Sunday, November 23, 2008

The Beauty of the Beast



These are the times that try men's souls.
-Thomas Paine


From the perspective of a parent, the above quote would reference any crisis that involves our precious children. Early this past Monday morning, we had a decision to make. While the rest of the world slumbered that cold morning, we knew our Emily was not right.

A middle-of-the-night conversation with the pediatrician confirmed what I already knew, get to the ER. I thank God for giving me the strength to remain completely calm and in control of my emotions. That is just the first of the many beauties we would see through this experience. I knew Rob should remain home with Hannah and so, my parents graciously drove down to me and helped me get Emily to the hospital. I prayed the path would be made clear and that there would be no obstacles. Except for an occasional red light, we got there quickly and were able to proceed straight to triage. Emily was having a hard time remaining upright, so this was a blessing.

I figured they would give her a bag or two of fluid and we would be on our way. Unfortunately or fortunately, however one would view it, she was pretty sick and so they admitted her readily. As the skilled doctors and nurses (shout out to all of you in the medical field, I could not do what you do and I am so thankful for all of you) worked to ensure exactly what was happening in Emily's little body, I was grateful for their thoroughness, but alarmed at some of the tests they were doing. I am happy to say that the tests did not show any of the worst case scenerios. Praise God! We are hopeful that it was a not-so-garden-variety stomach virus. She is still trying to get back to normal, but each day we see more and more of our girl.

The virus, some sort of beast. But the encouragement, prayer and support, a beauty like none other. My dear friend Sharon said how amazing it is to watch the body of Christ in action. Arms...legs...feet...ears...eyes, every single part of the body of Christ in action. Yes, indeed. Meals were left on our doorstep, cards flooded our mailbox, emails came in, phone calls and messages checking on our perky redhead. Emily's teacher and two friends stopped one morning to encourage her. They brought an envelope filled with her classmates well wishes; Emily said she will keep them forever.

Emily learned of how her whole school was praying for her. My Gather & Grow Girls kept in touch, reaching out and praying for our family (thank you, Sharon for everything). And our bloggy friends...thank you for your concern, your prayers and for following up, it has meant so much to us. Emily's friend Gabrielle sent her a chipmunk in the hospital, Emily slept wrapped around that little chipmunk and has not let him out of her sight yet.

There are those moments in life, the ones where we feel we do not fit in. The ones where we question ourselves, our purpose, our existence. Though I never want to tangle with this beast again, I am thankful for the truths it revealed for a very important six year old (and her mommy). We got to be part of that bright shining moment where confirmation is firm that we are loved, we are special. We got to see that when uncertainty strikes, we really do turn to our Master Healer and most trusted friend. And He is there and remains by our side entrusting His angels to be His body.

"For I am the Lord, Your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you." Isaiah 41:13


Emily did not make it back to school to celebrate the Thanksgiving Feast, however, I was in charge of a craft, so I kept one of every supply and Emily put together Our Little Bird Friend (who also doubles as a bread basket)


Tonight...I think the sparkle might be returning to those baby blues...what do you think?

19 comments:

Missy said...

Such a thoughtful post, Heather! Yes, God has his hand in everything. I am so glad your perky red head is on the mend. She does look like there is a sparkle in those eyes. Praying for a restful and healthy holiday!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Oh my word Heather!! I had no idea she was so sick....I am sorry I did not check in. You poor little girl looks like she had a NASTY virus!! I am so glad to hear that she is doing so much better and God showed her the path. The power of prayer is unbelievable!

Hope that this is a much better week for you all. Thinking of you!

Lisa

Sharon Sloan said...

Oh, Heather...I have tears in my eyes reading this and seeing that last picture of Emily feeling well again! Praise the Lord!

Rejoicing in HIS goodness to you and your family. He is faithful! May His love for you and yours shown through His precious vessels during this difficult time linger forever in your hearts!

"Come and see what God has done, how awesome His works in man's behalf." Psalm 66:5

We love you all!

Kelley said...

I'm so glad Emily's feeling better--she sure does look terrific in that last photo!

Stefanie said...

What a blessing to be surrounded in the love and prayers of His hands and feet :) And I do see a twinkle in those beautiful baby blues!!

Linette said...

Yes-she does have that spark back in those beautiful blue eyes! So sorry she was so very sick. God is always with us and you've reminded me of that today..thank you!

Michelle R Photography said...

Heather,
I am just so glad to hear Emily is back, or nearly back, to her normal self. She is definitely sparkling. I am so thankful to hear that you were surrounded by such love and support. Praising God for healing your sweet girl.

Please give Emily a big hug from me and the girls.

Love,
Michelle

John & Michelle said...

We are still praying for your beautiful girl! God is truely in the details!!! Maybe she'll be a nurse one day, and help sick children? I look forward to watching her grow into a fine young woman.
(((HUGS)))
Michelle

Keisha said...

So glad she's feeling better! I know too well about a trip to the ER after a BAD..bAd virus! Bless your hearts! I Do see the sparkle in those beautiful baby blues!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Keisha

3 Peanuts said...

Oh yes...I see a little sparkle in those baby blues! SO sorry Heather that you went through all of that. I know how scary that all can be. I was praying for Em the moment you told me and still am. She is such a sweet soul. And you ALL are so special and so loved. I hope you always know that. And while I am sorry all of this happened I am glad that people rallied around and showed their love for you.

Love,
Kim

MacMui Mom said...

We are so glad that Emily is feeling better and that she was able to get the help she needed. We are grateful that you were strong during all of this as it must not have been easy. Our hearts and thoughts continue to be lifted up in prayer for all of you. Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!!

Lisa R

Anonymous said...

Heather, I am so glad she is okay!

Catherine said...

Sorry to hear your little sweetie was so ill but thankful for God putting the doctors and nurses in place to care for her.

Glad to hear she's feeling better!

DiJo said...

Hi Friend!
I am so sorry, I had no idea that precious Emily was sick. Due to a very bad internet connection last week I couldn't check in on you.... Your words remind me of how fragile life is, and that we can't take good health for granted for one minute! Praise God that you got her where she needed to be. I have no doubt that your adorable red head was a light for all to see and meet at the hospital. Even when she felt awful.. What a blessing to have her home for Thanksgiving! Sending you and Em hugs from Minnesota!

Love,
Diana

The Byrd's Nest said...

Oh Praise Him for her recovery and I do see a little sparkle in those most beautiful blue eyes.

So scary when our little ones are so sick and dehydrated. Big Hugs to all of you and Happy Thanksgiving.

Unknown said...

Heather,

I'm so sorry I have not been around lately and didn't know about Emily.

I'm so glad she is OK and yes those baby blues sure do have their sparkle back! Praising God for that!

Praising God to see and hear how the body works together for all of our good. Praising God that we are loved deeply!

We miss you all and can't wait to spend time together again!

The b/w pictures are ADORABLE! The clothes of course precious as always!

Love and blessings to your family this Thanksgiving! We have much to be thankful for!
Jill

Kristy said...

Oh that face is such a beautiful one and I am so thankful for her feeling better and for you to have peace. God is so good, and I am so happy that he revealed himself to you in your time of need by sending friends and family to be there for you.

Love and blessings, Kristy

prechrswife said...

I'm so glad to see that Emily is getting back to herself. It is so scary when things are going on with our little ones.

Lori said...

Oh my Heather, what a relief that your little beauty is ok, I'm sure it was scary. How wonderful of your parents to help like that and also for Em's class to be praying of her.
I'm glad the sparkle is back!

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