Exactly ten days ago I experienced something that no parent should ever have to. Sitting in a doctors office with my eleven year old son I heard five words that would forever change our lives - "your son has juvenile diabetes". These words caused the blood to immediately drain out of my face and I could not restrain the tears that began to fall. I was stunned. A whole range of emotions welled up inside of me, unpleasant emotions - denial, fear, sadness, disbelief - how could this happen to my son, I asked. We have no family history of type 1 diabetes, he's my slender, fit and healthy football player. He's one of the sweetest, kindest souls I know - he of all people does not deserve this.
The next two days my wife and I spent with Isaiah at the hospital learning a whole new lifestyle of regimented series of finger pricks, blood sugar testing, shots, meals, and snacks. Learning new terms, how to give shots and how much insulin is required at what times. Unlike most children, Isaiah needs to eat carefully chosen foods at very specific times and in very specific amounts in order to keep his blood sugar level within a healthy range. Skipping or postponing a meal or snack is not just inadvisable; it's dangerous.
Still trying to grasp the permanence of this incurable disease, many of my questions to the doctor's about Isaiah's condition were answered with the heartbreaking words - "for the rest of his life." I remember my mom asking if this is something he would outgrow. The answer only brought more tears. I decided to do some study about the disease on the Internet, while informative, that certainly didn't do a whole lot in the way of encouraging us. This has been a bitter pill to swallow to say the least.
That moment ten days ago is indelibly etched in my mind. Life is now lived moment by moment one day at a time. At least now I'm able to make it through a day without weeping - for the most part.
Over these past ten days I have come to some conclusions about what we now face as a family. First, I will put my trust in the Lord Jesus Christ - and I place my son in His hands for He is indeed in control. Secondly, we will pray every day for Isaiah's healing either by miracle or by a God given cure for this hideous disease. And finally, as Job said - Even if the Lord slays me - yet will I serve Him. Blessed be the name of the Lord.
Luke 1:37: "For nothing will be impossible with God."
NICE Blog :)
ReplyDeletethank you
ReplyDeleteJust remember that even though your world turned upsidedown in an instant, this is still a very small part of what makes Isaiah, Isaiah. He is your son, he plays football, he is a student, a royal ranger, a JBQ champ, a brother, a grandson, he is smart and funny and caring, and he just so happens to have diabetes too. Don't forget all of the wonderful things about him. There are reasons for these things and you may not figure it out until later. Maybe he will need to give advice to someone 14 years from now. God is in control of this. Be still and know...
ReplyDeleteE,
ReplyDeleteDude, that is some disturbing news. I remember when Isaiah was born. It has been a long time, brother. I know how hard it is to live with a family member in the house with diabetes. My wife has diabetes. It may be type 2, but it is still diabetes. That brought on so many difficulties, but produced many greater victories.
I believe that God will sustain you and your family during this time. I will be praying for you and your family.
I can't say that I know what God is doing through this, but I do know that God takes our trials and testings and turns them in to testimonies. Some day, your little boy (at 11 he would probably frown on being called that) through this trial will be used, by God, as a way for Him to be glorified.
I love you, bro. Keep on keeping on. Remember who has got you and your family in His good care, and watch what He is going to do for you and through you all.
Rest in the shadow of His wing for He will give you peace.
May His grace and peace flood over you. Tell Isaiah that we will be praying for him.
Peace,
Eric