Atlanta, GA
January 29, 2026
I’m not above sulking, whining, or feeling sorry for myself. Few of us are. If the power goes out, a flight is delayed, or the wi-fi doesn’t work, it’s like marauders invaded our village and burned our crops.
But we’re occasionally reminded how blessed we are…. and how quickly that can change. Our younger son sent a reminder last night, when he told us one of his classmates was in a horrible car accident.
He sustained a couple skull fractures, severed an ear, and lost a few teeth. As would be expected, much of his body is in rough shape.
Most ominously, he has a clot in the veins that drain fluid from his brain. This causes dangerous swelling that must be relieved. The pressure has put him in critical condition.
As my son put it, “he needs a miracle.”
This afternoon I went to church to pray for one. I was there almost an hour. The sanctuary was silent, filled with the consoling peace only quiet can provide. I said the rosary, and asked for the obvious.
When I rose to leave, I noticed Adoration underway in an adjacent chapel. Three others were in the room. I knelt as close as I could to the consecrated Host, and implored Christ.
We don’t know God’s will. Even if we did we probably wouldn’t understand. We usually don’t, especially if we don’t like whatever we think it is.
We ask for His help, and hope He gives us what we want. He doesn’t always do so. But I’ve always suspected He supplies what we need.
Often His response is tough for us to hear. Yet in our ignorance, we try to accept the answer with the serenity and humility only faith can provide.
That sounds good. And it’s easy for someone like me to say. I’ve not had to watch my son clinging to life. In the pew I thanked God we’ve not been in that position.
I then petitioned the miracle that would relieve a family of the pain they’re enduring. I don’t know if it’ll arrive.
God answers every prayer. But sometimes the answer is “no”. When it is, we don’t like it. That’s understandable.
But God’s calendar doesn’t always conform to ours. Sometimes we must change our plans to attend His schedule. As we were reminded last night, the invitation to meet Him could arrive at any moment.
As I prayed today and plead now, for my son’s friend and his agonized family, I hope that moment is decades away.
May God bless this young man as he fights for his life, and support his loved ones as they endure this trauma.
All other prayers are appreciated.
JD
For the one that believes , the Comforter will do His Job. Just open up Your eyes and open Your ears, and heart. As You also stated We do not know the Will Of God.
"...occasionally reminded how blessed we are…. and how quickly that can change "
Your remark is an aphorism which I mentally invoke each and every day.
Having had perhaps more than the normal number of close calls -- including watching a man pick up a rifle, point and shoot at me and a recent car accident where were it not for good fortune I would be a memory -- I am blessed.
I can't bestow my good fortune on others, but I do strive to make all with whom I meet leave our encounter feeling better, lucky, optimistic.
Sometimes, like in response to your poignant appeal, I pray for them.