An Angel Named Job

2008

To see anyone in pain is difficult, but the sight of a child undergoing much suffering is hard to bear. I first heard of Job McCully's story via an episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition – one of the few, “food for the soul” types of show on TV. I’m not much for sentimentality, but the story of this boy's pain and suffering just broke my heart.

Before leukemia:

Job was only 4 years old in 2002 when he was diagnosed with leukemia and given less than 10% chance of survival. After receiving chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, he was eventually able to beat the cancer. However, because of the treatment, he developed fungal pneumonia which caused severe damage to his lungs. At one point, his heart stopped beating for 8 minutes but he miraculously survived. In 2007, he underwent a double lung transplant surgery. While the operation was a success, there was only so much pain and suffering Job’s little body could take. He developed cataracts in both eyes and was confined to a wheelchair. His medications contributed to an excessive weight gain and a bloated appearance. His immune system has become very fragile and he also now has diabetes.

with dad Robert

with mom Tina

with grandma Glenda

physical therapy

taking meds

“He’s been such an inspiration to so many people. And he’s only 10 years old.” 

– Robert, Job’s dad

 

Yet, in spite of all the pain and suffering Job underwent and is still undergoing through, he still manages to smile – and a more beautiful sight one will never see. His courage and will to survive is rarely seen in anyone, much less that of a child. Job has become an inspiration and a symbol of hope to everyone who hears his story. Job is my hero.

thumbs up

After doing some research, I was happy to find out that Job’s health is continuing to improve and he is now able to walk. Like his biblical namesake who also underwent severe tribulations, I pray that God will continue to bless “Job's latter condition even more than his former one” (Job 42:12) and that little Job will live until he’s “old and full of days” (Job 42:17).

“How can you be more blessed, than to appreciate those precious moments that other people take for granted?” 

– Tina, Job’s mom

I remember Mother Angelica once say on her show that children who suffered much here on earth, like Job, will be the happiest of all in heaven. To me this makes sense, for to those whom much has been given are also those who usually take blessings for granted, while those who go through much pain and suffering are also those who are capable of experiencing the greatest of joys in the simplest of things.

Angel Job

* Photos and Videos:

Have you ever seen an angel smile?

 

with sister Nicole

 

 

 

more recent

The McCully's

2nd Place Regional Spelling Bee

lovin' the rain

happy birthday

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (clip)

Camping, Roasting Marshmallows and Pirates

Do you know what the word hero means?

  

* Courtesy of:

1. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 
2. www.caringbridge.org/ar/job/

For more, please visit:

www.youtube.com/user/Bahagi5237