I think they call it writer’s block but for me it’s just
pure laziness! I thought I would try to get back into it with this story about
my awesome son Ethan!
My baby boy is growing up way too fast! He just turned 12
years old this month and he only has a few weeks left in 6th grade.
He is easy going, lovable, and seems always ready to learn and help around the
house.
It wasn't but a few weeks ago I received an email from his
school nurse. It stated Ethan needed some updated immunizations, SHOTS! Not only did he need the required two shots
for middle school but also one this momma neglected to keep him updated on!
That makes the total number of needles to be three!
When Ethan got wind of the news, I had never seen his eyes
so big. He literally becomes a different child when fear grips his heart. The
poor child was beside himself with great anxiety. He stated in a matter of fact
way that he was not going to be getting the shots and that he would just not go
to middle school! After several hours of convincing him that was not an option,
he decided to go on with life and just pray I never called the doctor to
schedule the appointment.
I have to back up a bit and let you know Ethan was my
miracle baby. Really, all our children are miracles aren't they? Ethan,
however, was born a week and half early, weighing a whopping 8lbs 3 oz! He was
rushed to the NICU because he wasn't breathing well. After 10 days of an oxygen
tent, a ventilator and feeding tube, we were able to bring him home. To this
very day, 12 years later, he has been as healthy as an ox. No joke, this child
of mine doesn't even know what the inside of a doctor’s office looks like.
His memory of his last shot has him traumatized I’m sure.
Our trip to Africa in 2012 required the yellow fever shot. We visited our local
Safeway for this adventure. It took an hour and his dad, nurse and I to hold
him down. My laid back, take life as it comes kid had such fear all over his
face and body!
Therefore, I knew today would be no piece of cake. All he’s
been thinking about since we made the appointment is the three huge needles
that would be sticking him in his arms and evidently possibly causing death.
Ok, not really on the death part or the huge needles but to him he might as
well be laying himself down to die. He was so nervous even one of the teachers
in the car pool lane was yelling out to me that she hoped he did well at the
doctor today. He wasn’t being quiet about his anxiety!
Ok, so now for the whole reason I’m writing this because our
time together was truly sweet and I’m thankful for the teachable moments God
gives to me to speak into my children’s lives. On another note, this forgetful
momma really wanted to be more spiritual by doing this the night before and
taking our time but each day brings new mercies and so it’s better late than
never.
As I was driving him to school, I wanted to help calm his
fears about today and what would happen at approximately 2:30pm. The
appointment was at 2:00pm so you know what I mean. I had printed out a whole
booklet of scripture on fear. I told Ethan I would bring it with me when I
picked him up later today and we could read some together. (This is what I
wanted to do the night before). He gladly agreed that was a wonderful idea and
his last words to me were “Don’t forget it”. He knows me too well!
Yes, you guessed it, I forgot it! I had to turn around and
go back and get it. As I walked with him to the car, he was laughing and
joking. Laughter is his coping mechanism so we laughed and talked as I drove
toward the doctor’s office. When we got there I pulled out the scripture
booklet and Isaiah 41:10 jumped right out. Here’s what I began to read and say,
“Ethan, do not fear, I am with you! And God says it again
just to be sure we hear, do not be afraid Ethan for I am your God and I will
give you, Ethan, strength. I will help you not be afraid and to be strong. I
will even hold on to you. There is no need for mom or the nurses to hold you
down because I’m holding you with my right hand which is so full of power and
strength. He’s right here holding your hand.”
I ended with a funny for one more smile. I told him God’s
right handed and it’s pretty strong so tell him not to squeeze too hard…….at
least he laughed J
We bowed our heads and I prayed over my son asking God to be
with him and to calm his fears. I was so thrilled inside to find this perfect
verse and Ethan’s heart to want to trust God.
I pray that through any circumstance both my kids would
remember to lean on His Word and to take courage.
Ethan did great by the way. He’s more elated that he doesn’t
have to go through that again for another 10 years!
