January 2000
Nearby is a remarkable photograph of little Samuel Armas. You may recall, Samuel was only 21 weeks in his mother’s womb when he underwent corrective micro-surgery for spina bifida. It was during surgery that he reached from the incision in her womb and grasped the finger of his surgeon, Dr. Joseph Bruner.
After years of trying to have children, Julie and Alex Armas were finally pregnant with little Samuel. But in July 1999, received the devastating news that he had a spinal condition that would probably leave their child with severe handicaps from birth. Julie searched the Internet for help and found a website giving details of pioneering surgery being carried out by a team of specialists at Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
Though considered high risk, the surgery was successful and little Samuel arrived December 2, 1999, about a month before he was expected! He weighed 5 lbs., 11 ounces, and was 20.5 inches long, and was so healthy that he went go home with his parents a few days later. Samuel does have some weakness and motor sensation problems below his knees, and he has begun physical therapy. His physician is optimistic that he will, in time, be able to walk.
Let us pray for those children whose lives were sacrificed at the altar of “choice,” and for their parents – that they may learn repentance and gain love and respect for the life that was, so that they may fully love the life that is!
