Saturday, July 19, 2008

That Night

January 12, 2008

We are headed to the rodeo in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Peyton is riding a bull tonight. I don’t really want to go to a rodeo, but I do want to support my son. I know it will be a late night because bull riding is always the last event. Peyton is intense. We get to the arena and take our seats, waiting for his event to begin. Peyton is sitting with friends. When it is his turn to ride, Tom goes down to the chutes to pull his rope. I am ready with the camera. The bull is turned out and Peyton rides him for all he’s worth. He is bucked off. The next thing I hear is the announcer calling for the ambulance. The EMT’s are there putting him on the stretcher. Peyton’s arms are limp. I think, great he is knocked out again. He just had a concussion about 4 months before this. We go outside to get to the ambulance. The way the chutes are running we can’t get straight to the ambulance and have to walk around the building. One of Peyton’s fellow riders is leading us. He thinks the bull stepped on Peyton’s jaw. I think, his jaw will probably have to be wired shut.

We finally get around to the ambulance, they aren’t going anywhere. They are waiting on another ambulance. I don’t understand. Why aren’t they going to the hospital. One of the EMT’s tells me they are “working on him”. “Working on him for what?” I ask. He says there is no pulse. There are electrical impulses from his heart, but no pulse.

We get to our truck and follow the ambulance to the hospital. I can see them working on him through the ambulance doors. I try to pray but can’t seem to. I tell myself, this is your son’s life, you must fight for it. I began to pray like I have never prayed before. I commanded Satan to let go of my son. I quoted every scripture related to long life, authority, & weapons. I commanded his heart to beat and his lungs to breathe, over and over again, the same thing when we reached the hospital and were waiting. I did not stop praying, except to call other people to pray. I reached Pastor Susan and told her the situation. I talked to several others and asked them to pray. I prayed the Word of God, I talked to my mom, I told others that were calling, I can’t talk I have to pray for my son. I left the hallway to go to the bathroom. When I came out the doctor was there. Peyton was gone.

Tom and I went into the area where Peyton was. We knew "he" wasn’t there. We touched his face, kissed his forehead. We didn’t stay that long. I told Tom we need to get out of here. I felt if I thought too long about leaving I wouldn’t be able to leave.


We drove to Muldrow to Blaine’s house and picked up my car. Brock drove it home and Tom and I were in Tom’s truck. I remember asking Brock to ask his mom to make our bed. The clean sheets were in a pile on the bed, but I hadn’t put them on yet. I knew I couldn’t when I got home. When we arrived there were so many cars in our yard and driveway. It took me by surprise. I just thought people would come in the morning. We pulled into the garage and as my hand was on the door, I told Tom I don’t want to go in. I couldn’t imagine starting this new life. Of course we did go in. We had so many people there for us. With the technology of cell phones everyone had heard. I heard stories later of people driving to Muskogee to be with us, but we had already headed home. We got to bed about 3:30 and got up about 6:00.

10 comments:

MarshaMarshaMarsha said...

Oh Becky... so quickly...

MsP said...

Hi there.

I know what your going through--my husband died just a little over 2 years ago.

Just wanted to let you know that I will be praying for you whenever I think of you.

It's never easy, but we never let go (of God, His promises, our memories). Much love to you.

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience said...

I am so sorry....
Today, I pray for you, your family, your continued walk to be more than conquerors in Him....

 The Morris Family said...

I am sorry about your son, our little one was 3 and went to Jesus 1/23/07.It is a long road yet His grace is so mighty. I am thankful Jesus is guiding you through. Our son has also ridden a bull, but my mommy heart expressed him not to anymore, he hasn't but our little guys ride steers and the real little ones have ridden sheep.

Cindy

Shelby said...

Stumbled upon your blog during the Tour of Homes. Your story touched me. We are country folks and really enjoy rodeos and bullriding. I am so very sorry for the loss of your son. I have already said a little prayer for your family. I know it will be hard this Christmas. I do pray you can feel God's presence. He will never leave you or forsake you!

Anonymous said...

I have viewed your blog through the Christmas home tour, and read about your dear son. Please know that you and your husband are in my prayers. Blessings for a peaceful Christmas and a joy filled new year.

Gloria said...

Becky, I found your blog through the Nester's Christmas Tour. Oh, I am so, so sorry about your son. I so admire your strength, and love of life and the good Lord. You are truly an inspiration. I am sure Peyton is so proud of you and is protection you from Heaven. He is probably right by your side though, more than you know! My cousin lost her 16 year old son in 1997. She was devastated. If you need to speak to her, I can give you her email, just let me know. Take care, Becky. I will say a prayer for you and your husband.
Best regards and blessings,
Gloria

Dan said...

Becky, thanks for visiting my blog. I decided to come over and read a bit of your story. I'm so sorry for your loss. It continues to break my heart whenever I read about someone losing a significant person in their life. I can't imagine losing a child, just like I couldn't imagine losing a spouse. Your writing speaks of hope, which is always a challenge. I also take inspiration from your ongoing faith.

Dana said...

I am so sorry. We started our journey just over a year ago and it is such hard work. :(

Anonymous said...

Just wanted to tell you I'm sorry for your loss. My friend Marsha is how I found your post about your wonderful boy. I know we never know what tomorrow brings...but I hope there is comfort in knowing you are one day closer to your boy...May God give you peace...and happiness.