Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Overwhelming Gratitude


In our lives we have ups and downs, pains and joys, as well as those lovely "growth promoting" experiences. The birth of our latest bundle of baby goo has brought a remembrance of the important things in life back into focus. The power of God has been evident through the pregnancy, during the labor process, in birth, and now even further in our latest experience. We have been humbled and awed by the power given to us to act in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. The power of the priesthood and the love of our Heavenly Father have been made manifest in our home over the last two months with power that I have not seen since my mission days.

A couple of weeks ago our little Chuck decided to start throwing up after he would eat. As time progressed he started losing more and keeping less. Janet got so good at it that she would feed him next to a garbage can and when he would make "the face" or "the sound", she would calmly point him at the can and really cut down on laundry duty! She read a doctor's opinion which said puking was a laundry issue not a health issue for babies, plus she had a friend that told us all of her babies were pukers, and even spoke with her midwife about it. We thought we simply had an Up-Chuck-er...end of story.

On Monday Janet took him in to get weighed at the doctor's office because his puking was so bad we weren't sure if he was getting anything at all. He was obviously losing weight and looked scrawnier than when he was born. I had to sleep in the recliner so he would be sleeping in an upright position and wouldn't choke in the night. Janet had her whole afternoon planned out: she would run by the doctor's office, then go to Wal-Mart, then to Harmons to get produce and some things for dinner and run a few errands as well. She said she would be gone a while...(little did she know!)

Janet ended up going downstairs from the pediatrician's office to have some images done, and then they sent us to the ER to start surgery prep and stabilization. We were told that he had a case of pyloric stenosis, yeah just follow the link... They had to cut open our little 5 week-old baby boy in order to make him feel better. My brother Bryan and I gave him a blessing, and once again the upside down state of my life was righted and I was at peace.

His surgery went well and we were told that his stomach was quite distended and his pylorus muscle was huge for his size. We have been in the hospital for 2 days now waiting for him to recover and his stomach to adjust to taking food again.

We are FILLED with gratitude that we live in a day when this can not only be diagnosed, but also treated. I am humbled that...due to no effort on my part...God has allowed us to live in this day of miracles. My wife and I do not need to sit and watch our little son slowly starve to death and not know why or how to stop it. Then I am reminded of situations like my brother Brad and his amazing wife Jaaga and what they have gone through...and are still struggling with...in the life of their little Amanda.


I am grateful that I not only live in a world of the restored gospel, but that I have a testimony for myself. Our God has a plan for us, grand and also on a very personal and intimate level. He wants us to be successful and the priesthood power is the secret weapon he has given us to use not only against temptations, but also for our trials and as a life-line when in our pains and sorrows.


When life gets too hard to stand...Kneel.

12 comments:

~..kass..~ said...

Oh wow what a story. I am so happy to hear that he is doing better and that you all are so strong and able to deal with it is such a great way. It is very hard to watch you baby be so helpless. My Kodi Anne was born not alive, I thank God everyday that she is still here on earth with me and and healthy as ever :) My prayers are with you and Janet!

Celeste Dodge said...

I'm so happy that everything went well! Life can be scary! It's so nice to have the gospel to help us through those scary parts.

Hayley Winslow said...

I am so sorry. One of the worst fears of any parent...to have a sick baby. I am so glad he's ok and that you both are hanging in there. I love you both and it is amazing the miricles GOd brings into our lives.

Anonymous said...

i'm so glad he is better!

Michelle said...

We have been praying for you since the night you went in. I didn't want to call and bother you in the middle of all the chaos. I am soo glad everything went ok. One of my really good friends(Maureen) son had that same thing as a baby. You guys have had such a great attitude! We love you!

Devin & Ruthann said...

You guys are amazing! What wonderful faith! This description is so well written and it's like one of my favorite descriptions of the priesthood I've ever heard:

Our God has a plan for us, grand and also on a very personal and intimate level. He wants us to be successful and the priesthood power is the secret weapon he has given us to use not only against temptations, but also for our trials and as a life-line when in our pains and sorrows.

I am glad everything is okay with your little guy. You guys are great and we miss you!

Sarah said...

I love you guys. I'm so glad that you're so thankful. It's easy to forget all the blessings we have, and sometimes it's hard to remember to thank Heavenly Father for them. There is no better feeling in the WORLD, than to feel the Saviors love. I love you, and all your babies too!

Roseann said...

I am sooo grateful for modern medicine, too! We are lucky, indeed. I am glad to hear all is well now, and I hope Chuck gets to go home soon. It is hard to have a baby in the hopital when you have other children at home.

JBAR said...

I am also grateful for the priesthood and modern medicine, without both of them I wouldn't be here either, and just image a world without me... it would be awful. haha.
Glad he is better

Julie Kohler said...

Can't tell you how happy and relieved we are that he is ok. Prayers are answered; the priesthood WORKS and is truly God's power here on earth. Thanks for being one of those good men who hold their priesthood sacred. You are all in our prayers!

Stephanie said...

Holy Cow. I am so glad to hear that this experience has had such a wonderful outcome. What an awesome family and cool reaction- what an example for me. I loved it. Especially the quote at the end. We'll be thinking of you guys. Let me know if you need ANYTHING.

Justin, Emily,Nyah & Anastyn said...

OH how sad but you had the best anesthesiologist ever! Dr. Lind is the best, and I agree Funny Face is the best photographer ever. Happy Holidays