Today was a good day. A good friend of Brittany's came in town today around 2:00 in the afternoon. They were catching up with each other so I took Reed to church myself (the church we are attending starts at 5:00 PM). Rather than take the Metro, Reed and I decided to walk to church. It is about a 45 minute walk but the weather was great and we both enjoyed it. When I got to church, I dropped Reed off at the nursery and then headed up to the sanctuary.
It was weird sitting in church without Brittany. We have been together so much over the past three months. Just being away from her for a few hours felt very strange. It made me think about how life is going to be in four weeks if she has to go home with Reed. For some reason, I found myself sitting in church with hundreds of other people but I felt alone. I started to doubt whether or not I could handle this journey without Brittany and Reed.
As I left church, I again thought it would be nice to walk rather than take the Metro. The weather was beautiful and I was still thinking about Brittany and Reed leaving. I thought the walk would help me clear my mind. I had walked about a block and was standing on a street corner waiting to cross when someone tapped me on the shoulder. I turned around and a young couple was standing there (they were actually the same age as Brittany and I but I like to think of us as young). The girl asked me, "Are you Beau Daniel".
I figured I had probably left something in the church nursery and this person had tracked me down. However, she proceeded to tell me that she is a reader of our blog. She said she saw Reed and I and told her husband who we were. I think he said something to her like "Don't you dare go talk to him". Well, she did...and I'm glad she did. We talked for about five minutes and she told me that she prays for us everyday. I told her thank you for praying, we said our goodbyes, and I continued my walk back to our apartment. As I walked home I realized that Brittany and I are not alone in this journey and that I won't be alone if they leave.
It was during this encounter with a stranger on the street that I realized God will not leave us in this journey and he will not leave us alone. Many different people have been brought into our lives during this journey. Talking to the couple on the street made me realize there are many more people out there that God will continue to bring into our lives when Brittany or I struggle.
I'm not sure why I shared this...more than anything I just wanted to write it down. It was one of those eye opening experiences you occasionally have. One of those times when you look back and say, "There is no way that happened by circumstance". It was a God Thing and I didn't want to forget it, so I shared it.
When I got home, I told Brittany the story. I told her I was now famous, being recognized on the streets of DC. We ate dinner and then I went to see Gaines. I arrived just as his nurse was doing his cares. I got to see him without all of his "stuff" and helped weigh him. He weighed in at an even 5 pounds. He has gotten new supplements the past 48 hours so some of the weight could be fluids. Hopefully not, but he may lose a few ounces in the coming days. He maintained about 29% oxygen this afternoon and was on 29% when I left.
Thank you for praying.
Beau
8 comments:
Okay, so this is kind off a "small world moment", but, my sister and brother-in-law go to that church in DC.
Anyways, I've been following since before Gaines was born, and I'm still praying!
Have a wonderful start to a new week.
You have ones praying for you in Chicago too! : )
Beau & Brittany- Thanks for a neat story about the great promise of Philippians 4:19- He will supply ALL of our needs... We are covering you guys in prayer and thanking Him for the many blessings and progress He continues to provide.
Today when I was thanking The Lord for Gaines progress(and praying for continuted advancement), I got to wondering if you will still keep us posted once you all 4 make it back home. We have all grown to love and pray for your family and we will certainly want to keep up with Gaines and the rest of the family's daily life. How funny the word verification is "resse" Pretty close to Reed
Hello Beau and Brittany,
I am the 'fan' who stopped you on the street yesterday. I am glad to see I was just a pawn in God's plan to make sure you know that there is an entire community of people ready and waiting to pray, support, and do whatever is necessary to see your family through this tough time. You are most definitely not alone.
It's funny because we have lived in that area for 2 years now exactly, and we have never walked down that street on our Sunday stroll. We always head down towards the National Mall, but "for some reason", my husband thought it would be nice to try something different. :-)
I will continue to pray for you guys!
Maria
P.S. The pictures do not lie; Reed is just about the most adorable little boy I have ever seen!
That is awesome about Gaines oxygen levels! We are still praying that you all go home as a family.
It is kind odd when you are thrown in a situation for weeks (and months) on end with just you and your spouse and no work distractions. My husband and I were both unemployed after our daughter was born and in the NICU. And on those rare occasions we were apart, it was just WEIRD. Even though we would spend whole days apart before she was born, suddenly I wasn't used to being on my own at all. I get the feeling you were talking about!
And I have also felt the unbelievable comfort of knowing that God meets all our needs and that he orchestrates the big and the small to remind us of that.
Thanks so much for sharing your story. What a great reminder for all. I am so glad you feel surrounded by prayer.
Glad to hear Gaines is still under 30%! He going to make big strides and you will be home soon. Still praying!
Hi Beau,
I'll be praying specifically for you if you have to be in DC without Brittany and Reed. I keep up with your family's blog each day and I'm so happy to read about Gaines' progress!
Susan Reneau Rathmell
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