I was faced with something at work today that I have never had to witness. I think it was so shocking that I really had no emotion at the time, though I can picture myself crying in the midst of others.
A child, a 16 year old healthy young man, stared potential death in the face. Having recently went to the doctor and being diagnosed with about 10% heart usage, he is facing life changing events that I would not wish on anyone. Being told you have to change your lifestyle and that you will likely need a heart transplant within 10 years, but you won't get one if you don't fully cooperate. He was getting in trouble for attempting to play basketball and football, against doctors orders. How hard would that be? To have something on the inside not working and not being able to see or feel the effects of that. He says he feels fine and wants to show the others what a great player he is.
Due to his being in DCS custody, his mom is having to await a judge's decision to grant him permission to return home...basically, so if he dies he will be at home. Your child is dying and is not with you, and change will only be determined by the judge. How do you convince your child not doing something they enjoy (sports) is the best thing for them? Or, would you allow them to do what makes them happy, to the best of their ability, enjoying life and leaving things to God. Truth is, it is up to God, anyway! I have no idea how I would handle this and pray, pray, pray I am spared the need to figure it out!
I'm going off to kiss my babies:)
