Part II

I felt a sense of alignment between our game plan and God's purpose for our children, as if our ambitions were intricately woven into the tapestry of His. Each strategy we devised was approached with reverence, inviting God into our journey at every important juncture. We sought His guidance through heartfelt prayers, yearning for clarity and wisdom to illuminate our path. However, despite our sincere intentions and steadfast faith, the recent turn of events unfolded in a manner that caught us completely off guard. This unexpected twist compelled us to navigate uncharted waters, testing our resilience and adaptability as we sought to make sense of the challenges that lay ahead.  (This may not seem like a big deal in the grand scheme of life, but it held a significant weight and importance for us now.)

Part II

As we waited anxiously for our appointment with the orthopedist the following Tuesday, we enveloped ourselves in fervent prayers, pouring out our hopes and fears. Each prayer was a declaration, a petition for the miraculous interventions that God had so graciously bestowed upon my son in the past. We reminisced about the remarkable moments when, despite the odds, he had walked away unscathed—like the dislocated shoulder he had during his senior year of high school that miraculously required no surgical intervention, or the time two years ago when his pinky bore no broken bones after a devastating block during a volleyball game.

With hearts full of faith, we claimed the promise reflected in our son’s testimony, fervently believing that such wonders were not just in the past but could occur once more. We envisioned a future where the diagnosis would bring only minor bruising, and where surgery was spared yet again. As we lifted our voices in prayer, we sought God’s abundant new mercies for our son, our spirits buoyed by the high hopes we held close.

To keep our hearts anchored in faith and focused on the Lord, we continued taking communion as a family. This intimate action not only nourishes our spirits but also serves as a moment for reflection and connection. One of the questions we pose during our family communion is whether anyone feels the need to forgive someone before we partake of the juice together.

When I turned to my eldest child, expecting him to mention the young man whose mistake during the game led to the unfortunate accident, I was caught off guard. He surprised me by confidently stating that he held no blame against the athlete and, in fact, didn’t have anyone to forgive. His response struck me deeply—what a striking lesson I gleaned from his ability to let go of resentment.

In that moment, I was reminded of my own feelings of frustration and anger towards the young man. I realized that I too needed to engage in a process of forgiveness—silently letting go and seeking forgiveness for my judgmental thoughts.

As a mother, I often find myself having these deep confessions with the Lord—wrestling with the emotions stirred by those who hurt my children, while simultaneously recognizing my own shortcomings in extending grace to others. It was another eye-opening experience. Truly, not one of my finest moments, but a necessary lesson learned.

I prayed earnestly, we prayed together as a family, and countless others joined us in prayer. It was heartwarming to see how many people reached out to my son during this challenging time—some I hadn’t expected, yet their support brought me unrelenting gratitude. Friends, mentors, and even acquaintances offered encouraging words and frequently checked in on him. Even strangers reached out via social media and sent him their regards. This outpouring of care not only uplifted my son but also filled me with immense appreciation for the positive influences surrounding him. Each gesture, no matter how small, felt like a virtual hug, and I found myself wishing I could express my gratitude in person to every single one of them.

After a thorough consultation with the orthopedist and a detailed examination of my son's MRI results, we received the concerning diagnosis that both his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus are torn. This injury is significant and requires surgical intervention to properly address the damage and facilitate his recovery. The recommended surgery aims to restore stability to the knee joint and improve his long-term mobility, allowing him to return to his active lifestyle.

I paused for a moment when I heard the news, the weight of it settling heavily in my chest. I went through the motions at work, my hands mechanically typing away at tasks, my mind preoccupied with thoughts of uncertainty, yet trying to seek refuge in my lingering faith. Though this was a far cry from the future I had envisioned, I knew I had to keep my trust anchored in God. What other choice did I have?

In the midst of this emotional turmoil, my sister texted, asking if we could talk. Despite my workload, which felt like an unending stream of responsibilities, I was overwhelmed with a tidal wave of feelings. I knew that if I gave in to the urge to discuss my current struggles, it would only take a moment for me to dissolve into tears. I’ve never been one for external processing; instead, I prefer to wrestle with my emotions in solitude, sharing them only with God. It felt prudent to wait until I could speak with clarity, voicing what was true, rather than letting the whispers of doubt and despair, the enemy's agenda, take hold.

By the time I finished work and returned home, the initial shock of the day’s events had begun to dull. Though a lingering numbness enveloped me, I felt a tentative willingness to confront the reality of our situation and seek a path forward.

After extensive discussions, we carefully detailed the necessary steps to be taken alongside his medical team, college coaches, and trainers. We addressed every facet of his recovery and training regimen, ensuring that each aspect was tailored to his unique needs. It was a pivotal moment; we recognized the importance of moving forward decisively and abandoning the tendency to dwell on past setbacks. The focus was now on forging ahead with renewed determination and a clear plan in hand.

We firmly made the decision to maintain our trust in God and to surrender the outcomes to Him, believing that His wisdom surpasses our understanding. Despite the implementation of our new plan, my heart remains open and hopeful as I continue to pray for a miracle that would transform my son's journey. I long to witness another extraordinary miracle unfold in his testimony, one that not only showcases the power of faith but also inspires others to believe in the possibility of divine intervention.