We've been going back and forth on whether or not to share our little scare that took place last week. I didn't want people to freak out, but at the same time I think it is good to share the lesson that God graciously taught us and to publicly praise Him for His sovereignty over Penny's life.
Last week we had put Penny down for a nap and then I left for SCCS while Jona watched her. This is a typical arrangement for us and I am usually gone for the first half of her nap. She was making a lot of noise and calling out for us like she usually does, but we typically just ignore it and she eventually falls asleep.
Jona has been listening to a podcast lately so he usually has his headphones in around the house, or he was even going to hop in the shower while she was taking her nap. He heard her yell out again and then she got quiet. By God's grace he prompted Jona to go in (which he would never do) and check on her.
When he got in the room he found Penny with the blind cord wrapped very tightly around her neck. Tears were streaming down her little face and she was beginning to lose oxygen. Thankfully he got her unstuck quickly, but a million things could have happened and we could have lost our sweet little Penelope.
If Jona had his headphones on, or had decided to hop in the shower he wouldn't have heard her. We can only praise the Lord for how he protected our little girl.
These are some pictures of her poor neck in the few days after the accident.
There are so many lessons to learn from this but here are a few of the key lessons I learned...
1st- I am not a big worrier, I am actually the exact opposite, to a fault. I am not always the person who looks out for the worst case scenario, but in being that way, I am learning that there are areas I could definitely be more vigilant.
2nd- This precious girl does not belong to me! In the blink of an eye she could be gone. The only one that can truly sustain her life is the Lord. I don't ever want to take for granted the sweet gift that she is to us!
Thank you Lord for protecting my baby. May I always remember that you are the one who keeps us in Your hand!
what an incredible story of God's mercy. So thankful she's safe. Everyday with our little ones really is a gift.
ReplyDeleteSister, THAT is the scariest thing I've read in a long long while. Thank God for His grace in this situation. I think every one of us has those I-heard-that-bullet-tear-past-my-ear experiences that leave us gasping, grateful, and instructed.
ReplyDeleteI thank the Lord for our sweet little Penny and the joy she brings to all of us! I am thankful for lessons learned and for God's protection!
ReplyDeletePraise God. As a parent of 5 boys, I just wanted to say that every set of parents I know has gone through that sort of a moment that takes your breath away with the potential consequences.
ReplyDeleteGlory be to God that he saved her!
Thanks for sharing stories like these, Susi. It makes me think about possible dangers in my own home. God is so good and we are so thankful that Penny is okay!
ReplyDeleteWow! Praise to God the Father and to Jesus Christ for protecting her!
ReplyDeleteDarlene. Im so thankful God is taking care of this little girl. I have heard stories like this before. This baby has a special purpose. Love you all so much and Thank God for taking care of you.
ReplyDeleteWe had the exact same thing happen to us in the exact same condos where you all live. It was our first born. We had his crib next to the window, and some how he grabbed the cord and attempted to strangle himself. Scared us all to death too.
ReplyDeletePraise, praise the Lord!! He gives us so much grace.
ReplyDeleteSo glad Penny is okay! I have 4 girls and often ignore the cries after laying them down for a nap or at night. Thank God Daddy went in to check.
ReplyDeleteMy youngest was about 9-10 months old when we were eating lunch after church in the fellowship hall when she choked on a pretzel and turned blue, then purple and wasn't making any noise. Thankfully a lady at the next table ran over and grabbed her. She was a nurse so knew how to do the Heimlich on a baby. Scariest day of my life.
Wow! Thank you for sharing! How true that our children are not ours truly. Praise God for His protection over Penny's life.
ReplyDeleteWow Susi, that made my stomach get all tense. Our little Andrew (now 27!) was almost lost to a fall while we were at Jack London Square in Oakland, CA. He was not even 2. We were on a balcony of the shopping/restaurant area, waiting for some food we ordered. Andrew was standing at the rails looking at the next level below. He, quite easily, was able to get his little body between the rails and if not for my husbands quick action, by grabbing his arm, he would of fallen to the unforgiving wood-planked floor below. We realized, like you, how easily he could of been gone from us. It.was.scary! But yes, God protected a child of His that He loves even more than we do. (I have to remind myself of that even with "kids" the ages of 21 / 24/ 27. Praise God! And thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteRobin Gilmore
Oh Sooz, that made my heart stop. Since reading this a few hours ago I haven't stopped thanking the Lord for His kindness and grace in sparing Penny's life and prompting Jona to check on her. Thank you Lord that Penny is still here and your mighty protection over her! Thank you for sharing. It's a very sobering reminder that my sweet babies are not my own, I'm only a steward of their lives...however long God chooses to give them to me. It also makes me look around to things that could potentially be dangerous. Praising the Lord with you still...~Ash
ReplyDeleteYikes. Thank God she's OK.
ReplyDeleteI am SOOO thankful for the outcome!! Scary, scary for us as parents to think about losing our precious children. I just happened to stumble upon your blog and am glad I did - it's a reminder to keep and eye and ear out and not get lazy with these little ones. We never know what they will want to discover each new day and we forget about the possible dangers. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDeleteIt can be difficult to find a balance between being too relaxed and being paranoid, but your lessons learned are right where they should be. "We live but by the grace of God" is only cliche to people who don't know any better. I'm so glad she is alive and well.
ReplyDelete