Noah

By Kay Heitsch

When our first grandchild, Noah, was born, we didn't know what to expect. We thought he would be healthy and developed like most babies. Unfortunately, however, that was not the case.

Noah had a lot of health problems from the very beginning. As a result, he had several labels put on him, one being failure to thrive.

We take a lot for granted when we have children, one being their eating ability. Unfortunately, Noah wasn't able to suck like most babies. While in the hospital, a feeding tube had to be put in. As much as this was needed, it broke our hearts to see what all Noah and our children went through.

One day I was in the grocery store. A young mother was walking by with her newborn baby. The baby started to fuss a little. Then, in a disgusted voice, the mother looked at me and commented that now she had to feed the baby again. I knew she was taking feeding her baby as an inconvenience and not something to be thankful for.

I was kind, but I shared with her what Noah was going through. I said, "You have no idea how thankful my daughter would be to feed Noah like you're able to."

Noah is unique and has come a long way. I'm thankful he can do things today that I didn't know he would ever be strong enough to do.

Today, let's take some time to think about things we often take for granted and be thankful.