Our Christmas Miracle

I have always loved this time of year, it's still magical to me even at the age of 48. I don't know what exactly it is but it's the Best feeling in the world.

Maybe it's the wonderful memories that come flooding back to me as I recall Christmas's past. I love listening to all my favorite carols while shopping or decorating. The feel of the crisp cool air while running from store to store to find that special something for someone. I love the feeling of finding it and looking forward to seeing loved ones be surprised when they open it.

Three years ago in the mist of the holiday season our world was rocked. Ten days before Christmas our 15 year old was flown to Hopkins hospital with a life threatening complication to her very complex intestinal issues that landed her in the PICU for over a week! It was there and then that the real magic and meaning of Christmas took shape for us!

I remember being a passenger in the front of the helicopter and looking down to see all the Christmas lights as time stood still. It was so surreal...as we got to the hospital she was taken directly to the intensive care unit where we were told she had less than a 50 percent chance of survival. Within hours we had thousands of people praying for our little girl. The night was critical as we stood by her bedside in disbelief of the situation. I prayed so hard for a miracle and that this infection that had set in would be gone.

By morning she was looking better and by later that evening her temperature was down and her kidney function was almost back to normal. The next morning at rounds the doctors were enamored at how she had progressed. The head doctor said he had never seen a child with this complication recover so quickly and efficiently in his 32 years as a surgeon! He went on to say that "this child has an angel that is taking good care of her and that this is truly one for the books and a genuine Christmas miracle!" Seven days after the admission, we headed home with a new appreciation for life.

God is good and miracles DO happen!