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?