How We Lost Our Jewel

Carly and her sister Kassia had both been sick with the flu-like symptoms the week of February 12. Kassia got it first, then Carly. Carly had run a fever Thursday and Friday, but then on Saturday her fever had cleared, but she had lost her voice. It didn’t seem too unusual to have the flu and then to have a touch of laryngitis at the end as you are recovering.

On Sunday morning, though, her fever was back, so she stayed home from church. By the evening, her fever was very high, her pulse was fast and she still could not talk and in fact, seemed labored in her breathing. Mary called the Doctor who recommended medicines to lower her fever and to take her in to the doctor the next day.

On Monday morning, February 19th, we took her to the doctor (not our family physician because of the holiday) and picked up a prescription for antibiotics. She came home but just tossed and turned, going from the couch to her bed and back to the couch. She just couldn’t sleep. We were just waiting for the medicine to work and for Carly to start feeling better…

Later, in the evening, she told Mom she was going to lie down on her bed and Mary and I went about a few chores. We were very worried and about ready to take her to the doctor again. Mary made arrangements to stay home from work the next day to be with Carly.

Fifteen minutes later, around 8:05pm, Mary went to check on Carly and she was not breathing and had no pulse. Mary administered CPR and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation while I called 911. The police and paramedics arrived very quickly and took over for Mary and tried to bring Carly back. At one point I overheard them saying they had a pulse, and we caught a glimmer of hope. Later though, we learned that they had used special medication to induce the pulse.

At the hospital the doctors and medics tried for over an hour but to no avail. In hindsight we are afraid Carly may have left us before Mary went to check on her. We may learn more when the coroner’s report is finished or we may never know the rest until we get to heaven. We know she loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind and body so we know she is happy. But there is such a devastating hole left in our hearts. I believe in miracles, but to see God NOT answer our immediate request for the miracle to spare her life, makes me think He has a much bigger plan for a bigger miracle through all this…..I just may not get to see what that is for a long time.

We are hurting; we are on faces before the Lord. Thank you to all who have, who continue to and who will reach out to us though cards, prayers, phone calls, visits, caring for our physical needs and supporting us in great and small ways. We love you…..God loves you! We wouldn’t be making it without you!