I always knew I had much to be proud of in my three boys but the past week has proven that they are beyond what even I could have imagined. To see their strength of character, their solid faith and their unwavering love for each other humbles me and I feel privileged to be their mom.
The difficult things about today:
->Mike had a fever and was not feeling well. They were able to bring his temperature down but doctors looked at possible sources of infection.
->Doctors are still concerned about his burns. They are changing the dressings twice a day and watching them carefully.
->I ache inside when Mike seems discouraged. With all he has gone through, having a set back, even a minor one, it can be heart wrenching.
The good things about today:
->Mike had a tremendous, deep sleep this afternoon. (Things always seem better after a good sleep!)
->He ate well today and swallowing is getting easier.
->They had Mike sitting in a chair for a couple of hours this evening.
->He still has the most gorgeous, melt-your-heart smile.
Thank you so much for your comments on this site. The words of encouragement and love surround us daily. Michael is overwhelmed by your support! Thank you also for all the cards, gifts and food. They are like little treasures when the day seems dark and your love cushions us when we feel like falling. It is wonderful to have such great family and friends. Thank you.
24 comments:
Dear Mike,and Family
An hour in the day doesn't go by without a prayer that the healing becomes consistent and stronger and that you will all find some peace. Keep smiling Mike...and on those days when it gets difficult to do, I'll send you some jokes that I've been saving. They're so bad that even I have to smile.
Love, C. Peters
Hey mike
its samar again, i hope your feeling better, i know you can fight a little fever. your one of the strongest people i know, and im really proud of how your taking all this. You are an inspiration to everyone around you. keep up the healing, and keep on smiling buddy Love you Lots
Sum
Hey Mike!!
As mention previously, my band had dedicated a song to you at our latest show at reds 'The best of you'
Well, me, david, and tabatha came to visit, and after talking to your family we wanted to make sure this song is heard in your honor and made special for you.
We will indefinetly will be dedicating it to you in the future, and i would like to take this oppertunity to share this song with you and everyone.
www.myspace.com/sfstickfigure
It's the first song that loads up.
And allthough the lyrics werent directly wrote after this situation, i find that some of them hit.
-Side note, This isnt the foo-fighters song ;)
'The best of you'
here i am
here i'll be
for everyone
to see
its ok
to be like this
to let it go
to be ok
whoa oh oh
its in your head
dont let it get the best of you
whoa oh oh
its in your head
you let it get the best of you
i see you
trying so hard
i wish i
could be like that
but it's ok
cause so are you
your my girl
its all you are
whoa oh oh
its in your head
dont let it get the best of you
oh oh oh
its in your head
you let it get the best of you
Go mike go!!
Hello family,
it is raining today, and because it is Sunday at this time of the morning, things are quite still on the street. That sense of stillness seems to be pushing itself into the house, and the boys are sleeping. I pray that you are finding a still place as well - one that is spacious and free in the midst. I hope that your fever has gone Mike. I am glad to hear that you were sitting up yesterday. I hope that today as so many are praying for you all in the midst of worship, you will feel, taste, know a stillness that gives you the freedom to laugh, cry, speak your heart and so receive from each other and through each other the deep heart of God. Our prayers, your prayers are always before him. May this day be a day of peace.
Love, Aunt Mary
Brenda, Neil and family
You have 'invested' many years in building family and friends. You are cherished because of who you are and what you have taught us, given us and who are to us. Thanks for all the good times and feel our hugs. You are never far from our minds and hearts. Thanks for these updates.
The B's in Smoky
Mike, Brenda, Neil, Matt and Steve
I am overwhelmed each time I read through the comments and updates. What a testimony this site and your family has become for everyone reading it. We are trusting, and praying and weeping and caring so deeply. If all of us people, ( who are mere humans )are equipped to feel so much, how much more is your loving Father feeling. We know our prayers are heard before we can even utter them. We wish there were words to speak what our hearts feel.
Keep the faith.
All our love,
Wanda, Lawrence and Dezi
Mike,
After our service at church this morning I wanted to encourage you with what our challenge was. You are fulfilling the command that we are to be witnesses (martyrs) in Jerusalem, Judea, and Samara. A martyr is someone that suffers for a cause. You have let God use your suffering to reach people all over the world for the cause of Christ. I am so proud of you. People who have never trusted God are questioning if they too can trust him, people who have not talked to God in a long time are coming back to him, and those who are walking with him their faith is being stregthen because of your faith during this time of suffering. Thank you. You are an inspiration to me. I love you.
Your sister,
Lori Jean
Hi Mike
We were saddened by the news of your accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family every day.We will be in touch and thanks to steve and matt for the web page.
Love Sharon and Jim Stolz and all our families.
xox
Mike when your not feeling the greatest, i know it can be hard but try to stay positive and have faith in God that everything will be alright and it will. I know it has to be so hard for you right now but you have so many people out there that will do anything to help. There are so many people praying for you too, and if you can stay strong and believe that a miracle can happen it will. People don't pray for nothing, and God won't ignore prayers, especially if he hears the same ones like a million times a day. Just know your not alone buddy and things will start lookin better day by day.
Danielle
Brenda and Neil,
I would have to agree with you that you have three amazing sons to be very proud of. I would also have to say that they have amazing parents. I will be praying for all of you.
Love, Juli
Hi Mike and Family,
I don't know if you remember me or not...I was Taira Prosk when you knew me...I taught Mike LA and SS in grade 8. I just got an e-mail from another teacher who is still in LLB to let me know about the accident. As I read her e-mail and this blog tears welled up in my eyes.
Mike was one of those students a teacher can never forget. I can still remember his crazy hair in grade eight, how he loved to flirt with the girls and how funny he thought it was when he did his assignments for me in yellow highlighter.
I will be thinking about you all. Stay strong and know that we are all praying for you. Keep that amazing smile of yours and that great sense of humour...
I will be following the blog to find out how things are going. I'm thinking of you!!!
Taira Anten (formerly Prosk)
Hi Mike...this is Auntie Julene ...it was good to see you today....I know that most people who come to see you want to talk to you... but I feel honored that when I come ,you feel you can just close your eyes and go to sleep..I hope that while you sleep, you can feel my love and prayers as I stand beside you and stroke your hand or your head. I could feel the very presence of God in your room today...with so many people offering you up to Him, I'm not at all surprized to find Him there right beside you also watching over you and loving you. And I know He is also watching over your mom and dad...it is hard to see them hurting...they love you so much. Your mom and dad were at the very heart of my hurt years ago and God has blessed them for their help and compassion and now I want to be there for them. Mike.. when you see your mom, tell her that I love her ...that my heart is close to hers. I am sending you more sweet dreams kiddo and a big hug from your Auntie Julene. Close your eyes and sleep....love you
Hi Neil and Brenda.
We just want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It must be so difficult to see your child, even a grown child, in this situation. Sounds like he has a strong faith and we know that the two of you do as well and also know that our MIghty God will see you through. His grace is sufficient for TODAY and EVERY day!
Love from
Ernie & Ethel Brooks
Brenda,
I spoke with your mom last week. I originally called to see how she was feeling after her surgery. That is when she told me about Michael. I can still see his precious little face when I taught Sunday School one of the weekends when you and your family were visiting your parents in Wetaskiwin. What a smile!! Such a sweetie. My heart really hurts for your family. Please know we are praying. My son Graham, who is 7 now prayed for Michael. We also have a daughter now, Annika, who is 1. My children are part of my heart. I can't imagine what you and Neil are going through. But, mostly, I can't imagine how families go through these things without knowing they are being held in the arms of Jesus.
I told your Mom that God can bless this and what an incredible witness to people all over the world. We are of course praying that Michael will regain feeling in his legs.
I pray that these messages will give you and your family some peace and comfort. So many people care.
Gordon, Wendy, Graham and Annika Hagstrom
Fort Saskatchewan, AB
Hey Mike...
It's Natalie...again. I was just browsing through some pictures for the grad video and I found a couple of you from YC a while back, putting on some girl's make-up. You look so into it it's absolutly halarious. Do you remember that? Anyway, I just wanted to share that memory with you. Your upbeat and positive attitude in boring times or times of despiration inspire more people than you can imagine. Not a moment goes by without a prayer for you. Keep fighting Mike! If you want a copy of that picture let me know. nac_cloutier@hotmail.com
Natalie Cloutier
Dear Mike,Brenda,Neil and Family,
Our heartfelt support and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We are hoping that your journey through your recovery is quick and positive. May God always look over you. Wishing you all the best.
Mecca, Mysoon, Hidar, Methal Fayad
Mike and Family,
You are the strongest people i know and I know that God will be there through all this. I guess you never know how much you love someone until you almost lose someone. I will keep you all in my prayers and I hope he has a very good recovery. God Bless
Love Lauren Wells
P.S. I hope you liked the poem i wrote for you mike!! i don't know if you got a chance to open it with all your fan mail but it came from the heart. Your amazing..keep smiling.
Hey Brenda
I cannot even begin to understand what is going on with you right now. But your courage and faith has been so admirable. Brenda your such an inspiration. I love you sooo much!! And I will continue to pray for Michael and all of the Barkers! By the way! I am trying as hard as I can to write my exam for you. Love you
Jakki
Hi Brenda!
Remember when you and I were taking turns using the maternity clothes? Each of our 3 precious babies have become phenomenal adults, and life has become harsh, and too real it seems. Your guys don't know me, but the next time you give Mike a kiss, please both know that you have my love, and prayers each time you come to mind during the day. Nothing can take the hurt away, but just like when my 3 were 4,2, and 1, I'm praying that each time Mike is able to close his eyes, and hopefully get some rest, that he will KNOW that Jesus is standing right beside his bed, holding his hand, never letting go, and surrounding Mike with His love.
I'm so close to the hospital, so as I said in the note I sent for you to Neil's mom's house, call anytime if you need an ear. I'm always close to the phone for my pregnant clients anyway.
You are all doing SO WELL! Please take care of yourselves, and let God take care of you.
Love always,(and some very overdue hugs), Linda Funk
Hi Brenda,
From one mother to another, my heart goes out to you. I know Steve from Grace, as four of my kids are involved in various youth and young adult ministries. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate Steve's leadership and dedication to our children. I was very impressed with his maturity and insight during a recent parent meeting for Storm. Most of us parents had questions and concerns regarding major changes taking place in the program and Steve handled all of us very graciously. He presented all the reasoning behind the changes very clearly and it was obvious that so much thought and concern went into the process. I know my children are in good hands. I love getting to know your family better through this blog---you are all in my thoughts and prayers throughout the day. In this tough time you and your husband can at least find comfort in knowing you have raised Christian men of character. Somehow God will carry you all through this trial, though I know you would rather not have to. His mercies are new every morning, and I pray you will feel His presence today.
Sounds like you had a great birthday Mike. Keep it up. I pray each day for strength and courage for your whole family. Brenda, you're doing a great job of keeping us posted and Neil too for being there when you can. Matt & Steve - you are great supporters in boosting everyone's spirits. I check your blog every day and you are always in my prayers.
Love you all Aunt Doreen
Mike,
I want to wish you a belated birthday greeting. I wanted to tell you a little story about how I was reminded about you on your birthday. I went to a meeting in our East Vancovuver neighborhood and a woman whom I barely know said to me, "I am praying for your nephew." And I remembered that it was your birthday as she told me that. It is quite something how many people around the world have been moved to pray for you.
I was wondering what sort of teasing you had to endure from your mother on your birthday. I have had a little experience with getting teased by your mother.
We watched an interesting movie the other night. It is called "murderball". It's kind of raunchy, but pretty interesting. It is about the guys who won the world wheelchair quarapalegic rugby championships. If you are looking for a movie that it pretty hopeful, check it out.
We are looking forward to seeing you, hopefully in the Fall.
Tim
Hey Mike,
i hope that youre doing well.
get well soon,
Mooks
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