Michael's Story

Michael's story began, when we found out on Mother's day that my brother and his wife were expecting there first baby. We were all so excited and thrilled for them!!

On June 15, 2002, my brother and his wife were struck by a drunk driver, in a head on collision. They had been to an auction to get a dresser for the baby.

My brother died at the scene with severe head injuries and his wife was severely injured with a brain injury and went into a coma. She had a collapsed lung, broken vertebra in her back. They had to put a tube in her brain to relieve the pressure that was building, we were all in shock and devastated by this tragic event. The doctors told us that Michael was alright.

His mother was in intensive care for two months. She was moved to a nursing home for several months, were she had gone into labor several times; her brain injury involves her hypothalamus, which controls the body's body temperature and the nervous system. She had extreme fevers, which could only be controlled by cooling blankets. The doctors were concerned that the fevers could hurt the baby. She then was moved back to the hospital until the delivery of the baby. She was able to fight to keep the baby with her until the 8th month of pregnancy. The doctors did several tests to see if the baby’s lungs were developed enough to be brought into this world. When the tests said everything was alright, they delivered Michael by C-section in November.

My family feels that Michael is our true miracle baby. Out of all the tragedy that this little boy has already endured, he has brought happiness and hope in the midst of the sadness that surrounds us. Michael will never know his father. We do not know if Michael will ever be held or kissed by his mother. I know his parents loved their baby very much, they just had their opportunity to show there love ripped away from them. Michael will be taken care of by his Aunt. We have been giving this blessed miracle gift of Michael, the last living thing that we have of my brother. We love you dear sweet Michael.

Submitted by: Kathy Padrta, Michael's Aunt