Today is Ray’s birthday!

Today we celebrate my son Ray’s 36th birthday. We’ll spend time with family and take him to The Fireside Theater to see The Sound of Music.

Let me tell you about Ray’s arrival into the world. As a new believer in Jesus, I was on a crash course of finding out just how close a friend He would be when the chips were down. In the hospital ultrasound room, I felt His presence like never before as the doctors told me the news about my baby’s medical condition. “He has hydrocephalus.” My heart pounded as I silently prayed, “Lord, what should I do?” His answer came quietly but firmly. “Thank Me.” That was it.

Really? Okay . . .  and my heart weakly responded, “Thank You.”

What happened next profoundly changed my relationship with the Lord Jesus forever. As the doctors and technician finished up their examination, I felt worship and praise fill my soul. Suddenly I could count having a child with special needs as a blessing, a privilege given to those chosen few.

In the ensuing weeks, God brought me carefully through the whirlwind of telling my husband, Kene, the news, a sleepless night, amniocentesis tests, Ray’s birth by scheduled C-section, and spending my maternity leave going between care of our daughter Kellyn, age 4 1/2, and being in the NICU by Ray’s crib.

Since then, we’ve faced many hospitalizations and surgeries. Kene and I separated and reunited, moving to several Western states as a family. Ultimately the marriage ended, and back home the kids and I came. I won’t lie to you, these were trying times. I feared and doubted and made hard decisions. Yet I never waivered in asking for God’s help, and I always received it.

As I look back on where we’ve been since then, God’s plans amaze me.  Ray graduated from Shepherds College, a school for men and women with intellectual disabilities. He lives in a supported apartment about 45 minutes north of me and has two jobs.  I see him as often as I like. He loves Jesus and goes to church with friends.

Happy birthday, Ray! May the Lord be with you, show you kindness, and grant you His favor. (Genesis 39:21)