A Special Request

My 6 year-old, Anna, was born with a rare chromosome disorder known as Monosomy 1P36. What that means is that she is missing a segment of genes on one of her #1 chromosomes. What it means for her, developmentally, is that she is very delayed. At age 6 1/2, she does not sit up unassisted, cannot walk or speak a single word. As far as her health goes, she is doing well. Many children with her disorder have trouble with seizures, severe reflux, lung problems and other serious health issues.

Anna has been very blessed by a pretty clean bill of health and a very happy disposition. She had issues with reflux, but they were resolved by a very successful surgical procedure. She has dealt with seizure disorder, but is currently seizure-free. This is probably one of the most important aspects of her health and well-being.

The children with Anna's disorder who struggle with seizures have a very difficult time. I have two close friends who I have met through our children. Both of their daughters suffered with seizures. One of the little girls, just 1 1/2 years younger than Anna, passed away last Spring.

At that time, Anna had relapsed from a 5-year period without seizures. It was difficult for me because Anna's seizures threatened her life, also. During an episode, she would stop breathing and turn completely blue. I knew that if this sort of episode happened during the night while I was sleeping, there was a chance I would lose her, too. During that time, I had to fight very hard to find peace. I know that God has been taking care of Anna since the day she entered this life. Yet, I found myself wanting to fight with God about what was best for her. It was hard to come to terms with the fact that it didn't matter what would happen because God was in charge and His plan for Anna's life was the right plan.

In August 2007, her seizures stopped. She was put on a medication that has very little side-effect. Since then, she has been her normal, happy, energetic and giggly self. I am thankful that she is once again seizure-free. Yet, at the same time, I sympathize with my friend whose daughter still struggles with uncontrollable seizures.

Yesterday, she informed me that her daughter's seizures are now lasting up to an hour at a time. They have exhausted every type of treatment, surgery and medicine known to help seizure disorders like this. Nothing has helped. The doctor has told them that they are left with 2 options: 1. take her to the E.R. each time to be put into a medicine-induced coma or 2. keep her home and watch her closely so she doesn't die during an episode. Neither choice sounds acceptable to me, so I ask for your prayers.

To those of you who know God's miraculous healing power, pray for Holly. I ask you to pray that God lay His hands upon her and heal her body of these seizures. Many of you prayed for Anna during her ordeal and have seen, firsthand, what God can do. I believe He can do the same for Holly.

If you are reading this and have never asked God for anything, its never too late to start. Whatever your needs are today, He knows. Whatever you have thought to ask for, He is waiting for you to ask. If you have ever felt like He wasn't listening, He was. He always listens. Today is the day to start trusting Him.