A Running Miracle

Thanks to so many wonderful people, the run for Jordan was a huge success.  More than 170 people from all over came to support Jordan, SCID awareness, and all future families that SCID may impact.  The night before the event, I was overwhelmed by the total strangers who had decided to come and be a part of this event.  I am grateful to Jesse for seeing the vision of community and love that comes through unity and service and to put in the significant time and effort it takes to make one of these events work including getting approvals from the city, procuring liability insurance, getting sponsors, marketing for the event, and so much more.  I have never seen such a dedicated, organized teenager.

The day of the run, I reminded my wife and those around me that I would be running for only 1 mile and walking the remainder. For more than 4 years, my knees have simply locked up after running a mile--they become so painful that I have to walk and then can't climb stairs without supporting myself with my arms for several days. I can sprint all day without an issue but for some reason, continual running for a mile is enough to cause significant pain.  I have been through physical therapy, exercised and stretched many ways, and nothing has seemed to work.  So, I generally work out on an elliptical machine instead of running.  Yet while I knew my body wouldn't allow it, I still prayed that the Lord would help me go just as far as possible.

As I started running, I stayed with my youngest living son for a few moments, and then with my next youngest son for a few minutes longer.  After that I moved ahead and picked up speed as I felt pushed forward by the cause and driven by the support of so many runners and volunteers all around me.  Near the 1 mile point, I felt my knees begin to lock up and all I could do was fight back the pain as I prayed more fervently for the Lord to allow me to "run and not be weary."  I know the Lord often allows our physical bodies to take their natural course and then sustains us by helping us learn and grow from the pain, but this day, He granted me a different blessing--a true miracle.  In the moment when my knees should have locked up, I felt overcome with a wave of peace and love and at that second the pain was absolutely gone. For the first time in four years, I not only ran to the end of the race, I was able to pick up speed and really push myself through the finish, as if carried on the wings of angels and wrapped in the arms of the Lord.  

When I rounded the finish line and considered what had just occurred, I heard the race coordinator (Jesse) announce that we had been directed to take a wrong turn and had only run 2.25 rather than 3.1 miles.  I considered running a few more laps around the finish-line track to make up the difference and when I started, I found that my knees would simply not allow it.  I marveled how the Lord answered my prayer by giving me strength and shortening the race so I could run for Jordan.  

I am grateful that God loves me enough to care about the simple things and to grant me miracles from day to day.  What a wonderful life this is.

Happy Birthday Jordan

One year ago today, as I sat at work, I received a call from Heidi telling me it was "time" for the baby to come.  For the first time in 5 children, we had been into the hospital on several false alarms and released, so neither Heidi nor I were certain this one was it.  However, several days past her due date and with anticipation growing, we were hopeful.  My staff at work noticed a familiar routine and as I walked out of my office to leave, they stood up and cheered loudly.  Apparently they knew something about this trip to the hospital that I didn't.

A few hours later, just before 8pm, Jordan Paul Janeway was born into the world.  He arrived blue and lifeless as every baby does, but after a few increasingly tense moments without a change, it was clear Jordan's entry was not routine.  In a blur, a team of nurses came rushing into the room (an experience we would become all too familiar with in the months ahead) and a cry of "code blue" roared across the hospital intercom.  

Moments later, a smiling nurse turned to hand the now-breathing Jordan into his mother's outstretched arms. Heidi held him close, breathed a sigh of relief, and wiped away her anxious tears.  Jordan was now safe and all appeared well.

That night, Jordan was unable to eat and appeared to have some issues breathing, as well as difficulty closing his right eye.  The nurses told Heidi they would take him and monitor him to let her sleep.  Thus began a life-changing journey of discovery and growth for Jordan, and all those who would come to know and love him. 

One year later, as Heidi and I consider this experience of being parents to this sweet young child, and watch the videos we have of his time with us (another tender mercy of the Lord), we want to wish our son a special Happy Birthday.  He may not be here with us now in person, but he will never leave our family.  We miss and love you Jordan and look forward to a reunion with you again, in the glorious light of Heaven above.