There is Hope in the Blood.

     This weekend reminded me of a complicated delivery I attended 29 years ago.  Her mother, several weeks prior to delivery, began to show protein in her urine and high blood pressure.  Later she began to swell and her blood pressure continued to rise.  By 35 weeks of gestation her mother began to show signs of a potentially serious condition called pre-eclampsia.  Largely unclear in its pathology, pre-eclampsia has something to do to the interaction between the mother's uterus and the infant's placenta.  It is a progressive condition during pregnancy that, ultimately, is only cured by delivery of the infant.  
     High blood pressure, protein in the urine, swelling or edema in the tissues, and neurologic signs are all signs and complications of this condition.  Occasionally, if not controlled, could proceed to severe seizures and stroke. Unfortunately, by the 35th week, this baby slowed her growth and was showing signs of intrauterine stress.  Her mom was admitted for induction and started on medications nevertheless her blood pressure began to to spike to nearly 220/110 and her urine output began to plummet.  Adding insult to injury she began showing signs of HELLP syndrome (Hypertension, Elevated Liver functions, and Low Platelets) which then required her to undergo a STAT C-Section under general anesthesia.
     At this time, I was a first year medical student and I was about to be a father of a premature baby.  I was not educated enough at that time to understand everything that was going on, but I knew enough to be very scared. My confidence was that we had the best doctors so,  I knew my girls were in good hands.  Because of the seriousness of her condition, I could not go in the delivery room.  The NICU team arrived and shortly there after I saw my 4lb 2oz baby girl wheel by for a brief view.  The neonatologist came out soon after and told me that they had to work on her for several minutes due to the anesthesia and the medications her mom was on, but she should be just fine.  Once stable, while my wife was resting, I would spend hours by her warmer, praying, talking to her, and studying for my upcoming exams.
     After a week in the hospital my wife was discharged and after 10 days, my daughter was released as well.  All of the events that lead to their illness and prematurity were events we could not see occurring in the blood.  All of the interventions that were made to save their lives were also occuring  within the blood.   Likewise, we cannot always understand the reasons for the challenges we face in life.  There is a hope, though, that those who have been purchased by His Blood are cared for, loved, protected, healed, and restored.
     29 years ago, I was a frighted medical student trying to figure out how to be a father, husband, and young doctor.  Now, I rejoice in the blessings of my wife and daughter who is now in her 3rd year of medical school.  When climbing the mountains in life...when overcoming the obstacles that lay ahead, when facing the crashing waves around you...There is always Hope in Christ...and always hope through His Blood (Ephesians 2:12-13).