I Had Never Imagined
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Jeramiah 29:11-13
However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has imagined” - the things God has prepared for those who love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9
I must admit, when Levi was born with severe brain damage, I never imagined that he would live to see his fifth birthday. Perhaps it was because the prognosis given by the pediatric neurologist was so grim that graduating from the NICU was as far as I could see? Perhaps it was being so immersed in providing ICU-level care at home that bringing my head above water long enough to look for a distant horizon just wasn't possible? Perhaps it was the prediction that when Levi got sick, as kids do, it would escalate into pneumonia which would be the beginning of the end? Perhaps it was because I didn't know of anyone who had ever had a child like Levi born into their family, so we had never seen, heard, or imagined such a life, let alone that this milestone could be possible?
I am most grateful for the ways the Lord has surprised us, day after day, with the revelation of his plans for Levi's life. It has been a gentle unfolding in the midst of continued intensive-level care, difficult decisions, and proactive therapies. It has been a road of surprises as Levi has risen to the challenge, time and time again, to do what was once considered to be impossible.
Peter and I have remained committed to loving the Lord through all the ups and downs. Trusting that he is the all-knowing father, a good father, and one who leads us like a shepherd to green pastures. We have leaned heavily upon the Lord's guidance and waited in earnest for the leading of the Holy Spirit with every decision, big and small. We have prayed, you have prayed, people we have never met have prayed. The Lord has been merciful and gracious with us all each step of the way. And here we are today, hand in hand, looking upon another revelation of the Lord's plans for Levi: his fifth birthday.
Praise the Lord!!! For he has done great things!
Given that we did not see today coming, and only the Lord knows what lies ahead, we have decided to take some steps to better prepare for Levi's future days/months/years. In celebration of Levi's fifth birthday we have set up a Trust account for him, simply named Levi Shu Trust. This is a vehicle through which we can more easily receive financial gifts for Levi, he can remain eligible for his government-funded health insurance, and we can more easily provide him with the “alternative” therapies that he has been receiving since four months old. Over the years these therapies have included: Craniosacral, HBOT, Massage, Healing Touch, Acupuncture, Naturalpathic Doctors, Nurse Practitioners and Herbalists. All of these therapies are not covered by his insurance and have required cash payments, nearly all of which we have received as in-kind gifts. There is also a long list of additional expenses which this Trust will help us to cover, as funds are available, to meet Levi's current and future needs. The Trust even provides a way for Levi to receive gifts, financial or otherwise, as a result of a will. The way to give is simple: direct it to Levi Shu Trust.
If you are considering giving a gift for Levi's fifth birthday, we encourage you to consider a financial gift (also called a Red Envelope gift in our house, a reflection of the Chinese New Year tradition) rather than shopping for a present that can be wrapped. Red Envelope gifts can be given at any time of the year, for a celebration or simply just because you feel lead to give. Your gift will be directed to Levi's Trust and used to support his alternative therapies.
We continue to invite you to pray with us daily: in celebration of Levi's astounding accomplishments, in request for his continued development, and in anticipation for the Lord's unfolding of his plans for Levi's life; plans to prosper him and not to harm him, plans to give him a hope and a future.
Thank you for walking with us these five years.
