December 6, the Feast of St. Nicholas, JT’s one-year anniversary. Thank you, Jesus.

I don’t know why JT has done so well through transplant while other children haven’t. I don’t know why he continues to struggle with awful skin issues and an inability to eat. I don’t know why he will have to walk a difficult path for the rest of his life. Here’s what I do know: we’ve had a glimpse of kingdom healing this year. We’ve heard, faintly, a few bars of music from the place where “everything sad will come untrue.” And we’re left with a weighty gratitude:  for God’s mercy, for kindness, and for the promise that in the end, all tears will be wiped away.

One thousand six hundred and sixty-three years ago the Church celebrated the first St. Nicholas Day to honor the patron saint of children. Three hundred and sixty-five days ago our own child was saved by an incredible gift from an anonymous donor: a bone marrow transplant giving him a new immune system and a second chance at life. Each and every day since has been a miracle.

So my only prayer request for tonight is for thanksgiving, and lots of it.

Tomorrow evening my parents and sister and Jodi’s Dad are joining us as we keep the Feast: to honor St. Nicholas and Jacob Treebeard and his donor, to celebrate gift-givers and children and miracles everywhere. I wish you could all be here.