When do you call a miracle a miracle?

This is about Karina our 14 year old and her kidney failure that began about 6 months ago to today. Quick summary: End of Aug. Children's Hospital staff tells us Karina is in kidney failure. Her bun and creatnine levels were alarmingly, shockingly high. After much of Sept. being spent in the hospital getting her prepped for peritoneal dialysis at home. All the while in during her hospital stay, we prayed God might heal her kidneys and make them healthy and strong again. But this is not what God had in mind. We began looking at the miracles He did want to give us. We realized the Big miracle - Karina survived and was still alive in spite of the toxins that had been in her body. Then in November, we were told because her dialysis, diet and medications were working so well - she could begin the process of being listed for a transplant. December more extensive tests were taken and we learned her antibody levels were at a shocking level of 93%. For transplant, the levels should be at 10%. Our church community and friends fasted and prayed especially for Karina's to come down so she could get listed for a transplant. In January, we received news that the levels were still at 93%. Then in Feb. we received a call telling us that her antibodies are unusual ones and they feel she can still receive a transplant. Miracle? I guess so. God really does move in mysterious ways. Once again, HIs miracle was not the miracle we had planned on. Because His miracles look so different from the ones we pray for and plan on - sometimes I cannot believe. But He is teaching me. Now, I can see that God really desires Karina's transplanted kidney to come from a live donor as a cadavier donor for O blood is a 4-5 year wait. As well as we might need to have her receive some intervention for her elevated antibodies which needs to have a transplant timeline (cadavier cannot do this. . .). So, it looks like God needs someone to give up their kidney for Karina. Camille and I are happy volunteers and we hope to begin getting worked up soon to see if either of us is a good match. It would be best if I could be the best match - as I have had the blessing of bearing children and have lived my half century already in pretty great health. Who the donor is will yet be determined. I marvel at the path God seems to be funneling us into - very specific.

Senior love

This past week I saw a sweet example of love between a couple in their mid 80's. Right after I finished my aqua arthritis class and was putting equipment I heard a lifeguard whistle blow. I turned and saw Jack fall into the water and my hero husband jumping in the pool after him. Jack is almost 90 years old. He has neuropathy in his legs and cannot hear. After he had climbed out of the pool after class and was reaching for his cane, he slipped and fell back in the pool. He hit his chin on the side and scraped his entire left side. I quickly jumped in to talk with Frank about what we should do. The lifeguards watched us from the sides. We tried to lift his body (6ft 5in or so) out of the pool. I quickly looked for his wife Evelyn to tell her what happened to Jack. The look in her eyes spoke much to me. I saw fear, anxiety and love in her eyes. Evelyn and Jack are the only couple who attend our class. Evelyn has a great fear of water. So, frequently after our class is over, Jack will give Evelyn a swimming lesson. She will put on her goggles and lay back in the water and Jack will gently cradle her head as he leads her around the pool while reassuring her with his big, big smile and kind words. I am not the only who notices this tender display of love. Others in our class stop and watch. Evelyn called me later that evening and told me Jack was okay. He didn't break any bones and hopes to be back in class in a few weeks. Thank you God for giving this sweet couple more time on this planet together.

Learning about Love

As the news about Karina's antibody levels being high came in, I remembered again this is all about God's love for Karina and so many others.
Since September, 2009, when we learned about Karina's kidneys failing, I have been tutored by the Spirit about LOve. When wondering if Frank and I could survive having Karina not be with us on the earth anymore - made me look at our many friends and family who have indeed survived after losing a child to death. It was in the painful dread of her possible death that made me realize I might love my children and husband more than I love God. I think I now know I have had the 2 Great Commandments in the wrong order. How can I possibly learn to love God more than them? A wise friend we had to dinner last week shared this with me; "Remembering that any love we have in this life is a gift from God helps us." Then, it must be keeping in mind the "source" of love that puts our priorities in the right place. Without God, there is not love. Without God, there is no Karina, Nicolle, Camille, Ty or Trevor. Without God, I would not have the love of my life sharing each day and night with me. God is Love. Love is from God.
Does knowing this make anything easier? I believe it should and I am holding on to that.