Friday, January 05, 2007



A Moonlight Message

I was driving home on Wednesday evening after dropping TP off again at college. It was a busy day, full of doctor's appointments, etc. TP had two corneal abrasions which needed to be checked out again, she had to have her labs drawn, and both girls had to see our PCP (TP has a lower respiratory infection and DQ has a sinus infection). As I turned on the radio to listen to some classical music in order to relax, my anxiety and worry made my eyes well up with tears. I'm just too tired to deal with this, I thought. The eye doctor told TP that there might be permanent eye damage. DQ's infection has been resistant to antibiotics and is very stubborn. This was the first night TP was going to be away from me while running a fever - and usually fevers goes haywire in her body, often requiring an intensive Tylenol/Advil routine, and sometimes putting her in the hospital as the infection takes over her immunosuppressed body, making it too weak to fight.

I kept on telling myself that she'll be all right - she's 18 (and an adult now, as she's so fond of reminding me) - but what she fails to realize is how precarious it can be for her when she gets an infection. Yes, her lupus is in remission - but I remember all too well all those nights in the hospital, when she was fighting so desperately to get better - and it's hard for me to NOT be next to her, to keep an eye on her "just in case". . .

I glanced over to the right, and I saw something which took my breath away. It was a huge, absolutely gigantic moon suspended in the lower northeasatern sky. Immediately, despite my tears, I felt an immediate sense of peace. God knew that I needed to be reminded that HE is in control. He is here - and He wants me to hand it over to Him - He wants to comfort me and give me strength. I pulled over to the side of the road, and just gazed at that gorgeous moon. The calmness and tranquility I felt was such a healing gift. I was able to let God's loving presence sink into my soul, and He let me know that I would be able to handle whatever happened (there's a lot more going on in my life besides this), because He'd be right there all along. He reminded me that He chose me to be my kids' mom for some very good reasons - and that those reasons are very plain to see as we go through these turbulent and anxious times. He let me know He trusted me to guide both of them through these times, with the wisdom and strength and patience He would provide to me.

I resumed my journey home, and I was reminded of a different conversation God and I had almost three years ago when TP first got sick - with a very similar message. And, despite all the pain and suffering over this time period, we have been blessed in many ways.

The fever TP had a couple of evenings ago has now subsided - and she took care of it herself rather than having me watch over her. Her eyes are improving, and I did find out that there will NOT be any permanent eye damage. DQ's infection seems to be improving. And, we received news from TP's doctor today that TP NO LONGER HAS TO TAKE HER IMMUNOSUPPRESSANT MEDICATIONS!!! She is totally off of them - much quicker than we anticipated!!!! What a miracle! But, of course, that was the message that the "Man in the moon" was trying to convey to me, wasn't it???

14 Comments:

At 10:57 PM, Blogger Jeff H said...

Hey, God is good all the time, and all the time God is good.

Your post reminded me of why I've started carrying my camera around most of the time--in order to capture those "sky moments", like the one I posted yesterday. God definitely speaks to me through the sky.

 
At 10:43 AM, Blogger Susan said...

It's so hard when they go out on their own. I've just had my first christmas away from our 20 year old son. Though he was around christmas day and new years day, but we were a little concerned about him going celebrating, but he's been really sensible about it.
Some thing I've nagged at him over the years must have gone in then.

Good news about the medication.

 
At 10:57 AM, Blogger JodiTucker said...

Thanks for the visual representation of Isaiah 40: 25-26!! Glad to hear your girls (excuse me---young ladies)are on the mend and healing!

 
At 12:18 PM, Blogger Valerie said...

Jeff - Your picture is breathtaking. Our sunset looked like that on the very same evening which this event happened.

Susan - I'm having a difficult time learning when to nag and when not to nag. It's a definite balancing act - because I don't want to alienate her, yet I don't want her to forget certain important things (especially health related things).

Jodi - Oh, yes - that's a perfect verse!!!

 
At 1:10 PM, Blogger Rosemary said...

What a lovely post. The glory of God is all around us all the time but I, in my self-sufficiency, so appeciate reminders such as the one you were given. Glad your daughter is doing better.

 
At 1:11 PM, Blogger HeyJules said...

Isn't it fantastic how God allows us to lay our burdens at His feet? I often wonder how people who refuse to trust in God make it through days like you had. It has got to just wear a person down to the nub to carry all that alone.

What a wonderful mystery for us that we can see a full moon and know that God is watching out for us. He is ever present, always in control and always has our very best interest at the heart of Him. How blessed are we to be His children?

And a big YEAH God for TP being off those drugs! Woo Hoo. Let's party!!!

 
At 4:01 PM, Blogger Spirit of Adoption said...

ahhhh! What a gracious Lord we have! I'm so thankful to hear this as I know it's been a trying season! I hope this refreshes and encourages your heart!!!! Praise Him!!!!

 
At 9:19 AM, Blogger TC said...

What wonderful news!

I'm glad everyone is feeling better.

I'd love to talk with you privately about what I blogged the other day. When you get a chance, drop me a line at notenoughofmeATgmailDOTcom.

 
At 8:10 PM, Blogger Unknown said...

beautiful post...i was almost in tears. God is so awesome and always gives us the strength and peace we need. (hugs)

 
At 11:42 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

let your tears come, i hope...they can be healing in themselves...

 
At 7:21 PM, Blogger Vicki said...

Glad to hear TP's eyes are improving and that she can come off the immunosuppressants! That's awesome news. I'll keep praying!

 
At 10:08 PM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

(((((HUGS)))))

God likes to smack us upside the head sometimes with that "I'm in charge, quit worrying" thing. I'm so happy she's doing well.

 
At 9:26 PM, Blogger Valerie said...

Thank you so much, Rosemary!

JUles - My place or yours for the party?!

Shawnda - Yes, I am so very encouraged. It's been a struggle, but I'm beginning to feel optomistic.

TC - Thank you, my friend!!

Mrs. D - Yes, He does, doesn't He? I'm so glad you stopped by.

Nettie - You are very insightful!

Vicki - Thanks for the prayers!!!

Stacy - Sometimes God has to smack me more than once for me to get a clue! Thanks for the cyberhug!

 
At 10:59 PM, Blogger ann said...

I'm so glad that things are better! It's such a blessing that when "things" in our lives become overwhelming and then through it all we're reminded, by something seen or something heard or even something remembered, that God is in control and will take our burdens from our shoulders! Thank you for visiting my Thursday Thirteen! I'm 49 and thankful for all the life's lessons I have learned, but none are more powerful than those provided by our Lord. I'm glad you had your moon and hope that you continue to feel His hands around you and the comfort that only He can provide during times of trouble.

 

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