A Moment of Praise

Jillian Grace

Jenna Faith

Today was a busy, but good day. This morning we went back to the pediatric eye specialists who examined the girls upon discharge from the NICU. Because of the CPAP mask they wore when first born (The CPAP forces a constant stream of oxygen into the lungs so that they do not collapse. The CPAP is not a ventilator as the equipment does not breathe for the patient but rather makes it easier for the patient to breathe on their own.) they are at risk for ROP or Retinopathy of Prematurity...basically they were at risk for an eye disease that can cause blindness.

The first visit was very traumatic as the doctor had to hold back the eyelids of each baby with prongs as he examined each eye. In all of the girls' procedures and shots and what not since they've been born nothing affected me emotionally quite like this did. It was horrible. So... I was prepared for a worse experience since the girls are older now and more aware of their surroundings; however, the experience wasn't at all like the first visit. We were examined by doctor and then the nurse put dilating drops in each of their eyes and then we were examined by the doctor again...this time without the prongs. The worst part was the drops as they seemed to sting a little right when they were administered. Otherwise, the girls thought it was great since they were shown so many pretty lights. :)

The best part of the visit? The outcome, the girls were given a completely clean bill of eye health! Not only did the blood vessels and retinas in both girls' eyes develop normally, but also, it is unlikely that they will need corrective vision in the future. The doctor was able to examine the eyes in a way that showed any far or nearsightedness. The girls' eyes were completely normal. What a blessing!

I know some of you already know this but many do not...I am legally blind without corrective vision. Not that I can't see at all or have tunnel vision, but my vision is so horrible that I literally can't see clearly enough to make out anything (not even the BIG OL' E on the wall during the vision test). Also, my mom has eye problems that can be genetic and my Dad also had (laser treatment fixed his eyes!) terrible vision problems as well. Jared and his family on the other hand have great vision. Jared can actually see better than 20/20. I was so worried that the girls would have eyes like me and my side of the family. What a blessing that they will never have to go through the humility and annoyance of wearing coke bottle sized glasses. The doctor said that if someday they have to have corrective vision it would be minimal.

Isn't it amazing though? Not only did they not inherit my vision problems but their eyes are normal and healthy despite the risk of disease from their prematurity! Praise God! I tell you, the Lord has heard our prayers for Jillian and Jenna for sure. When the girls were first born it seemed like we were being bombarded with all kinds of diseases and disorders that they were at risk for because of their low birth weight and prematurity. ROP, Cerebral Palsy, and deafness just to mention a few. And now here the girls are, almost one, with so far absolutely no signs of effects from being born 10 weeks too soon.

The Lord Is Faithful. Not that the Lord wouldn't be faithful if things were turning out differently. Just because there are times of trial and hardship doesn't mean God has forgotten you or doesn't love or care about you.

"We love because he first loved us." 1 John 4:19

"But God demonstrates in his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

Trials of life are like teaching your child to ride a bike: At first he won't succeed. He will fall, he will want to give up. But you as a parent know it is important for your child to ride his bike on his own; without support from others or objects. Therefore even though YOU KNOW he will go through pain and suffering you encourage him and help him persevere; because through the trials he will find success. You know the road is bumpy but you also know the future is bright and you know that eventually, he will learn to ride on his own, without falling.  That is just like our Father. He allows us to struggle knowing that we will fall, knowing that we will have pain and suffering. But He can see ahead of us, past the stumbles, and he knows the outcome before we do. We just need to trust that he is faithful, because he always is.

"Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands." Deuteronomy 7:9

"O LORD God Almighty, who is like you? You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you." Psalm 89:8

What to know more? http://needhim.org/

More to Come,

Jessie

PS: The doctor also said that the girls' eyes would stay blue. The shade may lighten or darken but the pigments are blue. :) Cool huh? Niether Jared or myself have blue eyes.We think they get it from their Grandpa (Jared's Dad)...he is one of the few in our families with true blue eyes.