This is what I have sent out with Thank You's to those who directly or indirectly impacted our week away from home. Since I can't send everyone a card I thought I would post the letter to thee 'ol blog! Thanks Again!!!
Dear Friends and Family,
THANK YOU for all the prayer and support through our recent family crisis. We feel so blessed to be safe and sound at home again. Our Heavenly Father has taught us several principles throughout our experience, including that He orchestrates EVERYTHING. First let me explain how our tragic week unfolded.
Samuel, being a thriving toddler, managed to catch a nasty cold, flu, and/or ear ache while teething. Too many hits to the immune system. We spent a week bouncing back and forth to the doctor, administering Motrin, lots of cuddling, and late night vigils. By Wednesday He was producing bloody diarrhea. We tramped back into the doctor on Thursday so little brother, David, could receive a vaccine. We asked the pediatrician to check Samuel’s questionable diapers. Friday afternoon we received a call from Dr. Powell with instructions to pack up and head to Children’s hospital--“just in case.” HA! We had no idea what we were in store for. Somehow Samuel had picked up a strand of E -Coli. A common bacteria that wrecks havoc on the digestive track, especially on small children. After blood tests the verdict was in- HUS (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome). There aren’t medicines to zap away this mess, you just sit and wait while the body processes and eventually gets rid of the toxins. So with IV fluids pumping into our dehydrated son, we rocked and cuddled while we watched the clock. Since Samuel’s kidneys were failing and his little body was not able to do the job, the doctors decided the best course of action was to try a blood transfusion. If that didn’t work then we were looking at dialysis. Somewhere between fear, uncertainty, sadness, and desperation, God’s people answered our weary prayers. Food began pouring in, people from out of town just stopped by to pray over our sick son, money was graciously given to pay our bills, and more prayers were being lifted than we will ever know!
Hope renewed. Christ exalted. We were humbled.
Monday Samuel received one transfusion. His body took those healthy red blood cells and put them to work. Though slow at first, we begin to see our son gain strength and color again in the days that followed. Sleep deprived, separated from our 3 month old, and homesick, we continued to pray for complete healing for our first born. Exactly one week from arrival we were sent home to continue healing in our own home…snug in our own beds!
I have never felt the presence of our Lord and Savior like this before. As Tim and I reflected on the week’s events and our emotional roller coaster, we never questioned God. We never grew angry or threw unnecessary blame. We clung to the promises of old. We clung to the Rock of Ages. In turn, we experienced the body of Christ in action. Our house was cleaned… our bills were paid… David was well cared for… we never went hungry… I received the medical attention I suddenly needed so in turn I could help Tim take care of Samuel (probably picked up the cold Samuel started with)…
This week Beth Moore imprinted something on my heart that reflected on our week. God doesn’t want our attention just in the crisis of life. He wants us through the mundane and the miraculous. It’s so easy to get caught up in just making it through the day with 2 small children requiring “undivided“ attention. It’s a feat to make it out of pajamas some days and forget the dishes…they’ll be fine till morning! J So besides squeezing in more slobbery kisses and hugs with BOTH my boys, I will praise the Creator for the opportunity to wipe snotty noses. I will savor the chance to dry up big tears of frustration, laugh through meal clean ups, and sing over the tiniest of accomplishments. Praise be to Him who walks with us through the everyday activities, and carries us through the life changing trials!
With Thankful Hearts,
Tim & Heather Metcalfe
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