A long time ago, July 2005, Brady was having surgery on his jaw to remove a tumor. He was 2 1/2 and while we knew he would need surgery to correct the leg length discrepancy in the future and we were preparing for it, this surgery came as a surprise. My Bible study sisters were there for me in so many ways, not just with prayers
On the morning of the surgery Joey and I took Brady down to the Medical University and got him all checked in. We turned him over to the nurses who wheeled him away in a wagon and then Joey and I went to wait it out in the waiting room. We were expecting a 2-3 hour surgery and a few nights in the hospital.
Why Surgery
At a dental pre-check a few weeks earlier the dentist discovered that one of Brady’s molars hadn’t broken through. They did a panoramic x-ray which showed the molar encapsulated by an ameloblastic odontoma. We were referred to MUSC where Brady needed to have a CT scan. Because of his age they wanted to do the scan while Brady was under general anesthesia to be sure he was still enough to get a good image. Not only did I not want to have Brady undergo all of that just as a precaution, but our individual insurance plan was going to leave us with a huge copay. I told them I would like to try the scan without anesthesia and they reluctantly agreed, thinking there was no way they’d be able to get a good image. I mobilized the DOK prayer warriors of the church, asking for prayers that Brady stay still enough for a good scan. I recount this all now calmly but I was pretty freaked out about all of this. My baby, who already would have to endure orthopedic surgery, had a tumor in his jaw! And our insurance was going to pay for very little of the CT scan and I was terrified. Of course Joey was involved in all of this but I was the one taking Brady to appointments so I remember this all quite independent of him.
I talked to Brady at length about the scan, that it was going to be like a donut going over his head and he’d have to be very still. His little 2 1/2 year old self said, “I can do it, Mom.”
On the day of the scan the technician was shocked that Brady was so young and that we were going to try the CT scan. We went into the room, I looked him in the eyes and kept talking to him. His memory is that I held up toys for him to focus on. I could see Brady go to that place that I now recognize as a place of determination and peace. I believe the power of God becomes physically present in him. When the scan was over, the technician had to go check it to see if they got what they needed. She was pretty dumbfounded when she came back and told me that the scan was great. I know that the power of people praying and interceding on Brady’s behalf has caused miracles to happen and this is one. There is a cruise control that takes over my spirit which simultaneously removes worry and fills me physically. It’s as if I can feel the power of the Holy Spirit connection like a gentle and continuous tugging of my body from my sternum. Like the lightness of a balloon when filled with helium.
In looking at the scan the dental surgeon showed me where the tumor had pushed against jawbone and where the bone had given way. She said that Brady would require a bone graft, or a temporary metal plate that would be removed at a later date, in order to shore up the weakened bone. We scheduled the surgery for 3 weeks later and I left MUSC pretty freaked out. A bone graft from cadaver bone? A metal plate? 2-3 hours of surgery and 2 nights in the hospital! It all sounded terrible and scary so I once again went to my prayer warriors. It’s not that I didn’t think my own prayers were enough, but I was really aware that God blesses it when you share your burdens with others and have them intercede for you. And there is great comfort for me to have others to support me.
Back in the Waiting Room
Joey and I settled in for a 2-3 hour wait and had only been there a few minutes when Maria Crowley came in. She had a basket of things with her put together by my friends in our Bible study. There were snacks and magazines and cards and things to help keep Brady occupied for multiple nights in the hospital. Maria was sitting with us for what seemed like a short while when the surgeon came in, much earlier than expected. She told us that the surgery was over, the tumor popped right out, and there was more bone than there looked to be on the scan 3 weeks earlier so a bone graft, metal plate and overnight stay were not necessary. I remember being completely flabbergasted and incredulous, feeling like something miraculous had happened. We didn’t really have time for that because we had to go to the recovery room and tend to Brady and then take him home!
Brady still had oral surgery under general anesthesia which messes with him quite a bit so the day was spent making him comfortable. I remember spending a good bit of time in my bed with Brady’s head on my chest as bloody drool drained from his mouth. Such a comfort to a mom to be able to comfort her child.
Back at home I had the chance to go through the care package provided by my Bible study. One of the cards, from Carrie King, contained Isaiah 43 with Brady’s name inserted. It had been Carrie’s daily devotional scripture and she thought it was perfect for Brady. This began a tradition for me to print out Isaiah 43 with the names of people inserted. It is quite a powerful thing to read with emphasis placed on your name. God intends scripture to be directed to us individually so it is by His power that we are affected.
Isaiah 43 New International Version (NIV)
1 But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you, Robin;I have summoned you by name; you are mine, Robin.
2 When you pass through the waters, Robin, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, Robin, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, Robin, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God, Robin, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Robin, Cush[a] and Seba in your stead.
4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, Robin, I will give people in exchange for you nations in exchange for your life.
5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you, Robin; I will bring your children from the east and gather you from the west.
6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’ and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’ Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth—
7 everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
I continue to insert peoples names into Isaiah 43, and while I know it confronts others it provides me a great deal of comfort to intercede for others. God has blessed me by showing me His love through others, and it continues to bless me to share God’s love with others.
Amen
quicksdontquit 