We got a series of telephone calls yesterday telling us our son had been injured by an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) and was in emergency surgery. they told us the injuries were not life threatening and they promised to keep us up to date ad things developed. He was three or four days short of being in that hell hole for one month.
Over the next several hours the story unfolds as follows:
While on foot patrol, the IED detonated killing two (NOTE: later found to be three) soldiers from the Army (I'm unsure if they were Canadian or American) and one Airman from the US Air Force. Others were injured, including Michael who was injured critically. As he was wearing body armor and a helmet, the bulk of injury was to his head and face. He was unconscious and was immediately flown to Kandahar to remove shrapnel from his head. He regained consciousness and, according to his commander in Kansas, seemed to be in "good spirits" (joking with the medical staff) before the surgery. He was then sedated and they wend to work on him. Post surgery he was unable to speak due to bandaging but was responsive to the doctor(s). They determined he has a broken jaw and a number of shrapnel wounds but does not appear to have any significant head injury. The worst news is that he has lost one eye and the prognosis for the other is not good. after stabilizing from the first surgery he was flown to Bagram Air Base for another surgery. He will be sent to Germany by min-day today (Monday) for further observation, and surgery if necessary, and ultimately to the Walter Reed Army Hospital as soon as possible.
Needless to say, we are grateful he's alive but our hearts are breaking with the news of his injuries and the loss of his fellow servicemen. I can't begin to express the anguish and worry we are feeling and the emotional roller coaster this has set in motion. God only knows what the future holds for him at this point. Our heartfelt, sincere prayers are continually being offered as we beg the Lord for a miracle in Michael's behalf. We will do our best to be supportive and upbeat and encouraging for him and we ask for your continued prayers and support as well. Even as I anguish over my son, my heart goes out to the families of the other young men that did not survive this event. Please consider them in your prayers as well.
I don't know what else to add at t his point other that I will try to keep you updated as things progress. It is our intent to go where he is and try to offer what support we can. Your prayers and support are truly appreciated. Thank you for your friendship.
Jim
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Uncle Jim,
ReplyDeleteI pray for you and yours every day, my thoughts and prayers are with you. How luck Micheal is to have such a family. Only a parent can understand the emotions brought about when they see their children suffer. I will pray for a miracle. Micheal is an incredible young man, you and Aunt Roxann have done an incredible job.
Love,
Nicole Downing-Sadler