HSBC Coffeebreak

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:1, 10a

A few weeks ago we were able to celebrate our twin grandsons’ 18th birthday. They came into the world at only 29 weeks. When we saw them shortly after birth, they were so tiny and fragile. One weighed 3lb 12oz and the other one weighed 3lb 11oz. Being only 17 inches long, if you touched them, you thought they would break! Those first several hours were very critical as oxygen and ventilators helped them with their breathing. I didn’t think they would live 18 hours, much less 18 years! They were on multiple prayer chains across the country and God is good! We finally received word that they wouldn’t have to be moved to Salt Lake City and six weeks later, they were able to go home.

We have watched them grow, little by little. Both had hernia surgery at three months and one had kidney surgery at about eight months. For two years, they were on oxygen, even spending two weeks in the hospital battling RSV. Going through the crawling and walking stages, managing around oxygen tubing, was an experience. They had their own “lingo” which no one could understand except the two of them. Both boys would “talk” to each other and laugh. Since those first years, they have competed in track, basketball and football, something the doctor said they probably could never do. In the fall, they will be entering the 12th grade, standing tall at almost 6’2” and weighing about 185lbs.

I asked our daughter one time if she ever had the feeling they wouldn’t make it and she said, “No, mom, that never crossed my mind.” She went to the hospital every day and sat between the two cribs, talking to them and touching them. It was a struggle those first few years - what faith she and her husband had during those difficult times! God used this experience to draw them closer to each and to Himself. He is the “giver of life” and in today’s world that has been taken so lightly! How very thankful we are for ALL of the grandchildren which God has given us!

Written by
Delma Lebien