When I went to the dentist today, the local pharmacy had a flier in the main window with the face of an engaging little boy with oxygen tubes in his nose. I rarely read fliers in public places, but his face and the headline, For The Love of Joel, caught me--and I literally couldn't take another step until I read it. The flier gave a website for further information and though my memory is poor these days, I remembered the URL and went to it later at home.
As I read, tears streamed down my face. So many terrible things are happening in our world that sometimes I feel like I’m on compassion overload, but I'm glad I saw Joel's flier and the website his parents have up.
The site says, "Joel Saathoff is 10 years old. He is in desperate need of a double lung transplant and a liver transplant. We are searching for a doctor, hospital and donor to help us save his life. Joel has a wonderful spirit and belief in God as does his family. We are strong believers in miracles and the power of prayer. With this in mind, we ask all of you to keep Joel in your prayers and pray for the miracle of life for him. We welcome and encourage all religions and their prayers. Our appreciation and love to you all, The Saathoff Family."
Further reading revealed the boy had problems from birth that have gotten worse and worse over time, and as a parent and grandparent myself, I said a quick prayer of gratitude for the health of my own family. I have a 70-year-old friend on the liver transplant list and I know how hard it is to qualify for donor organs. Joel is being evaluated by a hospital in San Francisco at this time, but time is running out.
I have never met or heard of Joel before I saw that flier today, and though I know the family needs financial support, they requested prayers from anyone of any faith. That is something all of us who pray can do—pray for Joel’s healing and surround his family with love. I hope you will join me in praying for Joel.
