Friday, May 7, 2010


The Miracle




It was the night before our much anticipated doctors appointment. Weeks ago we were told that it was very possible our son was suffering from a rare syndrome that could seize his life. A syndrome that would cause heart failure and make our precious son a candidate for heart transplantation and extensive medical therapy. We purposely did not research this condition until......the night before our long awaited meeting.

Tears filled our eyes as we read the words that were set before us. Prognosis was poor, getting a young heart donor was a difficult and long process, and the average life span was decreased by 20 percent. These were but a few of the many conditions associated with this syndrome.

The news was overwhelming. We had been hit by a truck. Blind sighted....the information was beginning to sink in. Our lives were about to be changed....forever. We had already been on an emotional roller coaster and now this. My chest was heavy, I couldn't breathe. This is not the life I had envisioned for our son. Why my baby? How come he couldn't keep up with other kids? He is always so tired. I cried, I sobbed uncontrollably. I ran up the stairs and lay in the bed with my precious angel. I put my hand over his heart and cried out to God. I begged, pleaded, and wailed.....God PLEASE heal my baby. Please sow his heart back together. Mend him Lord, you have too. I can't live without him! I don't understand!
I heard footsteps approaching as Ryan entered our little boys room. He lay his hand over his tiny chest and together we mourned. We grieved, overcome with agony.
We left the room and sat on the porch. All was silent. We were left with anguishing thoughts that encompassed our very being. Tears filled both of our eyes.... again. The disparaging news was still sinking in. This was completely beyond our control and there was absolutely nothing we could do except trust God. Austin was after all..... His child.
Exhaustion took over and somehow sleep gave way.

The day had arrived.
We anxiously entered the brightly colored office. Our hearts beat rapidly while thoughts and fears flew wild.
The testing began. I sat beside our precious Austin, his little hand tucked in mine, staring at the images that lay before us. The tears began to well. He had been through so many specialists, tests, and procedures.
Our little man was so brave and such a "tough guy".
The battery of tests continued. We feared the absolute worst. Minutes turned into hours of waiting. What was about to be disclosed would change the course of our lives. NOTHING could have prepared us for what we were about to hear.
"We have repeated his tests and they are normal". "His heart is mildly enlarged", "There is no evidence of any risk factors for Barth syndrome". "I am not concerned, however we will continue to follow him". WHAT??? We repeated his statements over and over not sure if we heard correctly. The cardiac geneticist, unclear as to the urgency of our visit, offered reassurance that our little boy was overall healthy except for an iron deficient anemia. GOD IS AWESOME AND SO VERY FAITHFUL!!!!!

We were overjoyed and dumbfounded. Hurriedly, we walked down the street to our next appointment. Again, minutes turned into hours and hours of waiting. Once more, nothing could have prepared us for what was about to be reported.
Our son was not immunosuppressed. A simple injection would jump start the immune system. Some fine tuning was all that was needed. Again, unsure if we had heard correctly, the information was repeated. Yes, all he needs is an injection. There is no major concern and no need for medical therapy or intervention.

Emotion was rampant. As mommy and daddy looked into each others eyes, we COULD NOT believe that our God had so graciously answered our cries. He is so faithful to His promises and is able to do more than we can ask or imagine. Isn't it just like our our precious Father to give THE BEST mothers day gift? I stood and claimed Jeremiah 29:11....For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future! God is true to his promise. He has given our precious little man hope and a future. There are no words to express our gratitude to our Heavenly Father. As we continue our journey through life, yet I will praise Him!


Thank you is an injustice in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to all of you who have embarked on this journey with us. Those of you who have sent Scripture, meals, words of encouragement, and started prayer chains....we are deeply humbled and so very grateful. May God richly bless each and every one of you.

More blogs to follow


6 comments:

Unknown said...

I am thrilled with you, Lindsey and Ryan and Austin!!!I have that very scripture here at my desk--Jeremiah 29--on a frame with my beautiful granddaughters. It's one that Stacey clings to, as well. God does have a Plan for each child; and He will perform it if only we trust and obey. You're in my prayers--Love Aunt Barbara

Unknown said...

Lindsey, I rejoice with you and Ryan that your "little man" has been healed by God's power. Once again I am amazed at God's faithfulness to His children. Why such an all Powerful, Omnipotent, Sovereign God would care about us is such amazing LOVE! He truly does hear each cry and see each tear that falls. Who are we that HE is mindful of us is mind-boggling to me. What a wonderful blessing to be His child and lean on Him for comfort, peace, strength,healing-whatever we need-He will supply. Thank you for sharing your heart so eloquently! I praise God for this gift He has given you. I love you, Mom Shedd

Peggy Gatlin said...

There are people that will say the doctors were just mistaken, and there was never anything wrong wih Austin. This may well be, but in our hearts, we know what a mighty God we serve!!! We know, that if he wants to heal someone, he CAN and he WILL!!! God is MERCIFUL and ALWAYS ON TIME! Thank you Lord for the wonderful gift to this family...

Tightwad In Training said...

Beautiful story...thank you for reminding me of God's faithfulness. I haven't seen my dad in over 10 years and right now it seems that all the door are closed for me to travel back home (Belarus). However, i have peace knowing that God will answer my cry in His timing and according to His will. Thanks again for that reminder!

Camille said...

What a beautiful story of God's hand in the lives of you all! How difficult all this must have been for you! Our God is faithful and NEVER gives us more than we can bear WITH HIM!! How precious that the news is good for your Austin! :)

We have an Austin...our first born. He had open heart surgery as a baby and continues to be monitored. It is So wonderful that the LORD's plans are much greater than ours. We are HIS first and above all...we exist to bring HIM glory.

Blessings to you all,
Camille

Traci Michele said...

How awesome! We have a little miracle son too! God is so good! Thank you for sharing. Never forget this.