*Every now and then I write a post and begin by kindly mentioning….
“Please don’t skim – God has been up to something too amazing
that you won’t want to miss any part”. This is one of those times…*
Every single story of God’s miraculous ways is powerful,
but there are some that are so overwhelming
that words can hardly be used to describe them….
My eyes well with tears as I start to type this morning and truly,
I can barely see my laptop screen…at the same time,
I cannot type fast enough…
Almighty God has been up to something that is just
*that*
good…
Of course, He is always up to something wonderful….
but wait till you hear this….
because many of you are part of this miracle-in-the-making….
On Valentines Day this year I wrote a blog post about Ruby’s and my trip to the
eye surgeon the previous June 2012. It had taken me months to be ready to write the post
because his words were just plain cruel.
However, God had been up to something, even though
Dr. Mean-Ol’-Grumpy-Pants-“Your-Daughter-Will-Never-See”Dude
had been adamant.
And so it was that everyone who spends any amount of time with Ruby
had begun to notice that Ruby was purposefully reaching for things…
and on that Valentines Day post I even put a You-Tube video of her reaching
for a clear glass filled with water on the floor, remember?
If you missed her video, you can see it by going here...
The point was that, her therapists, Ruby’s friends, our family,
our friends were all clearly
noticing her reaching for things on a daily basis.
Things that she would have no idea were there, if she was blind.
Things that are clear.
Things that don’t make any noise.
Yes, Ruby was reaching for them.
We knew God was up to something
– however –
the real “proof-in-the-puddin” is having an eye surgeon
document that there is sight.
Right?
Well…..drum roll please……
Last week I took Ruby to her new eye surgeon, Dr. C.
This is the doctor who did Jubilee’s last two eye surgeries.
He is kind-hearted and hopeful.
He has a booming practice.
He cares about the vulnerable and is gentle to them.
Before Jubilee’s last eye surgery I had graciously explained to him
that there had been a previous doctor who had emphatically told me,
not once, but three times:
“Your daughter will never see”….
Jubilee’s eye surgeon, Dr. C, grimaced when he heard me repeat the words of Dr. Grumpy-Pants.
Dr. C went on to say that he would be happy
to have Ruby come to him as a patient…
And besides, he was already seeing Jubilee…
So last week Savannah and I went in for him to examine her.
Ruby was very animated when we arrived.
She was grinning and giggling and entertaining the office staff.
They were so kind to her and clearly were enjoying her…
It took two times of drops in the eyes to get them dilated enough to have a peek.
Finally it was time for Dr. C to examine her.
I seriously cannot get this posted fast enough
{and I was actually trying to figure out if I could do a video of me telling the story}
Cause I really, truly just want to shout it from the mountain tops….
Soooooooo……
After examining her eyes, he started by saying
that disease in the eye is measured on a
0 – 4 basis, 4 being the worst.
He explained that Ruby’s disease in her eyes is a 3.
Hmmmm, that’s not a 4…that’s an improvement, right?
But what he said next made my eyes pop wide open….
“Ruby is NEARSIGHTED.“
Whoooooa, Back Up…
Did he just say the word, “nearsighted“?
I was in shock.
Truthfully, I don’t know how I could be in shock since we have been
praying for Almighty God to heal her sight, but really,
no one has ever used the words “NEARSIGHTED with Ruby…
The only words any one has ever used are:
“Cortical blindness”…
I sat with my mouth open…
He continued,
“Ruby will likely benefit from glasses,
not quite yet,
but probably in the future…”
WAIT….
Did he just say, “Glasses?”
My mouth was still open and my mind was still reeling…
I was still stuck on the “NEARSIGHTED” word…
and he had moved on to “GLASSES”
I did manage to ask him if he was able to tell which eye or
what part of her eye is seeing better …
but he said that I would be able to tell the answer to that better than he could….
Because we are to patch each eye for 20 minutes each day.
Before long, if one eye is seeing better than the other,
we will be able to tell…
She’ll fuss more if her ‘better’ eye is covered…
We go back in about 6 weeks to check in about the patching…
But sweet friends….
Ruby is now
*N*E*A*R*S*I*G*H*T*E*D*
Faithful God…Always at Work…
You, our sweet bloggy friends,
are a part of this miracle,
because so many of you all over the world have been praying…
Thank you * Thank you * Thank you * Thank you *
Please don’t stop…
Because clearly, God has not finished His healing work
on our once 6 lb – one year old who was found by our Emmy, dying in a crib in the corner of an orphanage….
On behalf of our precious Ruby Grace Saunders,
we thank you from the bottom of our hearts…
and all praise and honor and glory go to the King of Kings
and Lord of Lords…
He alone is worthy….
Eeeeee! Such joyful, GOD-sized news!
Yay for Ruby… she is going to ROCK some glasses!!
Won't she be darling in glasses? That's what I kept thinking too!
Crying! Amazed in God along with y'all! Ps…LOVE the last pic of ruby! Precious!
I think the last picture is the sweetest picture of her e.v.e.r. xo
Speechless! How great is this news??? So happy for that sweet Ruby! There are so many wonderful things and people God has created that she WILL NOW SEE!!!!!!
Speechless is what I was too.
Yippee!! Praising God along with you! Keep it coming, Lord!
Thank you for joining in praising the Lord with us!
I am left absolutely speechless! In awe at our wonderful, miracle working God…and speechless! Such an incredible praise report! Thanks for filling us all with great faith today! ~ Jen
That's why we *have* to tell each other our stories {Memorial Box Monday} because our faith will be encouraged in a mighty way as we hear what HE does!
I couldn't read down your post fast enough…I am SOOOOOOO happy!!! Prayers are working so much they're doing more than expected! I'll continue to keep her in my prayers!
And I couldn't type fast enough – ha! I want to stop perfect strangers and tell them!! I think I will quite possibly be giddy for the rest of my life!
What a BEAUTIFUL picture of Ruby!!!!!!
Isn't that picture the BEST?
Praise GOD! Such wonderful news for your sweet girl.
The BEST news ever!
Oh sweet sweet Ruby girl!!! YAHOOOOOO! God is so faithful! To think of where she came from and where she is now! My heart is so full for her and for you! I'm sooooooooo happy! So so so so happy!!!!
Oh Fe-Fe! Can you believe it? Only Faithful God. Why do we ever doubt Him?
Praise God! Love that picture! 🙂
Isn't that picture amazing? *grinning*
oh Linny!! Praise Jesus! this is wonderful news!
And Ruby is looking so good! So healthy!!!
Doesn't she look amazing? Who would have ever guessed?
Shrieking with joy in Newfoundland. I actually just yelled out loud "My Ruby can see! My Ruby can see!" And everyone knew who I was talking about!!
I heard you all the way in Phoenix!! And everyone knew who you were talking about? So Ruby's a household topic in Newfoundland? WootWoot!
Indeed she is! And we laughed and laughed at her video the other day with Miss Artemis. How I love that little treasure girl I've never met!
She sure is :3 Every exciting update I get called over to her laptop "Look at my Ruby! Look at what she's doing now!" and we read her stories and watch her videos together. She is such a miraculous little darling I can never get over how far she's come and how much is still ahead for her to accomplish. We're cheering for her all the way from the east coast! <3
Ashley – I am so glad you enjoyed Miss Ruby's video with Miss Artemis. Artemis loves our Ruby so much!! Thank you for cheering her on from your beautiful part of the world!! Has always been a dream to see Newfoundland! PS Love that you called her "My Ruby"…haha!! I know that many around the world have prayed, some have fasted and all who know of her have cheered – no doubt, to all of them – she's "their" girl and I gladly share her…she's a-mazzzz-ing!
Tayley – what a beautiful name, first of all! I am so thankful that many understand that truly, every.single.thing she does is a miracle. The other day I came in the room and she turned toward me…such a common occurrence to almost everyone…but for Ruby? We cheered! She turned toward me! Thank you for cheering her on! BTW, what part of the east coast?
I rarely get a chance to keep up with blogging lately, but God led me to THIS post and oh what a joy it is to read! Awesome, mighty, powerful God – He never ceases to amazes us! Thank you Jesus, for your continued healing!
What a great post to check in on!! Yippee Jesus!
The last photos doesn't even look like Ruby, this this child looks completely healed and ready to tackle the world. How amazing is our God! I'm thankful for the answered prayers and continue healing! There is nothing to big for our God! PTL!
Isn't it just the best picture? I am going to put it as Ruby's header picture…It's just too precious!
WOW!!!!!! We are all so blessed to be a part of this world that Ruby lives in. This is so exciting. We will continue to pray and declare sight to Ruby's eyes and complete healing!
Ben!! I love that you commented and we love you and Bex. xoxo
YAAAAAYYYYYYY!!!!!!! 😀
Yippee Jesus!
All I can say is WOW
And WOW is about all I could say too. haha!
All I can say is WOW
Linny! This is wonderful, news to our prayers! I have goosebumps, tears, and a lump in my throat. It reminds me of how God answered another of my prayers years ago with one of our babies. I also remember the heartache and prayers we all had when y'all were first told Ruby was blind.
Glad y'all don't have to see Dr Grumpy Pants anymore! Although one last update sometime would be eye-opening for him.
It would be "eye-opening" for him, wouldn't it? I do believe we will have to see him one last time…not yet…but perhaps one day when she's rocking her glasses…
Glory to GOD!!! I can't stop smiling!!
What an AWESOME God we serve!
Hallelujah!
And I can't stop smiling either!
Amazing! How Great is our God!!!
He is *that* amazing. He's so generous!
I have tears rolling down my cheeks. Praise the Lord!
Ruby you are a miracle girl.
She is, indeed, a miracle-girl!
Amazing! Brings a tear to my eyes.
Happy tears are the best tears!
Praise God! Go, Ruby!
She *wants* it all now. She can't catch up fast enough!
Praise the LORD!!! Happy tears for you and sweet Ruby! And hope for my little one who has a diagnosis I didn't want. God is good!
Happy tears are the best tears. And listen sweet friend, we stand with you in prayer…get the Knee Team {TheKneeTeam@gmail.com} on the diagnosis…they will pray in earnest and we have seen many answers…And I do believe that's just *one* of the reasons God has been healing Ruby – so that others faith will be built – He is more than able.
Praise the LORD!
He is more than ABLE!
What a miracle Baby, so thankful for your story of God's Amazing Grace!
She is a miracle-baby!
tears, just tears, and a heart full of praise
As I 've said already, Happy tears are the best tears! Thank you for rejoicing with us!
AMEN. GOD IS JUST AMAZING.
He is, indeed, amazing!
Also, you need to go back to Dr. Mean-and-Cruel-Grumpy-Pants-"Your-Daughter-Will-Never-See"Dude so he can eat crow.
I laughed out loud when I read the "so he can eat crow". Still giggling. Thanks for the laugh. Yes, he needs a giant helping of crow for sure. He was so mean…sticking his face right into mine with my eyes welling with tears. ugh.
God is SO SO GOOD. <3
He is sooooo good.
Absolutely crying happy tears!!! My kiddos think I have lost my mind. PRAISE GOD, PRAISE GOD, PRAISE GOD. He is so good, He is so mighty.
Thank you for sharing. Rejoicing with you tonight!
Much Love,
Kathie
Thank you for rejoicing with us old friend!! xoxo
Praising God as I read your post!!!!!!!!
Thank you for praising Him with us!
ok you know you HAVE to go back to dr. grumpy pants eventually when ruby is wearing adorable little glasses and is seeing better than ever, right??? and i think you have GOT to have someone recording that experience on video because i think it's safe to say that ALL of us out here want to see his reaction to the fact that he was dead WRONG and that God is REAL and ALIVE and performing MIRACLES!! PTL!! and go Ruby girl!! :}
Your comment made me giggle. Yes, indeed, I would imagine that everyone would like to watch his expression when he sees Ruby rockin' the glasses..
I my goodness!!!!!!!!!!!!! That is so exciting!! Praise the Lord for His goodness.
It is amazing, isn't it?
God is so awesome!
SOOOO awesome!
Linny,
I am not in the LEAST bit surprised! And I am PRAISING Him because our son also has an eye disease. He's 12 and his disease will lead to blindness. He's had multiple surgeries and is now experiencing some deterioration of his eye sight but I KNOW that if God wants to heal him He will! Wooo! Praise God for Ruby and healing!
I was so thrilled to share this wiht my husband tonight. Thanks for breaking your own rules and sharing on a Tuesday!
Joy
He is more than able to heal your son – and that's why we tell each other what God has done, so our faith can be encouraged and built.
Yes, breaking my own rules…and then I forgot to even mention that it was a Memorial Box post…ugh. I just couldn't get it out fast enough…
WOW!!!!! There really are no words to say about that except "GOOOOO GOD!!!!" 🙂
Seems that quite a few, like me, were left with no words. He is soooo amazing!
This brought tears to my eyes…tears of joy and gratitude and praise to our overwhelmingly loving God…tears of happiness for dear Ruby. Anticipating more and more miracles coming your way because of your faithfulness and sacrifice!
Your comment made me well with tears. He is so faithful. Love to you my African friend! xo
I don't even think I have any English words right now! This is just THAT good!
That's so funny since you are a writer!! I am a writer and words were definitely failing me! xo
I LOVE that so much of this was focused on St. Valentine's Day. Do you know that St. Valentine is known for having prayed for the restoration of sight to the blind daughter of his jailer!!! You all have really been given a front row seat to God's miracles with Ruby! Amazing!!!
I had no idea about St. Valentine's prayers. I will have to read about him. Thank you for sharing.
WOW, WOW, WOW!!!! Praising the Lord right along with you! That last picture is TOTALLY amazing…you can see what love and care have done for her. She is transformed! Thank you Lord for these miracles and may you continue to work in her life and her sweet little body.
She is transformed! And truly the miracles are happening every.single.day. I have to tell more…it's like she's finally completely "here".
She is just beautiful! And so miraculous!
Isn't she sooo beautiful?
Thank you Lord! That is incredible news! I've looked at pics of Ruby Grace and figured she must be able to see something…always thought her eyes held a lot of info; thinking they were not the empty eyes commonly seen in blind people.
Her expressions have become even more "here". Completely God.
Yippee JESUS! That from someone who is 20/800 in both eyes.
I will have to check, but mine are like 20/2800. I can't see anything at all. I need help finding my glasses if they fall. I can't even see them on the ground and they have dark frames! It is such a miracle for Ruby!
Yes and Amen! I just knew something so big was going to happen when I read your post that time the doctor said that. We are a mighty army because of Him. Look out world Ruby is going to do mighty things to glorify the Lord. She already is.
It was as though that doctor was *taunting* God. And at that I thought, "Get 'em". =)
OH, what a wonderful post!!! The before and after pictures take my breath away… Bless precious Ruby, what a story and testimony she has already. God is good, so good!
Isn't that last picture just the best?
Oh Praise the Lord!! I am rejoicing with you! And, yes, I have prayed for her sight to be restored many times. Faithful God!
You are a prayer warrior Joanne. Thank you!! xoxo Miss you.
I am so thrilled for Ruby, and oh, so thankful to God for this gift.
With continued prayers,
Thank you for continuing to pray!
Only God! Wow! And I love that last picture of Ruby! She has changed so much since we saw her. Only God!
The change since you saw her has been beyond amazing. You have to come see her! Talk soon? xo
Overflowing with tears of joy and thankfulness for the continued healing of your amazing little one! Praise Jesus!
Laurie
Happy, thankful tears!
love your post! 🙂 that's wonderful news!!!! praise the Lord!!!!! 😀 😀
the dr who gave you a negative report… is like the 10 spies going into the Promised Land and bringing back a negative report… only Joshua and Caleb believed and were rewarded with going inside the Promised Land… it's amazing, really, because you emailed me that Valentine's Day, I was with Chuck in Denver talking with an immigration lawyer advice, and she was giving us negative reports, saying that we would get in trouble with USCIS, causing us a bit of worry, I kept reminding myself that it is God who showed us together and everything we did was in obedience to Him, all the signs He showed us along the way… so we decided to be like Joshua and Caleb, and when I arrived home, I came across your email asking how are things, and it was the same day you posted about Ruby's mean dr, and how you resolved not to hear negative reports… it was like a confirmation for us 🙂 We had our final USCIS interview recently and the interviewer was very pleased at the end… and a few days ago I received letter from them welcoming me to stay in USA! 😀 😀 I love how the Lord used you to encourage me and Chuck to keep our eyes on Him and what He has shown us instead of listening to negative reports. 🙂
Faithful God. Always. So thankful for your wonderful news! It is always such an encouragement to each other.
Glory to God in the Highest! He is faithful and true. I rejoice with you in the news from this professional. What a testimony! Thank you for being faithful to share this before Memorial Box Monday. I am so encourage and needed to hear it. Blessings!
I couldn't wait tlll next Monday. Not a chance. It's just too good to keep inside and I knew that those who know Ruby's story would be having a big ol' celebration with us!
Oh I just love it when God.is.smart.like.that!!
Not only do you get your miracle – but you get a Doctor that is Inspired and touched by God's Love…
HOORAH – what better word
hugs – aus and co.
Every bit of the story has God's loving fingerprints on it…including her *new* doctor…such a blessing!
Wonderful news! Praise God!
The best news *ever*!
Ruby is such a gorgeous little girl with such a beaming smile that I'm sure draws everyone in! God's plan for her life has just begun – it blows my mind how she's already been used so much by Him, but then sit back and begin to fathom what He has yet to do in her life and ALL of the lives she'll touch! Such a blessing, privilege, and honor to be in her family and to be able to share her story over and over again.
Cousin, You would not believe the transformation since lsat year when we were at your place. Seriously. You would not believe it's the same girl. She is engaging and interacting and *wanting* to be in on the action!! Wait till you see her again! Praying we can come one day again. I love you all and always miss you. Tell everyone we send our love, okay? xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
God bless sweet little Ruby Grace! A miracle from the start! and destined to bring almighty God glory! Sharing in your excitement! xoxoxoxox
Who would have guessed when she was found dying in the garden in the hot African sun that God would be up to this? Only Him. I love His surprises – they are the BEST.
Linny,
I have believed for months that Ruby really could see but thought that would be such a strange thing to say since you had been told that she couldn't. In most of the pictures I have seen of her she appears to be looking right at the camera. I just kept thinking, "this little girl can see." I am so glad that God has revealed that truth to you. What a great blessing!!
So happy for you all!
Tamara
Well you were seeing it too – and that from afar!! Thank you for your prayers and cheering her on!
That is truly amazing! Thank you, God!!!
Amen! Thank you God.
Praise God! He has such big plans for your smiley girl! He has every little detail covered! I may have mentioned this, but, I want to be on record 🙂 She is going to be walking before long! Sheri
I love what you are going on the record for saying. I'm with you girlfriend. I emailed her neurosurgeon last night. His kids love to look at our kids pictures on the blog – ha! Anyway, he emailed me back and said I made his day. Such an amazingly kind man – and he's part of Ruby's miracle, as he used his skill for 4 of her 5 brain surgeries. Praise the Lord!
Tears of joy for you all and Ruby Grace. What a powerful testimony to our Amazing Father….it just keeps getting better!
It is ONLY getting BETTER!
WOW praise to God, love to hear of his work! That change is only the work of God, love this. 🙂
YEAHHHHH….
God is the only one who gets the credit – clearly, man couldn't do anything!! Yippee Jesus!! SHe is clapping beside me as I type this…ha! Celebrate Ruby, celebrate! Okay, off to go for a walk with Ruby…
Sooooo happy to hear this wonderful news!! Praise God!! She is a beautiful miracle.
Blessings,
Amy P.
You are so right, Amy, every bit of her life is a beautiful miracle.
Tears of joy – I should say I am astonished but I am not – not knowing our God. this passage came up in my reading this morning – such a testiment to God in such a tiny albeit darling body!
John 9:1-3
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Oh Yvette! I love, love, love those verses! That would be exactly what God's intent was – to show His glory!! And we all get a front row seat – how amazing is that?
Oh tears over this beautiful miracle over His precious treasured Ruby. THANK you for sharing! Praying behind you and can hardly wait to hear what He does next!!! Isaiah 42:16 "And I will bring the blind by a way that they know not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known. I WILL MAKE DARKNESS INTO LIGHT before them and make uneven places into a plain…" No longer forsaken, she is His princess- Redeemed and Healed- and a beacon of His hope to countless others. HE is SOOO BEAUTIFUL through her!
I read your comment aloud to Ruby who is next to me…and I cried as I read it…beautiful words…thank you so much for sharing. Tears, Linny
Awesome God! So amazing. I am not surprised by this news though. We serve a faithful, miracle working God! So excited for you all and sweet Ruby! She is beautiful!
Hallelujah! God is good!
Wow, wow, wow!!!!!!!!! My absolute favorite thing in this world is "witnessing" the hand of the Almighty in the lives of His people! He is so good! Ruby is a precious gift. Thank you for sharing her with all of us. I can not wait to continue to watch her story unfold! I LOVE the picture of her with Savannah! That sparkle in her eye is just the best!
Wonderful post! Halleluyah! Praise The Lord! God is so good!
Wonderful post! Halleluyah! Praise The Lord! God is so good!
I've been checking your blog since that Valentine's post. Amazing! PTL
Oh it is always such a blessing to hear how God is working in your lives!! Ruby Grace is just an amazing example of God's love for each of us! She is so adorable with that bow in her hair!
How neat to hear this story! It is so encouraging. I feel so blessed to hear of a modern-day miracle.
WOW! I haven't been following her story or your blog very long, but I am in tears!! Amazing God!
No words for how this makes me feel!!!!