NOT ABOUT YOU

On the 8th of May, 2018, my life took an unexpected twist. My 2-day old baby had been diagnosed with sepsis and malaria. It was so devastating having to leave her in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the pediatric hospital she was in.

 I cried the first night I had to leave her there, especially when I saw that she had to be put on oxygen. Just seeing the oxygen mask on that little baby had been heart wrenching. Knowing that I had to go back to my hospital and continue treatment, I kept wondering if they would feed her, cuddle her or attend to her if she is crying. My mind was so preoccupied with the what-ifs and what not's that I hardly had time to look around the room to see the other occupants as my heart was set for my baby alone.

A bucket and more of tears later as well as an almost sleepless night, I was back at the hospital to feed and stay with her. That was the first time I noticed the babies who would become my daughter's roommates for the next days to come.

What I saw cut my heart to bits; Babies who were barely bigger than a 60cl nestle bottle, and whose ribs I could see. I wept some more because in the midst of them, Anaiah was like a giant and yet, their mothers stood there encouraging, soothing and reminding me that my baby would be ok. I wondered how they could do that whiles their kids seemed to be in worst condition. These ladies were strong and resolute in their faith and stance with God; I just marveled at their strength, unshakable faith, and courage. In the shortest time, we became friends and somewhat like family being that we would be sharing the same space and we were all there for the same reason, our babies.

Anaiah was the only girl amidst three boys and the moms and staff showered her with so much love and affection. Beside her bed, was a little boy whom we referred to as the king of the jungle (Baby Lion) because he was way bigger than all the other babies including Anaiah or ‘Baby Mohammed’ as she was referred to at the hospital.  While the other two boys were premature babies born between 21-24 weeks, he was faced with a severe case of Jaundice. His Jaundice level was so high that no matter the phototherapy very little progress was being made.

One day, his mom saw me a bit worried over Anaiah because her temperature kept fluctuating and I was becoming super anxious as to when we would be discharged. Every time I went there thinking it would be that day, they would later tell me it won't be possible because her temperature was spiking again and she needed to be free of fever for 24 hours before we could be allowed to go home with her.  On that particular day, baby Lion's mom took note of me and came to share encouraging words with me as she often did. She then shared with me how the Doctors had told her that her son needed a drug that cost about N75, 000.00 that would help bring down his Jaundice level by at least half and allow the phototherapy work for him. She and the Husband didn't have that amount of money as he had just been laid off a job and she only did petty trading which didn't bring in much. She told me that despite all this, she was not moved and I should never allow the Devil to speak negative words in my heart concerning my children. I should always believe good about them and that God will never allow harm to come their way.

I was encouraged and began to cast down every negative imagination that the enemy brought my way, but I was sad about her situation. Sad because my husband and I had gone over budgeted hospital bills and we could not do much to help her. It was more annoying because the amount she needed was not something out of the ordinary, but yet our hands were tied.

My older sister and mum came to stay with me at the hospital as they often did and I poured out my heart to them concerning the N75, 000.00. I was so sad that the life and health of a child hung on money that we so often use to do less important stuff. For some, that money is just for a shoe, a piece of lace, a watch or something like that yet; a child's life lay on the line for the lack of it. My sister was sad because she also was financially down at that moment, but told me not to worry; she would find a way to help. I believed her because she always came through for me whenever I was worried about stuff like that.

We were back at our usual base the next day and my sister sent me a text stating that she had shared the issue with some of her colleagues and they had all pitched in to help buy the drug. I was so excited and happy. When she arrived in the evening after work, she gave me the money which I transferred to the mom. She was overwhelmed and overcome with joy. They purchased the drug and began to administer it instantly.

On Saturday evening, she informed me that the boy was responding to treatment well and they would be discharged on Sunday. I envied her a little as Anaiah's return home was still uncertain, but I was happy that he was well. I just wished we would be going home together as well.

Sunday had come and we were back at our usual spot to see the kids and say our goodbyes with the Lion's mom when out of nowhere, the doctor on call comes out and says  'in a few hours, you can take Baby Mohammed home’. She has been fever-free for 24 hours and we just need to administer her last dose of antibiotics'.  God of mercy, I was not sure I was not hearing things at that point. I looked at my husband to see if I got the information right and from the smile on his face, I knew I heard well and God had answered us.

My sister and I discussed the matter and we concluded that God allowed us to go home with 'Baby Mohammed' because her work there was done. I believe that the only reason she was sent to that clinic was for us to meet the 'Lion’s' mother because God was aware of their need and knew the solution was with us. God knew no harm would come to Anaiah but he needed her to fall ill, so we could go to that particular hospital.

Anaiah's stay at the hospital had many lessons in it for me, but this particular episode, I learned three things:

v It reminded me that at some point in our lives, God may send people into our lives or send us into the lives of people to whom we may never blessed or helped in any way, nor have been blessed by to simply render help and support to them in their time of need just like Simon of Cyrene who seemed to be at the right place at the wrong time. Some believe he was forced to carry the cross while to others, he did out of sympathy. Whatever the case, he was there at the right time to be of help to Jesus Christ. The bible never speaks of anything or anytime Jesus had helped Simon of his family, but at the time Jesus needed help the most, God sent Simon there (Mat 27:32 NLT).  In like manner, nothing would have taken me and my family to the hospital to meet 'the baby Lion' and his mom except Anaiah falling ill.

v Joseph told his brothers 'God put me in this position so I could save the lives of many people' (Gen 50:20b) Sometimes, God allows things to happen in our lives simply for the sake of others. It is not always about you. But know that when he allows you to go through some things, he already knows it won't destroy you and so he allows it so you can be a blessing to others. So remember this, not everything that happens to you is all about you. Get your eyes off yourself sometimes and simply seek to see the right lesson in all things and circumstances.

v Avail yourself to be used by God and always trust Him for He works all things for our good and the good of others!!

Lest I forget, I chatted with baby Lion’s mom sometime this year and she even sent me his pictures. He is doing brilliantly. For all who helped make it happen, Thank you and God bless you.

Hope you make something good happen for someone this year!