Dear Lord; Happy Monday Father!
First off Father, I want to thank You for the weekend. As we discussed Friday, Shannon and I both went into it sick and we ended up spending most of the weekend inside. I did manage to sneak out a couple hours on Saturday with Jonathan for a trip to Barnes & Noble, and made a quick grocery run on Sunday but other than that it was a quiet, reserved couple of days. Thankfully, Shannon and I seem to be on the upside of this bug, but it’s obviously going to take a few more days to completely clear out. Either way, although our weekend didn’t exactly go as we planned I did get to spend lots of quality time with my family. 🙂
And then, Monday happened.
We were actually doing unusually well for a Monday morning Father. Everyone got up on time, got things together and out the door on schedule, and we made it to the kids’ school with time to spare. About 10 minutes after dropping them off however, came the call…
With no warning, Jonathan had vomited on his way to class. ~sigh~
I dropped my things at the office, and made my way back to school to retrieve him. He’d been complaining about some headaches for the last week or so, but other than that this was the only symptom he presented with. Unfortunately, because he still has a VP shunt in place we have to look at those two particular symptoms very carefully as they can indicate problems with it’s operation. I picked him up, made a call, and off to the pediatrician we went.
The wait to be seen at the doctor’s office was typical for a Monday morning; a little over an hour. We sat waiting in the truck (the office lobby was full), me spending time reading in Exodus on my Nook Color (I’m really enjoying my new toy) while Jonathan quietly played a puzzle game on my phone. When we finally got in to see the doctor the appointment was short and to the point, and we were quickly sent next door to have some sinus x-rays done. Those too, went without issue and about an hour later we received a call from the doctor indicating that his sinuses looked perfectly clear, and that if his symptoms persisted we would need to have Jonathan evaluated by his neurologist.
So… No immediate answers; just more questions.
Each time we get a reminder of Jonathan’s unique medical needs Father, it’s a vibrant flashback to some very scary times. For the most part, we’ve slipped back into “normality” in regards to his health; sniffles are just sniffles, not a trip to the emergency room at 2AM. When situations like this come up though, we’re thrust back into the world of the unknown and the “what if” scenarios. It’s a place we know far too well, and pray often to avoid.
And yet Father, I know in my heart that You’re with him. And armed with that bit of Truth, those “what ifs” aren’t nearly as frightening as they once were.
I still worry of course. That’s my job as his father, and I love him dearly. You’ve entrusted him to our care, and I’ll do whatever is required of me to honor that assignment. However, knowing that all the while he’s in Your Loving Arms brings amazing peace to my spirit. Thank You for that confidence Lord.
Heavenly Father, please continue to watch over Jonathan and bring to him Your Healing Touch. I thank You for the comfort of Your Presence, and pray that all those in need of reassurance can also feel that peace. Through Your Love Father, “what ifs” can truly become Amens. Amen.
~Phather Phil
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
Praying along with you for Jonathan’s healing.
Thank you Alida. He seems to be doing ok this morning, but time will tell. He’s an amazingly sturdy little soul!
Have a Blessed Day!
I’m glad to hear that you and Shannon are feeling better. I really prayed for you this weekend. I will add Jonathan to my prayers now. What great comfort we have in knowing our children are in your Loving hands. We don’t have to worry about the “what ifs” because we know that God is in control.
Thank you so much Lisa! It really is a comfort to know that he’s in our Lord’s embrace, and that even when it’s outside my ability to “fix” something with him, He’s in the right Hands for the job. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Praying for Jonathan! May God touch his body and restore his health. Glad to hear you and Shannon are feeling better.
Thank you Jenifer! He seems to be doing well today, but as it’s been with a lot of his disease over the years it’s a “wait and see”. Thank you for your prayers, and yes… Shannon and I seem to be on the other side of this bug. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Praying for Jonathan and your family. I know how hard ‘waiting’ can be. My neice has a condition called CHARGE (she is deaf/blind/trach/PEG) and she is at the Medical University several hours away starting ‘trach capping’ trials today. These special children are SO precious to us and Him. What blessings they are and we are blessed for having them in our lives!
Thank you Allison! I’ll pray for the success of the trials for your niece as well. These children truly do stretch our love and faith in so many wonderful ways, and even through all the trials we’ve been through with Jonathan we feel very blessed to have him as part of our lives.
Have a Blessed Day!
Praying for no more illness for you and your family. Laughed when you wrote about your job as a parent is to worry. me too!!
so much of life is more questions and not the answers, isn’t it? LOL
keep up posted!
Thank you Jean! Prayers are always appreciated!
Have a Blessed Day!
I will be praying for your son and your family! I hate those “what-ifs.” Its like a breath from the evil one right into your heart…because they make us question and wonder if God is really there. I love when you wrote “And armed with that bit of Truth, those “what ifs” aren’t nearly as frightening as they once were.” What a lesson from God you have learned. How great you were able to pause and allow your heart to comforted by that truth! Praying for answers not more questions…
The “what ifs” are certainly a wide open door for whisperings from satan Kelli… Excellent point. While I still worry about Jonathan’s health, the strength I’ve gained through my relationship with Christ and even more so the relationship I’ve seen between Jonathan and Jesus brings be amazing comfort through these trials.
Thank you, and have a Blessed Day!
Jesus is our Healer and I will be praying for Jonathan in the mighty name of Jesus.
He is indeed Desiray, and thank you so much for your prayers.
Have a Blessed Day!
Watching our children suffer is, perhaps, the hardest “hit” that our hearts will ever take. I know you and your wife have experienced this first hand. My prayers are with you today as you continue to navigate these strange waters. May Christ be the continual anchor that holds your hearts… in all seasons.
peace~elaine
Thank you for the kind thoughts and prayers Elaine. Christ has certainly been and will continue to be the anchor in rough seas. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!