It is safe to say that Jim's life changed on Sunday, July 19th. Near the beginning of Southpoint's church service Jim was praying over the offering. Near the end of the prayer he slurred a few words and then was silent. With heads bowed, the congregation was waiting for "Amen" but it never came. Instead, Jim fell backward, hit his head on a monitor and collapsed on the stage. Thankfully, numerous medical professionals and concerned friends immediately came to his aid. It appeared that he was having a seizure so CPR was administered. The church's defibrillator was hooked up to him but he did not need to be shocked. The ambulance arrived soon after.
Jim was taken to Oakwood Southshore in Trenton where it was discovered that he suffered from a brain aneurysm. He was intubated and then transferred to Henry Ford Hospital in downtown Detroit. Late Sunday night it was decided that Jim had to undergo "surgical clipping". This means that part of his skull was removed so that surgeons could close off the blood vessel that caused the aneurysm. (Jim will have this piece of his skull put back on in a few months.) He was out of surgery around 2am, Monday morning. Doctors said the surgery would last at least six hours but Jim was only in surgery for four and a half hours. (A very good sign!)
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Jim is truly remarkable. He makes us want to cheer and cry all at the same time. We're praying and we know God's watching!Love you, Gus & Mary Cline
ReplyDeleteThe outpouring of Love and support for you beginning the moment you fell has been beyond amazing! You are touching every single life at Southpoint and within your family! God is working in so many ways and I can't wait to tell you all about it when you are better!
ReplyDeleteJim I wanted to let you know that when the EMT's were there and Brett had us all go in the lobby, I was so touched! All of the parishoners were praying together! I don't know how many attended that service that day, but the amazing love and prayers were flowing freely! I had never witnessed that type of love before! God was definately there. You could literally feel His presence! I could not believe how much you touched so many lives! I heard that 2 people actually got baptized that day! I don't like the fact that you were hurt but I think that God was showing us something, His everlasting mercy and grace has been ever present and we have all have to trust God always in every situation. You are a lving testament of that! Get well soon my friend! You are in Great Hands!
ReplyDeleteSabrina
Hi Jim:
ReplyDeleteIf I'da known you were going to take it this bad because we didn't come, we would've been there! Glad to hear you're improving. From you your favorite Buckeye fan, Anna