As mentioned in a previous entry, Daniel's mom, Laura sang Bring the Rain on January 27th as a testimony to God while a video of Daniel's journey thus far played in the background. I tried to load the video here, but it didn't work for some reason, so I will use the pictures instead.
Daniel and his dad in 1997
Daniel was born prematurely on Sunday, July 6, 1997 at 22 weeks gestation because there was a tear in the amniotic sac. The sac dropped into the birth canal and since his mother was diagnosed with Group B Strep Daniel had to be delivered early to prevent infection in both mother and baby. He was in NICU for four months in Washington DC.
Daniel in NICU 1997
"For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be." ~ Psalm 139:13-16
Daniel 10 weeks after birth - September 15, 1997
Because Daniel was born so early he suffers with several disabilities. He was diagnosed with Retinopathy ROP – meaning his retina was detached at birth, which resulted in his blindness. He had a grade 4-brain bleed, which is why he has a seizure disorder and scarring on his temporal lobes. Daniel was also diagnosed with autism a couple years ago and is severely delayed cognitively. Inspite of each of those issues Daniel is a delightful boy who loves to worship and brings a smile to anyone near as he sings about Jesus. He helps us to remember what is really important in life.
Daniel following his baptism with his Dad on July 7, 2007 one day after his tenth birthday.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11
