This past week, my nephew, Dylan, was found to have a detached retina during a routine yearly eye exam. Only if you know my nephew, can you even begin to understand how he didn't slow down long enough to report his visual disturbances.... On Thursday he was seen by the retina specialist and out-patient surgery was scheduled for today (October 12) at 9am to repair his completely detached retina. As usual, our family, church family, and friends that were able to attend showed up in the waiting room to offer prayers and support. We had no idea what blessings were in store for us on this day.
For the last two months, our entire church family and friends have been praying for the miraculous recovery of a sister in Christ (aka Tot's Mom on my regular facebook prayer requests). She continues her fight for life which started during the birth of her firstborn son, a son she knows has been born, but has never been able to see. When I say "see," I mean that literally. She and my nephew share the same retina specialist. Our family received the good news today that most likely Dylan's sight will be restored; this specialist was not able to deliver such news to them a few weeks ago.
As this new mom has been hanging onto this earthly life, her tot has been growing by leaps and bounds. When one family member is with her, someone else is at home with this little bundle of joy. Although she is unable to see, hold, talk to, or care for her baby, tears will flow down her cheeks when he is brought in her room. She attempts to move an immovable arm to cradle him when he's laid upon her chest. To see and hear this family sharing these precious moments brought tears to everyone's eyes. But even before this little tot went home from the hospital, he began his own journey..... and his 2nd surgery (of 3) was scheduled for on or around his two month birthday.
As we walked into the waiting room this morning, we walked straight into a circle of friends. I heard my name, turned, and was immediately embraced! Not only were our friends and family gathered, but also, our brothers and sisters in Christ were gathered for this little tot's surgery that (unbeknown to me) had been scheduled for today! We quickly overtook the back section of the waiting area (good ol' Baptists) as everyone met, prayed, reunited, and shared with each other.... all made possible by our heavenly Father. Entertaining "preacher" and "dad" stories filled the air, with laughter to be had by all! My family and friends were finally able to place faces with those they have been fervently praying for..... and share a moment that can only be described as seeing God working in "Real-Time."
As positive post-op reports rolled in and our time in the waiting room together drew to a close, I thanked the Lord for allowing us this special 'moment in time.' A moment in time shared by family.... an extended family brought together by Christ through trials and tribulations. Through teary eyes, I thanked Him for His word that He placed on my heart:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
1 There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under heaven:
2 a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3 a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4 a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5 a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain,
6 a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7 a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8 a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
**Disclaimer: In no way is this blog post to be construed in any way other than sharing of a family 'moment in time.' All photos and parties involved have given explicit consent for the sharing of this story. Feel free to contact this author for contact information for verification.**
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