Julie forgot something in the car when we arrived at the hospital this morning. So I walked back down to the car to retrieve it. When the parking garage elevator doors opened I looked toward the back of the elevator and there was basically a fun house mirror on the back wall. I don’t know if it was intentional but it contorted my head and body into a twisted form. As I looked at myself in the mirror I thought that it was somehow appropriate because that was how I was feeling. Strange how something as simple as glass and reflective film could so accurately project my feelings onto my physical form. Maybe just a silly story but an interesting start to the day.
I did have a surprise this morning as my friend from college showed up unannounced. He is a wonderful person with deep faith and love of the Lord. But the best thing about him is ability to make almost anyone relax and laugh. Man it felt good to laugh with him this morning. May be the best medicine I have had in days. Thanks B I needed it.
Also had another friend show up this afternoon. This one was from work and I must have talked his ear off. He put me at ease about alot of things concerning work. It is nice to see to the wonderful people from Schlumberger step up again to help my family.
But the best news of the day was to walk into the NICU and see my son wearing a hat and shirt. Looked like a little boy laying there. It wasn’t a baseball cap or a Chelsea jersey but I’ll take it. The physical therapists started their work today to “teach” Noah how to do things. Right now we need his suck/gag reflex to come back so that he can safely breathe. This a big concern for the doctor as it determines alot of his future abilities. Joe’s entry today about Ira explains alot of why this is important. I hope Joe doesn’t mind me stealing his work. Noah’s temperature and heart rate were high today but seemed to come back down by late tonight. Not sure what it means but I want to check with doctor tomorrow.
Read a passage from Ephesians today that I liked. Chapter 2 verse 10 says “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” I like to think that Noah was created by God’s workmanship, he is capable of good works, and God knew before Noah arrived that he could use him. And I can see that even now. I have seen the story of my little boy who can barely lift his own hand stir the body of Christ into action, move people to prayer and spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ around the world. What an awesome God we serve.
That’s all for tonight, but we may have some interesting news tomorrow after we talk to a neurologist. – Ethan
Since 4:00 this morning, the words to the Praise Kids song “My God is so BIG” have been in my mind and heart. I’ve been “singing” them over and over. “My God is so BIG, so strong and so mighty, there’s NOTHING my God cannot do…………..
Love you, Ann (GiGi)
Thank you Ethan, Julie, Alyssa, and Noah for the constant reminder of the presence of God’s spirit in the body of Christ. May our Father touch and heal you.
God bless
Ethan & Julie
Our prayers and thoughts are with you constantly each day. We know God can can work miracles and that is our constant prayer for precious Noah. Your faith and love of Christ is an inspiration for all who know you. We do not always know for what purpose God has for us or what He has in store for Noah, but in his precious life he has alreday touched more lives than most of us ever will in a lifetime. May our Lord Jesus Christ continue to love and keep you in the palm of His hand and give you the strength to face each day.
We love you and continue to pray for you.
Richard & Pat Conner
Last Tuesday, less than an hour after Noah’s birth, I was sitting listening to a friend, Amy T., share with our Ladies Bible Study group about her sister’s baby that had been born four years ago but died in delivery. She was sharing how she has struggled for four years to find peace in this situation. She could reason tragic events like 9/11 because God has given us free will and there are evil people in this world that make evil choices. She however could not reason why God would let this happen to an innocent baby. Keeping the Hays family in mind and not knowing then what the future held for little Noah I listened intently to what she had to say next. Through her study this semester it was revealed to her that trials introduce us to other people’s lives. Trials are not fun or wanted but they allow us to relate to each other and to relate to non-believers. If we all lead perfect lives how could we reach out and help those that hurt. How could we minister to those who don’t know Christ if we shared no common struggles. We would have little reason to open up to others and share our lives or feelings with them.
Amy T. said it much more elloquently than I am able to recall here (maybe if she’s reading this she will add more of her insight) but it is something that has stuck with me. I don’t claim to be able to explain God’s reasoning for these two situations for these two precious babies, Noah and Ira, but I find her words to be true as I read comments from people across the US relating to one another and for people being introduced to one another through these trials.
Please know I am boldly praying for miracles to happen in the lives of these two babies. I love you guys!
Aunt Jen
Sounds like tomorrow will be a big day with the neurology consult. Will be praying for the doctor, his insight and wisdom, and for positive results!
God’s peace and courage surround you,
Beverly McCallon