There are things about being a parent that are simply pure joy and needless to say, there are things about being a parent that are gut wrenching. Today Kim and I will endure the gut wrenching part of parenting. Today, at 5:30 A.M., we will arrive at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham for Hollie’s surgery.
This won’t be a first for Hollie—six years ago she received a pace maker, but as scary as that was for all of us we knew that she needed it and that her life would improve because of it. Today we are facing what will be a brutal surgery for our daughter. A few months after the pace maker surgery her cardiologist noticed that her spine was curved. Hollie was diagnosed with scoliosis a short time later.
I can tell you the scoliosis has been a battle for the last six years…a part of her treatment was a back brace that she had to wear at night. Hollie hated the brace and I hated putting it on, but our goal was clear…get to the point that she would not need surgery. We did not get to that point!
This morning Hollie will have two rods inserted into her spine to straighten her back. I know three things entering into this day—first, God is good. No matter what…God is good. Second, God’s plan is perfect. I trust His providence and we have done all that we can to lead Hollie to trust it as well. When she found out she would have to have the surgery she looked at me and said, “You know Dad all things work together for the good…” She gets it! Finally, I know our doctor and our hospital are topnotch and we are in good hands. I know all of these things, but even now my gut is twisting and turning and I’d give anything to take her place.
Please pray for Hollie and pray for her mom and dad. I will keep you updated through Twitter.
Praying with you for Hollie. May God bring her safely through the surgery and may she soon be on the road to complete recovery. John, our love and prayers are with you always. Ray
Praying for Hollie, and for you! I know He will do what is best and good for all of you.
I had a good friend in high school who went through this same surgery in middle school. She was never able to be on the track or cross country teams. But she became quite a good tennis player. And today she is a professional musician, singer, and dancer, and happy wife and mother. The steel rods in her back do make for some limitations, but very few. May your Hollie treasure the gift of movement that she has, and hopefully will have even more after this surgery, and make the most of it for God’s glory.
Brother, you don’t know me, but I came across your post after Dr. Mohler linked to it. My brother had this same surgery about 10 years ago. You know it won’t be easy, but I can tell you from family experience God is indeed faithful and will help. 10 years later he is very glad he had the surgery. May God give the doctors skill and lessen Hollie’s pain afterwards. Praise God that He is a refuge and help in these times of trouble!
Pastor Matt Davis
John, my heart and prayers go out to you and Kim. My oldest had surgery a couple of months ago to remove his femur and replace it with a rod. It has been a long recovery road, but God is here and it is good. We sure have had some long, prayer infused days (and nights), though.
Please know that I will be praying for you all. Hollie is blessed to have you both as parents.
Love y’all!