A prayer for a child

As a parent, my greatest fear is not having the opportunity to watch my son grow up, for something to happen to him or to me that would deny me the chance of seeing the person he will eventually become. I wish I could say that I can't imagine how great the pain must be to lose one's child, but sadly, I have been there, and I know that there is no greater pain, no feelings of greater helplessness than watching one's child grow sicker and sicker, knowing that nothing can be done, and that the only thing you can do is hope and pray for a miracle.

I admit that I am not religious, nor do I believe in God. I do, however, respect those who do, and at times I even wish that I could share in their belief that there is an entity out there who controls, who makes things happen, who grants wishes and miracles. I imagine that it must be a comfort to know that such an entity exists, somewhere to lay your trust, some sort of being to pray to in times of dire need, and hope that your prayers will be answered.

This is one of those times. Without divulging any identifying details, I have been profoundly saddened to hear about a little boy (the son of a friend of a friend) who is very, very sick. A sweet, innocent little boy who should be experiencing the joys of first grade, who should be outside playing with his friends, who should be making all of the mischief that one expects from sweet little boys. Instead, he is fighting for his life, and the prognosis isn't good. His parents are bringing him home from the hospital, and we have reason to believe that this isn't a good sign.

The family is devastated, as are all those who know them and those who simply know their tragic story. I have been where they are, and it is a situation that I wouldn't wish on anyone. I think about what they are going through, and I can feel my body go numb as the tears well up in my eyes. I don't know them personally, and do not wish to intrude on their private hell. All I can do to help is to write. So, I am humbly asking all who read this, please pray, or do whatever it is that you do when you desperately need a miracle. Maybe together, we can all make a difference. Thank you.