So anyone that has ever asked Sam what he likes to do for fun probably knows the answer has probably always involved riding a bike.  This kid has taken apart and put back together a bike more times than I could count.  I took him to the bike shop and he worked his way behind the repair desk in a flash.  While he was working with and discussing how to fix his bike with the guy who worked there, I couldn’t help but notice a tinkle in his eye that I did not get to see very often.  Bottom line this kid loves to ride, fix, paint, tinker and discuss anything bikes.   The fact that the thing he loved most has now cause him pain is heartbreaking to me.  Strangely not to him…but as a “Mom” to him…it breaks my heart.  Deep down I know that while he is laying in a hospital bed with 4 less teeth (2 barely back in) asking me when I can bring his trick bike to school, that it will most likely hit him that he has had a terrible trauma.

Friday as I was getting ready for a good friends wedding…in between picture texts back and forth with a girl friend on what dress to wear…I received a text that I am sure everyone fears.  “Please call me asap, Sam was in an accident…”  What came next was a whirlwind.  The school did a fantastic job taking care of Sam.  The nurse was there very quickly and the responders were there in less than 4 minutes.  He was taken to the hospital in Hickory and then airlifted to Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte.  Of course the first thing that he said to me when I got there is “the helicopter ride was awesome.”  Again…this kid is special.

I have to be honest.  I almost fainted when I walked in.  The oral surgeon was putting one of his teeth back in…there was so much blood…I was not prepared.  I am not sure how I could have prepared for seeing him like that.  But this post is not about me…it is is about the power of God and Sam.  Recently Sam started believing.  I am going to save the testimonial about this for another post but just know that God was working to protect Sam and help him be strong.  And he was SO STRONG!  He laid there and let them stitch his face back up with not one complaint.  An occasional “I can’t believe how much this hurts…” passed from his broken lips but mostly he was happy to catch me up on all the latest happenings at school.  I was starved for time with this guy so God apparently knew just what we needed.  Strange way to get us together for 8 hours but we will take it none the less.

The extent of Sam’s injuries were 6 broken teeth (4 permanent), broken nose, fractured jaw, major scrapes all over his arms and legs, and a concussion.  With all of those injuries he complained about the IV the most!  We have a long journey ahead to fix his teeth.  The other injuries will fade with time.  God was working to protect his head and brain.  He received a good dose of reality from the doctors about wearing his helmet at all times.

As of today Sam was doing well back at school.  He is receiving round the clock care and a nurse is tending to him.  He is black and blue with bruises.  He is eating lots of milkshakes and starting to keep food down.  He was most worried about missing Church this weekend and I think he was too tired to actually make it, but I know 100% that God was smiling down on Sam right where he was.  Please continue to pray for Sam’s quick healing and patience for me as I start to investigate how to provide the right dental care for him.  Thanks guys!