“ ..And He delivered me from all of my fears.”
“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and He delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4
I have wondered many times, “What exactly was Ricky thinking following his first stroke? What vivid images or feelings did he experience during his second stroke?” When you watch the video of Ricky right after his first stroke, you will notice him spinning the wheel on his desk chair. I’ve come to the conclusion, just as the doctors explained, that Ricky understood he needed to remain conscious, and that was his way of fighting to stay alert and present. But deep down, I feel like his mind was somewhere else, somewhere beyond our sight and understanding. I often think of the powerful image of Jesus standing silently behind an addict, shielding the addicts arm from a drug needle, instead allowing the needle to go into His arm. That’s where I believe Ricky’s mind truly went—to a place of divine protection and comfort. At that very moment, I believe Ricky knew without a shadow of a doubt that God was right there in that shop with him, holding him steady, guiding his hand to keep spinning that wheel, and breathing precious life back into his body. I imagine Ricky having a silent, heartfelt conversation with God, asking humbly for forgiveness and strength to move forward.
During Ricky’s second stroke, he lay on his bed, eyes wide open, for over an hour before they took him into surgery. Reflecting on that quiet, tense time, I often wonder how he managed to stay so remarkably calm and still. The answer always circles back to God’s presence. Perhaps Ricky’s spirit briefly visited Heaven during those moments, maybe even caught a glimpse of God’s face. Then, miraculously, his spirit returned to the room, reconnecting with us here on earth.
The miracles have not stopped since then. We continue to witness small movements in Ricky’s right leg and foot that fill us with renewed hope. During therapy, Ricky was able, very slowly and with great effort, to straighten his leg on command and even touch my hands at the end of the bed. He then managed to crawl his foot down the bed and gently kick me. Thank God for these small victories! Just a few days ago, Ricky’s speech therapist called me. I could hear the joy and excitement in her voice the moment I answered the phone. She shared that she had been working with Ricky on “blink once, blink twice” to communicate, but he wasn’t consistent yet. Then she tried having him look at sheets of paper labeled yes and no, but he still struggled to respond consistently. But then… she asked him to pick out the colors green and red, and to her amazement, he did that reliably and consistently… But God.
Our stay at Highlands has absolutely been wonderful and deeply meaningful. Over time, the staff members have become like family to us, creating a warm and supportive atmosphere. Ricky has his favorites among them, and he makes it quite obvious. He tends to do a bit more for some than for others, showing his unique way of connecting. Some days, he gives his favorites a hard time. His remarkable personality hasn’t been lost at all in this environment. These staff members are genuinely cheering Ricky on just as enthusiastically as we are. I truly can’t say enough about each of them and what they mean to me personally. I’m excited for the day they hear his goofy laugh fill the room, bringing joy to everyone around. Even more than that, I am truly looking forward to them witnessing the incredible miracles God is performing in all of our lives during this journey.
Please continue to pray for us all. Also, please keep our UAB friends in your prayers as they prepare to hold a memorial for their son Grey who recently passed unexpectedly. He was 17. His obituary is posted below.
Greysen Troy Stephens Obituary
Greysen “Grey” Troy Stephens, 17, of Talladega, AL was born August 14, 2008, and he passed away peacefully on Monday, September 01, 2025. A celebration of life ceremony in his honor will be announced at a later date.
Greysen spent his early childhood attending Alabama School for the Blind, but at the age of thirteen, he began homeschooling through Essential Church School. He would have been a senior this year had he not been involved in a horrible automobile accident in May. The accident left Grey with a severe brain injury which caused him to be completely dependent on his loving parents. His dad, Steven, was his very best friend, and they did everything together. Grey loved being outdoors. His hobbies included fishing, kayaking, riding dirt bikes, and working on anything that had a motor. He was a very smart and caring young man who was deeply loved and will be truly missed.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Billy Phipps and Billy Joe Wideman.
Greysen is survived by his parents, Amanda and Steven Waites; father, Hunter Stephens; siblings, Houston, Kristal, Jaxson, Becca, Crimson, Eli, Alli, Julie Mae, Mattie, Mason, and Shiloh, and a host of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.
