A Christmas Gift

This morning, I handed over my first-born to the surgeon.

Since age 2, Grace has danced…following the rhythm in her heart.

A Sophomore at the University of Illinois, she continues to make us proud as a scholarship dance major.  All the more reason we were saddened and scared by the MRI revealing two herniated lumbar discs resulting in chronic sciatic pain so debilitating, Grace has been unable to dance — thus in her mind, unable to truly live, nor express her heart — for 8-9 months.

This morning, in a 45-minute outpatient surgery, we believe our 1st-born was given a 2nd-chance.  The sciatic pain immediately removed, she must now recuperate from the incision.  The immediate danger being that she feels SO good, she could ruin her recovery by engaging in BLT's.  Bending, Lifting, or Twisting.

Forgive me a brief window into my faith…but I believe a first-born to Mary many many years ago gives us an unending bounty of 2nd-chances…for eternity.

No amount of Rennaissance-era cherub-painted representations of the child can do justice to the perfect love this being feels for his children.

I get some glimpse of that whenever I look at my child…my Grace, and see the promise that lies in her.

I want to be healed that way.  Let me dance.

CourVO