Graces Times Seven

Jarod and Becky grew up together, went to the same school, and later fell in love and married. Both of them loved children and believed a large family would naturally follow. It is hard to believe that any couple could have wanted a child more than they did. Imagine the surprise when they were informed that their first pregnancy involved twins. This would be a grand adventure times two, and they believed that by God’s grace they were up to the task. Little did they know the amount of grace needed would not just be doubled, but would rise exponentially.
 
The pregnancy went along normally until the end of the first trimester when Becky’s blood pressure became an issue. Doctors were very cautious because this problem could lead to a condition known as preeclampsia which would threaten the health of both the mother and the babies. Her pregnancy to be closely monitored as she would be on total bed rest for twenty-four weeks.

Twenty-six weeks into the pregnancy Becky was admitted to the hospital with spiking blood pressure and toxicity levels that were becoming dangerous. The doctors worked diligently to prepare for an early delivery. As with most premature births, steroid injections were given to the babies to assist in the development of their lungs.

While their church and family prayed earnestly, the doctors concluded that they had waited as long as they could and delivered Alex, who weighed two pounds six ounces and Eli who weighed two ponds two ounces. As the mother’s health situation was carefully monitored, the battle for survival began for these two fragile boys who were born the 27th week of their development.

These parents felt helpless. There are times in our lives when all we can do is pray, trust God, and wait. This was one of those difficult situations. Watching those little guys wired up with ventilators, tubes, and other life support equipment, was very difficult on Mom and Dad, and all the health professionals involved in this life-saving effort.

One day the doctor asked to photograph Eli, to visually display the actual size of this tiny child. They demonstrated this by placing Jarod’s wedding ring around his little hand. It is interesting to consider that the symbol of love between this husband and wife actually fit around their premature child’s hand. They could hold these little guys in the palm their hands, a reminder of the Heavenly Father who truly held the boys future in His hand.

Psalm 139:14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.

The minutes and hours ticked by very slowly, while two tiny babies fought for their lives as mom and dad watched and prayed. Finally, thanks to dedicated health professionals, the love of their parents, the prayers of many friends and an enormous dose of God’s grace, it appeared that these two boys would enjoy the gift of life.

As you can see from this photo, those tiny babies who came into this world very early, in little bodies, are now strong and thriving. Here is a look at just how well they are growing to adulthood.

Later, one additional pregnancy resulted in the birth of a daughter. The same difficult situation occurred again as Addison weighed in at two pounds two ounces.
After this risky, but successful pregnancy, it was strongly suggested by Becky’s doctors that any additional pregnancies would be medically unadvisable and would place Becky’s life in jeopardy. The decision was made that their beautiful daughter Addie would be the last addition to their family. It appeared their family would be complete with the five of them.

It is amazing how God often has plans for our lives that we really never see coming. That is exactly what happened to this wonderful family. God touched their hearts and they opened their home to a needy child in the foster care system. What was that about a family of five?

They welcomed Angel into their home and immediately fell in love with this little one. They began to pray about adding her as a permanent part of their lives. God filled in the all the details of that desire and guided them through the adoption proceedings with literally no cost to the family. In the process they became foster parents to her younger sister Anastasia and are now looking to adopt her also. They wanted to have more children together, but God said No! And yet, He had a wonderful plan to answer their prayers in His own special way and His own timing.

Jeremiah 33:3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’

How does a family of seven sound?

Isn’t God’s grace a wonderful thing?

Roger Allen Cook

I love to write stories about God’s grace. If you have a story I should consider, please contact me at:    roger.cook@southsidefamily.com
Other stories can be viewed at Southside.church/grace