Day 2: Faith
She had the perfect
fairytale-esque life. Married with a Master’s degree by the age of 24. Two
daughters by the age of 32. Traveled everywhere from Paris, Tokyo, The
Netherlands, and South Africa with her husband. Owned two cars and a 3-story
brownstone in San Francisco. Kelly Vanson's life seemed to be picture
perfect.
Yet, the test results that
she was called into the doctor's office to hear would change everything,
forever.
Mrs. Vanson, its good to see you! How is Kurt?
He is doing well. He's out of town on a business trip
this week. But the girls and I don't have time to miss him honey! Kacie is
about to start kindergarten on Monday! We have tons more shopping to do! What
is so urgent that you had to call me in today Dr. Spade?
Well, it's actually about Kacie. After we ran her
tests, we are certain that she has diabetic retinopathy.
What! What does this mean?!
It means that Kacie's vision is weakening, she will eventually lose her ability to see, as a result of her diabetes.
…
Kacie and Kurt sat in their
bed, one wept softly while the other stared blankly at their lilac colored
accent wall.
Stop crying. This is your fault. He whispered but his words echoed between Kacie’s
ears, louder than a bomb.
Kacie said nothing. She
continued to cry. She began to believe him. It
was my fault, she thought. If only I
had …
Stop crying. He
interrupted her thoughts. IT’S YOUR
FAULT! He yelled, as he punched her directly in her mouth.
You’re right! She
covered her mouth as it bled profusely. I
should’ve left you the day you beat me with that bat, while I was seven months
pregnant with Kacie. It is my fault that our daughter has to suffer because her
father is an alcoholic, manic-depressor that
beats me like a dog. You are got damn right!
He looked at his wife, with
a fire in his eyes that could have melted the last Ice Age. Everything in him
wanted to hit her. In that very moment,
he wanted to beat her to death, the same way his father did his mother. But
then he too began to cry.
My mother. He killed my mother. He cried and held his wife, who had been by his side
since she was 16 and he was 17. That was the same year his mother was killed by
his own father’s hands.
The only reason Kelly
remained with him throughout all of these years was because she knew he needed
her. After every time he would lay his hands on her, he would apologize and
show her that he loved her through gifts and trips; neither of which matter to
her. She loved him, no matter what he did or did not do.
But would love save them this
time? He was abusing her. Her daughter was stricken with a disease. And now, after
twenty-one years of unconditionally loving him, he went so far as to say it was
her fault.
Get off of me. She moved
his arms from being around her. I cannot
and will not take your abuse any more. Not only has it affected me, it has
affected my child. You need help Kurt. Lord knows I have prayed and prayed. Oh
God, I have tried, and tried again! Enough is enough. I am taking the girls,
we’re moving to DC with my mother for a while. Mama has physicians there that
specialize in diabetic retinopathy for Kacie. My daughter will not be blind! My faith is too
strong for that. God will see my baby through.
There were no more words.
Without a fight, he let her go. He knew she was right. He knew he was wrong. He
knew he had almost become his father. He wanted to get help.
…
Today, Kacie is not blind. She
was only five years old when diagnosed with diabetic retinopathy. She is now in her third year
of college at Columbia University.
It took that situation to
start a fight big enough for her mother to finally leave her father. When Kelly
thought her situation couldn’t get any worse, she was right. It wasn’t going to
get any worse because God was actually removing her from her turmoil, not
adding to it. He was changing her life for the better.
For three years, after that
night, Kurt was dedicated to a rehab program for his alcoholism and saw a psychiatrist
on a regular basis. It took him three years to become fully sober but he’s been
that way for the last twelve. And for the last ten, he’s been remarried to his
first and only wife.
So it seems Kelly’s fairytale
ended happily ever after. To God, she and Kurt give all of the glory.
***
After reading Kelly’s
story, do you think you would’ve been able to endure all that she went through?
Probably not… but that is because that is her story, not yours. God equips us
with the strength needed for our own personal battles and he never gives us
more than we can bear. You are already prepared to handle any crisis that comes
your way. If you don’t believe that, use the following list, while praying for
God to strengthen your faith in Him and His will.
Today, pray that God strengthens your faith to always believe
the following:
1. God will fight your battles. You were born to
survive.
2. What seems like a setback is only a set up
for something greater. Trust God’s plan. As terrible as a situation may seem,
he has a plan is for the greater good for you!
3. When you pray, God may not
give you an immediate answer but He hears you. He will show up, when the time
is right. Have faith in Him, even when you cannot see your way out.
4. All of the things that He
has promised will be done. Even the most unfathomable of your dreams can
come true and the most incurable of diseases can be cured, by having faith.
Don't be discouraged by the sight, stay focused on the promise.
5. His will is perfect. Even if your situation is
not ideal right now, remember that His will says that you are victorious and
you will prevail, with more strength, wisdom, and peace than ever before.
For more on faith, read Hebrews 11 in The Bible.
Beautiful!
ReplyDelete