Blur

The past four days have been a blur.  I barely remember anything.

Thursday morning, as I was getting the kids and I ready for school, my phone beeped.  It was a text from my stepmom, telling me my cousin was in ICU.  I immediately texted back, asking if I should skip class to come up there.  She texted me back that it was up to me.  I had a review for an upcoming exam (which is now tomorrow) and several assignments due, so the entire drive to Monster Boy's school was filled with me mentally arguing with myself over whether or not I should go to class or the hospital.  (I should clarify that this cousin has multiple health problems and this is not the first time he's been hospitalized for things).  I had finally decided I would try to squeeze in a quick trip to the hospital (conveniently located across the street from Monster Boy's school) and then head on to class.  Well, as I was pulling in to the parking lot, my phone rang.  It was my dad.  And he was crying.  And he told me I should come NOW.  That is NEVER a good sign.  Ever.  I can probably count on one hand the number of times I have actually seen my father cry.  So, there I am in the parking lot with Miss Sunshine, knowing I can't take her in to the hospital, trying to figure out what to do.  My dad says he will wait outside with her while I go in.  I call Daddy Mac and ask him to come get her - I am already in tears at this point and haven't even made it inside the hospital.  He leaves work and comes to get her as I head downstairs.  I get to the ICU and every single one of my family members is there, and crying.  This is not good.  The next few hours passed in a blur, but mainly I remember praying.  HARD.  For any kind of miracle God could give us, but mostly to please save my cousin.  And then, just when the doctors were saying no, he turned a corner.   He is still in critical condition, and as of last night was still on a ventilator (although they are supposed to try taking it out today).  But, he is still alive.  And four days ago, they told us he wouldn't be.  Each day he gets stronger and stronger.  Each minute is a miracle for us.

I have never believed as much in the power of prayer as I do now.  Because this weekend, I saw it with my own eyes.