“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” – Psalm 95:1-2
A little under a year ago, we began our surgery journey with our son who was born cleft lip and palate. Since then, he has had six procedures (some planned, some unplanned). One thing has carried through all of these procedures – that child is filled with a joyful spirit.
The last procedure we had was delayed. First, we were moved from 8:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon. That meant that we now had a one-year-old fasting all day long rather than fasting while asleep, then heading right in for surgery. Then, when we arrived for the procedure, it was delayed another two hours while the doctors dealt with complex cases and the OR schedule was shifted around to accommodate emergencies.
Atton didn’t shed a single tear. Not from being hungry, missing his nap, or from being bored waiting in the little pre-op room. Nope, the kid sang, danced, played with the toys provided by the Child Life Department (hospital God-send), and genuinely had a good time. We called his sister on FaceTime a couple times, and we even got some giggles out of the lad. The only way to really describe him is a true champ.
Towards the end, nurses, doctors, CNAs, random hospital staff started stopping by (at an appropriate physical distance of course) and asking about this little one-year-old boy that was just so happy waiting for his procedure. They were all completely amazed. A few thought that he had been given an extra dose of calming medicine, but he hasn’t needed any calming medicine in any of his procedures so far.
I attribute his behavior to two things: trust and his joyful spirit.
He trusted that we were there for a reason. He trusted his doctors to know what they’re doing. He trusted the nurses to care for him (this continued to letting one of the nurses carry him to the operating room chatting and cuddling all the way). He trusted me that I wanted only the best for him.
His joy carries him through every stressful situation and buoys the rest of us up too. As you can probably attest, a baby’s laughter is the best medicine, and our little boy is no different.
Why share this story? Well, if a little guy that is barely one and has gone through 6 pretty significant surgeries still has trust in humanity and takes life on with joy, can’t we? Let’s channel that spirit and bring greater good to the world.
Emalee
Lord, may we find joy amidst all that is happening in our world. May we see your presence every day, and in that put our trust. Amen.