Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Breaking Bread. Breaking Bones.

This Thanksgiving I found myself particularly grateful. It has been a rough year for our family, but God has shown us His faithfulness and Love in more ways than I can even begin to tell. I awoke on Thanksgiving Day with a heart full of love and awe for my God.

Around noon I tried calling my son, Joshua, in California to wish him Happy Thanksgiving. I didn't get an answer, so I tried his dad's phone. No answer there either. I figured they had already began their day, so I decided to try them later. About 5 mins later my phone rang. It was Eddie, the kids' dad. He informed me that they were in the process of taking my son to emergency via the ambulance.

Eddie and his friends play football every Thanksgiving. It's their tradition. Josh wanted to be on the opposite team so he could 'take down' his dad. Can't say I blame him. There are days I would like to do that, too. :) Apparently, Josh was running a play and got tackled. Josh's cleat got stuck in the mud, his leg was stuck and when he was hit.....his leg snapped. Eddie knew his leg was broke, but wasn't sure exactly where. I could hear the ambulance and chaos in the background and my heart sank. The miles between us never felt so huge. I hung up and did the only thing I could do.......pray.

Eddie called me from the hospital several times to get info about allergies to medications and other miscellaneous info. All I wanted to do was talk to my son and find out how bad the break was. Eddie finally called with the news. It wasn't good. Josh broke his femur bone and it was not repairable. He would go in for surgery at 7:30am the next morning and the doctors would insert a titanium rod into his leg. My poor boy. I have never wanted to jump in my car and drive to California more than I did at that moment. Unfortunately, I knew it was not feasible. I couldn't afford it. And truthfully.....it's probably better that I wasn't there.

I sat down to eat with my family that evening with a heavy, but grateful heart. Sad because I was so far away when my son needed me the most. Grateful because no matter how bad of a break it was, it was repairable. He wasn't paralyzed. He wasn't dead. Grateful that I did not have to witness my son going through that moment that would've haunted me for the rest of my life. Grateful that our God is so loving that I was able to have peace in moments where there should have been none.

This is how my son spent Thanksgiving:

Without his mom, but with a God who loves Him so much more than I could ever dream of.

Thank you, Jesus!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Praying for you and your family. I was thinking of you on Thanksgiving, and prayed for you..didn't know why, but now I do.. Don't forget HE loves you so too! and so do I!

Anonymous said...

Wow. I'm so sorry. As Mom, it is so rough going through the hard times (especially when you're away from them), but God is good and He's with us all the time.

Funny, you were in my thoughts on Thanksgiving. I'm ashamed to say - I didn't think to just stop and pray. One of those times I didn't hear *Him* calling like I so often do. Sorry Sister for the let down.

Let Josh know he is a new addition to our prayer board and we send our best (hugs and kisses).

Tanya said...

Boys, they are so competetive. You are right you know, he needs God to be the one who fills his life. Yes, they love us, but when they get out into the world, they are going to have to go to God. I hope that your Thanksgiving was still filled with the hope and strength that only Jesus can give us. I have been thinking about you alot and I hope you know that I miss you and I love you and your family. God bless you so much. We all love Josh and we pray that recovery is 100% and he will be healed.

Susan said...

O.k. I sit reading this realizing my life is changing everyday as Levi grows. Boys really are different than girls. I am so glad that everything is o.k. and his leg is healing.

I wonder what his turkey dinner tasted like.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Tell Josh his hospital 'helmet' is blue kind of like the Detroit lions uniform colors - and they ain't doing so hot in football either - will pray that he will heal quickly. Will share with mama tonight at prayer time - we will be praying hard.

BittersweetPunkin said...

Oh Heather...that must've been so difficult for you to not be there. Yes..we do go through difficult seasons but they are usually short lived and the Lord has something better waiting for us when we come out of it.

Blessings,
Robin

Indian Lake Papa said...

HOw is that precious boy doing?!

Nana C said...

Sweet Heather, God heals the young, they are strong and with God's love they are complete. You know that without God the day for you would have been "stewing in the pot", but our God has huge, enfolding arms which held you and gave Josh strength. Love you Nana C

Anonymous said...

Missin my Heather! just saying

Heather said...

@Papa- That sweet boy is doing much better. He is using crutches at home, but still has to use a wheelchair at school. Thank you so much for asking:) Love and Blessings!

@Nana- You are SO right! I can't imagine how that day would've gone without God by my side. He is so good! I love you and miss you! Can't wait to see you!

@Darla- I miss you, too!!!! I've been laying low for a bit. Experiencing a season of 'quietness'. I am still checking on you, though!!! ;) Love you Prin!

Robin said...

Sorry about what he and you had to go through Heather! Praying for a quick healing.

Is he out of the hospital now? Does he have to use crutches to walk for a while?

I just read your answer to those questions... Glad he's out of the hospital.

Anonymous said...

It's always hard when it's your child who is hurt, no matter how old they are. : )