Miracles are everywhere.

 Some doubt that there is truth in the concept of miracles,

some even doubt if miracles ever happened back in the "day".

Others believe that small miracles are just coincidences....

Then my nieghbor/friend posted this:

...JESUS HEALED A PARALYZED MAN BECAUSE 

OF HIS FRIENDS FAITH.

THIS IS WHY YOUR CIRCLE MATTERS.

...and I though wow, this family should know...

as they are part of a true life miracle that cannot be denied.

This brings me to the story of Rhonda and Brett Harrel.

Approximately 7 months ago, on one of those early mornings 

that I could not sleep, I noticed red flashing lights at 2 am

and went outside to see what was going on.

"Did you call 911?" the responder asked.

Not me and he gave me the house number of the Harrel's 

and I directed them there. I right away texted them to see if they

needed anything. 

"Brett fell and can't seem to get up" 

Brett had been having back pains and just thought is was that, back pains.

Later in the day, I checked on them and the news just kept getting worst.

He was diagnosed with a shattered vertebra and would need surgery that day.

He seemed to be paralyzed and only after the surgery would they know his fate.

Then the fracture was found to be caused by a cancerous tumor on his spine.

Then became the ICU, surgeons, oncologist, things were just not 

looking very good at that time. 

... and our little town, their friends and family?

Well we all began praying and thinking about them, 

all wanting to know the latest updates but not wanting to bother

them in their private moments.

Surgery seemed to be a success yet the paralysis continued.

He was moved to rehab to begin the long healing process and

waiting to see his prognosis from biopsies, when 

he had a heart attack and was back in ICU within days.

Their circle? Continued to pray, made Go Fund ME accounts,

sold t-shirts, anything to help this family out, anything in our reach.

Meals were sent, bought and served.

After many weeks in the hospital including hard work on his part

and loving dedication from his wife, he was scheduled to come home.

Within days we all gathered in their yard to get it ready for his arrival.

A ramp was made, paint was added to their door, 

gardening was done, lunch was cooked, a day in beautiful weather

all for the love of our neigbbor and friend.

Brett came home, began Chemo, continued rehab and Rhonda?

Well she kept doing everything she had to do to give him the best outcome.

Last week was the first time I actually was able to speak to Brett at his home.

I shared that he is a true miracle to us all, a true testament to all of us, he agreed.

Then Rhonda posted the above statement and I realized just how true it was.

The latest news on Brett is that he can now walk with a cane 40% of the time

and wheelchair the rest. The oncologist has stopped his chemo and there

seems no need at this time for a bone marrow transplant.

I am a nurse, his prognosis should not have had this outcome,

except for the prayers, thoughts, happenings of those who call themselves

"Their circle"

This family is a big part of our community, always doing something

to make Plaquemine a better place so our little town would not

be the same without the Harrel's.

When I asked permission to post a blog on their own miracle the answer was,

"Of course."

You see, we believe that if these events are not shared with others,

we are not doing our job to being disciples and sharing these miracles.

thank you Brett and Rhonda for allowing me to tell your story.

Miracles are everywhere, you just have to be open and look at them that way.