Wednesday, January 2, 2013




DECEMBER 21, 2012.

Some believed the world would end.  For me it almost did.

The phone call froze my life into moments of fear, despair that immobilized my limbs.  I could only sit.  But my stillness was loud with shouts, pleas transmitted from my soul to whatever could hear.

Ian, my three year old grandson, was sick, so sick and getting worse.  Nothing stopped the fever. His pain was so strong it contorted his body 'til he could not move. His chatter, typically constant, ceased.  His silence was broken only by groans. and his screams when examined.

The doctors weren't sure of the cause but they knew surgery would relieve the pressure on his esophagus and reduce the pain.  He spent the night in agony.  His helpless parents stood by unable to offer any consolation or relief. They asked me not to go.  I can understand why.  I would have been no help.

A war waged within me.  Positive thoughts were slain by the negative possibilities.  And the worse seemed possible.

Mega doses of mega medicines were given intravenously.  Mega prayers went out from our friends that know how to pray.

At 5 a.m. Ian fell asleep exhausted.  Surgery was to happen that morning.  But when the doctors examined him again, it was clear something had changed.  The abscess that was causing the trauma to Ian's body was subsiding, shrinking.  The doctors decided to wait.

By early afternoon, everyone involved was perplexed.  The doctors could not understand how/why such a healing was occurring.  The parents were surprised when Ian ate a few crackers.  (He had not eaten in days.)  My husband and I were ecstatic at the news.

**

Christmas happened.  Ian's recovery has been quick.  My family and I enjoyed watching him open presents and play.  

I think about the parents of children who have died and my heart goes out to them.  I wonder how they cope.  

I think about those who argue about the merits of science versus the existence of something beyond our capacity to explain.  And I don't care.  It doesn't matter.  Truth just is.  Let us believe what we want.

I am grateful.  I thank science as well as the unknown for my grandson's recovery.  What is a miracle?

Life has returned to "normal".  I was unable to write until now and I had to write about this.  I'll be visiting blogs, getting back to my attempts at poetry, enjoying the things I like.  I know you would have been supportive, but I was too sad to get on line.  

I hope we all remain healthy - in all the facets that entails.  Hope you enjoyed the holidays, and that your "normal" is really, really good.

Ian with my daughter during a fun pony ride. December 30, 2012


10 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, Myrna, how absolutely terrifying. I remember you saying you adored your grandson beyond the beyond. I am so grateful to whatever force allowed him to recover. With everything getting worse, it is amazing how the tide suddenly began to turn. You all must be overjoyed - and so relieved - to have life "normal" again. I'm sure this event will have you feeling that normal will never again be anything but a miracle.

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  2. oh my....you feel so helpless when something happens to the little ones as well...you want to take away their pain...ugh i am so sorry myrna....i hope you all remain healthy as well...that is enough excitement for some time....glad you are back...and i am glad he is well...

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  3. Wow my heart dropped as I began to read this. So grateful he is doing better ... Take Care.

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  4. Oh dear, this was close. I am so glad that little Ian is fine. Our prayers are with him. Glad to have you with us. I wish you and yours a very blessed and hope-filled 2013.

    Joy always,
    Susan

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  5. Oh Honey! So grateful to read the ending!!!! My heart goes out to you and yours with prayers and love-


    Aloha
    from Honolulu,
    Comfort Spiral
    ~ > < } } ( ° >
    > < } } ( ° >

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  6. oh myrna...i can imagine how helpless you must have felt.. so glad that everything ended well..hugs and prayers your way and best wishes for the new year to you and your family

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  7. I am so happy to hear the news ~

    And I believe in the power of prayers, as my mom came this close too last year ~ Her face reposed in surrender & praying for everyone, is forever etched in my mind ~

    All the best ~

    Grace

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  8. Oh Myrna... I have not visited in a while... I am so sorry your sweet grandson had to go through this, and his parents and you and your husband... and so very grateful all turned out well. May this New Year be one of good health, and many, many moments of joy and peace for all of you... and may it somehow be so for all beings.

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  9. What a nightmare! It's good you were present for your family. I am glad the child recovered.

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  10. So happy to hear that everything turned out okay and you can enjoy your beautiful grandson and family again! A very happy 2013 to you!

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