I wrote this blog post last Sunday, after receiving news that absolutely made my heart fall. I’ve chosen to leave the post in the tense in which I originally wrote it, in order to convey my feelings on that day. I am praying for Adam’s beloved family and friends. It was an absolute honor to meet Adam and his mother.
Back in April, David and I traveled to Texas to conduct some interviews for the documentary project we’re working on. After that trip, I wrote about a couple of women we met in the waiting room at UTMB’s Burn Intensive Care Unit in Galveston. This is where David was initially treated after his accident. While there, we met a mom who was riding the rollercoaster ride of a lifetime, with her twenty-something son. Her son, Adam, had been severely injured in a semi-truck accident and for the past 7 months had been fighting to survive. We visited with this mom while we were on the unit, trying to give her a glimmer of hope while she continued to stay at his bedside, praying for a miracle. To act as a journal, this mom began a Facebook page where she wrote regularly to keep people around the country updated and to act as a way to preserve the journey they’d been on. She passed out brightly colored rubber bracelets that had the words, “Miracle For Adam” printed on them so people would be reminded to pray.
At the end of our visit that day, this Mom, who understandably had become very protective of her son, did the most amazing thing. She asked me if I’d like to go into Adam’s room and meet him before we left. Talk about an honor and a privilege. I remember back to the days when I was the one who guarded the door of David’s hospital room and I wouldn’t have just let any stranger in to see him. It’s such a raw, vulnerable place. I was overwhelmed that she would offer me the chance to meet her son.
Ever since I met this mother- son duo, they’ve shared a special place in my heart. I’ve thought of them often and have received their Facebook updates along the way. So, imagine my horror and disbelief when David came out to the family room this morning and announced that Adam had lost his battle and was with the Lord. My heart just fell. To be quite frank, I’ve struggled all day as I’ve thought about this mom, their family, the doctors, nurses and therapists that have fought for, loved on, and cared for this young man through so many heart-wrenching ups and downs. My mind turns to questioning “Why? Why do some live through this horror and why do some not make it? Why, Lord?”
It is so hard for me to understand why David survived but Adam did not. I can hear the doctors telling me David had a high mortality injury. I can see David lying in the hospital bed, with machines breathing for him. I can remember the time I was in his room at the hospital and he coded and the doctor and nurse brought him back after slapping his face, and beating on his chest. I recall the time he mentally and physical slipped away while tests and scans were done to determine what was happening and I had to call family members to come to the hospital to say goodbye again. But we made it. How do we not feel guilt for surviving when others are less fortunate? How can we celebrate our lives while we know others have lost theirs?
I’ve wept today. My chest feels like there’s a heavy rock on it. But I need to remember that my ways are not God’s ways. That He is so much bigger than I can even comprehend. I know the truth that God works all things for good, and I trust that my mind and my heart will begin to feel these things in the moments to come. But right now I just hurt.
I’d like to share a portion of what Adam’s mom wrote on her Facebook page this morning. It’s a challenge to all of us…
June 15, 2015
When we started this page, Samantha asked me what I wanted to name it. I said, “A Miracle For Adam, because he needs a miracle.” In retrospect, I should have named it “The Miracle Of Adam”. When he was a little boy, and then a young man, I told Adam that God had something extra special and grand planned in this life for him to do. Adam has brought so many wonderful people together. I can’t tell you how many Prayer Warriors shared with me that because of Adam, they came back to God. They reconciled with loved ones after years of being apart. They became closer to their children. They learned to not sweat the small stuff, and that most of it was actually small stuff. They became nicer, more tolerant of others. This was the Miracle of Adam at work.
Last night, Adam finished his fight here on Earth, and won the ultimate prize – Heaven. It’s our loss, but Heaven’s gain. God gave us 9 ½ months to be with Adam, and to share him with you all. Adam’s departure was such a sudden event, and we were not prepared. But, his sisters, his dad, and I were all with him as he started his new journey, and for that, I’m grateful. We will have a Memorial Service for Adam in the near future. I will post that information when plans are complete. Thank you all for your many prayers.
Are you living in a way that allows you to be a miracle to someone in your day to day life?
Is there anyone who is able to say that you’ve been their miracle?
Live your life in such a way that people know you are different. Make a difference in the lives of others while you’re blessed with the opportunity to be on this earth.
If you feel led to help Adam’s family financially, please visit his fundraising page to make a donation.
I followed Adam and proudly wore his braclet..you know what strange about this. I have a Adam and a David…Adam did bring me closer to Gid…I loved your story and I hope to be a miracle to both of my boys. Peace love and happiness
Cindy,
Thanks for supporting Adam’s family with your prayers. Thanks for following along
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am happy to hear David made it through his ordeal. God does work in mysterious ways. David survived to tell his story and to help others, while Adam passed on to help God help others. Thank you again for your heartfelt story.
Thanks, Kenny, for encouraging me through your sweet words.
I found your blog through A Miracle for Adam!! What you wrote was just beautiful and it really makes you think!! Things happen for a reason! I strongly agree with you! We all have a purpose on this earth and we really Need to honor that!!! I say if you can help someone just go and help them!! Good things come to those who help others! You never know when it will be you in time of need!!!
Chantel,
I’m so glad you connected with our story. Thanks for your sweet words.
What a lovely tribute that you wrote about Tracy and Adam. Adam was so special and his mom taught us all what it meant to love with all your heart. Tracy is a remarkable warm and I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to meet her.
Jo Anne,
Tracy is a great teacher to all of us. Thanks for bringing comfort and encouragement to her.
Thank you so much. This is so Beautiful. As I type this for the past year and half have not spoken to my siblings not by my choice but by their’s having been one of Adams prayer warrior have made me make better choice and has taught me to forgive and NEVER give up. That there should be No time wasted. Live and Love! I Love this and I Thank You for sharing.Best Birthday gift ever!
Malissa,
Thanks for sharing. I’m so glad that through our stories you’ve been able to find healing as well.
Carly, I just read this blog post as I found it on Tracy’s Facebook page. Beautiful words. Every time I see Adam’s beautiful face with that big smile, I cry. I think Adam is our Miracle. He brought so many people to his world through his Mom. God bless you and your family. I am so happy for you and your husband. May you both continue on this journey towards God.
Julie,
thank you so much for your words of encouragement and for following along in Adam’s journey. It’s our prayer that by sharing our story we can bring comfort to others facing a tough time.
I am so sorry to hear of Adam’s passing! I too would read your daily updates on him on FB. There is nothing greater than a “Mother’s Love For Their Child”!! My thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Adam is now a beautiful angel looking down at all of you and smiling INDEED 🙂 Much Love <3
Thank you for your sweet words of encouragement, Ronni.
What a beautiful article. I have been following A Miracle for Adam since the start. When Adam passed I felt like I lost a son.
Charlie,
Adam’s family has been comforted and supported by you and the others who have followed their story. Thank you.
Carly, reading your post has brought back all of the heartbreak of that morning I read that Adam had passed away. I am a follower of A Miracle For Adam and am so grateful for people like you and Adam’s mom, who by your graciousness and faith choose to open the door of your own pain and suffering to bring hope and healing to others. Thank you, and God bless you and your husband and Adam’s family.
Teri, thank you so much for your very kind and encouraging words.
Made it about half way through when a waterfall of tears blurred my vision to incomprehsion. I will finish it later. Thank you for careing about about a dear friend and his family. I wish the best for you and your loved ones.
Brian, I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for comfort for you and for Adam’s family and friends.
THANK YOU SHARING ADAM AND DAVID’S STORIES WITH ME.
I FEEL HONORED TO HAVE READ ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH THESE TWO YOUNG MEN.
ONLY GOD HAS THE ANSWER TO YOUR QUESTION.
BE BLESSED!
Janet,
Thanks for reading about these amazing men.
So beautifully written. Thank you for putting into such sweet words things we have all wished to say to this amazing family.
Lynn, thanks for being a blessing to Adam’s family
Breaks my heart for Adam’s family. Beautifully written.
Thanks, Diane. I pray that Adam’s family is finding comfort in the support of others.