My great-niece, Bailey Jill Reynolds was born in Fort Worth, TX with severe congenital heart problems. At only 6 days of age, she underwent the first of three surgical procedures - each increasingly complex and difficult.  That January, I joined other family members & friends in prayers for her.  As I walked the White Sands National Monument in prayer & meditation, I came across a hillock where a heart and a cross had been drawn in the sands.  Two large yucca plants with a smaller one nestled between stood guard nearby, reminding me of Bailey and her two loving parents, Amy & Keith Reynolds. Impulsively, I knelt and added Bailey Jill’s name arched over these two symbols of love and faith.

Feeling the presence of God in that natural sacred space of shifting sands, I felt that Bailey would have success with her surgeries.  Indeed, in December 2007, her 13-hour third major surgery was an absolute miracle, restoring her full breathing & heartbeat! After lying in recovery in the NICU with her chest cavity open for three days, Bailey gradually regained her health & strength: “What a strong woman she will grow up to be!” We blessed the Lord, the medical staff at Cook Children’s Hospital, all the people who sent loving prayers, and Bailey was home for Christmas with sisters Kaegan & Ashlynn!