May 18 – “Haisley report”

Yesterday was a big time ministry day for me.  I don’t mean I did anything bigger than normal.  It’s just that, well, I had to go into Texas to do it, and that’s always a significant event in this chronic Islander’s life. 

I texted Kel to see if he wanted to run around with me up there, and he agreed.  Our first stop was Children’s Memorial Hospital in Houston.  Or is it Memorial Children’s?  I know it’s not Texas Children’s.  Chris saved me from an unnecessary trip there.  One of the benefits of being married to a retired pediatric nurse, I guess.  The hospital itself was easy to find.  It’s across the street from Hermann Park.  We weren’t sure where to park, but Kel remembered a visit there long ago.  We followed his general guidelines and with only one minor glitch (I turned too soon into an alley behind the hospital), we made it to the garage.  Then came the maze that took us to the hospital itself.  Twists and turns galore, but we began to notice the presence of an abundance of name-tagged individuals whose sole purpose in life seemed to be to provide direction and/or a personal escort to people who looked lost.  That was encouraging.  Actually, the signs were pretty clear, so we didn’t need the escort, but it’s always good to know what’s available. 

We were going to see Haisley, the baby who was born prematurely.  She is doing some better, but the issue now is getting a heart arrhythmia under control.  She still looks as cute as she can be, but sometimes the failure of key adult medical personnel in her life to understand the specifics of her attempts at communication leave her quite spent.  And Mom and Dad are getting pretty tired as well.  Dad apologized for his FaceBook posts that he barely remembers putting up.  He was frustrated with himself and everyone around him as he tried to juggle being a Dad to his other kids, being a good husband, being there for Haisley, putting in some time at work, and every now and then getting some sleep.  Mom stays at the hospital most of the time, so she misses her other children as well, and I’m sure gets even less sleep.  At least the view out their window is … interesting.  They overlook the zoo, and in particular the giraffe habitat.  Not something you would anticipate staring at out the window while in the hospital, but pretty cool, nonetheless.  Gotta keep praying for that whole family.  I know the fire department has a benefit fund raiser planned for them on July 26^th.  Put that one on your calendar.

We made a few other stops while on the mainland.  We got to see my Uncle Jerry at the rehab hospital in Friendswood.  He is progressing well.  Started working on stepping up while we were there.  That will be a crucial skill for him, since he lives in the West End and will have to go up and down steps every day.  Picked up some supplies for the church at Sam’s and finally headed home.  Back to the Island.   I love this sandbar.

Psalms 90:14 says, “Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.”

Father, work some miracles in Haisley.  You know what is best for her.  And while you are working that out, touch Cody and Megan with your care as well.  Thanks for Jerry’s progress.  Help him stay focused and avoid setbacks.  Amen.