Study Time

I'm currently sitting in a dark room with piano music playing and a little girl asleep on a car seat throne. We are in the hospital with J. for her pH study. She comes in fasting, then alternates every 4 hours between being flat on her back and inclined at a 45 degree angle. Not pleasant but my little J is a trooper. I have realized so many blessings. There have been 3 specific moments in the last 2 days that have really struck me. And by moments I really mean moments.

1. My family is so loved by family and friends. I am often asked if it is difficult being so far from family, especially with children. Yes. We have been very lucky to have parents that love their in-law children as much as their "birth" child. And 2 sets of Grandparents who will hop on a plane to come support and give aid. I however do not feel alone and without support because I have great friends who bring little gifts to help amuse J. during her study time. I know that those little gifts were said to be "no big deal" but they really meant the world to me. Add to this 4 children who always seem to step up.

2. This moment came from another child leaving the hospital after a week. He had some big, really cool monkey balloons and of course J. stopped to look at them. Without a moment to think he asked his mom if J. could have them. I need to be more like him. Give with out thought.

3. I was in the parent lounge, which is next to the PICU, as I open the door a sheet covered gaurney passes being pushed by a man in a dark suit. It lasted all of 30 seconds but the emotions welled. In the next 39 seconds my thoughts were with that family, who ever and where ever they may be, my children and how grateful for their current health, and a faith in an eternal family.

I ran across an old lesson about having and maintaining a strong testimony. These 3 very brief encounters all strengthened my testimony in one way or another. Sometimes these times in the hospital are very good for me because it seems to narrow my focus on eternal matters and not just what needs to get done before the end of the day. I just wish it didn't take a hospital to help me realize these things.