I wanted to share some beautiful words from Kirsten, my sister-in-law. She is fearless, courageous, optimistic, caring, nurturing and the definition of resilient. She has not left Matthew's side since the day she arrived in shock trauma just four weeks ago. In addition to sharing the photos of Matthew and Maxwell when they were first reunited, I am sharing a photo of Kirsten pushing Matthew in his wheelchair while carrying not 1 baby, Maxwell, but a 2nd baby due in April - she is
incredible. We are all thrilled and love her so much. Thank you for loving my brother and best friend, Kirsten.
From Kirsten:
"A month ago, I received a call during church from my father-in-law, stating that Matt had been struck by a car during their cycling race and was being medevaced to a shock trauma center in Baltimore. I could hear someone calling for a tourniquet in the background. I knew he was bleeding. It took hours after my arrival for them to identify Matt and confirm that he was there, and I could not visit for several more hours because I had Max and children are not allowed. I finally did see him: he was pale from blood loss via an arterial bleed in his neck and an open fracture of his left knee. He had cuts and abrasions covering his face, chest, arms, and legs, and blood crusted into his hair. He opened his eyes a slit when he heard my voice and managed a smile from his swollen face. He could wiggle his hands and his toes! I knew he would pull through despite his injuries.
Matthew has had numerous surgeries and stabilizations for injuries to head, neck, elbow, pelvis, right hip, and left femur/patella/quadriceps. He spent two weeks in shock/trauma, another two weeks inpatient at a rehabilitation hospital, and at last came to stay with Max and me a few days ago. He’s extremely limited, will not be able to bear weight or bend one leg for another two months and is relying on a fractured hip for all of his ambulation, but we are happy to have him with us as he continues rehab outpatient. Thank you all for your prayers, love, and support - you have helped carry our family through!
These are a photos of Maxwell and Matthew when they were reunited after two weeks apart. It’s incredible how much a one-year-old needs their daddy."
With love, J & K
