In what ways have your prayers been answered?

Most recently I earnestly prayed for the welfare of my own two year old son. He was born six weeks early and spent some time in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). He later developed severe acid reflux which led to ulcers in his stomach and esophagus. He required eye surgery for a deviating eye; and to top it all off he had Hydrocephalus or excess water/fluid on the brain that swelled to dangerous levels. He was and still is in some areas significantly delayed and behind most other children his age. But about a 8-9 months ago he required brain surgery. As a new father I was beyond nervous. I would have given anything for him to not have to go through this sort of trial at such a young age. The surgery was risky and would ultimately require that a shunt be placed in his head to drain the excess fluid from his brain into his stomach. The surgery was permanent and and the shunt irreversible, forever prone to infection and other issues. I felt that no matter what we decided our little boy would be at risk. If we did not do the surgery they had told us before that he could be permanently brain damaged. As a priesthood holder I gave my son a blessing the night before we took him to the doctor for the final visit in determining whether or not he would have to have the surgery.

My wife and I prayed earnestly that we would know what to do and that we would make the best decision for his welfare. The following day we went to his doctor's appointment and to our amazement our little boy no longer had the swelling in his brain. Although he still had excess fluid pressing against his brain it was not a dangerous level and the surgeon saw no reason to even discuss the possibility of brain surgery. It was a miracle to our family and a direct answer to our prayers. I know that God hears and answers our prayers, even for the smallest of our concerns. I am grateful for the love He shows each of us and for the knowledge we have regarding the power of prayer.