The Miracle Of Hazel Grace

She was born September 4, 2019, all 6 pounds 6 ounces of her. A perfect miracle.

For a few blessed days mom and dad and those who loved her most soaked up the love this miracle opened their hearts to. And a lifetime of dreams and plans were secretly made and began to take root in the hearts and minds of Hazel Grace’s loved ones.

But those dreams turned quickly into a nightmare as Hazel Grace was rushed to a children’s hospital and for days, weeks, the battle for her life and her family’s hearts raged on as fiercely as any earthly war.

The doctors pronounced there was little hope for survival. Prayer chains and intercessory prayer groups formed across the world. Literally across the world. Hazel Grace’s loved ones prayed for a miracle, they praised and glorified God without ceasing.

There was a miracle, day by day Hazel Grace improved. There was hope, so much hope for the life they now dared dream about.

Then hope came crashing down with enough force to shake even those who are strongest in their faith. But her loved ones, and many of those praying for her refused to believe for even a moment this little warrior would not survive this battle too.

They held fast to God’s love. They held fast to the unwavering belief that Hazel Grace’s life would be a miracle and testimony to the all encompassing love and power of God.

But in a cacophony of love and tears, of broken hearts and unfulfilled dreams, Hazel Grace left the world behind September 28, 2019. And the very moment she left her mother’s and father’s arms, she was cradled in her loving Heavenly Father’s arms.

As news spread throughout the praying world that had held a 2 week vigil for this wee girl and her family, I am sure so many asked why — despite all their prayers — all their pleading — there had been no miracle. At least not the miracle they had pleaded with God for.

I have no good enough answers for that question. But as a mom whose son left this world in a similar way many years ago I do know — really know — some things deep down in my soul that others simply cannot fully know or believe until they have walked this path.

We often define miracles as ongoing or forever. But I see them much differently. Miracles can also be brief and fleeting on this earth, like the miracle of Hazel Grace.

God granted her family 2 weeks more of life, of love, of memories they wouldn’t have had. And to me that was a miracle.

The miracle of Hazel Grace united the hearts and prayers of thousands of people across the world and turned their focus intensely on God for a brief moment in time.

The miracle of Hazel Grace turned eyes to God that had long since lost their sight of Him and softened hearts that had long since been hardened towards Him.

The miracle of Hazel Grace changed her family and many others forever as they watched God miraculously heal her for a time.

The miracle of Hazel Grace is that she is now most assuredly in heaven — totally healed — with the One Who created her in the first place.

The miracle of Hazel Grace is that her loved ones will live with her eternally in Heaven some day.

But most of all, the miracle of Hazel Grace is that she was here at all.

Jackie Deems

copyright 2019