Gabe changes the insurance world, and me.

As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?"  "Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life." John 9:1-3

When reading this verse yesterday I couldn't help but think of Gabe.

Now let me explain.  I've never once thought that any of Gabe's needs or different abilities were because of sin but there have been a time or two when I've thought "why Gabriel" or "why don't some things (walking, using his left arm)become easier for him?"  Reading John 9 yesterday reminded me of a belief we've had from the very beginning of Gabe's life; while we may not always understand why, God made Gabriel just the way he is; a perfect little boy made in the image of his heavenly father.

Gabriel's certain challenges, his initial diagnosis and doctors evaluations have showed us many things;  that our hope is not in the medical field but in our Savior, that God is not limited by doctors diagnosis's, miracles do happen and that one little boy can indeed change the world. 

When I think back to the days before Gabriel was born and reading about schizencephaly I can recall the fear of loving this little boy so much and know there was a chance we could lose him;  that his brain defect would be too much for his little body to work past.  I remember the sickness in my stomach after talking to specialists who treat schizencephaly and gave a million different possible predictions to Gabe's futures.  

But now I watch this little boy who despite his inability to walk is a typical, sweet and sassy miraculous little (okay, big) almost 3 year old.  I listen as Gabe's therapists are pleased with his progress and comment on how well he's doing despite his prognosis's and challenges.  Through Gabe his family and friends, people from Ohio to Texas and I see just what a miracle he, his life and his ability to overcome are.  Each and every day Gabe displays the work of God to all those who know him.

After moving to Houston we quickly realized Gabriel's allotted quantities of therapy appointments would quickly be used up.  A short conversation from Matt to his boss resulted in Gabe being granted unlimited therapy appointments.  But Gabriel's influence didn't end there; the corporation that Matt works for re-evaluated their policies and changed them.  Because of Gabriel there are now no limitations placed on quantities of therapy given to an employee or the dependants covered by his insurance policy.  The company Matt works for is big with locations and factories in 4 states and many different countries all over the world.  Gabe changed the insurance policy for all of them.

I love spending my time with Gabe; watching him, playing with him, teaching him, learning from him.  Each passing day I become more and more acutely aware that I am not only blessed to spend my time with one of the coolest kids around but I'm also watching the glory of God and his wonderful works being displayed in Gabriel's life.