God with us

In the doctor’s office, when Hope writhed in pain,
God was with us.

Through Hope’s pediatrician, who called ahead to the ER to pave the way,
God was with us.

In the emergency room, when we waited for answers,
God was with us.

Through the Linus Project blanket that comforted Hope,
God was with us.

At home, as mama paced, anxious with worry,
God was with us.

As mama nursed Kendall, unable to help Hope,
God was with us.

In the ambulance, as Hope lay frightened,
God was with us.

At the children’s hospital,
God was with us.

As daddy kept vigil, refusing to leave his girl’s side,
God was with us.

In Nurse Krista and Nurse Grace,
God was with us.

Through the child life specialist who brought Hope Boo Boo the bear,
God was with us.

Through the advocacy of Hope’s pediatrician,
God was with us.

As Christmas week plans were destroyed,
God was with us.

As we grieved what should have been,
God was with us.

When Kendall woke up each day, crying, “Sis?”
God was with us.

During drives to and from the hospital listening to The Daily’s The Year in Good News episode,
God was with us.

In grandparents who watched Kendall,
God was with us.

Through the people who held us in prayer,
God was with us.

Through the friends who brought food,
God was with us.

Through the awkward hospital chaplain and the one who wasn’t there, but who reminded us he was aware,
God was with us.

Through the IV antibiotics,
God was with us.

Through the foundation that donated Christmas Eve dinner,
God was with us.

Through Santa, who still finds kids in the hospital,
God was with us.

In broken fevers and answered prayers and Christmas Day discharges,
God was with us.

During Christmas day reunions,
God was with us.

At home – which never felt so sweet –
God was with us.