I felt God’s hand leading me (Joey & Liza Romana)
I FELT GOD’S HAND LEADING ME
A TestimonyBy JOEY & LIZA ROMANA23 May 2011Over 3 months ago, on February 3, our family went through a difficult & trying period when our 12-year old son, Jerico, was diagnosed with dengue which turned out to be a severe case.The ordeal was like passing through an eye of a needle. Briefly, may I recount please our 10 days in the hospital…what went on and how God’s hands worked for a miracle.Jerico’s fever remained hi grade despite further lowering of platelet count from 128 on day 1 to 48 on day 4. The unexpected turnaround came when Jerico suddenly became very weak starting on Saturday night until the whole day of Sunday. The darkest hour was when Jerico was brought to the ICU on late night of Day 4, Sunday, February 6. He was very weak.At the ICU, the platelet count continued to go down to 37…24…20…17…and to 12 on day 6. Jerico had swelling of arms & legs, puffiness of eyes. Rashes made him feel restless. His arms & feet were already bruised from the countless CBCs done & IVs/dextroses. Complications of leaky blood vessels set in. Fluids started to build up in his lungs. Hematocrit went critically high. Hence, doctors gave albumin transfusion while Jerico was already put on oxygen because of difficulty of breathing.In exasperation, I asked “What’s next, Lord?” Joey & I had to be strong not only for Jerico but also, for our other 2 children, Janelle, 14YO and Miji, 11YO, who would both pass by the hospital from school before going home.Joey & I were already weary & tired. But, we knew we can do no more and just remain anchored on our faith. Although somehow, sometimes, what was happening was getting more difficult to bear…..and on one such moment, I felt my heartbeat going faster. I felt something was telling me to step back. I discerned God was inviting me to be more in solitude with Him. To be still..To retreat from it all. To be away in a deserted place. To rest awhile. To surrender more & more to Him! I signed off from sending messages or updates for the rest of the day. I kept silent and stillness surrounded me. I immersed myself in prayers but not really uttering words but just tears and more tears flooding my heart. Towards the day’s end, there was inner peace more than a struggle. I felt God’s hand leading me the way… just hold on, wait…wait. God is in control. God is good all the time and many more God’s reassuring words filled my mind & heart.