The newest news is that Paul's apnea has worsened this weekend, after a week of improvement. Taken all together, a "realist" might well look at the evidence and say that Paul very likely has a systemic brain issue, causing problems with swallowing, breathing and perhaps speaking and seizures (he may have had one this weekend).
But I think I'm not alone in saying that as often as possible, I like to screw the "realists." Paul's a premie, who's been fighting one infection or another since birth. Even if an elephant does sleep in the crib next to Paul, we're not out of other potential culprits. And we're certainly not without God's grace.
I will be asking St. Francis for his intercessions, but leave it up to you to ask whomever you wish, and with whatever prayers you wish to say, to intercede on Paul's behalf. And to pray on all of our behalf that we accept God's will, whatever it is.
Incidentally, December 28 is also the Feast of the Holy Innocents, the day we found out Luca had spina bifida, and the day we found out Leo did not. May it be a day of grace this year as well. Love to you all.
Sickness is a great grace of God; it teaches us what we are; in it we recognize the patient, humble, and mortified man. When sickness weakens and mortifies the body, the soul is better disposed to raise herself up to God. - St. Paul of the Cross
Do not look forward in fear to the changes in life;
rather, look to them with full hope that as they arise,
God, whose very own you are,
will lead you safely through all things;
and when you cannot stand it,
God will carry you in His arms.
Do not fear what may happen tomorrow;
the same understanding Father who cares for
you today will take care of you then and every day.
He will either shield you from suffering
or will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace,
and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.
-St. Francis de Sales
p.s. One of my favorite things about having kids is meeting new friends in their patron saints! xo
correction: St. Francis' Feast Day is January 24th - he died on Dec. 28th.
5 comments:
"and when you cannot stand it,
God will carry you in His arms"
Oh, that just brought tears to my eyes.
I have sent this out to the my prayer group - all those who have been praying for you, Frank and baby Paul. (And some of them, by the way, have their own prayer
groups...these emails have been forwarded to scores of people; so many of these the very people who prayed for Clare).
God will answer our prayers. One way or the other, He will.
I'm so happy to have this to say every night.
O Blessed Francis de Sales,
who in your mortal life did excel in all virtues,
especially in love of God and of neighbor,
I earnestly entreat you to take me under your immediate protection,
to obtain from God my perfect conversion,
and that of all sinners, especially of
(the names of persons for whom you wish to pray should be mentioned here).
Teach me, O Father,
to fix my eyes on heaven,
that I may generously trample under foot
every obstacle that presents itself in my way,
and attain that degree of glory
which You in Your mercy hold out to me.
Obtain also that particular favor for which I now pray.
(mention intention)
Assist us, O Lord, we beseech You,
through the merits of St. Francis de Sales.
That what our endeavors cannot obtain may be given us by his intercession.
Let us pray:
O God, who for the salvation of souls,
did will that St. Francis de Sales,
Your confessor and bishop,
should become all things to all men and women,
mercifully grant that we,
infused with the gentleness of his charity,
guided by his teachings,
and sharing in his merits,
may obtain eternal happiness.
Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
love this prayer - Thank you Dad!
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