On this night, November 22, 1989, the weather was stormy and dark. Cold icy wind bearing frozen rain and snow beat on my face as I power-walked along Spring Garden Road on the streets of Halifax, Nova Scotia alone. I was running. Running from the horror of the sights and sound of the ICU where my only child lay motionless, smashed beyond recognition and deep in a coma. Running from the fear of losing my son and intense pain in my heart that accompanied that fear. Running from the guilt I felt as a parent that I didnt keep him safe. As I expended the pent up emotions that threatened to overwhelm me on that blustery night a lone figure came toward me. It was a tall man in a long trench coat and drover type hat. I did not recognize him until he was very close. He stretched out his arms and engulfed me in an enormous hug. It was my dear friend, David. Dr. David Evans, DVM, was on the board of directors for the SHAID animal shelter. I was the founder and first president. David ran a busy veterinary practice during the week and was a full time pastor for his church on weekends. He asked if he could accompany me to ICU to visit and pray for my son. Ofcourse I agreed. I would take any help I could get in my fight to hold on and pull my son back from the edge of the grave. As we walked David told me, due to his busy schedule, the lions share of taking care of their home and eight children fell on his wife. He said, My wife has an expression she uses quite often. She says, It is written that it came to pass. No where is it written that it came to stay. This too will pass. You know, at that time and place, I was almost offended. Angry. How could he say that to me? My only child lay deep in a coma, smashed beyond even my recognition. He was on life support for organ harvest. How could he possibly think this would pass? Life as I had known it was over. More importantly, it seemed my precious sons life was over. I could not imagine being even marginally O.K. ever again. Davids words stuck with me and over the years I have come to realize how very right he was. The worst possible time of my life did come to pass. What seemed impossible became possible. Colin recovered 85% of his former faculties. I have had him now another 24 years. I dont take one minute of our time together for granted. And yet, David was right. It came to pass. By comparison all else pales. Whatever it is. However hopeless and devastating it seems to be. This too shall pass. I remind myself at this time of year when I am taken back to that sad Christmas with so many gut wrenching memories that it didnt come to stay. I came to pass and I am able to celebrate the birth of Christ once again. Thank you, God for answering my simple prayers. Thy will be done.
Posted on: Sat, 23 Nov 2013 04:51:32 +0000
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