A Mother's Day Trial

May 11, 2010

On Mother's Day my God Daughter and niece, Jeannie, went through a trial no mother should have to experience.  In January, her beloved father (my brother Rob) passed away after a battle with cancer. As if this wasn't enough, as we were driving to church this Sunday, I received a text from Jeannie, telling me she was driving to St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.  We began texting back and forth. She said she was rushing to the side of Alex, her oldest son who had a high temperature, needed stomach x-rays, blood work and possibly surgery.  Sadly, Alex has suffered with Crohn's disease his entire life and it appeared something very serious was happening. We discovered much later, precious Alex was experiencing renal failure caused by the combination of Crohn's disease, dehydration, coupled with an antibiotic mixed with ibuprofen which attacked his kidneys and they shut down. He is requiring some major surgery in the next two weeks plus much healing time from a massive infection and other complications.

I want to bless you with a small portion of Jeannie's email I just received today.  Notice the great peace and calm our Heavenly Father gives those who love him and place Him first in their life.  
^"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."    Romans 8:28

 

"Dear Aunt Ann,

 Wow, what a surreal few days.  I know I previously updated you in a group email, but I wanted to tell you a couple personal things.

When I walked in his dorm room it was pitch black in there, quiet, and I found him on the floor in a fetal ball with a bucket next to him........it was like a horrible movie of a drug addict or something.  There's no telling what would have happened to him had I not come and got him.  And, it's not worth dwelling on except to say my own mothers heart told me "go to him now". And I did." 

(Note: the Holy Spirit definitely gave Jeannie the discernment in her heart to "GO" to Alex immediately. Thank you, Lord!)

Jeannie then writes: "Your text that God would be with Alex and I was a treasure."

"….I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you." (Joshua 1:5)

"From that moment on, everything calmed down.  In so many instances dealing with sickness and emergency situations this year alone, I have felt the very strong presence of my Heavenly Father.  On our way home yesterday I said to Alex, "You know, I never once through this whole thing felt panicky or out of control in any way."  He answered, "Me either!"  God was with us. As doctor after concerned doctor came in telling us how ill Alex had become and all the different "issues" involved....we were calm.  I never shed a tear; never really even worried as we were focused on how to get him better.

Well, I'm going to get ready to take Alex to the doctor as soon as he gets up, I just wanted to let you know.

 My love and incredibly heartfelt thanks goes out to you and your wonderful family.  Thank you. I felt you all hugging and protecting me. 

Love,

Jeannie"

Final note from Aunt Ann: PLEASE, I beg you to place Alex Kronzer at the top of your prayer list.  He is a fine young man, a junior at St. Olaf college (my alma mater), who in spite of this deteriorating illness has been an exceptional student, athlete, and role model for all who know him. Also, lift up his devoted parents, Jeannie and Steve and Alex's two younger brothers, Joey and Jack, and older sister Katie.  As they go through this next health trial together, may Alex receive divine healing from the Lord and may the family's faith be strengthened, becoming effective witnesses for Jesus Christ to all their family, neighbors and friends.  May God be glorified in a mighty way!