Miracles in the Details

A year ago, on assignment in the state of California, I went with a stake president to visit with Clark and Holly Fales and their family in their home.  I was told they recently had experienced a miracle.  Upon their arrival, Clark struggled to stand and greet us as he was wearing a back brace, a neck bace, and braces on his arms.

Just over two months prior Clark, his son Ty, and about 30 other young men and leaders set out on a stake high-advnture activity, hiking to the 1,180-foot (4,322m) summit of Mount Shasta, one of the highest peaks of California.  On the second day of the arduous hike, most of the climbers reached the summit — a thrilling accomplishment made possible because of months of preparation.

One of the first people to the top that day was Clark.  After a brief rest near the edge of the summit, he stood and began to walk.  As he did, he tripped and fell backward over the edge of a cliff, suffering a free fall of about 40 feet (12 m) and then an out-of-control tumble down the icy slope for another 300 feet (91 m).  Remarkably, Clark survived, but he was severely injured and unable to move.

The miracles Clark experienced during this traumatic event were just beginning,  Some of the first to reach him “happened” to be a group of hikers that included mountain rescue guides and emergency medical professionals.  They immediately treated Clark for shock and provided gear to keep him warm.  This group also “happened” to be a testing a new communication device and sent an emergency request for help from an area where cell phones could not get a signal.  A small helicopter was immediately dispatched to Mount Shasta from an hour away.  After two dangerous but unsuccessful attempts to land at an altitude that pushed the limits of the aircraft, and struggling with treacherous wind conditions, the pilot began a third and final try.  As the helicopter approached from a different angle, the winds “happened” to change and the aircraft landed just long enough for he group to quickly and  painfully squeeze Clark into the small compartment behind the pilot’s seat.

When Clark was evaluated at a trauma center, tests revealed that he had sustained multiple fractures in his neck, back ribs, and wrists; a punctured lung; and a multitude of cuts and abrasions.  A renowned neurotrauma surgeon “happened” to be on duty that day;  he is at this hospital only a few times a year.  This doctor later stated that he had never seen anyone sustain so much damage to the spinal cord and carotid arteries and live.  Clark was not only expected to live, but to return to full function.  Describing himself as agnostic, the surgeon said Clark’s case went against all his scientific learning about neurological injuries and could only be described as a miracle.

Has the Day of Miracles Ceased: October 2017