February 15, 2004
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Miracles happen every day, and we look forward to introducing you soon to two recent ones: Alexander and Zachary.
This last year reminded us that life is truly a miracle and that it's God who gives and nurtures life. These boys are a testimony to the power of prayer your prayers. We thank you for remembering our boys, and we praise God for watching over them.
I want to share with you some of the miracles we experienced first-hand.
First just look at them! Alexander and Zachary now weigh 20 pounds, compared to 1½ pounds just 12 months ago. All of our doctors and healthcare professionals are astounded at their growth. They didn't expect the boys to be this size for another six months or so.
Secondly despite being at risk for many long-term complications, it doesn't appear they will have any. They were at a high risk for eye damage didn't happen. They were at risk for hearing loss didn't happen. At birth, Alexander was bleeding in his brain and was diagnosed as being in the next-to-worse category. The bleed miraculously went away much faster than anyone predicted and left no permanent damage.
Our darkest night was a day when Alexander was struggling for every breath. He was suffering from RSV a serious lung disease and the hospital had tried every type of ventilator they had. The doctors didn't need to tell us how serious it was we could see it in their eyes. We feared Alexander would not make it through the night. But you know the rest of the story: he had a remarkable turnaround during the night and finally got on the road to recovery.
We spent four long months in the hospital, and then brought the boys home in June. We were so excited, but soon discovered that we were woefully unprepared for the task before us. The boys were on oxygen, heart monitors, and feeding pumps, and took medicines every hour. It seemed that there were more tubes and wires than there was baby. We were absolutely overwhelmed.
Again, a miracle presented itself. Our insurance company voluntarily agreed to provide in-home nursing for 12 hours a day for six months. This type of extra coverage was not included in our policy and they were under no legal obligation to provide it. Of course, we all know who was working behind the scenes.
Today, the Sugar Grove boys are healthy and strong, and as active as can be. We have just two, small hurdles remaining: one, Alexander still has trouble eating and it is all we can do to get him to eat enough each day. Second, it will still be another year before their little lungs are completely healed. A simple cold is devastating to their health, so we are being extra vigilant and are doing all we can to protect them from getting sick. This is why Alexander and Zachary are not here today. We can't wait to bring them here to you this summer when the worst of the germs will be dead and gone!
That's our story, and it's one that has taught us so much. Our eyes see things we've never noticed before. We now see and hear the heartaches of people all around us, and we are not so quick to assume we have all the answers. We have a new appreciation and passion for life.
The most important thing, however, is that we realize we are living in the middle of a Yes to prayer. Being an answer to prayer is thrilling and humbling, and we are forever indebted to all of you for praying on our behalf.
Just as our life seemed to fall apart, God gave us healing and hope.
Nicole and Tom Rathjen