July Update ~ And THE BEAR!

I know I have been so bad to update this blog!  I will try to do better!

Andrew ran The Bear last night.  He finished 5th with a good time.  One of his former Watauga teammates passed him on the very last incline.  But he still finished strong and FIFTH out of around 800 runners.  His best time from 2015 (when he won) would have been a good second this year and is still the 7th fastest time of all the recorded times since 1998 (except for last year's times which were for a short run due to wind!).

He almost did not run.  He had a goal to run The Bear and the Grandfather Mountain Marathon this week.  He was so excited to train.  But his training has been almost non-existent.  He has only been able to run about 30 miles in the last month.

He has been so tired.  He has had some issues with seizures, since April.  It's been tough.  In my previous posts, I have mentioned how we've had to call for help.  EMS is always great - once you can get them to come.  We have gone through many tough times without calling or with calling and canceling.  So it's hard, when you know you really do need the professionals to come.  Right now, Andrew is on three of the best seizure meds he can take while awaiting an appointment at Duke at the end of this month.  So he has been good for the last few weeks, but he is taking a ton of medication.

Andrew has also been volunteering for 30+ hours a week at the Hospitality House.  He just finished his last week of that but will continue to help throughout the summer.  He is helping me with Sam's camp for the next two weeks.  So (side note), I am going to put info on FB about a yard sale he will be having to raise some money and get rid of some of our stuff.  I will give him the stuff, and he will hopefully sell it and make some money for fall (since he has worked all summer so far for free!).

So from the setbacks from the seizures, some infections and other medical issues, and work, Andrew had to give up his goal/dream of running the two events.  He knows the organizers and most of the volunteers and has always wanted to run both after he finished his eligibility.

Then, he decided he wanted to try The Bear.  Pete and I told him he could do whatever he wanted.  He did not have to be at his best.  We know other runners who won and then ran after running other races the week of or not being able to train much.  Pete and I prayed with him yesterday.  We also prayed for him (more than once!), and Pete specifically asked that he could be in the top 20 or so - just to encourage him.  We were hoping he would at least get a mug.

So we made the trek up the mountain.  I have been sick and dizzy all week.  I had to rest most of yesterday to even be able to go up there.  As I stood up in my usual spot, I prayed and prayed for him - for his safety and for his race.  Then, after what seemed like a very long time, Pete came over and said, "Mama, look!  I think Andrew is in 4th!"  And he was.  I could tell by his arms and his dark blue shirt ( a Mast Store high school race shirt that has remained a favorite).  His former teammate passed him, but Andrew still finished strong in the race that almost wasn't.  And once again, I had to stop and thank God for letting him have that.

Sometimes it's hard to be Andrew's mom.  For all of the good races or good days, there are some tough ones.  And I would not trade if for anything.  But I looked at some of those runners, and they looked just fine.  And I know some of them have struggles I don't see.  But I look at Andrew and see a miracle.  And not many people know that, because he doesn't look sick.  So I am disappointed when he is disappointed, but I sure am happy and thankful when he is happy! (http://www.wataugademocrat.com/sports/local_sports/first-timers-grab-victories-at-the-bear/article_4bd369f8-0cc0-52da-a634-25e44b84e3dc.html)

Andrew had three specialist appointments in a week.  Talk about overload for information.  They were all fine, and everything should be on track.  I was a little disappointed that no one could see a pattern that may explain the increase in seizures.  So at Duke, I plan on asking for a new MRI at least. And I am praying for a doctor who takes an interest in him and really wants to help him.

My niece Laura had surgery (brain surgery) for her Trigeminal Nerve on Wednesday.  She was supposed to spend one night in ICU and be at the Mayo Clinic (in Florida) for another 3-4 days.  She did so well that they released her on Thursday!  She has to stay around until Saturday, but we have been so relieved and thankful for a successful surgery.  She is sore and in pain from the surgery, but we pray she is healed from this pain she has suffered from.  She has had to take all kinds of medications, some of the same ones Andrew has taken.  So our prayer is that she no longer needs any of that.  Her husband goes to training in a few days for a few weeks.  And then he deploys for a year in January.  So it's been tough and emotional for their young little family.  And we keep them in our prayers and will keep lifting them up and supporting them.  Laura was able to get our texts and calls and was so happy for Andrew.

I know I have mentioned Sam's learning issues.  We have an appointment for him in Asheville in September.  I just keep praying for him.  I am so thankful for the program at Appalachian that is helping him learn to read.  And I am thankful for people God has put in my path to encourage me in such a discouraging situation.  But the last few days as I have been so sick, he has been the best nurse I could have.  He anticipates what you need before you ask.  And he can get the TV on or the phone fixed before I even try.  He is also happy to help with any house things that need to be done.  He is beyond his years in being intuitive and thoughtful and helpful, and I thank God for allowing me to be his mother.  His last endocrinology check up was good.  Even though diabetes has been hard and you feel like you have a C for A+ effort, I am thankful for any good check ups.  Our JDRF race is probably going to be October 7, and we will start putting things on FB soon!

One of the moms I know because of diabetes posted a video of Mercy Me and their new song "Even If" that I love.  I did not realize the lead singer's son is a Type 1.  And what he said in the video hit home.  Our world seems to revolve around this disease so much.  And the doctor visits can be frustrating.  You wish you could just not have to do that anymore.  And I feel like that a lot with Sam AND Andrew (who just had three big specialist appointments).  I think it's partly overload and overwhelming.  So I am sharing the video and song link below.  Because no matter what, God is still my hope.  I still believe that He sent Jesus to save us.  And this is not my home.  One day we will all be happy and healed, those of us who believe and accept that Gift of salvation.  The hardest times make me closer to God.  And for that, I have to be thankful.  I don't want to sail through this life enjoying every minute because it's easy and miss the opportunity to point others to eternal life with Christ.  And I am afraid I would.  So it's not that this world should be all depressing and dull, but my focus should be on that the best is yet to come.  And I want people to know and choose to be in the best.

Thanks for reading this!


"Even If"  Mercy Me

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHosmHnOrb8 - cut and paste this to hear his testimony!

They say sometimes you win some
Sometimes you lose some
And right now, right now I'm losing bad
I've stood on this stage night after night
Reminding the broken it'll be alright
But right now, oh right now I just can't

It's easy to sing
When there's nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I'm held to the flame
Like I am right now

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Good thing
A little faith is all I have right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

You've been faithful, You've been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
‘Cause I know You're able
I know You can

I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You'd just say the word
But even if You don't
My hope is You alone

It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul