(In celebration of Gwyneth's six month birthday, this is a re-post of what I wrote shortly before Tricia went to surgery for a tracheotomy and the result was an emergency C-section. A lot has happened in six months...)
In a few minutes they'll be taking our daughter-in-law down to surgery to intubate and ventilate her, hoping for a few more days before delivering her baby girl. My son just came out to the little waiting room where we're gathered. He looked at Gail and I - "Tricia wants to talk to you."
She and Nathan have to make a choice just in case. If it comes down to saving one or the other, which one will it be? Never in all my life have I had to make a decision like that. In all my experience as a pastor and a public safety chaplain never have I had to advise anyone about such a decision. And now my son and his wife are asking us for assurance they're doing the right thing.
Our hope, and all indications are, that such a decision won't have to be made. But it is their choice, not the doctors'. And they've made the choice. She just needed assurance from us.
I can't describe the emotions I felt in that ICU room a few minutes ago. She asked me to pray. I gave it a feeble effort, I'm afraid. But earlier today God led me to this passage from Romans.
"In the same way the Spirit also joins to help us in our weakness, because we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with unspoken groanings. And He who searches the hearts knows the Spirit's mind-set, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God". (8:26-27 HCSB)
Again, like my previous post, I've always believed what those verses say. I've just never had to rely upon them like I just did.
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8 comments:
I can't imagine ever having to make that decision, but I know they will let God lead them in everything. Such wonderful children of God!
Praying for your entire family
I just know that God had that specific passage for such a time as this. It is so hard to pray in our humanness and get the point of pain across to God. How precious for Him to provide us with His Spirit to do what we cannot. God is good all of the time and I know He has His hands on each person who is near her and He holds her in His hands. Blessed peace for all of your family is my prayer for you.
Laurie in Ca.
Dear Rick,
It is night here in France, we are thinking of you and of Gail and are praying and watching along with you, even though we are far away.
Lots of love,
Sylvie
My heart and prayers are with you all right now.As a husband and a father I can't fathom making a decision such as the one they may have to make.Only with Christ could anyone ever have any peace at a time like this.They are blessed to have you Rick as a father, father-in-law,and pastor.I will pray that the words you use to counsel them will be the Lord's and not yours.Love your friend in Christ,Tommy
Another version of those verses:
Romans 8:26-27 (The Message)
The Message (MSG)
Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson
26-28Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God's Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don't know how or what to pray, it doesn't matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.
Praying without ceasing here in Florida.
Myra
Many prayers for your family. I know this is a difficult time, but the Lord's hand is both upon them and the physicians.
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