Why is Grandma Sick?

Oh... from the mouths of babes!

Steve's mom was taken to the ER a little over a week ago. She was admitted with a severe infection of some kind. When she went to the hospital, she didn't even know her own name. Praise God that didn't last long, and they were able to work to get rid of the infection throughout the week. We debated all day after we got the call when or if we should fly or drive to MI. We decided to use some miles and go on the early Friday morning flight... talk about whirlwind packing!

Over the course of the weekend, Ryan's child-like faith and caring was so precious and an inspiration. When we got the call on Thursday morning, the first thing he said was, "Can we take her some flowers to make her feel better?" Of course, I had to send some and explain that we were too far away to take her some ourselves that day. Unfortunately, they will not accept flowers in the ICU :(. So instead, we sent a big sunshine balloon and a nifty "flameless" candle. Due to the crazy day, I failed to explain this to Ryan. Also throughout that day, Ryan would say prayers for Grandma Donna. Some went like this...

"Dear God, Please help me to get up there (heaven) quick so I can bring you and Jesus down here to save Grandma! Amen."

OR after we got there and visited with her in ICU and Ryan realizes that we didn't send her flowers (he was very upset by this), he'd pray... "Dear God, Please help me to get Grandma Donna some flowers so she can feel all better."

So we had to "help" God with that one and did bring her flowers on Sunday! And another great question which he answered himself.... "Mom, why is Grandma sick?" And I'd attempt to say medical stuff that a 3- year-old could understand like "Her body just isn't working right.", etc. And proceed to say, "But I really don't know why. Who does?" And he answers with his finger pointing straight up, "God". I'd try to explain that's just how some things are. And he answers more profoundly than any of my attempts at an explanation. "That's OK. God knows what He's doing!!!!"

So may we all remember that and cling to that in any and all of our circumstances here on Earth. Donna did get released from the hospital on Friday afternoon and is staying with one of her sons and his family for now. She continues to improve from the infection she had, but she was diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver. We pray God continues to heal her and slow the progression of the liver damage or stop it completely. But again, He knows what He's doing and may we trust Him completely!