19th November, 2007
More Thankful a Decade Later
A red, dwarfed baby fought for life kicking as doctors prodded and tested. Waiting for me to regain consciousness, my husband cheered from behind the prison of a window that kept him from caressing his newest love. Our 1 lb. 13 oz. neonate was whisked to Dallas in an ambulance. Dylan wondered whether he would see his son alive again, but a quiver of hope overshadowed fear when the doctor called,
He is strong and healthy, just small.
My strong, healthy son’s birthday is this week. He will be 10 years old. The panic that seized us a decade ago has been replaced with amazement and thanksgiving. Yet every time I see the disproportionate head, skinny arms, and transparent ribs of a preemie, I cry.
Instantly, I’m transported to the time my son resembled a bald, shriveled, old man surrounded by blinking, beeping monitors, wires, IVs, and a nurse telling me me not to rub my baby’s foot. “He needs a constant touch. Do you like to be tickled on your feet?” The abrupt words pierced my heart as I slowly absorbed the fact that my son was alive and sleeping in a warm, plastic house. I could not even care for him.
The tiniest fingers imaginable grasped mine as I prayed and sang quietly through tears,
The Spirit of the sovereign Lord is upon you
Because He has anointed you
To preach good news
He has sent you to the poor
To bind up the brokenhearted
To bring freedom to the captives
And to release the ones in darkness
This is the year
Of the favor of the Lord
How can I not believe there is a plan and purpose for Bug? He is our son of jubilee. His very name means shrewd fox who supplants the kingdom of darkness. He came through the shadow of death and shines brightly. For that I am most thankful.
Share ThisPosted at 4:21 pm |
On November 19, 2007 at 6:51 pm Mandi said:
November 19, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Wow! I didn’t realize that your son was so close in age to my daughter! She will be 10 Dec. 9th.
What an ordeal to go through. May your son’s day be full of blessings.
Warmly,
Mandi
On November 19, 2007 at 8:01 pm jen said:
November 19, 2007 at 8:01 pm
Happy Birthday to your son
On November 20, 2007 at 9:44 am
Renae said:
November 20, 2007 at 9:44 am
Mandi,
Are you freaking out like I am? I can’t believe my son is 10. Double digits. Half way to being a grown up. Ahh!
I hope your daughter has a wonderful day as well.
Jen,
Thank you. He is so excited. I am baking the cake today and hope to make it resemble a piano. :)
On November 20, 2007 at 10:14 am Mandi said:
November 20, 2007 at 10:14 am
Yes - I am - I am thinking about the girl things that we need to discuss soon if ya know what I mean - she can’t possibly be this close to the teen years! I am also having a tough time with my littlest guy turning 4! Oh how fast it goes!
On November 20, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Andrea said:
November 20, 2007 at 12:57 pm
Happy birth day, mama. :)
On November 20, 2007 at 5:16 pm
Renae said:
November 20, 2007 at 5:16 pm
Mandi,
Yes, I know what you mean. My husband has had some interesting conversations with Bug. One I overheard made me think my husband needs a review of biology. Then, of course, I don’t do much better when put on the spot. :)
Andrea,
Thank you! There are some moments we never forget.
On November 20, 2007 at 10:20 pm ThirstyJon said:
November 20, 2007 at 10:20 pm
Every life is precious! Thank you God for this young boy!
:-)
Yet another inspiring post.
ThirstyJon
On November 20, 2007 at 11:13 pm Tammy said:
November 20, 2007 at 11:13 pm
What a beautiful story about your son!!! Happy Tenth!!!!
God brought him through the valley for a reason. How exciting it will be when you figure out what it is! :-)
On November 21, 2007 at 8:50 am
Renae said:
November 21, 2007 at 8:50 am
ThirstyJon,
Thank you. His life his a testimony for the glory of God.
I haven’t checked your comment box recently. How is the debate going? It might feel like a losing battle, but you never know what seeds you will plant.
Tammy,
It is exciting to see him grow in his interests and talents. There are good things in store for this musical, creative kid!
On November 23, 2007 at 8:27 pm Tricia said:
November 23, 2007 at 8:27 pm
WOW!
What a strong boy you have now and what a MIGHTY GOD we serve!
On November 24, 2007 at 12:51 pm Marn said:
November 24, 2007 at 12:51 pm
Oh, how touching is your son’s story Renae. God is good all the time, and He truly has a purpose for your son! Happy birthday to the boy who has proven God’s miracles are indeed true, after all!
Blessings to you always!