The Morning Light

The sun came up again this morning.  It brought with it warmth and light and a renewed sense of hope.  Yesterday we finished preparing to let go; today, we will continue to hold on until either we or the Lord take him home.  Somehow now we can handle either better, through we pray for as much time as the Lord will give us with our sweet boy.

After unexpectedly pulling through the most heart-wrenching night of our lives so far, Jordan is bringing his own light to the morning.  His liver enzymes are turning a corner and appear to be improving, his neurological functions are improving, and he is showing signs that he is not ready to stop fighting.  Yesterday his 4-year-old brother came to visit Jordan and turned to his Mom to ask, "When will the fighters in my body make Jordan better?".  Certainly they are trying.

While we struggle with Jordan to keep breathing and moving forward--to fight the battles Jordan can't fight--we again are grateful for the many miracles we have already received; for the tender mercies of the Lord.  Here are just a few (keep in mind we have never lived in Seattle and never planned on it and it is hundreds of miles from our home):

6 years ago, one of Heidi's prior roommates moved blocks away from Seattle Children's Hospital.  Heidi arrived to the area with someone she knows and cares about there to support her.

A year ago, Jordan's aunt was accepted for an internship near Seattle.  She arrived for that internship one week after we were transferred to Seattle Children's Hospital.

6 months ago, Jordan's uncle decided to bring his family to Seattle for a tradeshow and to visit their aunt. They arrived with their children last Wednesday and stayed through Sunday--the exact period we needed family support most.  

Three weeks ago, the first physician to introduce himself happened to be a Bishop in our church and provided support and encouragement while connecting us with a support network of family and church members here.

Two weeks ago, our family felt we should attend church at a building 20 minutes away in a congregation called the Greenwood ward. As soon as we sat down, I was greeted by name by a familiar face--someone I served a mission with in Baltimore 15 years ago.

Everywhere we turn there are familiar faces put in place to provide comfort to us in our time of need.  These are the angels among us.  I am grateful not only to have the angels but that the Lord uses each of us to be a light to others in need, even when we least expect it.  .

Then Yesterday we were handed the following email printed by that same Bishop-physician we met, and sent to him by a member of his congregation:

"My sister is in the Greenwood ward. Two weeks ago a family in the ward lost their 9 month old baby boy in a household accident. The entire ward was devastated.  An eight year old boy visiting the ward from Portland got up to say that his family was in Seattle because his 7 month old brother is dying at Seattle Children's.  His testimony was sweet and articulate. Then his grandmother got up.  She also bore a testimony about the Plan of Salvation, feeling the presence of family members on the other side of the veil, and the sure knowledge that they have that the family will be together forever. The ward was comforted by their words so much that my sister has been wondering if these people were...not angels sent from heaven to minister to the ward. She is wondering why they chose to drive clear across town...to attend a meeting at such an unusual time. Even the parents of the little baby who died were comforted by this family who, experiencing their own loss, drove to an unlikely location to share their testimonies. It was a miracle."

Like Paul preached to the saints at Corinth, we are all used by the Lord to strengthen one another; to bind up the brokenhearted and to be a small but necessary part of the body of Christ.  I am grateful to live in the light of so many wonderful people who love and care for my family, and to know that we are never alone.