From the Pastor’s Desk (and his heart)

I’ve just concluded a phone call with my brother-in-law, Dick. Pat and I have been worried about the health of his daughter (our niece), Michelle. Michelle came down with H1N1. She’s 31 years old and has a history of asthma. Her asthma quickly became the issue as the virus attacked her body; she literally lost her ability to get a breath. Michelle has been in the ICU at Fairview-Southdale in Minneapolis for almost two weeks now and is alive only because of life support systems. Because of sedation, she has been non-responsive for most of that time. In the last few days, Michelle also developed pneumonia. Dick said the doctors remain optimistic. The pneumonia now seems to be clearing, and Michelle’s vital signs are good. The virus has been defeated, but she has yet to successfully breathe on her own. The doctors say that may take still another week. They are encouraging and hopeful.

By the time you read this, and wonder about Michelle’s condition, I’m praying and hoping to have happy news to report. Others have been in Michelle’s situation (including a seven-year-old at Fairview) and are back to excellent health. But, as you know, others, mostly young people, have not survived this illness. Our prayer-chain folks have been supporting Michelle in their daily prayers, as have people from many congregations. I hope you’ll join this crew of petitioners and care-givers, too.

I also am hopeful that you will take seriously the present concern about the H1N1 flu. While there is no cause for panic and most people report more mild symptoms, I have been both astounded and dismayed by news reports that 38% of parents have decided not to have their children vaccinated against the disease (AP report of 10/7/09). Some dismiss the potential seriousness of the virus. Others are clearly afraid of the vaccine itself: Isabella Ragan’s parents provide a case study for these fears.

Isabella is a normal, previously healthy, four-old Mississippi girl who came down with H1N1. Her condition turned life-threatening as she developed pneumonia and eventually her deteriorating condition necessitated lung surgery. She has survived, thankfully, but her health and lung capacity will be permanently compromised. Her mother says she feels, “very blessed” that Isabella survived the illness, but that she probably won’t have her two-year-old son, Christopher, immunized against H1N1. “You just hear all the critics talk about it,” she said. “I’m so nervous about it. I just don’t know what to think.”

I’m wondering who the “critics” are to whom Mrs. Ragan listens. I wonder about their agenda and the sources of their “facts.” I wonder about the irrational fears that are voiced about so many issues these days and the general inclination of public distrust towards people placed in positions of leadership exactly for national concerns like this one. It can’t be that Mrs. Ragan doesn’t understand how potentially dangerous this virus can be: she almost lost her daughter. She must also have been informed that the doctors, nurses and their family members of the hospitals where Isabella received care will be first in line to be vaccinated when the vaccine is available. If knowledgeable people in the medical field rush to receive a flu vaccination, why is Mrs. Ragan still reluctant to protect her youngest child? I honestly don’t know.

Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Shame on the sources of misinformation if they lead to the harm of even a single child!

If this particular “pastor’s letter” seems inappropriate or not very spiritual, you may attribute it to concern for Michelle and a conviction that had a vaccination been available for her before she contracted H1N1, this life-threatening situation need not have occurred. I don’t want any of you worrying in an ICU for your child if that child could have been protected. Sometimes God provides answers to our prayers and our needs-through a vaccination.

Darrel