While going through a tough time, have you ever found yourself wishing you could see how it was going to work itself out? (Who hasn’t?)

What I love to do in the middle of a tough time I’m going through, is remind myself how well so many other struggles in my life have worked out.

The reason I even bring this up, today of all days, is because of my miracle grandson. Anyone who knows me knows his story because I never tire of sharing it. He is truly a walking, talking, absolutely handsome miracle. (Not the only miracle from 2010) Today is his 5th birthday.

Not just an ordinary 5-year-old. His chances of surviving childbirth, let alone his first day with us were very slim to none. And yet, to look at him today, he is a perfect example of God’s work in our lives.

YES, these “odds” are there for a reason. Many people were given these odds, these numbers and statistics, and they became the numbers. (On a side note, these are the people who are able to bless others with their love, empathy, and support.)

We feel wonderfully blessed that God had a hand in healing Brayden, and fully believe he is around for a reason. At the moment, it’s simply to put a smile on anyone’s face who is around him. You just can’t help it.

His story, in a nutshell….

“Mom….” Jacki’s phone call alerted me immediately, “my water broke. They say he may not make it. It’s only 17 weeks. They’re telling me if we continue the pregnancy, he’s open to infection, and his lungs may not develop all the way. They say most people terminate and try again… What do I do?”

The beginning of this journey?

Me… “Jacki… choose life! Even if this little one does not beat the odds, you’ve done all you possibly can on your end to give him a fighting chance.” (And what a job she did!)

This little guy was born at 29 weeks (yes 12 weeks with the amniotic fluid constantly replenishing and leaking). He was placed immediately on a ventilator, and all kinds of wires, medications, etc. Boy was it a major education in a very short amount of time. LOTS of friends and family praying constantly, and yes… even one time I asked to “pray for poop.” It’s amazing even the small things we rely on God to help with. 🙂

His first night with us, my husband and I drove home to give Jacki some much-needed rest, only to receive a phone call about 10:00 PM.

“Mom…. His lung burst from the ventilator. They don’t expect him to survive the night. Please come back…”

On our rush down the freeway to be with them, we called her support system to pray. Holding a vigil through the entire night in the NICU were many awesome prayer warriors…. You know who you are!!

My story… (As there are many different perspectives.) After standing back through the night praying, and watching the wonderful staff working on Brayden, and doing their level best to bring his vitals back to normal, I finally saw an opening to step up, and reach my hand into the incubator to rest it on his tiny foot, and pray. “Lord, here we are together, joining in prayer for this little child of yours. I believe what is written in your book that whenever two or more agree in prayer, you are present. I know you are here with us. I’m standing on your promise that with faith as small as a mustard seed, we can move mountains. Lord, I believe. I believe. I believe…” Within minutes, his vital signs stabilized. I can’t say he was immediately well. He was in the hospital for 3 months, on oxygen for 6 months, had hernia surgery at 7 months. Believe me, he had his mountains to climb.

As sappy as I get, I have to say, celebrating his 5th birthday, knowing he’s starting kindergarten in just a few short weeks, and has no sign that his beginning was such a tough one, I can’t help but be quite sentimental, especially since he is now going to be a SUPER big brother to his soon-to-by baby brother, Blake.

It’s these blessings I can look back on, and be grateful, and look forward knowing there are more to come. Yes, even through the struggles. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Brayden, I love you, and am so proud of you! Happy Birthday little man!!!

Love,

Mimi!