A Wise Decision

A short time ago, I watched a documentary on Thalidomide, a drug used to cure morning sickness in the early 1960s. The results of that drug have been disastrous for the babies of mothers who used it. These children were born with malfunctioning or missing arms or legs. The courage with which they face each day is amazing.

What troubles me most is that the drug is still produced and used in many third-world countries. Thalidomide babies are still being born.

I shudder every time I hear the word. I could have been one of those mothers. In 1961, I was desperately sick every day, not just in the morning but all day, every day. My doctor assured me that it was a good drug and safe to use.

He had been sold a bill of goods by the manufacturer.

I prayed about the whole thing for several days.

Then I decided that I would suffer through the next few months.

I remember carrying a small pail everywhere I went.

It was a good thing that I carried it. When I had free time, I began to read my Bible. Through the stories of Eve, Hannah, Ruth, Miriam, and others, I learned to love and trust God’s Word. Every time I was ready to give up, there was another Bible woman whose struggles made mine seem easier. What mother could happily see the body of a son murdered by his brother as Eve did? What mother could easily give up her child to the care of a faithless priest as Hannah did? What young woman could happily give up her homeland to travel to the unknown as Ruth did when she went home to Naomi’s world in Bethlehem? What big sister would hide in the bulrushes to guard a baby brother as Miriam did? And then be brave enough to show herself to the princess and offer a nurse to care for baby Moses? Their stories gave me the courage to persevere. In May 1962, I held my sweet little Patti in my arms. As I checked her tiny fingers and toes, I praised God for the perfection that she was. God promises in Scripture that He knew everything about us before we were even born. That is a promise that I remember every time I look at her dear face and remember God’s protection.

Patricia Cove