Seven Years Later....

Psalm 66:5 Come and see what our God has done,what awesome miracles he performs for people!

Today, October 19th, we spent the day celebrating my sons 7th birthday. Now to most, this is something we all do with our families and friends on regular basis, so it seems that is really nothing to get caught up in and we should just prepare for the next and the next...etc..etc.. This may very well be true, however this day was a special special day in my life and the life of all those affected by the birth and life of my son.
Seven years ago, on October 9th, we were told after arriving at the hospital with complications with the pregnancy that we would have to stay at the hospital and they would try to keep my son from being born at this time. The reason? He was not due until January 16th (give or take a few days) For two weeks, we were instructed to pray for the best and prepare for the worst. As time progressed and we realized we would have to go ahead and deliver him, we were told he would not make it. He was too little and his lungs had not developed enough, even with help. October 19th at 7:01am...time stood still as he was born and rushed off to the specialists to try and do what they could. After about 1 month in a place they keep pre mature babies, the doctor came to me and explained to me how when pre mature babies are born, they stop growing for a period of time because they do not have the resources to help them grow and develop. He explained to me this process and continued by telling me that he is not sure how or why, but (quote) "your son has not stopped growing since he was born." Now at this time, I was so mad at God and so un in love with God I had no idea what He was doing. My only talk with God was to just save my son and I would be alright. I wanted God to leave me alone. Just save my son. For the next two months, my son grew and grew strong and was ready to come home. What an exciting day!!
At the 4 month mark, with life getting on as usual....the ball dropped. One morning, my son started to have a seizure and was rushed back to the hospital. Once we arrived at the hospital, we were told that at no point would he wake up and (quote) "he will not make it, we will do everything we can, but he will not make it. There was too much damage from the seizure." 3 days later, he woke up. 3 weeks later he came home. Again. Now, we understood his life would be a little different with the damage from the seizure, but God had done what was asked. Even from someone who was mad at Him and wanted nothing to do with Him.
Over the next 6 and a half years, I have watched my son push through and accomplish things he should not be able to do, according to the past instructions. I have watched him grow and become a young man who absolutely loves life and loves his family. I have watched him study people and do what they were doing and not stop until he does it just like they did. We have been instructed by doctors that his abilities will be limited at times and he will not develop at the rate of any normal child and put him as a special needs child. Through the years, as a father, it has been so hard to deal with those words..."special needs" because of all the dreams I have for my children and all the things I want them to accomplish. It has been hard to receive and even angered me at times because when I look at my son, I don't see special needs...I see my hero. I see a young man who WANTS to do all the things the other kids do and does. I see a young man who speaks to his family and tells them what he wants and doesn't want and when he wants it. I see a young man who learns daily how to operate through life and does not think of any difference that may exist between him and other kids. I see a young man who has changed the lives of so many around him from family to friends and beyond. He has brought people together and made so many smile with his amazing smile. I remember a few years ago at church as I was walking up the parking lot in to church, I was approached by a lady who introduced herself and her family and told me that my son is so amazing, she said (quote) "there is something about your son that just makes people flock to him and want to see him and touch him. He is so beautiful and there is just something about him that draws others." After hearing this, I took a moment to reflect and in church I sat and prayed to God for what He had done...despite my ignorance that cost me greatly. God let me know that when he was born, he didn't stop growing because God kept him growing and after the seizure, God kept my son sleeping for 3 days to talk to him. Ever since....my son has grown in ways that he was not suppose to. He plays basketball, football, volleyball (like his big sister) and baseball. He loves to fish and ride four wheelers and play with all his cousins. He loves to read and watch movies and play with his family all the time. He is a clown and shows that every day. He loves to be outside and helps with chores and cleanup. He loves life, and he is his daddy's hero in so many ways.

Seven years ago, we were told that none of this would happen, that we should prepare for the worst. Seven years ago, when I walked away from God, God walk to me through my son. Seven years ago, this birthday party we celebrated today was never suppose to happen...but it did. Seven years ago, I, as a father, cried out of fear for what I was not sure of...today...after the party....I cried for what I know and will never forget. The scripture at the top refers to the miracles God does and every day when I look at my son..I am reminded of those miracles and the miracle He did with him. Seven represents completion in biblical terms and today starts year number 8 which represents new beginnings. My sons life is in God's hands and I have never been more thankful for that. See, there is something about my son, something amazing, something that no one can explain that draws people to him. Seven years ago his birth brought so many people together, praying, believing, and encouraging. Seven years later, those same people were brought together today to see their prayers answered, their believing brought to pass and the encouragement they now have when they see what God has done for my son.

Never doubt, with all the troubles you may endure, and all the hardships you go through, what God can and will do. Prayer, believing, and encouragement goes along way, and God's word will always show Himself to be faithful. If you ever get to see my son, know that you are seeing a miracle and remember that God is able. What He did for my son, He will also do for you. If I am bragging...it is because not only am I so proud of my son, I am more proud that God loves me and my son that much.