|
Valentine’s Day Reflections
Melanie Blanton
I eased out of our bedroom, careful not to wake my husband, Michael. He and our three boys, Bailey, Jake and Carter, were still sleeping on this Valentine’s Day Saturday morning. I slipped quietly into the kitchen, savoring the solitude of the house. There on the table was my sweet Valentine card, just as he had done for me for the past 14 Valentine’s days. As I sat in the peaceful house, I thought back over all the storms we had weathered and how, no matter what we were going through, the sweet cards were always there on Valentine’s Day.
The storms we have faced together would have destroyed most people’s marriages, but for us they have added a richness and depth to our bond. We both knew we wanted children but decided to wait a few years before we entered the world of parenthood. In January 1998, when we had been married almost four years, we were thrilled when God blessed us with a precious baby boy. Little did we know our life would change in so many ways. Bailey was born with an imperforate anus, simply put, no opening for his rectum. This required him to be transported to University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson just a few hours after his birth. We were completely unaware that this was just one of numerous problems he was born with. We were terrified. I can remember praying for him through my tears all night. In addition, for every doctor and nurse who would be taking care of him while I was lying in the hospital bed at Forrest General. Also, for Michael, as he went with the ambulance to watch over our precious newborn. But I knew God was already holding him in His hands. The next morning as soon as I was released to travel, I rushed to be with them.
Two days later, when he was only 2 days old, Bailey had his first surgery. We had no idea that there would be many more surgeries, eighteen to be exact, for Bailey. For the next 2 ½ months, we were alone in Jackson, away from friends and family. During that time, the people of First Baptist Petal ministered to us even though we had never even met most of them. They sent money, food, cards and more importantly, prayed for us. We joined the fellowship at FBC Petal in April 1998 and since then have asked for prayer numerous times. They have always supported us.
Another storm came in Feb 2008 when Bailey was diagnosed with complete hearing loss in one ear due to a viral infection. Each time something happens, I remember to be thankful that he is even alive. We were told when he was born that if he lived there was a possibility of mental retardation and that he would have numerous medical problems for life. Today he is a miracle. Because of God’s grace and mercy, he is a healthy 11- year old.
During my pregnancy with Carter in 2004, Michael was diagnosed with cancer and had surgery along with several weeks of chemotherapy. Once again, the people of FBC Petal were God’s hands and heart as they cared for us through this storm. Today as I sit here in the quiet of my kitchen, I am so thankful that Michael has been cancer-free for 5 years!
When I think of it, I am overwhelmed at what God has done for us through our church family. They have babysat, fed us, even arranged for a private jet to take us home from Vanderbilt after Bailey’s last surgery. Through every storm, God has taught us patience, grown our faith, and deepened mine and Michael’s love for each other. We have had to rely completely on God to bring us through these difficult times but, as I sit here on this 14th Valentine’s Day since I became Michael’s wife, I’m glad we’ve been able to praise Him in the storms.
|
