Thursday, March 4, 2021

Meet Jodie and Kollin

In the song "Closer To Love" by Mat Kearney he sings "I guess we're all one phone call from our knees."  I have had the opportunity to experience this myself on an occasion - or five.  One of those times was when I received the call that my brother had been in a 4-wheeler accident and was being life-flighted to the hospital.  He had broken his neck in the accident and we soon learned that he was now a quadriplegic.  I'm not sure if this is why Jodie and Kollin's story touched my heart so deeply - but it did.  

Jodie is a mother.  I believe the word "mother" is a synonym for "hope" and in Jodie's case, there is proof.  She gave her kidney to Kollin's older brother in order to save his life.  Her husband made the same sacrifice of a kidney to another son of theirs who was also in need.  This family is what you call survivors!  They are my personal poster child for hope - not just because of their self sacrifice and love for one another, but because of their ability to endure hardship well and forever carry hope in their hearts.  

Meet Jodie:
 and Kollin:  

It was the end of August, 2013. This is the text Jodie sent out to loved ones:

Kollin had a serious accident on the trampoline last night- trying to do a double back flip and landed on his head- he was life flighted to primary children's with a fracture of C-6/ C-7.. He has no feeling below his upper chest, but can move his arms. They've had him in traction since about 2:30am-- screws in his skull with a halo and 25lbs hanging from the halo. He's on pain medication and Valium. They will take him to surgery about 2:30 this afternoon to fix the fracture in his neck. Thanks for all the prayers-- we're expecting miracles.

Later this text followed: 

They removed the damaged disk, and fused his C6 and C7 vertebrae together. We are still waiting for an MRI to see what kind of damage was done to the spinal cord. As of right now, he has no feeling from his chest down. It is still early in the recovery process and we are hopeful and praying for a miracle. Thank you so much to all who have been so supportive with your uplifting and kind words and prayers. Your faith has helped us all so much already. Tomorrow being the first Sunday of the month, this is a perfect opportunity for us all to unite in faith and do a massive group fast for Kollin. "For it is by faith that miracles are wrought." -Moroni 7:37

Jodie's update a few days later:


He very rapidly declined this evening to the point that it was necessary to put him on a ventilator. He is now stable, sedated, and the ventilator is breathing for him. At this time the Dr's feel it would be in Kollin's best interest to strictly limit visitors to grandparents and his brothers only. This latest episode is a bit of a set back and so our hope is that your prayers will continue on Kollin's behalf. The out pouring of Love and Support for us has been the thing that keeps us going- we are so grateful to ALL of you and hope you understand Kollin's immediate need to Rest. Much love, Jodie

More of Jodie and Kollin's story in the days to come.  In the meantime, I am impressed to acknowledge how prayer is an instrument in implementing hope in our lives.  Expressing our deepest concerns and asking for much needed strength and blessings gives us hope that the dawning of a new day will bring answers to these prayers.  I believe Jodie's prayers, faith, and belief in miracles helped the hope in her heart to grow despite the very troubling times she endured.  



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