(Quick background: Caila received scoliosis surgery in
late July 2013. Post surgery she was medically deemed paralyzed – no sensation
and no active movement. Caila and I traveled to Philadelphia in February for therapy. This was written shortly after our return to Haiti in early April)
Prior to leaving Haiti to travel to Philadelphia, I was
asked multiple times “will Caila walk again”. I often replied with something
along the lines of “I do not know. Science/medicine says no.” I could always
see the impact of that answer and I always immediately felt like the
pessimistic or the one who did not have hope or faith. I never was without hope
and I never was without the belief in God’s power. But at the same time, I
could not answer such a loaded question. It was not humanly possible for me to
answer that question with a “no” or a “yes”. Perhaps I should have answered a
little more profoundly; however this answer was almost a reply that automatically
came out of my mouth without me thinking due to the amount of times I was asked, “will Caila walk
again”. The truth of the matter is, I knew in my heart (and mind) that if Caila
were to stand again, to walk again, it had to come from God. God’s miraculous
healing would have to be part of her story. God has a plan for Caila and His
plan would/will unfold in His timing. Just as He has a plan for all the
children I have had the pleasure of working with, just as He has a plan for
you, and just as He has a plan for me. We can spend countless hours trying to
figure out His plan and trying to answer questions such as “will Caila walk
again”, but that is all pointless and brings only worry, fear, confusion, etc. into our lives. Of course, it is our human nature to try to analyze every
situation that is thrown our way when all we really need to do is spend all
those countless hours in prayer – talking to God and listening to God….
On February 7, Caila said her goodbyes to her mom and aunt
with many tears being shed and off we went. After 3 weeks of being back in
Haiti, I was headed back to the airport to catch a plane heading to the US.
This time I was headed to a different destination with a whole new purpose with
Caila in toe. I could tell she was a little nervous…okay maybe a lot nervous. I
would be lying if I said I was not a little nervous too. After all, Caila and I
really had only known each other for 3 weeks and here we were about to embark
on a difficult journey together. As we sat on the plane heading to our first
stop, Miami, I fell into prayer. Prayers for Caila. Prayers for me. Prayers for
my relationship with Caila. Prayers for God’s Will to be done in her life. Neither of us knew what was to come....
Day one of therapy came after a few doctor’s appointments,
hospital admission, and lifted restrictions. I was not prepared mentally nor
emotionally what was to come in that first session of therapy. I sat in the
background watching Caila nervously follow all instructions from the therapists. After baseline measurements and assessments were completed, I heard the therapist say, “now we are going to stand”. Caila's head rapidly turned
towards the therapist with her eyes conveying the message of “you want me to
do what?!?”. Caila shook her head “no” multiple times. Then without hesitation,
she pushed through her legs and stood. She stood up with minimal assistance on
the very FIRST day of therapy. I could not make eye contact with anyone in the
room as my eyes filled with tears and my heart began to race. I took a hard
swallow and tried to prevent the tears from falling. I am sure my eyes were
wide opened and my jaw dropped. This was the moment I knew in my heart that a
miracle was unfolding….right before my eyes. Her smile says a million words!
Within 15 minutes, Caila was standing with assistance in
the parallel bars. What happened next is something that plays over and over in
my mind frequently. I cannot put it all into words…or at least words that can
justify the emotions that every one in the therapy gym felt. Caila, on her first
day of therapy, took a few steps. Yes, these steps were assisted…but she TOOK
STEPS, one leg in front of the other.
As the days progressed, Caila began making progress in an
unbelievable pace. Each and every day, Caila added a new skill….as well as
another day added to our “5-week” trip. Caila began with 2 people assist, then
a walker, and then forearm crutches. Before I knew it, before I could process
what was happening, Caila was getting on/off the floor, navigating ramps,
walking up/down stairs, cruising around during therapy with minimal assistance,
etc. I was enthralled on a daily basis. Watching Caila during therapy was
something I looked forward to each and every day. I was trying to make sense of
something that was unexplainable using scientific/medical knowledge. It was
“simple” – she is a walking miracle.
As I sat many mornings, afternoons, and nights listening to Caila sing along to worship music, I couldn’t help but feel my heart smile. I do not know if she truly understood each and every lyric, but I do know that God is working in her life. Not only in her physical life but also in her spiritual life. I couldn’t help but to spend so many moments wondering if Caila will ever know the impact that she has had on so many peoples lives throughout her journey. From the moments leading up to the surgery to the last couple months in rehab to transitioning back to Haiti she has touched lives every step of the way. I have witnessed Caila overcome every single obstacle thrown her way. Through her courage, determination, and her amazing ability to never give up even at the point of true exhaustion and discouragement, God has shown His glory and power. His mercy and grace. HIM! Nothing is too hard for God!
As I sat many mornings, afternoons, and nights listening to Caila sing along to worship music, I couldn’t help but feel my heart smile. I do not know if she truly understood each and every lyric, but I do know that God is working in her life. Not only in her physical life but also in her spiritual life. I couldn’t help but to spend so many moments wondering if Caila will ever know the impact that she has had on so many peoples lives throughout her journey. From the moments leading up to the surgery to the last couple months in rehab to transitioning back to Haiti she has touched lives every step of the way. I have witnessed Caila overcome every single obstacle thrown her way. Through her courage, determination, and her amazing ability to never give up even at the point of true exhaustion and discouragement, God has shown His glory and power. His mercy and grace. HIM! Nothing is too hard for God!
I am not sure how or why
God placed me in Caila’s life, why He chose me out of the billions of people on
this planet more qualified for the "job" than me. But one thing I do know is that I am beyond blessed and forever
changed because of this amazing 13-year old girl.
"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" - Jeremiah 32:27
