wow...

I know I rarely, if ever, get religious on this blog. Maybe it's hypocritical. But, I do believe in God above. I (occasionally) go to church. Until recently (ok like 2 years), I was a regular at church: every sunday morning, sunday evening and wednesday evening you could find me there. I was on my church's praise team for a couple of years. I have been on mission trips. I pray, regularly.

All of this is to say: if you have even the slightest bit of faith in God above, you have GOT to go read this blog and pray for this family.

A little history (thanks, beth): This family has one child, and found out they were pregnant with baby number 2. The fetus was diagnosed with a fatal genetic disorder called Thanatophoric Dysplasia - which basically means it will survive in the womb, but shortly after birth, will likely die. Sometimes it's within minutes.

This family truly relied on God for all of their strength. I would read their blogs and get all teary eyed. They held a special concert so the dad could share his love of music with their unborn son. It was also a time for prayer for the birth. Despite Doctors recommendations, they did NOT terminate the pregnancy.

The header on their blog says:
Just our family's way of letting friends and family(they are all of town) keep up with our family. It's mainly just about our 1st son, Cort, and our journey through our pregnancy with our 2nd son, Cohen. Cohen has been diagnosed with a fatal disorder called Thanatophoric Dysplasia. We will carry him to term and hope to enjoy whatever time God chooses to give us with him.

The past few weeks have been difficult. There was a point when they thought the baby had a broken arm, but there was nothing they could do. A later ultrasound showed that it was 'gone' - I prefer to think that God answered a prayer and healed the arm. They've had numerous doctors appointments and even went so far as to make funeral arrangements - I can't even imagine.

The end of February she had her 36 week appointment and everything looked 'ok'. Within a few days she began having issues with her blood pressure and needless to say, she was rushed in for an emergency c-section. Baby Cohen was born - ALIVE and BREATHING. One prayer was that they would get to hold him and they did... Then... he was STILL BREATHING... Hours passed... STILL BREATHING... The Doctors cannot believe it, the genetic issue is still there. They are stunned. Within 24 hours and numerous tests all of the docters came in and said to prepare.... for a NURSERY!!! The genetic doctor wants to see them in May! MAY!!!

Tell me that doesn't put a smile on your face and in your heart....and I will proceed to smack you upside your head.

Praise God, for this is nothing short of His amazing work. I often find myself mad at God for taking my precious grandfather away from us so early. Then, I read or hear of something like this and my heart is softened, my eyes fill with tears, my lips sing praises to Him...

go read it. just make sure you have a lot of time because it's impossible to stop.