Lessons Learned From God’s Gift of Twins

In case you’re wondering where I’ve been…..I’m just catching up after a crazy-busy month!

Life sure has a way of getting away from us, doesn’t it?  Just when we think we have things under control, something comes up and we’re off…..again!

Twins

A few months ago, my nephew and his wife shared the news.  They were expecting.  Then they discovered it wasn’t one little bundle of joy – but two!  In our family, twins aren’t common, so this was really exciting!

But God has a way of teaching us lessons we don’t realize we need to learn!

Only a month after the news of twins, an ultrasound revealed that “twin B” had developed hydrocephalus.  And so began the whirlwind ride in the last few months.  Along with much discussion and research, there were doctor visits and consultations with specialists.  There was prayer given for wisdom and for the baby’s health and healing.  Plus, there were plans for the help needed along the way in caring for the other seven children who would wait out this time of uncertainty while their parents were dealing with the unknown.

I have been greatly blessed to share in this challenging time.  My nephew and niece called on me to offer perspective and support during the birth and surgeries.  A time when they might be too tired or afraid to think, and need medical perspective from my midwifery experience.

My daughter and I spent two weeks with them through the critical days of this trial.  I am home now, but she stayed on to help with the adjustment to having both babies (finally) at home.  And yesterday, we brought another of my daughters to the airport to help out for a few more weeks.  This is the true blessing of service!  

Our children become competent and mature in order to bless those in need.   And God is glorified.

Trial To Trust

The realities of this trial presented some of the most tiring and frustrating experiences we have ever dealt with.  There were many factors:

• a mom and the healthy twin recovering from a cesarean section in one hospital
• a hydrocephalus baby, it’s surgery, and recovery in another hospital
• a tired dad who stayed nearly 24/7 by the bedside of his sick baby
• a medical group who communicated poorly and had constantly changing standards of care
• a dog who kept wetting the carpet because it missed it’s ‘mommy’ (yes, really! – the realities of home and family)
• and many more…..

But through good and bad, this experience has been a huge blessing for us all!  We have learned.  We have prayed.  We have gotten little sleep.  We have seen friends and family offer help from all around, coming together to support one tired and fearful couple.  We have cried.  We have shared.  But most of all, we have loved.

And finally, we have rejoiced in the constant presence of God in our midst.  He provided healing and well-being to a baby that could have suffered great handicap.  This “little guy” has recovered wonderfully from his surgery and continues to drink better each day from his bottle.  His little misshapen head is slowly remolding from his battle with hydrocephalus.  His valve continues to work wonderfully….and….there is Hope.

We are in awe at how God can use such a tiny baby to bring us together  –  

to teach us His ways  –  to show us His love!

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him……Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.   James 1:12, 17