That They May Marvel (Part 3) -- First Year in Heaven"The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all thing that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works, that you may marvel." John 5:19-20
On the morning of May 16th, we arrived early at Lindsay's room. As we walked down the corridor of the CICU, we could tell by the look on the faces of the nurses that something was very wrong.
Lindsay condition deteriorated during the night and the surgery was postponed. The evaluation from her doctors indicated that Lindsay's little body was shutting down. The doctors and nurses began to prepare the kids that Lindsay's life was quickly ebbing away.
The next couple hours were bittersweet. I will never forget the wonderful care that the staff at Children's Hospital Boston provided to our kids. They did everything humanly possible to make this difficult situation a memorable time.
Surrounding the kids as they held Lindsay for the first time in almost four weeks, we all had a opportunity to love on Lindsay and say "good-bye." There were tears, hugs, kisses, prayers and singing.
While Jon's Dad and I were on our knees saying goodbye to Lindsay Bear, we began to hear harp music. We looked at each other with amazement. We heard AMAZING GRACE, HOW GREAT THOU ART. We made an assumption that the hospital called this harpist when a child was dying. What we found out was that this was "the day" that this volunteer harpist was scheduled to be outside the cubicle that was Lindsay's temporary home for the past several weeks. Coincidence? Not at all. God sent that lady at JUST THE RIGHT TIME.
During the process of disconnecting the ECMO (heart and lung machine), a doctor came into the cubicle and was observing what was happening. While the kids had seen him, they had not had interaction with him prior to this day.
When it was obvious that Lindsay was "absent from the body and home with the Lord," this doctor lovingly put her on the bed and rather than "pronouncing her death," he said to the kids, "Lindsay is home with the Lord!" Coincidence? No way! He gave the time -- 1:00 PM. Through tears Laura looked at Jan and said, "God was faithful to HIS Word -- He healed Lindsay at 1:00 PM.
Through the tears and broken hearts, God flooded that room and together we sang the Doxology. We experienced the promise that "God IS our refuge and strength, an ever present help in time of trouble." Psalm 46:1
So much has happened since Lindsay's homegoing. Tear? Disappointments? Grief? Absolutely. But we have all experienced God's amazing comfort and peace that has enabled us all to get THROUGH. Without God? Impossible!
I am so very proud of Laura and Jon. They have bravely and valiantly worked through the many ups and downs of grief this year. They have remained victorious in their faith, strong in sharing God's grace with others, and resting in the promise that they will one day be reunited with Lindsay.
In just a few days and prior to Lindsay's 3rd birthday on June 14th, Laura and Jon will have the joy of welcoming a brand new baby to their family. God has blessed them with a healthy pregnancy.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support! -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK
If you would like to write a note to encourage Laura and Jon today, I want to encourage you to visit Lindsay's blog and leave a message: http://lindsaykeswick.blogspot.com/
God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 16; 2 Kings 24-25; John 5:1-24
Great Quote: Salt seasons, purifies, preserves. But somebody ought to remind us that salt also irritates. Real living Christianity rubs this world the wrong way. Vance Havner
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