Hannah

How can I describe Hannah? She grabs life each day and squeezes everything she can out of it. She is a joy carrier and a child who just seems to enjoy life and keep on smiling. Sure the princess has her moments like every child but her disposition reflects an enjoyment of life. When we learned that she needed a heart monitor for 30 days, Hannah took it all in stride. Within hours of being "monitored" we learned that she needed to go to the hospital immediately for a very rapid heartbeat.

Because she walked into ER, the staff did not have a sense of urgency. Only after they began to take her vitals and discovered for themselves what we were trying to tell them all along, did things begin moving quickly. She was moved to a treatment room and a team was called asap. It was then that I realized the seriousness of what she was facing. Within a few moments she was given oxygen, an IV was inserted, and she was hooked to the monitor. Her heart rate was hovering in the 230's - 240 and treatment was needed. In the midst of all this, Hannah remained calm and was not crying at all. Only after they administered the drug which made her sick did she begin to cry. The staff told us that the treatment makes you feel horrible because your heart stops for 3 seconds. We were praying and crying out to the Great Physician.

The treatment was successful and a normal heartbeat was restored. Now we move forward to learn all of the options for SVT. Now we pray for wisdom for the doctors and her parents.

Lesson learned - a grandmother's concern and pain is a "double portion". Not only was I concerned for Hannah, I also felt the pain that my daughter was experiencing as she watched her little girl.

There are also many blessings in all of this. On the first day of the monitor the problem was diagnosed, Kara found the hospital in time (she was lost), and the treatment was effective. I'm also grateful I got the voicemail and could be there to support the family I love.

Our times are in His hands

Thankful

Reading the headlines leaves me in disbelief. How can it be that right is called wrong and sin is exalted? The Bible warns of all that we see unfolding before our eyes and yet it is hard to imagine how we have arrived here. We are pilgrims and sojourners :-) in a foreign land.

May we keep our eyes above and cherish each gift He provides day by day. We are clothed, warm, fed, enjoying the love of family, friends, our church. The Word of God is available to us, Christian radio, the beauty of the sky, sun, moon and stars, laughter with friends, creative thoughts and energy, and hope infused by the Holy Spirit when discouragement threatens our peace.

May we remain faithful in the midst of a faithless world. God is on the throne and none of this is catching Him by surprise.

Psalm 121 - Lift up our eyes to the hills, our help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth.