The married life
Life is filled with many joys, but no one is spared times of difficulties, trials and worry. In these difficult times it is good to reflect on what the Lord has done for us in the past. Remembering the goodness of the Lord helps us have faith and hope in the present instead of fear and despair.
Over 60 years ago, when my younger brother was just 2 years old, his heart stopped. It took a couple minutes for the doctors to resuscitate Joey. They weren’t sure if he was going to survive, or if he did live, would he have permanent damage? It was a scary time for our family.
The night before Joey went to the hospital, our family of eight had gone to the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, the “greatest show on earth.” It was spectacular! Joey had stayed home with a babysitter because he was so young.
Driving home that night we were all excited, with everyone talking about their favorite acts. I liked the trapeze artists, who caught each other by their hands while flying in the air, and the horseback riders who did amazing stunts as they rode around in a ring.
By contrast, however, as we walked in the door, the babysitter said that Joey was very sick. His cheeks were red and he had a temperature of 103. His neck was stiff and he could hardly move his head. Our joy turned into concern. Still, we didn’t realize how serious it was.
The next morning my mother called the pediatrician’s office, and they told her to come in right away. When the doctor examined Joey he knew this was serious. He immediately picked Joey up, and with my mom in tow drove them to the hospital in his own car.
The doctor’s suspicions were confirmed: Joey had spinal meningitis.
Shortly after being admitted, Joey’s heart stopped. My mother immediately called the parish priest, who came right away. Since Joey was only 2, the sacrament of anointing of the sick was not given; that sacrament is for those who have reached the age of reason, which is usually around the age of 7. However, the priest anointed Joey with the sacrament of confirmation.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church says: “But in danger of death children should be confirmed even if they have not yet attained the age of discretion.” (CCC 1307) Through the grace of the sacrament God brings healing to his children.
We were amazed that after being in the hospital for a week, Joey was ready to come home!
Joey had always been a happy, active and affectionate boy, much loved by the whole family. The day he came home, carried in our father’s arms, we expected him to be the same. However, when we greeted him, he looked at us with a blank expression on his face. He didn’t seem to know who we were. Joey’s bout with meningitis caused him to forget everything. He didn’t know how to walk, or how to talk, and his memory was wiped clean.
We all lavished love on Joey, but most especially my mother. Joey often had a high-pitched cry as he lay in his crib that was hard to listen to. My mother would pick him up and soothe him, never losing patience with him. I think she was just so glad he was alive.
Over time Joey learned to walk again, to talk, and to laugh. The crying stopped. Over the course of a year he made a full recovery and became once again the happy, lively boy we all knew. Fast forward 60-plus years, and Joey is now a grandfather, just retired as a high-ranking Army officer and later an ROTC instructor. He is a loving husband and father of five.
I keep Joey’s story and many like it in my heart. It helps me face my own trials with more trust and faith. The Lord used many means to heal Joey: the quick action of the doctors, the prayers of many, the love of my mother and the sacrament of confirmation. God is present in many ways to help us in times of need.
As the psalmist says, “Do not forget the works of the Lord.” (Ps 78: 7b)
