Tuesday, January 27

Day 27: The First Step

We got hit with a winter storm-complete with freezing rain, sleet and snow-so the kids are out of school today and probably tomorrow. Thank God for the food our friends brought, which we will enjoy while we're snowed in.

Today was the first day of Micah's new regimen. So far, so good. He took everything three times, just like the doctor ordered. It's hard for me to grasp that he's sick because he's so animated and energetic. The old "You don't LOOK sick" line that I've heard many times myself. I want to believe what my eyes see, that he's a "normal", healthy six-year-old boy. But, alas, blood tests and strange symptoms confirm otherwise. We were able to make an appointment with a pediatric gastroenterologist from Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City: March 2, 2:40. One more step down this long road called illness.

Thanks to all who are praying. Words can't express our appreciation.

Monday, January 26

Day 26: A Thousand Bouquets

Okay, the madness has got to stop! I input the receipts into our financial software this morning. Yikes! The grand total of our four-day lack of discipline is almost $75! Proof positive that letting our convictions slide has not been worth it. We are rededicating ourselves to the cause TODAY and making conscious decisions about how we use our resources, otherwise known as practicing what we preach.

Micah's first doctor appointment, an exhausting process, was today. He was able to confirm what we already knew and gave us some more information that explains some other problems he has had in the past. He's an M.D. who practices a unique blend of complementary medicine, including homeopathy. After my gastroenterologist gave me no hope, I started seeing this doctor, who has helped me immensely over the past three and a half years. I function better now than I ever have, so taking Micah to him seems like an obvious first step. He gave us some homeopathic remedies to start him on, which feels overwhelming and empowering at the same time.

Thankfully, I didn't have to think about making dinner because some friends of ours brought pasta, veggies and bread. They also brought a breakfast casserole, bagels and cream cheese, orange juice, lunch meat, sandwich cheese and two loaves of bread. Hallelujah! We are set not only for at least two dinners, but also breakfast and lunch for a few days. Such a blessing. A word to the wise: Don't ever underestimate the power of taking a meal to a hurting person or family. In my book, a casserole is worth a thousand bouquets and faithful friends are worth their weight in gold.

Sunday, January 25

Day 25: The Little Things

I feel blessed, today especially, to be surrounded by faithful friends who are praying for my son, and all of us. As we entered the church this morning, we were greeted by hugs and encouraging words. But, after recounting the events of the past week at least 20 times, Steve and I were exhausted.

So, after church, we ate out again. Pushed by a sense of emotional depletion and pulled toward the proverbial "comfort" food, we opted for Wendy's chili and baked potatoes (grand total: $12.50). It's funny how the mind works, in order of priority. On January 1, our commitment to reign in our spending and improve our health seemed like a worthy goal. Today, and all this week, it has dwarfed in comparison to our now ever-present challenge: helping our son to heal. I know, intellectually, that we still need to stay on track financially, but my heart is having trouble following through. I guess grief works like that.

A friend invited me to her house this afternoon, and I'm so glad I stepped out of the fog and accepted her invitation. We took a cold, brisk walk around her neighborhood, followed by wheat toast with homemade raspberry jam and hot coca, complete with mini marshmallows. We talked while soothing music played in the background, and when I left I felt a little stronger, a little clearer, a little more convinced of God's presence during our suffering. I also got another reminder that food isn't the comforter, but that the Comforter works through compassionate people willing to offer their hearts, homes and hot chocolate to the needy.