Nathan’s Prayer

Our first look at Nathan after heart surgery

…Jesus called the children to him, and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Luke 18:16

The summer of 2006 was the most terrifying season of my life–Bryan’s, too, for that matter.  The date, July 25, was hanging around my neck like an albatross.  That was the day Nathan was scheduled to undergo open heart surgery at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital at the University of Michigan Medical Center.  Everything was in place:  our flight from Gulfport, Mississippi, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, was booked; accommodations at the Med Inn were secured; and we had acquired Dr. Edward Bove, probably the best pediatric heart surgeon in the world, to repair Nathan’s congenital heart defect.

As the big day approached, I penned a simple child’s prayer (located at the bottom of the middle column) for Nathan.  He memorized it enthusiastically and would repeat it to anyone who would lend an ear.  Listening to his sweet recitation did not calm my heart, but it certainly warmed it.  Have a child facing surgery?  We would be honored if Nathan’s Prayer brings comfort to you.

Tags: C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, congenital heart defect, Dr. Edward Bove, Gulfport Mississippi, Nathan's Prayer, prayer, University of Michigan Medical Center