On March 10, 2006, Pierce, our youngest grandson, was eighteen months old. He was playing in his room with mom not far away. We still aren’t sure how it happened, but he swallowed an embroidery needle. He immediately started to cough, picked up the package, ran to mommy, showed her the empty package, and pointed to his mouth. Heather, my daughter-in-law, called me in a panic, of course, and through her tears, I realized what had happened. I met her at the hospital for the beginning of five excruciating days of worry for all involved.
Through the five days, we made daily trips to the hospital, and there were a total of seven x-rays taken. We watched nervously as the needle slid down Pierce’s esophagus, went entirely through his intestines and entire digestive tract without nicking a thing. It was tumbling about but settled in his stomach on the fifth x-ray. Throughout the whole process, Pierce didn’t cry. He just wanted to be held by Mommy or Nani Popcorn (that’s me). He was taken in and out of hospital rooms. There were big machines wherever he went. When Daddy was there, he wanted Daddy.
Because they had us constantly checking his diaper, and neither of us ever found the needle, we asked if his stomach acids would dissolve it. They said no. In each of five x-rays, we saw the needle. We began to feel as if we were getting the run-around.
Finally, we grabbed the two most recent x-rays and took Pierce to a different hospital. Desperate for answers, we finally had him x-rayed naked. That way, they could not tell us it was a diaper pin or a rivet on his blue jeans, which were “explanations” previously given. The last two x-rays showed no needle, and it was never found in his diaper either.
The doctors, nurses, x-ray techs, and us watched the movement of that needle through my grand baby’s body. Everyone confirmed that his stomach acids could not dissolve it. There seems to be no other answer to me than Divine intervention.
We took him home, crying and laughing at the same time. He was safe and healthy!
How is Pierce today? He’s a rough, tough, happy 16-year-old full of teenage laughter, friends, and fun. Does he remember what happened to him on his Dad’s twenty-ninth birthday? He never talks about it. I pray not, but we who love him do.
I believe that God has plans for our Pierce beyond our expectations or imagining. By His wounds, we are healed. My faith is what brought me through this test. God supported me with each step I took. I could not have walked it alone.
I have always lived my life with this Bible verse in mind. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (NIV Bible, 2 Cor 12:9)