As I watch the sunrise this morning, I am in awe of the majestic artwork God puts before us daily. My eyes sweep over the panoramic view and at the end I catch a glimpse of my eldest daughter sleeping, the morning rays bouncing off her glowing skin. Where did the time go? It’s hard to believe that today we are driving to our first college tour. My thoughts quickly race back and I reminisce on her “transfiguration.” The day she was born, her piercing brown eyes caught a look at me from across the hospital room, and I knew she recognized me in a profound way, a way a child her age should not. Things quickly changed.

When she was nine months old, a vaccine injury sent her immune system spiraling out of control. She spent the next seven years of her life in agony. Her skin began to peel off her body. Her oozing skin would dry and stick to her crib bedding. I would spend many mornings as she awoke wetting the sheets to make it less painful on her body. She became allergic to everything and then symptoms of autism began to show through. Day after day we sought answers from doctors, therapist, anyone who could help. I even flew her to New York where a doctor was having amazing results with full recovery cases! 

Meanwhile, our spiritual healing journey also began. I spent many nights sleeping on the floor next to her crib, engaged in a spiritual battle, fighting off Satan’s hold over us. This began my desperate journey for answers from God. Why? Why her? How could this happen?

Our God is gracious. Jesus teaches us, “Ask and it shall be given unto you, seek and you shall find, knock and the door shall be opened.” (Matt 7:7) During this time, the Lord answered all of my questions and gave me so much more. The more I purified and began to align my life with Christ, the more Giselle healed. I discovered that the stronger I became spiritually, the stronger Giselle’s gait became. Her developmental milestones began to catch up. The Lord led both of us to healing. God makes all things new, and seven years after her accident, Giselle was fully healed. Looking back, I realize that in the Luminous mysteries of the rosary, the fourth mystery is the Transfiguration and the fruit of this mystery is desire for holiness. This desire for holiness is a grace both Giselle and I received.

Today, as I watch her glowing skin, I wonder if I am ready to unclasp my fingers from the best part of my life’s journey. I know deep inside that I will never be fully prepared, but I will be forever grateful for the pain that brought us new life. Through this pain, I have been transfigured to see God as He is; Merciful.
 
Francisca Rodriguez is married to her high school sweetheart, David. The Lord has entrusted them with six beautiful souls, their children, whom they pray for daily. Francisca’s sole desire in life is to serve and please the Lord (most of the time). She left her career in clinical psychology 20 years ago to more fully serve her family. Currently, she directs the Catholic homeschool co-op here at Holy Family.