Even in our darkest of days, it seems we have something to be thankful for, yet we are often so consumed by the fear, the pain, the suffering that we are unable to see the beauty and joy that surrounds us. Today, we take a moment to feel that beauty and embrace the joy--for today, Jen and Kyle were able to hold Finn again. This is Danielle writing again, but here's the updates I received from Jen:
- Today we enjoyed the highest peak in this journey. Jen and Kyle were able to hold Finn in their arms. It truly felt like the world stopped spinning, and nothing mattered but the love shared between parent and child, and husband and wife.
- Finn's breathing tube was removed this morning, and he seems to look good from a respiratory perspective. The doctor has said that he's on the trajectory toward improvement.
- The sedation medications continue to cause Finn a lot of pain and distress as his tiny body works to slowly eliminate them.
- This journey is not for the faint of heart. We are certain we will all come out of this stronger, but tonight our hearts are heavy as our little boy hurts and our big boy misses us and his brother.
- If you have a favorite passage or verse, a favorite poem or article, a favorite devotional or sermon, please send it to us. Those messages and words have provided so much comfort.
Over the past ten days, I've been wondering how things like this can happen, and last Saturday night, I talked with a pastor friend of mine, asking him to explain how we are to have faith, how we are to believe in something greater, when moments like this exist. In my mind, it compromises the idea that there is an omnibenevolent (all-good), omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing) being out there. Yet, my friend responded, "Suffering changes us. It makes us see what truly matters and cuts the clutter from our lives. We aren't worried about the laundry on days like today. So we love, we care for one another, we sit in silence and know that's enough."
In Jen's update to me, she shared that she didn't know this kind of pain existed. She immediately followed that up with, "but I didn't know this kind of love existed either." While there have been moments in the course of this war that have tested the strength, faith, and resilience of Finn and his team, we choose to see the fruits of the love that surrounds him, especially now as he begins to turn the corner. Collectively, the people near and far that have found a moment to pray, send positive energy, read an inspirational quote--whatever it may have been--are supporting Finn, but also Jen, Kyle, and Everett (and their extended family), and all of this is what life is truly about. Today may very well be the first battle that Finn has won, but there are still several battles to go and a very long "war" ahead (to remain consistent in my metaphors!). And yes, there is no doubt that the suffering has changed us--more than we may ever realize. Yet, so has the love, and that love is what we will continue to thrive on.
#FinnStrong
#LoveWins
Sounds like Finn is making good progress...thanks for the update. Hang in there.
ReplyDeleteMeliha
“Life is unpredictable,
It changes with the seasons,
Even your coldest winter,
Happens for better reasons,
And though it feels eternal,
Like all you’ll ever do is freeze,
I promise spring is coming,
And with it, brand new leaves.”
– e.h
Hearing that Finn's on the mend makes us smile. Lots of love and deep breaths from afar!
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