we take for granted daily: walking, talking, and using his hands for fine motor skills. I still remember the night we brought him home for the first time, and wheeled him across the threshold of my parent’s basement in his wheelchair. 

Today, his life truly represents a miracle of God. August will mark 20 years married to his wife, Renee, who he was dating at the time of the accident, and they have four beautiful children. Not without difficulties and hardships because of his physical limitations, and the long standing impacts of the brain injury, but I believe he would tell you he is living a pretty blessed life.

Romans 8:28 reminds us that when tragedy strikes as it did for our family on that fateful Friday in 2003, that above all, we must cling to the promises of God: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

I often get asked the question: What made you want to become a PT? I tell this story every time. 

God knew Tony’s story all along, because He wrote it. And He wrote yours, too. 

I don’t know why He chose my brother to suffer in the ways that he has. 

I don’t know why God chose to take your husband before you. 

I don’t know why God allowed your child to get cancer. 

I don’t know why getting fired from that job is part of your story. 

Most of the time, we'll never know. We’re not promised understanding this side of Heaven. But take heart, friends. If you find yourself in a time of reflection as I have today, may you be reminded that even though we will face tragedies in this life, we still serve a God who loves us enough to work all things together for our good. We just have to choose to trust Him.