Sycamore Twp. woman talking after years of silence

Six years ago, a loving mother and career woman collapsed to the floor of her Sycamore Township home as she hurriedly moved through the morning routine of getting ready for work.

Yvonne Farris was 48 and an executive assistant with Metro when she suffered a brain aneurysm. Her daughter, Sierra Oglivie, 22 at the time, was living at home and was there for the event which changed all of their lives. Since that April day in 2009, Farris has undergone emergency surgery, spent several months in a coma, stayed at Drake Center, spent a short time under the care of family and finally moved to nursing homes.

The aneurysm resulted in the loss of much of her motor skills and communications. This, however, did not dissuade her family from continuing to hope and pray for her recovery. This June, the family witnessed what they are calling a miracle.

Farris was moved to Beechwood Nursing Home in May. The new environment and care have helped her, family members said. So much so, Oglivie received a surprise phone call that was an answer to her prayers.

The day was June 13, and Oglivie said that her aunt Erica Farris called.

“She was with mom,” she said. “Then I heard this voice. I thought, ‘I know this voice, but I can’t place it. It’s my mom! She’s talking to me on the phone.’”

To her the voice was sweet and clear. A voice she hadn’t heard in a long time. It all seemed to good to be true. Oglivie called her brother, Ricardo Oglivie, to tell him about the development. They decided to visit their mom to see for themselves.

Farris’ mom, Ann Farris, who will soon turn 87, also wanted to hear her daughter talk - something she hadn’t heard in years.

“It’s a miracle,” Farris said. Family members never gave up and over the past six years continued to pray that Yvonne Farris would recover. Thrilled by this recent development, Farris and her granddaughter are looking to the future and ways they might help Yvonne Farris in her recovery effort.

The family has managed to raise enough money to get hyperbaric treatments for Farris. The family tried these once before with some progress. They’re hoping that this time use of the oxygen chamber will stimulate the brain cells enough to encourage continued recovery.

The road ahead is long. Farris said that due to the years of inactivity, her daughter will need other therapy to allow her to walk again. For now, the family is thankful for this miracle and praying it continues.

“I guess anything can happen . . . just don’t give up,” Oglivie said.

“Amen,” Farris added. “I’m never ever giving up.”