Full Term Elaine and Cadence
Blood Matters
News that Elaine had experienced eight hours of vigorous labor and was en route to the hospital led us to race to San Diego in the wee small hours on Halloween morning, expecting to greet our newest grandson, Sawyer. Just as we arrived in the city, Sawyer’s other grandma, Judi, called to tell us that Elaine’s hard work had not resulted in any progress towards delivery; the hospital staff had not admitted her.
We detoured to Elaine’s dad’s house. Elaine and Rob went home to rest and then go walking, hoping that the contractions would resume. We spent a pleasant, if anxious, day with our grandson Cadence and the rest of the prospective grandparents, waiting for news. Elaine and Rob joined us midafternoon after a long and fruitless walk.
As the day wore on we realized we had an opportunity to accompany Cadence as he visited the neighbors to collect candy. As darkness approached, Elaine dressed Cadence in his Spiderman costume. We discussed our options and all agreed that Rob, Rich and I would take Cadence to trick-or-treat; Elaine, her mother in law Judi and her best friend Angela would set out on yet another walk; Jim, Elaine’s father and our host for the day, would remain at home to greet children who came to his door.
In a moment of excitement, Cadence dashed around the patio, eager to be off, and tripped over a bench. He landed on his hands and knees. I removed his mask and helped him to his feet. “You okay, Buddy?” I asked him.
He carefully examined the palms of his hands. Finally he said, “Yes, Lala. Look! There’s no blood!” Cadence judges the importance of an injury by the presence of blood. No blood? No worries. If blood is discovered, however, then something very important is going on and parental (or grandparental) treatment, hugs, and kisses are required.
I’m sure as Cadence grows older he will learn finer details of assessing an injury’s gravity. But he is right about one thing: Blood matters.
Christ shed His blood for us all, redeeming us. It’s very important stuff, indeed.
2 God the Father knew you and chose you long ago, and His Spirit has made you holy. As a result, you have obeyed Him and have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus Christ. May God give you more and more grace and peace.
1 Peter 1:2 (NLT)
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