Wednesday, August 30, 2006

Lordy, Lordy, Look Who's 40!!!

This week brought more joyful memories with Eliot. Park trips, restaurants, and a lot of Mooney family bonding. Ginny and I are preparing for our first college football season with cable TV. She is busy teaching Eliot the Alabama fight song, while I threaten to purchase him every infant hog outfit in sight.

The week was not without its drama. One night during his 2am feeding, Eliot managed to pull his feeding tube out. We had been warned that this was likely and even practiced the necessary steps to remedy the situation before leaving the NICU. Upon waking Ginny up with a yell, we realized that we did not have a stethoscope, which was necessary to replace the tube. We called Walgreens...they were out. Wal-Mart did not answer. We decided we would just drive to Wal-Mart and if they did not have one, we would head on to the NICU in Springdale. Upon walking out the door, I remembered that I had once- before Eliot was born- met our neighbor three doors down. She mentioned that she had heard of our future-child's condition, and that her and her husband were nurses. So, with only having talked to the woman one time, I headed up their dark stairs and knocked on their door at 2:30am. The husband answered the door, and after a little needed time to become coherent, he found his stethoscope.

Stethoscope in hand, Ginny went to it, while I held Eliot's head still. After much wrestling, praying, and Eliot tears, the tube was down, and Eliot was able to feed. [I need to take this time and just acknowledge that my wife is my hero.] This story makes it seem a little more quick and smooth than actuality. The tube debacle did not conclude until about 6am. With that said, this story is told not for any sympathy, but just because others have expressed that they want to know what is going on.
_________________________
Trying to tell you what Eliot has taught us is similar to serving grape juice as wine. More time is needed for the process. We are telling of a journey we are in the midst of. However, we can offer the glimpses that have been offered us.

Today we celebrated 40 days for Eliot. I took the dog for a walk at Wilson Park in order to get out and enjoy the cooler weather. As I rounded the corner on my first lap, I saw it. A rainbow. Not the kind you sort of see and sort of don't; rather, it was large, robust and could be seen from end to end. Initially, I thought it might end somewhere around Hasting's, and debated going to look for it. The proverbial pot of gold could put a dent in some medical bills, you know. I thought better and kept walking.

Genesis 9
And God said, "This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth....Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth."

These verses make it seem as if God was the one who needed reminding, but I cannot help but think that it is actually us. God lifts the veil, reaches into the seen world and places a sign; one to remind us of His promises, remind of His presence. I needed a rainbow.

Eliot is a rainbow all his own. A signpost to remind us of great things. As I look at my life, including four years of full-time ministry, I have no hesitation saying that God has used 40 days of Eliot far more than anything I have said, done, or taught. Why? Because He wants to. Because God uses humble means for His glory. Eliot is a sign that is read different by each person. To some he says- cherish the seemingly mundane moments of each day; to others, look and see the power of prayer; still others read how God does not work within the logic of man. All that through a child who feeds through a tube and has never spoken a word. What a kid.

So, on Eliot's 40-day birthday, God provided a rainbow just as he did after 40 days and nights of rain. You just can't make this stuff up.

Please continue praying for Eliot. We love posts. Thanks.

Matt and Ginny Mooney

17 comments:

amy terral said...

I can't believe I am the first one to post. Edna (Nonna) and I just came in from our walk (where we did NOT see a rainbow) and logged onto the blog. We were so excited to see this new post and our beautiful (or should I say handsome) Eliot. Your words touch my heart Matt more than you could ever know. I know you think that we minister to you guys, but you have a way of saying back to us what is in our hearts too. I don't think I will ever see a rainbow again the same way. Thanks for sharing your heart and Eliot with all of us. It would have been so easy for you guys to keep him all to yourselves. Congratulations to Eliot (and Praise to our Heavenly Father) for achieving the ripe old age of 40. Pretty soon he'll be 2 months old and Aunt Amy will be back with camera in hand. I love you all very much and hope to see you real soon.

aunt a.

Cary said...

I am praying for you guys! Wow--a rainbow. I am so encouraged by stories like this. They seem so small, but are really such big and powerful acts of lovingkindness from our Lord. Eliot, I've always been so proud of your parents, but you, sweetheart, are my hero. Thank you for taking the time to let us know what's going on. I love y'all!

Erin Anderson said...

I needed a rainbow today too. Thanks so much for sharing yours!

Anonymous said...

Hello from the Arnspergers...

We love Eliot stories! Thank you for sharing with us. God is showing Himself to you in fantastic ways. What beautiful moments to savor!

Hey...Ethan has a GumDrop pacifier...just like Eliot's in his picture...best pacis in the world.

Happy 40th day, Eliot!

Anonymous said...

You probably do not know me, but we are friends of Jeff and Rachel Norris. We have been following your blog and have been praying for ya'll and your beautiful Son! We were involved with Campus Crusade at Alabama and were on staff with Athletes in Action for 4 years. Keep the faith and we loved your last blog about the rainbow, God is so powerful and in control! Thanks for sharing your story!

In Christ,
Jim and Heather Nicklas

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Mooney Family!!
I read your blog each Wednesday in complete awe and amazement at your strength. All three of you are truly amazing. Isn't it great that God sends us reminders of His promises. Matt you are such a wonderful writer, and I look forward to reading your words each Wednesday. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily, and I will continue to pray that God will give you and peace. Eliot is an inspiration to me and my family, but Matt and Ginny your strength blows my mind. I will continue to pray that God will bless you with physical and emotional strength. Hope Ya'll have a great week.
Emily (Martin) Bradley

Anonymous said...

Happy 40th day Master Eliot!
I can't wait for each Wednesday to check your blog page and always am
taken back by your thoughts and comments. You always encourage me!
What a scary event, but, as always, God provides what we need, for which I am truly thankful. Eliot, please don't frighten your wonderful parents! Love and prayers for today for the three of you - love Judie

Anonymous said...

Matt,

Taylor and I also saw the raindow, actually Taylor pointed it out to me, and I asked him who put it there, which he told me God did, so we got on the bicycle and tried to find the end, which we didn't. Sorry I would have split the pot with you, or maybe I would have only needed to give you 10%. Anyways, loved the post. Still praying and loving you guys. Let's see if I can post only once this time.

The Davidsons

kym brinkley said...

Wow! I love it. This page is going to be even more precious to me as I move across the pond in two weeks. I love you, Mooney three! Truly, each time I read an update, I am moved to tears and my heart smiles. Thanks, friends!
kb

Anonymous said...

Matt and Ginny... I must first tell you just how beautiful your son is. I have been logging on every week and trying to muster up the courage to leave a message. I have walked in similar shoes, but with much less courage than the two of you. Ginny knows me by Missy Styron. I was in Glenna's class at Briarfield. My son Harrison will be 2 September 1st. He was born with a condition called microtia (meaning he has no right ear and severe hearing loss). We were told after his birth that he may have a multitude of problems, thanks to a word called Cytomegalovirus...this virus only harms unborn babies, causing symptoms that may range from moderate to severe hearing loss, vision impairment, and varying degrees of mental retardation. The doctors told us the only thing to do was to wait and see if he meets his milestones and at age 1 we could do a CAT Scan to check for calcification on the brain" Needless to say, that tests your faith! I spent alot of time with what I felt was the "worst!" My mom was quick to remind me that this was not the "worst!" I felt ashamed and angry! With a physical deformity, I get the stares and comments...which I have learned that if you stare or make a comment about my BEAUTIFUL son, you have the problem and I can only pray for you. It has taken me 2 years to get to THIS PLACE and I would not change either of my sons...WOW Does God know what is best? Throughout this 2 year journey, God has put many people in our lives & we have been at the "perfect places at the perfect times!" Yor will never know what perfect timing Eliot has been for me. GOD has a perfect plan for all of us...You are BLESSED to have Eliot and we are blessed that you are sharing this with us. God sends us here just how He wants us...perfect! As humans, we complain and want more. Your family, as well as my son remind me to be Thankful every day for the "little: things! I am so impressed with your courage and faith and I have learned so much in these 40 days from Eliot...he is truly a perfect gift! Thank you so much for sharing your story, it is an inspiration to me...You continue to be in our prayers. Thanks so much! Missy Holt

Anonymous said...

Hello Matt and Ginny- Im so glad to see that everything is well on your end. I look forward to every wednesday and its so strange, I have never met you, but i think about you and Eliot all of the time. He is such a beautiful 40 day old :o) Take care, i will be praying for you all week. Looking forward to next wednesday, Erin

Anonymous said...

Love you guys

Anonymous said...

Ginny and Matt,
We just wanted you to know that you have been on our hearts and in our prayers since we saw you and your precious Eliot at church Saturday night. We have been so touched by your entries and pictures. What a wonderful testimony you are of trusting God's goodness. Our girls are praying for you and for Eliot, too. And, what an incredible story of the vibrant rainbow on Eliot's 40 day birthday! It reminds us of the verse in Eph. 3 that says "Now to Him who is able to do EXCEEDING ABUNDANTLY BEYOND all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to HIM be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever." You guys are such an incredible example. Thank you. Love in Christ,
The Sullivans

Anonymous said...

"In His hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind." Job 12:10
We're friends of the Davidson's and have been following your story since right before the birth. Knowing that you actually read the posts, I couldn't help myself any longer. I had to write and tell you that never, not in any other person/family's life have I seen the glory of God so fully on display. He has made you satisfied in Him, and it is a beautiful thing. Eliot is everyhing that everyone has said: a testimony to prayer, a miracle, and above all, a plan. Thank you for sharing the journey with us. We are praying.
The Hales

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Eliot! Like everyone else,I eagerly await to see your precious face and marvel at how perfect you are. Thank you Matt and Ginny for walking this journey with your eyes and heart on the One who can make a rainbow. There was a musical Ginny called Back at the Creekbank- One of the songs was God paints the world with love that's how we know He lives- He fills the earth with colors and in that way He gives such happiness, oh how we're blest to have a picture of,a wonderful God who loves so much that He paints the world with love. Eliot ,you are a masterpiece- Continued love and prayers to you all, Mrs. Oliva

Anonymous said...

I do not know you but found your link through my dear friend Andrea Mitchell's blog. Please know that your story has touched my life and I will continue to pray for Eliot and his amazing parents.

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Eliot. Wow 40 days! What a blessing you are! You are such a reminder that everyday is a gift of life. Ginny and Matt you are incredible!

with love and prayers,
sarah and Kathy Brooks
Manchester NH