One of my sisters, Judi has Epilepsy. Her memories of our childhood are scarce due to the lifetime of falls and epileptic seizures. Judi lived with my husband, David and I for five months in 2021. During that time, Judi asked me to tell her some of the good memories from our childhood.
I wanted my sister to know what a MIRACLE I have always considered her to be. Judi had Spinal Meningitis when she was a baby in 1960. She nearly died. Our parents were finally offered an option of an experimental medication to try to save our baby sister’s life.
Judi’s pediatrician, Dr. McGuire in Wichita, Kansas had learned of a new medication which had only been tested on lions previously to cure Spinal Meningitis. Our parents knew Judi would die if they didn’t try the experimental drug. They risked everything to give Judi a chance to live. This year, Judi will turn sixty-three! Praise Jesus and Judi’s medical team.
Spinal Meningitis is a horrible disease which left lifelong effects on Judi’s health. But our sister is strong in a million ways. Judi not only survived Spinal Meningitis but several types of cancer and brain surgery. Judi not only survives, she thrives. Read more about Meningitis on this website. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350508
I cried when I told Judi about all the babies who are alive today because her Spinal Meningitis was cured by the experimental medication in the early 1960’s. We’ll never know their names or meet them but because of the part Judi played, they too had a chance to live and beat Spinal Meningitis. My sister is a miracle and blessing.
Growing up with a myriad of health issues, Judi constantly battles against her body. Judi told me that she never thought of herself as a miracle. I told Judi I knew she was a miracle because I remembered the months our little sister was in the hospital. We prayed for Judi to get well and come home. We lived with our maternal grandmothers since Mom stayed with Judi at the hospital and Dad was working. It was a scary time.
Judi will ALWAYS be a miracle to me. She is a living example of how God stepped in to guide the hands of doctors to save a young life. Knowing my parents were willing to do whatever it took to find a cure for our little sister demostrated their love and devotion to her. Our father worked for years to pay off the debt that had been incurred during Judi’s illness.
I am grateful for the memories of how our family pulled together during Judi’s illness. I still remember the delight and relief I felt when Mom was finally able to bring Judi home. Her beautiful auburn hair was now blond and curly. She still had the same smile and beautiful eyes. Our little sissy was finally home! We couldn’t wait to hug and kiss her. God sent our sister back for us to love. Judi is truly a miracle.
Blessings, Nancy
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