Showing posts with label illness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label illness. Show all posts

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.

Saturday, January 24

Day 24: Oops! We Did It Again

True confessions: We did it again! Our daughters are away tonight, so Steve and I stole some precious time alone with Micah. We've stumbled around, dazed, in a haze since we got "the news" so we were anxious to enjoy our evening with our son. He and Daddy wrestled, then we all snuggled on the couch and watched a movie.

Micah's favorite outing is hanging out at the Bass Pro Shop, a cross between a monstrous retail store and a wildlife museum, so when we asked him what he wanted to do tonight, we figured it was a no-brainer. But, he surprised us and said he wanted to eat Chinese food at one of our favorite haunts. Yikes, dilemma. We looked at his sweet, round face, then turned to each other and... caved. When we nodded our heads, he jumped up and down, wrapped his arms around Daddy's neck and said, "You mean we're breaking the rule for no reason at all?" Yes, we are. Again.

We started with cashew chicken and vegetable fried rice at Canton Inn, a quaint, cozy family-owned restaurant. Then we headed to Bass Pro where we gawked at the snakes, turtles, ducks and fish; "toured" pontoon boats on the showroom floor and relaxed in rocking chairs in front of the massive stone fireplace before leaving for home.

Oriental food: $14.80. An evening together enjoying our son: priceless. Especially now.

Thursday, January 22

Day 22: Rules, Schmules

I went out to lunch today with a friend. We had been trying to get together for a while, but our schedules usually clash. So when she had an open lunch date, I hesitated but decided to make an exception to the eating-out rule. And thank God I did.

About halfway through lunch, the doctor who's been seeing my 6-year-old son for unexplained abdominal pain called my cell phone with devastating news: My son has the same autoimmune liver disease that I was diagnosed with when he was a newborn.

As I hung up, I dissolved into tears, numb with disbelief and scared of what the future holds for him. But God had already provided for my comfort, before I even knew I would need it. My friend is a wise and steadfast Christian and just happens to be a psychologist. She listened as I lamented, reassured me of God's love and providence and prayed for me and my family in the parking lot as we left. As I drove away, I was reminded that being led by God's spirit, instead of our own self-imposed rules, opens the door for Him to work in our lives and circumstances, all in His perfect timing. What an unexpected blessing during a trying time.