Shivering, I stared as the paramedic fastened my seat belt. I could hear my screams of shock and fear but realized I was silent. Is this really happening?!, I cried to myself. I turned to the back of the ambulance to see the firemen securing Sarah in the gurney.  Yes, this is real.

Sarah, our beloved niece, has an extremely rare condition that can wreak havoc on her tiny body.

On September 16,2013, Sarah and husband, Charlie, welcomed miracle #2, Stella Rose, into their lives. Their first miracle, 15 month old Jude, would meet his new sister later. On day 7, Sar was continuing to recover beautifully, as confirmed by the MD appointment that morning. We were cleared to travel the 2 hours to our home which would provide a few more days of extra help. So Sar, Charlie, Jude, Stella and I arrived in Roseville Monday afternoon. Tuesday our world crashed. Hard.

We came to find out that Sarah’s body had been invaded and overwhelmed by a rare,extremely aggressive  bacteria which was causing her body to shut down (septic shock).  In ER, my mind floated in disbelief as we were urgently rushed from one test to another; Sar drifting in and out of awareness (Charlie sacrificially remained with the babies until his parents could arrive). Dazed, I continued praying/begging You to bring Sar’s body into alignment with Your Truth, to bring her dangerously high heart rate down, to bring her dangerously low blood pressure up, to let the doctor get the central line in safely, to bring color to her ghastly white face and lips, to bring warmth to her ice cold hands and feet. Then I heard Your surprising response “Stop, dear Child. I see. Just ask for the Might and Peace of My Presence to fill this place. To fill Sar’s heart, mind and body.” And You did.

Sar was in ICU for 8 days. Although we were grateful to learn this hospital is in the top 10 for sepsis treatment, these brilliant doctors were brutally honest about how Sarah’s case baffled them. Her underlying condition complicated the already grim prognosis. Her legs and arms turned deep purple and the chest tube poured out fluid while her heart pumped furiously—standard treatment methods were not working. Recovery seemed impossible as was reflected in their sad, troubled faces and comments. Our hearts and spirits were quiet, surrendered, somewhat unassuming.

Yet, in moments, You were to bring us a different dimension of Your Heart in this. Sar’s brother, Ryan, flew in, not knowing if it was to say good by. However, he entered her room with a battle plan. Like a warrior, he walked the ground of her room, boldly claiming it for You. He announced Your Victory over Sar’s body, mind and spirit. Suddenly, fresh Power descended upon us. The Truth of God’s Authority had been declared and began consuming us and redirecting us. Alleluia! You were in charge and in complete control! NOT Sar’s symptoms. NOT the various reports. NOT the prognosis. NOT the tests. NOT the limitations of man’s treatments and solutions. GOD ALONE!

Sarah was discharged from the hospital on day 10. She continues to heal and gain strength. She is ecstatic to be home with her family. She is radiantly beautiful-even as her hair falls out (an effect of such severe illness).

Most likely, we will not know this side of heaven-WHY?… Why do You heal some and not others?…so many whys in this life.  BUT, we came away renewed in the realization of God’s Authority. And He is ALL GOOD. So, every plan will eventually point to His Love and Kindness…as we wait.

For more on Sarah and Charlie (and Jude and Stella=)), please go to Charlie’s blog to read moving accounts of this husband’s journey.  bloggingcharlie.com