I’ve waited to post because I needed a moment to process the sanctity of yesterday. Six months ago our perfect rainbow baby was born and we thought we were closing the chapter of hardship we’d been in for 21 months. Ten days later, Esther’s pediatrician found a heart murmur and sent us to see a pediatric cardiologist. At 13 days old, Esther was diagnosed with a Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD). Thankfully, hers was small, and didn’t seem to be affecting her health. However, this felt like such a joy stealer. We didn’t want to have ANOTHER issue, more medical bills, or another diagnosis to announce and deal with. 

Despite the discouragement, we chose to stand in a place of peace and hope even though we didn’t feel like it. At her 1 month appointment, the murmur was still present. Again, we chose hope and continued to take communion daily as a family declaring her healing. In late November, I was at a meeting with ladies from our church who wanted to pray for Esther. As they prayed, the Presence of Holy Spirit became tangible in the room. Toward the end, Esther manifested physically and I knew in my heart, in that moment, she was healed. At her 2 month appointment, the murmur was gone. 

We’ve had to wait until yesterday to return to the specialist to run another round of tests to medically confirm Esther’s healing. After the initial EKG, the cardiologist felt the VSD was likely closed but wanted to check that her blood flow issues were resolved. We then went in for another ECHO. The last time we had this test done, Jesus showed up in the room and held Esther and I throughout the test. As I waited for Him again, I noticed Esther began to look up and reach for what appeared to be nothing to the naked eye. Again, I knew Jesus was there, showing Himself to my baby and closing this chapter for us for good. 

We returned to the exam room and waited a long time for the cardiologist to return the second time. When she walked in, she smiled and said, “The only bad news I have for you is that you have no reason to ever return and see me again!”

Esther’s heart is HEALED!! We shouted praise and thanks to Jesus right then and there. Brett and I went to lunch to celebrate and cried as we embraced each other, the good news and our miracle. The past 2+ years has been a testing season, a refining season, a season of being broken and restored. All day yesterday I heard my Savior whispering to me “It is finished” over and over. At times, we thought we couldn’t make it through our heart break, our losses, the challenges, and deep grief- but here we are. Hope restored, hearts literally healed and full of genuine joy! Only Jesus can do that. Today, on Good Friday, I am beyond ready and fully connected to the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. No matter what we’ve lost, endured, or been through- He can exchange joy for our mourning. I am so very thankful! ❤