What I no longer pray for

I wrote some thoughts down a few days ago, but as real life occupies one’s time it’s taken a while to get them on the blog.

Thanksgiving is past and we move into the Christmas season. It’s a time of reflection for many. A time to take stock of the year past and prepare for the year to come. A time to take account of just what one has, and yes, even what one wants.

I have been truly blessed. I was raised in love by two inspiring parents whose example of life, marriage and parenting is the standard to which I aspire.

I am surrounded by the love of my fantastic wife whose smarts and wit keep me grounded and on my toes.

We have two beautiful boys who amaze us constantly with what they know, learn and do.

I am thankful for modern medical science and safe and effective factor concentrates. Thankful for the hemophilia doctors, nurses and social workers who provide Jack with the care and treatment that allows him to do (most) everything he wants.

I am thankful for the healing gift of time. The time to learn, cope, adjust and accept. The time to come to grips with the challenges of life with a boy with hemophilia. The time to take on that monster of fear and beat it down until that monster is a routine that is managed day in and day out.

And so it is that I pray and give thanks for all that I have. But one thing has left my prayers. I no longer pray for a cure for hemophilia. I want it. I want it desperately. More than I want longer lasting factor, easier delivery methods and cheaper factor. And I want those a lot.

But it is through the grace of God and wonders of time and experience that hemophilia is but one of the many challenges of a busy life. One that we address, manage and overcome.

God knows we want a cure and in time it will come. But there’s something to the old adage that God only gives you what you can handle. Until there is a cure hemophilia we can handle and I will pray for other things.