
These beautiful pictures of Maria kissing her wonderful son were taken a year ago! We were starting to have those middle of the night visits in NICU for the 3a touch time in the silence and peace of just us, the nurses and the miraculously sleeping babies! Maria was told after her harrowing birth that she could not drive for a couple weeks, so I was her driver and given the gift of being at her side in all the steps of recovery that Patrick took with each new day and visit! Joseph's mom would then go with him at other times, so that Patrick had more visits from family.
Imagine a room full of tiny babies - probably 25 or more and it is quiet as they are all sleeping through the night! We were amazed at how this could be... they truly have it down to a science of keeping it quiet and dark. Every now and then you would hear a little crying somewhere and the nurse would change the diaper and give it a tiny little bottle of formula or mother's milk. It was a oasis of peace and great JOY at this one week point of Patrick's recovery from being born dead and being the "sickest baby in NICU." He looked and responded to mom's attention, voice, and kisses!
There is so much in morning prayer today about LIGHT, and that just sends sparks though me! I have shared how much raising LIGHTS to the world is the foundation of our marriage and family. To see little Lamb, Patrick, awakening from death into LIFE/LIGHT was so amazing to us a year ago, and truly miraculous for all those that followed us in prayer! We give all the credit to God and the prayer warriors that put our petition in front of our Lord without ceasing! The response of Patrick to his mother's loving kisses was as though we could watch the LIGHT shine brighter and brighter in him! Awakening from the sedation of the cool cap and the meds he was on... to see the LIGHT of recognition and intelligence and increasing awareness just gave us so much hope and joy and peace! Why do I continually share the miracle of Patrick? I think that this I think that this says it from morning prayer this morning - Isaiah 42..."I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the people, a light for the nations, To open the eyes of the blind, to bring out prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in darkness." Truly I feel that Patrick has shown many the power of prayer and Faith... knowing that the Lord has a purpose and amazing plan for him to reveal the LIGHT to many.

Here is Patrick in the swing a few days ago in his bibs! There is a super cute story and movie that I can't share here of Patrick doing squats with his dad... squatting down to pick up something at the park was like a light going on for Patrick - he then realized that this is what his dad does for fitness... in this short movie they posted Patrick does two squats with dad - talk about one smart and coordinated one year old!
Jesus, we are so joyful to see with each new day the picture of LIGHT that Patrick is for us and for so many that have and continue to pray for him and his family. You, O Lord, are there with your loving and forgiving arms open to us if we humbly come to YOU, and ask for forgiveness for our sinfulness. You chase the darkness away with your marvelous LIGHT. Bathed in the Light we see and follow the Truth, the Way and the LIFE - YOU, O Lord! We are called to raise LIGHTS in this world and therefore being open to LIFE makes total and perfect sense! May more couples look past their selfish needs and desires and know that having family is the true way to happiness! And to take very seriously raising them to be LIGHTS - "No one who lights a lamp conceals it with a vessel or sets it under a bed; rather, he places it on a lampstand so that those who enter may see the LIGHT." Luke 8:16 Jesus, we trust in YOU. Amen and Hallelujah
Dad just walked in the door after a scary time in Afghanistan... surrounded by LIGHT/LOVE/LIFE!
Bless-bless, Barb
"The world needs LIGHTS." Patrick Verly at our engagement weekend when all the other couples said that it was selfish to have a large family. All my worries, doubts, and fears melted away instantly in the voice of Truth! Now 35 years later I see the Truth for what it is - LIGHT in the midst of the darkness.
The source of The LIGHT!
Third Day - I need a miracle
Third Day - your LOVE O Lord



No comments:
Post a Comment