Christmas 2010

Daniel's first Christmas Eve.

And this Christmas we wondered if it would be his last.  Just a few minutes after this photo was taken, Daniel became short of breath, his lips began to turn blue, his heart was racing...I called 911.  Paramedics filled our little rental house that Christmas Eve.  They were wonderful.  While half of the men along tried to stabilize Daniel so they could transport him to Children's Hospital, the other paramedics interacted with our older kids.  I remember in one corner of the living room Daniel being worked on and in the other Lizzy and Abby proudly showing the gifts they had just opened to those kind men.  Drew and Sam joining in too.

And a Christmas miracle happened, as I called the hospital and was put right through to Dr. Thompson an ICU attending that knew Daniel well.  The operator made a mistake as we would later find out, thinking I was a doctor when I called and asked for her on Christmas Eve.  The Lord knew Daniel needed her help.  I think the time that was saved and swiftness with which she helped Daniel get to where he needed to be saved his life that night.  He came home again a few days later.

And so instead of just one emergency and hospital filled Christmas we were given six.

On Christmas Day that year amidst my pain and heartache and uncertainty, I wrote these words on Daniel's Caringbridge and our family blog (Consider It All Joy),  and I wanted to share them again today...

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Christmas

Today is Christmas.

Not a day that you usually have to remind someone about. 

Decorations, Sales, shopping, presents, parties, music fill our days and thoughts. 

I LOVE all of these things. LOVE them. 

But I adore my Jesus.

Today is His Birthday.

And even though our circumstances are not at all what I would have hoped for, I intend to celebrate HIM.

He brought with Him Hope.

He brought Life.

Life Everlasting.

Until 8 years ago I never thought about Christmas this way.

I was aware of Jesus.

I knew this is what Christmas was really about.

But I did not know him as my Savior.

No matter my circumstance His life and death and life again are worthy of ALL my praise. 

Though my baby might not live to see his next Christmas,

Though my sweet Daniel is in the ICU this Christmas,

I am going to choose to celebrate Jesus.

Just Jesus.

And trust him with my heart break and disappointments.

And although our savings is empty and our sons health failing, we are rich because of the grace God has extended to us through His Son.

Health and Wealth will not last forever anyway.

But a decision to trust Jesus Christ as your Redeemer from sin will last forever.

And ever.

And ever.

To Him be the glory forever.

Merry Christmas!

Celebrate Jesus.

"For unto us a child is born, unto a a Savior given and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

The only words that would change to today, are that Daniel is now with Jesus and it has been 14 years since my eyes were opened and the way I saw Christmas changed.

We miss you Daniel!  Thank you Jesus for HOPE and that Daniel now sees You,  the savior and hope we celebrate today.