Have you seen Jesus?

First off I want to say Happy Birthday to my husband! Though your last two birthdays have been difficult I celebrate the day that God created you. You are valuable and a gift to not only me but so many others. You give sacrificially of yourself and are wonderful father to our children. (Although we have to work on those...shall we say colorful words you use :) ) Today I appreciate your love, your strength and your sacrifice, the way you take care of our family and the way you always stand by my side. Next year's birthday, in Cancun!!! I love you Jason!.....Jessica
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How many times did you see Jesus today? I saw Jesus when Jessica began another severe episode of chills.  These chills are hard to manage and can last for hours. Jessica was crying because she was sure she was ruining Jason's birthday. Jason lovingly wiped away her tears and said, "There's no place I would rather be then right here with you." And, I saw the love of Jesus.

We had talked to the doctor on call yesterday about these chills but he seemed unconcerned. Jason and I began to wrestle with what to do. Should we try again to calm the shivering of her body or take her ourselves to the ER? We couldn't decide what would be the best thing for her. Then the phone rang. Jessica's Physician's Assistant was calling about another matter. And, there was Jesus again working before us.

Jason informed the PA of Jessica's current condition. She advised us to head directly to the ER department. As we entered the ER were welcomed with warm blankets and cheerful, caring hellos. Once again Jesus was present!  As we awaited registration we began to hear rumors and rumblings that the wait was going to be long as the ER was full. Yet, once again Jesus showed up. Jessica's name was called and she was registered. "We have a room for you, Mrs. Newsome, the last ER room available." There we saw Christ.

Jessica was already in a great deal of pain and the thoughts of an IV in the bend of her arm were just too much for her. Her nurse did not feel comfortable putting it anywhere else. Jessica and I prayed that God would provide someone to put the IV in her arm in a place where it wouldn't bother her. And Jesus showed up. Nurse Esperanza came in with a gentle humble spirit and nimble fingers and expertly inserted the IV needle in just the right place.

Unfortunately, thought it wasn't the only stick. Soon there were tests to be run. And Jesus was there with an able phlebotomist named Margaret Duncan. Margaret had a pin on that said, “I am a child of God.”  Jessica told her I am a child of God too.  So Margaret sang to her "I am a Child of God" the whole time she took her blood samples.  Jesus' presence was definitely palpable there in the ER of Texas Medical Center.

Over and over again we have seen Jesus today in the most unlike places. He has gone before us preparing the way for us. He was under us holding us up. He was beside us walking with us. He was over us watching everything that was going on. And He was present with us in the doctors and nurses who have cared for Jessica.

 

This isn't where Jessica wants to be (believe me she has made that abundantly clear!); but, if she has to be in the hospital, this is the right place. It is a place where God's hands touch those who are sick through caring nurses and doctors who demonstrate their faith in what they do.  We will be here a few days as they try to regulate Jessica’s pain medication and discern where the high fevers are coming from. It is now 1:15 am and they have just moved us into a room. I am tired but consider ourselves blessed to be here for we are not alone.  Jesus is with us.  I see him where I have seen him for the last 29 years in her face as finally she drifts off to sleep.   

May you see Jesus every day in everything you do and everywhere you go.

Love in Christ,

Sheila (Mom)

God cares, cares right down to the last detail. 

 James 5:11