The Sweet Life

On Thursday afternoon, my grandparents, Vernon and Lynnie McBride (aka Gandy and Nanny) were hit as they traveled on Highway 70 in Haywood County on their way to Jackson. A lady apparently had a heart attack while driving and swerved off the road to the right before re-entering the highway and hitting them head on. My grandfather was driving and tried to avoid her by swerving off the road to his right, but was unable to avoid the collision. They were both taken to the hospital in Jackson and my grandmother was airlifted to Memphis after it was discovered her injuries were more numerous and serious than my grandfather's. At this time, my grandfather is in fair condition in Jackson and will undergo surgery in 2 weeks (after swelling has subsided) to repair a broken right leg. He has a couple of other less serious injuries, but is mostly anxious about my grandmother. My grandmother is in the TICU at The Med and we know that this is the best possible place for her considering her injuries. Meggie, my aunt and I were able to see her Thursday night and she was alert at that time and trying to smile at us despite being intubated. We expected her to have surgery to correct a pressing circulation issue in her legs/feet Thursday night. This surgery actually didn't take place until Friday, but she tolerated it well. She has 2 small bleeds in her brain that the neurologists are not concerned about, however, she has to stay more sedated until they resolve. She has a fractured sternum and multiple broken ribs (flail chest) which are very concerning. She has multiple breaks in all extremities. We are obviously very worried about Nanny, mostly right now about the risk of pneumonia associated with being in the ICU and on a ventilator. We can tell she is very frustrated, but the meds are keeping her as comfortable as possible.
Until Thursday, I did not know what people meant when they said, "we covet your prayers". I now know exactly what that feels like. Seeing my grandfather so worried about his wife and seeing my grandmother laying in a trauma bed are the two saddest things I have ever laid eyes on. My family has been TOTALLY showered with love and prayers since Thursday. We are so appreciative, and we still covet those prayers. Both Nanny and Gandy are servants to so many people, both family and friends in their community, and I just can't accept that God is finished using them to accomplish His work and show love to others. I will try to update as we learn more. Thank you so so much for all of your prayers.