Sunday, February 17, 2008

Reflections on a weekend

As the week begins, we arrive with a suitcase, a week off work, a plan. Friday ends in a disorienting progression of bad news. We enter the Sabbath exhausted by worry and weeping. Nothing to do but wait.

The new day begins, brings a groggy moment in which sleep has pushed back memory and pain. Then past connects with the present night had no power to truly overcome. Before us lies a day of nothingness—no cheerful chatter, no hugs, no hope that anything will change—just one long nap from which we hope and pray our son will eventually awake. Nothing to do but wait.

The doctors have gone home. The records sent to more experienced minds sit quietly on darkened desks. We try to find meaning in numbers on monitors, in the tone of the doctor's voice, in the gentle squeeze of Levi's hand. Nothing to do but wait.

But time can be a gift. As we wait and Levi rests, a greater thing moves in to fill the void. On such a day, in such an hour—as incense from the temple of hearts and homes and houses of praise rises up on his behalf—comes peace and grace and, yes, even joy. No angels, no visions, no point-blank assurances. He does not rise up and walk. But we are satisfied. We are given hope. We renew our strength.

Nothing to do but wait. And yet, everything is in the waiting.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

We praise God for all and any improvement. Increased blood gases, platletts and even for poop.
Seems our faith grows best in the darkness. In the mist of a very uncomfortable place.
God's timing is perfect, is it not?
I remember when my husband was in ICU for almost a month because of a horrible accident. At one point the doctors, having done all they could, ordered complete rest for him. Absolutely nothing not absolutely necessary be done for him. His ventalator was adjusted and IVs kept in place, that is about all. He slept for 3 days straight without being disturbed for anything. This was his turning point to recovery. God's rest is beautifully ordained.
May God's angels give you peace as they minister to you and may the blessings of God overflow your cup.
We love you dearly and follow your informative post daily. Thank you for sharing with us.
Gerhard and Trish Flemming

Anonymous said...

We are gladdened by any signs of progress. We serve a healer of hearts and bodies. We will continue to pray for all of you. We were blessed to see 3 of your beautiful family in Sabbath School & church yesterday. John was a perfect little angel. Grampa and Gramma are having a wonderful time with 3 of your clan, while waiting for Levi to come home. With love and prayers, Milton & Ann Siepman

Colette said...

HI it is coco1971 from the duckie board...I am praying for your family everyday...it breaks my heart what you are all going through. Hugs and love you!

Anonymous said...

This evening during the service of our church, the pastor preached about Levi.
What a coincidence….. This brings up the question:, “does coincidence exist”. I don’t think so, it was meant to be.
He explained about what the name Levi means, dependent, affectionate,….

I am glad there are some positive developments.

Alibert Bok – Holland.

Anonymous said...

We are praying for Levi and will continue to do so. Small steps forward are HUGE! We were in CVICU for quite some time last year with our son who was born with multiple CHD's and other abnormalities due to some complications. He is three now. Seeing Levi's pictures in the hospital bed takes me back to that time. My heart goes out to you all! We will be lifting Levi up to God and will continue to pray for His miracles to flow.

God Bless,
Kristin Milatz, wife to Chris,
mom to Braden(3) with Dextrocardia, L-TGA,VSD-Corrected,
Pulmonary Stenosis-Corrected (by RV-PA Conduit), Pacemaker due to complete heart block,Undescended Testes-Corrected, Club Foot-Corrected, Trisomy 1q w/a 10q Deletion, Bronchial Malacia, Intestinal Malrotation-Corrected, G-Tube Placement,
Developmental Delays
Website: http://milatzk.tripod.com

Unknown said...

So thankful for all the improvements. We continue to hope and trust.
Whenever we drive by our local hospital, Rachel, Rosie and Lawrence ask if we're going to "go see Tim-oh-tee?"
We explained that you all are in Tennessee and that our prayers are so very important at this time. They have been lifting up "Tim-oh-tee" regularly as they love him so.
Trusting with you,
the Colemans

Ms. Myers said...

I'm praying and waiting with you and putting trust in God who sees us through everything. Blessings and strength to you and Levi.

Aunt Martha

Anonymous said...

Our whole family is praying for Levi, and for you all as well.
Lynn Lange (friend of Mindy's from the Ducky board)

Anonymous said...

May the LORD answer you when you are in
distress;
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May He send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
May He remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
May He give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.


I love your family like my own.

Anonymous said...

Prayers still coming to Levi from The Reynolds Family in California. A bunch of us from Mindy's board are getting together tomorrow in So Cal so we will take a minute and say a prayer all together for your sweet Levi. Hanging on your every word. God please bless this heart and make it strong & healthy.

Joy said...

Thank you so much for sharing both your hopes and your pain at this very difficult time. George and I are at a loss for words. Just know that our hearts and prayers long to make everything better for you.

Joy

lance mccluskey said...

Holding you all up daily in my thoughts and prayers.

God bless,
Lance McCluskey

Julie said...

Your son's strength and courage are a huge inspiration to so many people in so many places. The journey that he has traveled both in geography and on his way to his forever family is more than most people travel in a lifetime. I know that God has a plan for Levi, and I am honored to be able to watch it unfold through your posts. Praying in Maryland for your little boy.

Julie, a friend of Aunt Mindy's

hmmj said...

You all continue to be in our prayers. Know that you will be surrounded by love and prayers and you travel this journey. Hoping today brings many signs of hope and improvement.
blessings,
Heather (hmmj on Carolyn's Boards)