Baby Girl For Christmas! Dec 6, 1966
Life was good, Peg and I had settled into our new community. December was in the air and we were looking forward to our firstborn.
We attended Church every time the doors were open and developed some great relationships with people. We were excited with the fact that a baby was on the way! Sure enough December 6, 1966, God gave us a baby Girl. Our prayers had been answered, we prayed for a baby girl.
Troubling News!
The doctor came out and said, Peggy is doing fine and you have a baby girl. However, it was a hard delivery, the cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck, cutting off the flow of oxygen to the brain. It took longer to deliver her than we expected and your daughter may have brain damage. She may not be like other kids, and might not be able to run and play like other kids. It will be a couple of days before you can see her it may be months to a year or more before we know anything.
We have a baby girl!
Peggy smiled at me and said, we have a baby girl. She was so happy and pleased. The doctor had told me, that Peggy doesn’t know anything and don’t do anything to upset her, she needs to rest. It took all my strength as I held her hand and pretended everything was alright.
I’m a perfectionist
I didn’t know what to do or say, I struggled trying to understand the situation. Something you might not know is, that I’m a perfectionist, what will life be like? How can this be, Why me?
Perfect Timing!
My brother and sister-in-law came in just when I really needed someone! He took me home to get a few things and while we were there we had prayer together. The amazing thing about this was, that my brother had not been in Church for years because of various trials and hurt in his life. I wonder if this might have been the beginning of God bringing him back.
Back at the Hospital!
A nurse met us as we came down the hall and asked me if I would like to see my daughter. I said, I’m Gary Crawford. She said I know who you are, do you want to see your daughter. This is one moment in time I will never forget! She was perfect in every way, dark-complected, and looked just like me(cute as a button). I told God, thanks, we will make it work with your help!
Back Home!
Dondi was perfect in every way as far as we could see. As each day went by I watched her and Peggy’s every move, when I was with them, wondering what might show up, was Dondi doing the little things that babies do? I don’t remember when or how Peggy was told, there could be problems, I believe her mother told her. Praise God, Dondi never had any problems and grew into a very special young Lady!
Her Senior year!
It wasn’t unusual for me to drive by the school and watch Dondi and the band practicing. But, this day was different. As I drove by the practice field, it was empty. The band was on a trip, I thought that was ok, she will be back tomorrow! That's when I realized next year she would be gone. God gave me a very special song about Dondi, that day.
“From a Baby to A Lady”
Verse 1
From a baby to a lady, God let us watch you grow. We’ve shared your joy and your laughter, Lady, you’ve blessed us so. But, the years has passed so quickly. Now it’s time for you to go. God Bless you, Lady. We Love you so.
Verse 2
You wanted a baby brother, to love and hold. God heard and answered your prayer, with a baby brother of your own. But Joy turned to sorrow and you were left alone., praying for God to heal your brother and bring him safely home.
Dondi and her family live in Portland, Oregon, they have spent their entire life on the Mission Field!
"The Best Easter E
Dondi, (our daughter) just put this in my news feed.
Peg & I are so Blessed. God, continues to deliver, Dondi and her family through difficult times, in Victory! Twenty-seven years and Dondi has never talked about this.
During this trying time in life for all, in my spare time, I was working on our property in Webb City(where Dondi & Ken lived) before God called them to Portland, Oregon. I will never forget this Scripture, I found taped on a Mirror! (Dondi & Ken left behind)
Philippians 1:6 (NIV) Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you, will carry it on to completion, until the day of Christ Jesus.
Also, I will never forget, Dondi, telling me! Dad, I don't believe God brought us out here for me to die.
Several years later: Read this note from "Dondi"
Good Friday is a reminder of how precious life is. 27 years ago on Good Friday I was in a doctor's office learning about what life would be like for the next few months/years as I was treated for Hodgkins Disease. Good Friday 2018, I spent the morning with my boys in Puerto Rico after serving together for a week on a mission trip, then flying home later in the day. Who would have thought? God knew! Tomorrow we will sing one of my favorite songs as we do almost every Easter - Because He Lives.
God sent His son, they called Him Jesus
He came to love, heal, and forgive
He lived and died to buy my pardon
An empty grave is there to prove my savior lives
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives
These were so much more than words that year. Because I knew I could only face tomorrow, and what Cancer would mean in my life Because Jesus Lives! Life was worth living, even with cancer, because Jesus Lives
My prayer for you and your family this Easter is that you know my friend Jesus and the promises of his words. Celebrate His life this Easter, find a church, get involved, if you are in our area, join us at 10:15 a.m. for pancakes and worship at 11 a.m. at Rosemont Ridge Middle School. Happy Easter!
