God's Prerogative

Today marks 11 years that Caed has been on this earth.  With each passing year, Todd and I shake our heads in awe.  Is it real?  Did we really survive through it all?  It seems like yesterday.  Yet...at other times, it feels as though it was all a dream.  A horrible nightmare.

I can't tell you the number of times I have been face to face with a friend who was staring grief in the face.  Real debilitating grief.  They were in shock.  Trying to cope with the loss of their child, spouse, or family member.  Each and every one has looked me square in the eyes and said, "I truly thought we were going to experience the miracle that you did.  Caed was our hope."

Responding to such a statement always leaves me speechless.  It is in those moments I am reminded once again just HOW GOOD God has been to Caed.  God's goodness, however; should never be questioned when He choses not to heal on this earth.  "Heavenly Healing" is the ultimate.  It truly is the finish line for all those who have placed their trust in the Lord.  It is where we all hope to be someday.  However, for those family members left behind, we naturally pray for healing to take place on the earth.  Selfishly.  Healing, however...is God's prerogative.  He heals who he wills.  It is not from the will or power of any man, but ONLY from God and ONLY for His glory.

The gravity of just how close Caed was to death, always hits me a little harder on his birthday.  I will never forget sitting beside his bed in PICU just staring at him.  With tears rolling down my cheeks I wondered if year #4 had been it.  Had that been his last birthday that we celebrated?  Will he even see his 5th?

Therefore, we have learned that birthdays are not just a day to eat cake and open presents.  They are NOT guaranteed.  Ever.  God does not owe us (or our loved ones) a long, prosperous life.  Today is a day we will turn our praise to HIM!  God, YOU have been good!  YOU have been immeasurably gracious!  YOU have indeed worked all things for good, and we see YOUR fingerprints when we look at Caed!  We are humbled.  We thank YOU for displaying your healing power here on earth.

*This is Caed and one of his very first nurses.  She was a gem and was with him during his entire medical journey at Covenant.   She even came to visit Caed once he was discharged home.  She LOVED Caed and he LOVED her.  They developed quite a bond over the 6 months they were together.  Marla lost her battle with cancer last week.  Our hearts are saddened by this loss, yet know she has been ultimately HEALED in heaven.