Lessons Learned From God’s Gift of Twins

Life 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!

The Gift of Twins

A few years ago, my nephew and his wife shared the news.  They were expecting.  Then they discovered it wasn’t one bundle of joy – but two!  In our family, twins aren’t common, so this was pretty exciting!  (Since then, my daughter surprised everyone by having twin girls on Christmas Day!)

But God has a way of giving 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 of several months.  Along with much discussion and research, there were doctor visits and consultations with specialists.  There was prayer given for wisdom and the baby’s health and healing.  Plus, plans were made for the help needed to care for the other children who were waiting along with their parents during this time of uncertainty and unknown.

A Time To Serve

I was greatly blessed to share in this challenging time.  My nephew and niece called on me to offer perspective from my midwifery experience along with emotional support during the birth and surgeries.  It was a time when they were often too tired or afraid to think and make decisions.

My daughters and I spent several weeks with them through the critical days of this trial.  We helped with the adjustment to having both babies (finally) at home.  This was the true blessing of service!  

Our children become competent and mature so they can bless others 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 and its surgery / 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 learned.

We prayed.

We got little sleep.

We saw friends and family offer help from all around, coming together to support one tired and fearful couple.

We cried.

We shared.

But most of all, we loved.

And finally, we rejoiced in the constant presence of God in our midst.

He provided healing and well-being to a baby that could have suffered a great handicap.  This “little guy” recovered wonderfully from his surgery and learned to drink better each day from his bottle.  His tiny misshapen head slowly remolded 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 all together. 

To teach us His ways.

And 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