A Friend in the Hospital

A friend of ours, Charles, had a stroke Monday morning and is in the stroke unit at University Hospital (U of L). They gave him some new medication that, when administered quickly after a stroke, is supposed to help lesson the permanent effects of the stroke. His left side was paralysed immediately following the stroke. We just saw him on Sunday. He is probably in his 70's, although it's hard to imagine him as being that old. If I were to ask Thomas he'd probably say he couldn't be more than 65, but Thomas has a way of freezing people he's known for most of his life and not allowing them to age in his mind.

Thomas grew up with this man's kids and his grandson is one of Andrew's best friends. I was in a wedding with his son-in-law even before I met Thomas, so even though I've only known him and his wife for about 15 years, I've known other members of his family much longer, and am very good friends with his daughter. Charles had heart by-pass surgery about a year ago and has been doing very well as far as I know, and his general health seems to be good. He's a very, very active person, physically and mentally, so hopefully that will stand him in good stead. There isn't much we can do right now, but just pray for him and be there if the family needs us.