Being Real in Life!
I flew to Little Rock this past weekend to speak in Little Rock at That Church. Yes, That Church’s name is That Church! Not a name you soon forget! Nor the people you encounter there. What terrific place.
I had dinner with the women’s team facilitators on Friday night after we flew in. They were so full of energy and love and joy – though some I talked to one-on-one, were carrying heavy, personal burdens. They had leaned the secret to the abundant life! They were also a hoot! Lots of laughter and you could tell they are truly all friends. I appreciated that they just took Krista and me in like we belonged. It was relaxing. Krista and I enjoyed ourselves.
When you travel like I do, you never really know what you’ll find on the other end. These are folks I communicate with by email or phone until I meet them at the gate. They are usually strangers to me but it doesn’t take long to figure out if they are “stiff and formal” or fun-loving and relaxed. I like both kinds of groups, actually. I have a reserved, formal side and people are always surprised to find I have a keen sense of the ridiculous. I don’t take myself too seriously.
If I am quiet and boring it is usually because I am exhausted!
Anyway, on Saturday I spoke to their women’s ministry “Real Women”. And they are. No pretense. No masks on. It was a joy to be amongst them. I gave my testimony and it was exciting for the first time to include the fact that my 7-year-old grandson was finally able to have the trach removed! He’s had it since birth. He was born with multiple issues – had an Apgar of 1. He has endured multiple surgeries, we almost lost him a number of times. But God is writing his story and it will be exciting – it already has been.
He spent his first few weeks and months of life at The DuPont Children’s Hospital in Wilmington, DE. What a great place! Then spent many days at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Again, a great place. I am so grateful for the dedicated staff at both places. he has esophageal etrasia and bronchial mylasia. (I am sure I have spelled them incorrectly.) His case is quite rare; caused by a thyroid medication my daughter took before she knew she was pregnant. His case is written up in medical text books.
Through this long ordeal my daughter and her husband have been remarkable. So often having special-needs child destroys a marriage. In this case it didn’t. Yes, there were really rough days but they weathered the storms – not that it is ever smooth sailing. Overtime they came to visit me they had to basically set up a hospital room: machines, ventilators, suctions, IV pole… I was always amazed. My son when he saw al the equipment they had to bring at Thanksgiving said to me, “Mom, I didn’t realize.” They never complained. My daughter became his advocate and pity the poor doctor or nurse who got in her way. She is like a mother bear with her cubs. She is fierce!
Anyway, we are rejoicing that his trach is out – he no longer has a tether. (He still has his G-tube.) I am sharing a video of him taking it out himself, trowing it away and thanking people for praying. We are more than thankful for the way God has worked, is working, will continue to work. Rejoice with us!