9 Years Ago....

I don't give the past a whole lot of thought. I don't dwell on it because there's too much in today's world to think about. But, every year, on July 13th I will reflect on when P was a newborn. Why would I want to think about such a horrific time in our lives? Because of all the miracles and blessings that came out of such a horrible experience!
I don't remember all of the 3-4 day time frame when our worlds were turned upside down. I remember bits and pieces of it. I remember our pediatrician, a good friend of ours, telling us not to even go home to pack a bag but to go straight to the hospital. I remember him telling us he'd call our insurance and authorize the hospital stay because it was the best hospital around. I remember him telling us not to Google the disease he thought P had because we would not be able to cope with what we saw (to this day I've heeded his advice and have not looked up any info on it). I remember hearing on more than one occasion, "If your son gets through the next few days alive he will most likely have severe brain damage. Prepare yourself." I remember walking back to a hospital room too soon and hearing our 10 day old scream out while the doctors preformed a spinal tap on him. I remember the uncomfortable hospital chairs and sleepless nights. I remember countless tears and endless prayers.
I also remember.....
I remember our neighbors, who took charge and watched over our animals when they realized we hadn't come home from what was supposed to be a routine check up. I remember the nurses and doctors treating us like royalty. I remember the encouraging texts and phone calls. I remember my brother in law texting me the verse Isaiah 41:10, which became my lifeline ("So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.") I remember the prayer chains, people who hadn't even met our little guy, offering up prayer on his behalf. And I remember the indescribable feeling 3 days later when the doctor came in and said that, by some miracle, the disease hadn't affected P's brain and that he should make a full recovery. I remember feeling like the weight of the world had been lifted off our shoulders even though we had to closely monitor him for the first year of his life.
Why remember such a horrible time in our lives? Because I don't want to forget all the miracles. Sometimes when P is talking about a Lego invention or something he's read or an episode of American Ninja Warrior I just stop and say, "Thank You, Lord, for this miracle. Thank You that our little boy came through it all like a champ." There are some things in life that are worth remembering because of the good that came from it all. And this is one of those things I'll never forget...and will always be thankful for the outcome!