Friday, August 15, 2008

Covered in Grace

AN UPDATE: We've prayed about sharing so much of a very private matter in such a public forum. Rebecca and I have come to an awareness, though, that this is part of the mission of being "Snowflakes" parents (see previous post, and visit www.snowflakes.org). I believe that to get to the "heart of things" - of God and Life and everything - you have to take a path that leads to a kind of vulnerability; an openness that is painful but purifying too. The prayers and thoughts and stories of others who have heard our story has been so comforting and so beautiful, and we feel covered in Grace. In this open wound of suffering, these prayers are a powerful balm. So thank you to anyone who has whispered a simple "please God" on our behalf. This Wednesday's level two ultrasound confirmed the worst for the life of our little one, now over 17 weeks in the womb. There are three abnormalities, but the one that is life threatening is called "acrania." For some reason, the baby's skull has not fully developed and offers no protection for the brain as it grows. Babies with this rare condition do not often make it to full term, and the trauma of birth (both vaginal and c-section) would certainly end the baby's life. The high risk pregnancy doctor told us that survival outside of the womb is virtually impossible.We have a month until our next ultrasound. In these four weeks we are storming Heaven with prayer, pleading to the God of Life for a miracle, and asking in particular for the intercession of Pope John Paul II.We want to thank everyone who has so beautifully responded to this plea for prayer on our behalf. That response has been amazing, and with such heartfelt sincerity and emotion. We are so grateful.When we were told this news I just looked at Rebecca and was overwhelmed at the path ahead. She offered to do anything so that this little one might live even for just a few moments. We are completely in God's hands and riding on the waters of prayer. Thank you.

4 comments:

Esther said...

Praying for a miracle of good health for your little one, and for God's strength for this journey.

The Heart of Things said...

thanks so much Esther

Anonymous said...

Prayer is powerful - take it from one who knows. It gets me through each day. Know that my prayers are with the three of you. I am also asking my Guardian Angel to talk to your little ones Angel to cradle and comfort them in their arms. Together with God and the prayers of family and friends you will see God's hands at work to mend your little one. God bless you and hold you in the palm of His hand Bill and Rebecca.

The Heart of Things said...

Thank you Sharon. We are opening up to the graces from all of these prayers and we do feel them. Thank you. And thank you for the angelic connection, a beautiful recognition of their presence and peace. I will be thinking of them more now for that.

Peace,
Bill

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