The Gift of a Grand Mal Seizure

It seems odd to call a grand mal seizure a gift.  It is what we had tried to prevent for over 5 years.  How can we call it a gift?  Because Christina did.  From her blog post on April 23--"The first seizure, and the following MRI was God’s perfect provision allowing us all to be aware of my new health status."

• We were now aware that Christina's beautiful brain was full of new tumors. 
• Within 24 hours, doctors were all on the same page.  (Thank you Dr. Kathie Hennessey.)
• Within 36 hours, Christina was on Hospice Care.
• Within 48 hours, Christina's friends and family were gathering from all over the world to say good-bye.
• Meals were being delivered by our wonderful IBC family--enough to feed all of our guests.
• Worship (Christina style) was happening nearly every night.
• The house was filled with laughter and love and stories.
• Christina answered many life questions on video--a gift to our hearts.
• We even have a funny video of a very pregnant Linsey Fuller and Christina singing (with motions) a favorite song from middle school days.  (King Jesus is All)
• Christina had 2 beautiful "daddy-daughter" dates.
• She had time to help her loving husband grieve and process about the future.
• She gave us the beautiful pictures and sounds of the unseen reality of heaven.
• A second grand mal seizure was stopped with the words, "Jesus, Peace".  No more seizures.  The first had served the purpose.  The second marked a change of pace but brought with it no trauma, no hospital, no extra care.  Jesus had mercy.

Again, from Christina's blog--"I am so thankful for the beautiful time I/we have all gotten to experience because of this. Friends and family have been able to fly in and I’ve loved the relaxation of my home, only made possible by so many people contributing to help–the Isaiah care, the food, the cleaning, the super fun yard work parties, errands run for us, the worship nights, Doug’s awesome work allowing him to take so much time off. We’ve had overnight baby care (thanks Mom!) for quiet restful nights and sleep-in mornings with lattes waiting for us when we get up. Oh yes. The list goes on and on and on. We are SO thankful."  

Amazing Aunt Loralee--3 months of serving, and worshiper cousin Chris

It could have been much different.  Christina could have just mysteriously declined in ability and function and it would have been impossible to do any of the visits, worship, stories, and final conversations.  Or she could have died during the grand mal seizure.  Or she could have slipped into a coma.  Instead we had the gift of time.  I am thankful everyday for all that happened.  The beautiful, the difficult, the hard to understand.  Jesus was present and powerful every second.  He taught us how to love, how to hope, how to trust.