One year ago today, my dad, Steve Fender, had a horrific accident when he was thrown from a horse and stomped/trampled. He had and open book pelvic fracture, cardiac and spinal bruising and almost lost some of his fingers. He was airlifted to SAMC (formerly BAMC), where they told us he would not make it through the night, do to the tremendous amount of internal bleeding. They told us after the first night that he would live, but never walk again. After the second night they said that he would walk but it would take up to a year of physical therapy and he would always labor when he walks. Day three in the hospital they were finally able to perform the surgery and were able to put him back together with a titanium plate, a few screws and a rod (now he REALLY is the Man of Steel). They did not have to use an external fixator, like they originally thought. Three days later (just six days after the accident), dad walked, without any assistance (but God) out of the hospital! It was the greatest testing of my faith that I have ever been through. It was an opportunity for me to walk out what I preach every week. The last year has been amazing! I have taken full advantage of my relationship with my dad, not taking any moment for granted. Each Sunday and Wednesday I sit on the edge of my seat absorbing every word that dad says while preaching, because it is a gift from God. Almost everyday, I sit in his office or at lunch/dinner and talk, reminisce and share vision, because I have been given a gift from God. I was there in November when he saddled up (literally) and rode again, it was a gift from God. Never had a riding a horse meant so much. Weekly, I see the saddle that dad was riding when he was thrown, it still has the blood stains and I am so grateful! This past Fathers Day I sat in the AT&T Center as the Spurs won their 5th title and the confetti fell...dad and I embraced and I thought, How different my life would have been this past year without him. Thank you Jesus for working miracle after miracle in those 6 days! To all my friends and family...Thank you for your prayers and support during that valley. I encourage you to hug your family, hold them close and spend as much time with them as you can!
Posted on: Sat, 02 Aug 2014 19:53:44 +0000
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