Friday, January 18, 2013

Not burned up

Well, it's tempting to call our "Pray for Caleb Day" a total wash. :)  That is a 100% joke, of course, because if I'm learning anything about how prayer works, I'm learning that answers don't always match requests exactly.  Yesterday there were thousands of people praying for Caleb and I woke up with a great expectancy that we would get The Call today that Caleb would be receiving a new heart.  Instead, our transplant coordinator and our social worker brought us the news that the hospital's new visitor policy would not only keep Jonah out of Riley, but also all visitors, period, even our parents.  That hit me like a tsunami wave and I literally had to sit down.  No more help.  No more company.  Our parents would not be able to see their grandson until who knows when.  That was a blow and for a few minutes I just wanted to sit on the floor and cry.  (What is it about being on the floor that makes crying so much more dramatic?)  But that only lasted a few minutes.  I gathered myself and wiped my face and went back to what I was doing, which was making rice krispy treats with Jonah at home.  Because you know what?  This is just another wave in this storm.  It's another wave that threatens to finally take me under, but it won't.  God is not watching this scene of my life and going, "Oh CRAP, I totally forgot about the flu epidemic, what am I going to do now?!"  He is still the one who sees the whole story, beginning to end, and He already knew that this particular part was coming.  He is still answering our prayers.  He is still good and He is still trustworthy.  He is with us and He hasn't let those waves take us under. 

"But now, O Israel, the LORD who created you says: 'Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown!  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.'"
Isaiah 43: 1-2

Keep praying and believing, keep praising God with us.  And if you're worried that I am despairing, just know that I spent my morning with Jonah making a "Christmas tree" by draping a green blanket over a chair, wrapping a real strand of Christmas lights around it, and using Star Wars figurines as "ornaments".  In your face, storm and waves.

Specific prayer requests:
1- Pray for perseverance!
2- Pray for our parents' perseverance and encouragement.
3- Caleb's birthday is next Sunday, January 27- pray that Infectious Control would make an exception for our family to come so we can have a party.

18 comments:

  1. Hi, we don't know each other, but have a mutual "friend". Lisa Akins is my daughter, and she keeps us all updated on facebook. I admire your spirit and courage. the "in your face" to discouragement comment made me laugh. our family looks for ways to have fun and laugh and relax, even in the face of serious times. keep on with the attitude!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. i admire your strength and courage, i can't even imagine how hard this is for you and your family, i think we all have great hope and faith every time we pray for caleb, sometimes it's so hard to understand that God answers prayer in His time and not ours, when we want something so badly, i will continue praying for Caleb as so many are doing....keep the faith, and may God keep and bless you and your family.....

    ReplyDelete
  3. It sounds like yesterday was the exact time you needed a "prayer boost". God is certainly working a miracle in your hearts which will not go unseen by the hospital staff and others. I will keep praying that God sustains you and that He will be glorified! Praying daily for your sweet little boys.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I went and danced for Caleb last Saturday! Please know that though most of us don't "know" you, you are in so many prayers!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. The enemy gave it a shot but he never wins! Praying you all through this one! Love you and I am here, please let me know if I can help in any way! Miss Pam


    ROMANS 5 Therefore, having been justified by faith, [a]we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and [b]we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only this, but [c]we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

    ReplyDelete
  6. as being a mommy of a heart patient I know how your feeling (kinda) but just remember there only doing this so the already sick kids don't have to try to fight something else on top of everything else. Maybe that is god intervening because someone would have came in that didn't know they were sick yet and his weak little body would have had a heck of a time to try and fight it. Your in my prayers even though I have moved my mind and heart is right there with you. These updates help keep things in focus thanks so much for them. and just lean on the rock that is Jesus and things will work out :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow def praying for you and your family as always....Praying they will let you have a party for Caleb as well...maybe everyone can wear a face mask and they will let them come to the party...that would be awesome....All in God timing just keep praising him in the storms!!!!!God bless the Richardson

    ReplyDelete
  8. Im in Herr Kinnaird's period 3 German 2 class. Almost the entire class is praying for Caleb. Most of us bought T-shirts and bracelets. I'm wearing the green one now. I love it when Herr Kinnaird tells us about how Caleb is doing and shows a pictures. I hope he gets his heart soon. My whole class feels for you guys. Love, Samantha

    ReplyDelete
  9. My heart beat faster as I read the lastest update-just makes us all pray ever harder, longer and never give up. God is in control!

    ReplyDelete
  10. You and your family have really touched my heart. I am so happy to see your posts. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Maybe God is waiting until after flu season is over!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am so glad that you already have skype and the other one too. We keep up with our daughter in Ohio with this and makes it seem like you are there with her. Praying for Caleb and all of you as Jonah celebrates his birthday. You are such a good mommy and Daniel is a wonderful father. God is blessing you and your family, just hang in there, God knows where you are going. And he will prepare you with his loving and tender mercies as well as his almighty touch of healing. In the wonderful name of Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen Pam Cooper

    ReplyDelete
  13. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers. :)Love, Aunt Marge

    ReplyDelete
  14. CALEB and is always in my prayers along with your whole family i pray in the name of jesus that caleb gets a heart and for his family !and that all of you will get to spend his birthday with him u dont know me but i have met u guys at the new castle subway where i work i will keep praying for caleb !and all of u amen marquitta.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Shelia I am Shari Neals cousin, and I just want to say keep looking to God. All seems to be lost but that is when He comes through. Know that the hospital is doing what is best for Caleb, I will pray that they let them come for your sweet boys birthday. I have my church and several othe Nazarene churchs in VA praying for your family.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Just want you to know, that Caleb and your family are in me and my families constant prayers. May God comfort you and your family and may that heart come for you now!!! God Bless! The faith that you and your family has, I know, will get Caleb a new heart!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. katie,
    i have been wondering if caleb has been given a number-letter combo, to show his place on the transplant list?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, Caleb is status 1a. This is the highest priority category.

      Delete