Nathan's Trial

What a wonderful Sabbath we had. We all went to Sabbath School as usual, but Rhett and Garhett left early. They left because Rhett was preaching at another church, in another little town. We always follow Rhett, to his speaking engagements, but this is the first time we didn't. Tori's, very favorite friend was speaking at our church. She was speaking on her three month mission trip to Africa. It was a beautiful talk, there were lots of pictures and stories.

After church their family joined us for lunch, along with my brother's family. We had a nice time.

That evening we had our annual "corn roast" up at a cabin, about an hour from our house. We piled everyone into our van and started out. Our friends' who joined us for lunch decided to go home, it had been a long day and they weren't dressed for this occasion.

We arrived at the "corn roast" and started visiting with our church family. The kids' were playing on the swings and having a great time. The food was wonderful and the company was even more enjoyable. We were all having a great time, when we heard a terrible cry....I knew immediately it was Nathan. I heard someone say, "He's bleeding!" I ran over to where he was and saw him holding his face, with blood running through his fingers. I immediately thought he had gotten hit by the swing and it hit his nose. But....then I looked.......it wasn't his nose. His upper lip was torn in two spots. Blood was all over and he was crying a cry I hope I never hear again. He kept telling me that a dog bit him...a dog bit him! People swarmed around me, telling me what to do. The Holy Spirit also swarmed around me and kept me calm. I asked for some tissues as I held his mouth. People were telling me to do this, or do that. I knew he needed stiches. I told my husband to get the children, our chairs and to get to the van. A nurse, who I had just met...asked if she could see. I showed her and she looked at me, with a very calm voice and said, "He must go to the doctor now. He needs stiches." We got into the van and it seemed like it was hours before we got to the hospital. I think it was only about fifteen minutes. When we were almost there a friend of ours called and said he had passed us. It was the friends' who had eaten lunch with us. They had gone home and had decided to join us. Well, the father of the family just happens to work at the hospital we were headed to, so when we walked into the ER with Nathan, they had been expecting us, because our friend had called in to warn them. We didn't have a wait at all!! I gave them our medical/insurance card and information, while Rhett took Nathan back. The nurse and doctor were so calm and kind. Nathan was crying, of course, but there was a calmnesss in him as well. So, where were our other five children? Well, my sister-in-law and her kids had ridden up with us, so she had them and took them for a walk. I was so thankful she was there. Ellie, Nathan's twin, wanted to go into the room with us, but I couldn't let her. Being with her aunt seemed to calm her nerves. Well, our friend, Steve, who works there, came back down to see if he could help. He gave the kids a tour of the new hospital and came to check on Nathan. I tell you, we felt the prayers of everyone, because the doctor told us that if Nathan had a hard time, he would have to sedate him. I prayed with Nathan and told him ,"This too shall Pass." The shots were the hard part, he cried, but was still. I was trying not to cry, but the tears came anyway! After he was numb, I told him to just close his eyes. I had his hands, the nurse held his head, while the doctor's steady hands sewed up his mangled lips. Nathan was so still, he didn't need to be sedated. The Lord is good. I was so proud of Nathan, to be as calm as he was...shows what kind of a man he will become. After it was all over, the nurse had tears in her eyes and asked if she could have a hug from him. She told him she had never had a better little patient. I believe she ment those words.

As we were walking out of the hospital, another family was heading in with their little girl. Her cheek was bleeding and they said it was a dog bite! We talked with our friend Steve for a minute, then we packed everyone into the van. We started pulling out, when our church family pulled in! We felt so overwhelmed with love and prayers! We are so blessed to have such a wonderful family as ours!

Nathan, has been doing okay. The swelling is down some and he is trying to do school. I am so proud of him and I am so thankful we were close to such a wonderful hospital. After we got home and got the other kids in to bed, Nathan and I were laying down and talking about his ordeal.

I will never forget what he said,"I was so glad that Fred was with me!"

For your information, Fred, is what he named his guardian angel!