Getting ready for college - yes, me. I am getting ready for Andrew to go to college. I remember my first day. It will not be the same as his. He won't cry after everyone leaves while cleaning his desk with Lysol. And he won't have an older brother who won't go to eat with him for a week to give him a chance to make his own way (like I had that older sister!). Funny side note ~ one of the first times I went to eat with her, Pete was there.
There are so many things about to change. And I don't like change. I have lived in too many houses. I have "lost" too many friends in the past few years. I do have some good things, of course, but I don't really like change. God knows this. And I know that change is part of life. I will do it, but I would rather not most of the time! When I look back over my life, change has brought the best and the biggest blessings.
Pete toured the college where Andrew has decided to attend. The parent with 20+ years in Admissions was not available ~ I was at my other learning post, one of Sam's doctors. I did not do something with my own child that I have helped others with for many years. The school is small. It is a Christian school. And Andrew will be able to run in at least the top three right now. The coaches were great. The people they met were helpful and kind. And Andrew is excited. So I have to be excited too. This means pushing back, but also dealing with them at the same time, the fears that I hold for him. I have to overcome them just as much as he has. I have to trust more and have more faith in the One Who loves him the most. It's hard. It will be harder.
So I have started his "college shopping." Andrew thinks less is more, so our list is not extensive. I have gotten some towels, a great blanket from the Pottery Barn Outlet (it should be fun to shop, right?), and a few other odds and ends. We have a list. I can pick out the stuff he will like - as long as he does not have to go shopping! I am waiting for things to "appear" at TJ Maxx. I thought this project would keep me a little bit busy on something positive that will help get him ready.
We have started making plans for graduation and a party afterwards. I have gathered some napkins and decorations and have some great ideas. He does not like to be the focus, so it has to be low key too. I want him to know how much we appreciate him and love him while we get him ready to go.
He has a truck he bought with his own money from working 32-40 hours every week last summer. He has money he has saved. His job while at school will be running for the great scholarship he has been offered. So he is looking for another summer job and will spend his last summer at home as a full-time, live-in family member. After that, he will only live here part-time. And while he is welcome any time, he will be on his way to his life ~ the one we have been readying him for all of these years.
And yes, I would go back to when he was five or six. Or ten when Sam was born. Or when he first started high school. I would go back and relive every single good, hard, scary, and special time. But since I cannot, I look at other parents (particularly moms) who have done a great job readying their children to go and letting them leave ~ and I find great comfort and encouragement in watching them. They don't know I am watching. But I am. More and more.
We wish Andrew the very best in this next phase of life. We are excited to see what he does. We know he will go to class and study. We know he will run and respect his coaches and work hard for his team. We know that is who he is.
So when I worry about the awful health stuff, I do try to remember of some things that God has blessed me with in regard to Andrew. He won't compromise on some things that most college students do. He won't drink or do drugs. Andrew is very aware of keeping himself as healthy as he can. He has changed a lot of eating habits on his own with his own research. But it's more than that. He doesn't have a desire to do those things. And for that, I am so thankful. So he won't be bringing on things to himself. He will do his best (he's not perfect), and he will see how God helps him overcome and blesses him in this next time period.
I did go on a tour with my boys. I dragged them around in a thunderstorm to tour a school I always thought they would attend. The tour guide was great and full of interesting and helpful information. But they had to mention beer. And pretty much everyone had to laugh as if it was a great part of the college experience. And I pray and pray the rest of my boys will not be interested. That they won't want to "just try it." I don't want them to just like it a little bit. I don't want them to be tied to it at all. So that put a little damper on things but made me realize how important that one thing is. It would not be a deal breaker, but I wish it had not gotten so widespread and out of hand.
I love Karen Kingsbury books. I was so disappointed in one of her latest books that seemed like no one took the time to proof it very well. The wrong character's name was used in one spot along with some grammar and spelling issues. Her last book was great but had one very disappointing part in it. I won't spoil the book, but I felt like she went out of her way to compromise on something that did not even have to be addressed in the story line. While I was excited for my own niece to read the series (and I don't worry about her getting any bad ideas from the books!), I was let down when I read that one line. I just don't understand why she put it in her book.
We often talk in Sunday School about reasons we don't share Jesus enough. One is because we don't want to offend anyone. We don't want to make people uncomfortable. But we surely compromise all of the time when we don't speak up and share the most wonderful thing we could ever share - the gift of salvation freely given to us by Jesus when He died on the cross for our sins. I seem to hesitate to share that while tip toe-ing around issues that threaten people's earthly lives as well as their eternal lives. Sometimes the best way to share is in the way we live our lives. When I let everything "slide" by, I don't look any different than anyone else. I want to be like that little 5th grader (the one getting ready to graduate this spring) who did not care that only he and one other boy voted for George Bush in his class. He did not back down nor was he ashamed. He knew why we did not vote for "the other guy" and held fast to his own convictions when we were not there to back him up. Those convictions became his own - not just inherited from his parents. And I am happy that little 5th grader can now vote as North Carolina has a very important issue coming up soon.
So while I am trying to prepare for the first one going to college - one that I did not think could leave home so soon - I am praying to handle it with grace and learn what I need to learn and give attention where it is needed ~ whether it is under the same roof or an hour and a half away. And I pray my children will have their own convictions and lead a loving and giving life that makes them stand out (in a good, solid way) and point people in the right direction.
A whole other issue ~ but I want my children to know they are loved and special but to break the mold of living like they are most important and that their happiness is imperative above all else! I don't know what lessons they will have to learn or the obstacles that will be in their way. But I keep praying that God will use them and that they will be willing to be used. They are great boys, and I hope they realize all they have been blessed with and that they have so much to share.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Update this week!
Andrew is doing well. He is running PR's in track - so far in the 1600 in Outdoor following PR's in the 3200 in Indoor. He has not yet run a 3200 this season. He is swimming when he can and running early before school some mornings. Our treadmill sure gets a workout! And the weather is great for running!
He is also weighing his college decision still. He is leaning more towards where he can run and fit in better. It's an exciting time, but I know it will be a relief when everything is settled! He is enjoying his senior year and has a lot of things coming up.
Peter is nursing a hurting foot but is running well so far. He ran Saturday (after running in a Friday night track meet) in the road race in Charlotte benefiting Levine Children's Hospital and IDF. He was 4th or 5th overall out of several hundred runners. Andrew was 10th. I thought it was so good of Peter to run to support his brother. Will and I volunteered. And Pete got to meet Andrew's doctor. Now Dr. Patel has met the whole family!
Will is running outdoor, and it was so neat to have THREE boys in the same race the other night! Sam asked when he would get "his" Watauga uniform. He is carrying around a shoe bag packed with shorts, a t-shirt, shoes, socks, a water bottle, and a head band for his next cross country race. So I am going to sign him up for the track club. His numbers are MUCH better the last bit since we were finally able to change his Lantus, 24-hour insulin. We cannot change it until his numbers get higher, and he does not have lows; or he could be at risk for too many lows. We finally are at a good amount, and it is a relief to see so many readings in the 100's! It is not unusual for him to find one of us in the house with an apple in one hand and his insulin pen in another. He loves apples and cuties! And grapes!
That's it for this week. I do ask that you pray for a situation over which we have no control that could really affect Andrew. It's a frustrating situation, and I dread going to the mailbox right now. I prayed as I sent off paperwork and hope that what comes will be good for Andrew. I don't mean to sound mysterious, but it's a sensitive issue that not everyone can understand. God gives me people to support and encourage even in these tough places, but I also know not to set myself up to feel defensive for those who don't. I am pretty open about things, and I am learning in my older age that sometimes that is not the best thing!
Thanks for the prayers! We appreciate everyone!
He is also weighing his college decision still. He is leaning more towards where he can run and fit in better. It's an exciting time, but I know it will be a relief when everything is settled! He is enjoying his senior year and has a lot of things coming up.
Peter is nursing a hurting foot but is running well so far. He ran Saturday (after running in a Friday night track meet) in the road race in Charlotte benefiting Levine Children's Hospital and IDF. He was 4th or 5th overall out of several hundred runners. Andrew was 10th. I thought it was so good of Peter to run to support his brother. Will and I volunteered. And Pete got to meet Andrew's doctor. Now Dr. Patel has met the whole family!
Will is running outdoor, and it was so neat to have THREE boys in the same race the other night! Sam asked when he would get "his" Watauga uniform. He is carrying around a shoe bag packed with shorts, a t-shirt, shoes, socks, a water bottle, and a head band for his next cross country race. So I am going to sign him up for the track club. His numbers are MUCH better the last bit since we were finally able to change his Lantus, 24-hour insulin. We cannot change it until his numbers get higher, and he does not have lows; or he could be at risk for too many lows. We finally are at a good amount, and it is a relief to see so many readings in the 100's! It is not unusual for him to find one of us in the house with an apple in one hand and his insulin pen in another. He loves apples and cuties! And grapes!
That's it for this week. I do ask that you pray for a situation over which we have no control that could really affect Andrew. It's a frustrating situation, and I dread going to the mailbox right now. I prayed as I sent off paperwork and hope that what comes will be good for Andrew. I don't mean to sound mysterious, but it's a sensitive issue that not everyone can understand. God gives me people to support and encourage even in these tough places, but I also know not to set myself up to feel defensive for those who don't. I am pretty open about things, and I am learning in my older age that sometimes that is not the best thing!
Thanks for the prayers! We appreciate everyone!
Saturday, March 10, 2012
A Quick Update on Busy Lives!
It's busy around here. Lots of things are going on, and lots of changes are coming up! More than usual. But we keep looking to God to help us through these times with a focus on what is most important. We are all busy, so we have to pick and choose sometimes. And we want to pick and choose the most important things!
Lisa got me a ticket to Casting Crowns Thursday night for my birthday. It was a great concert. I love listening to their CD's, but there is something about seeing someone "live" ~ especially when they want to be there sharing God's love and great news. Matthew West just climbed a few notches in my favorite Christian artists too. To hear them talk about their faith, families, purpose for what they do in music and tours, etc. makes me feel a new appreciation for them - not just their music. An underlying (and not underlying at all times) theme throughout the night was the strength of our churches and families against the world. And we do give too much time, attention, and effort to the world's efforts. Casting Crowns started off with "Courageous" ~ what a great song.
That was a time of refreshing for me. And I got to spend some great quality time with Laura and talk (without our little buddy shouting questions and requests at her from the back seat!).
The boys have already started Outdoor Track! They have had two meets already, and one is Friday. On Saturday, Andrew and Peter are running in the Shamrock 4-Miler in Charlotte to support Levine Children's Hospital and to support and bring attention to the Immune Deficiency Foundation and PIDD (Primary Immune Deficiency Disorders). Will and I are volunteers, and Pete is in charge of Sam! We are happy their meet is at Lake Norman so we can just stay in Charlotte for the night and make the early race! All three boys are running outdoor, so that is exciting!
Without many (hardly any!) snow days, we have needed a little break. The boys get one next week for a couple of days to pause and catch up. Andrew and Peter are taking a tour of Appalachian on Thursday. I just missed doing their presentation myself by a couple of years! Will saw enough when he was with me when he was little. He probably remembers all of the stats.
Will finally got a new mountain bike with good suspension, so he is excited. We need to work on getting him a good road bike, but I hesitate because I don't like him on the roads. On the other hand, I don't want him on the roads on a bad bike either! He is the epitome of someone who runs ahead of what I think I can handle sometimes! He is still looking for more trees to chop down (after the three apple trees fell), and he loves to power wash things (my van has never been cleaner). He does not love running, but he is getting by okay.
Peter is running outdoor and working hard in school. He joined DECA and just went on a trip for a few days to Greensboro. I had help from PKS getting his "business wardrobe" ready. I like to be self-sufficient, but God is showing me that there are people out there who can really help me. And this was one case!
Sam is working hard at school. It is not easy for him. He has gained a lot of independence and does a lot of things probably unnoticed by others ~ but I know they are a stretch for him, being shy and quiet most of the time. He stays pretty steady with his blood sugar right now, and we just keep on trying. He did have strep again last week, but hopefully it won't come back. I've lost count - 6 or 7 times since school started!
Andrew is finally running better and better times! He has not PR'd much at all in track since he started getting so sick a couple of years ago. We are thankful for the doctors who not only try to help him stay well but also know how important his running is to him. He was set on Appalachian and trying to walk on the cross country and track teams there, but Milligan College in JC has offered him a huge scholarship to run there. He would be at least in their top three, so now that is a major consideration too. Pete and Andrew visited a few weeks ago and felt it was a great fit. So that means, of course, that I am now dealing with him going "away" to school.
I know it's hard for any parent to have a child go to college or anywhere else, but I feel like I need more time to make sure he is okay to go. I won't be there in the middle of the night if he needs me. I won't be able to get to him in 30 seconds. I will wonder if he will be able to ask for help if he needs it. So I have some major work to do in turning this over to God. I have been, but I know this is just March. I tend to snatch worries and cares and anxiety back. I am excited for him and happy to see him excited.
In doing all of this, we have been applying for scholarships. One required a letter from his immunologist. He wrote a letter for Andrew and said when he first met Andrew that he was surprised he was up and around with his numbers. I knew this, but it hit me again to see it in writing. This is a doctor who works with these situations all of the time, studies them, goes to seminars, and trades stories with his colleagues. But I won't go backwards. We are choosing to be thankful, to keep treating him, and to keep praying and hoping the treatments are temporary. It just underlines what I have called Andrew before - my miracle runner. It just adds that he is a miracle student, brother, son, etc. for all he has been able to do and keep doing.
I will update more later. Their track results can be found on the school website and also links found there to track sites.
Thanks for reading this. Thanks for praying for our family!
Wendi
Lisa got me a ticket to Casting Crowns Thursday night for my birthday. It was a great concert. I love listening to their CD's, but there is something about seeing someone "live" ~ especially when they want to be there sharing God's love and great news. Matthew West just climbed a few notches in my favorite Christian artists too. To hear them talk about their faith, families, purpose for what they do in music and tours, etc. makes me feel a new appreciation for them - not just their music. An underlying (and not underlying at all times) theme throughout the night was the strength of our churches and families against the world. And we do give too much time, attention, and effort to the world's efforts. Casting Crowns started off with "Courageous" ~ what a great song.
That was a time of refreshing for me. And I got to spend some great quality time with Laura and talk (without our little buddy shouting questions and requests at her from the back seat!).
The boys have already started Outdoor Track! They have had two meets already, and one is Friday. On Saturday, Andrew and Peter are running in the Shamrock 4-Miler in Charlotte to support Levine Children's Hospital and to support and bring attention to the Immune Deficiency Foundation and PIDD (Primary Immune Deficiency Disorders). Will and I are volunteers, and Pete is in charge of Sam! We are happy their meet is at Lake Norman so we can just stay in Charlotte for the night and make the early race! All three boys are running outdoor, so that is exciting!
Without many (hardly any!) snow days, we have needed a little break. The boys get one next week for a couple of days to pause and catch up. Andrew and Peter are taking a tour of Appalachian on Thursday. I just missed doing their presentation myself by a couple of years! Will saw enough when he was with me when he was little. He probably remembers all of the stats.
Will finally got a new mountain bike with good suspension, so he is excited. We need to work on getting him a good road bike, but I hesitate because I don't like him on the roads. On the other hand, I don't want him on the roads on a bad bike either! He is the epitome of someone who runs ahead of what I think I can handle sometimes! He is still looking for more trees to chop down (after the three apple trees fell), and he loves to power wash things (my van has never been cleaner). He does not love running, but he is getting by okay.
Peter is running outdoor and working hard in school. He joined DECA and just went on a trip for a few days to Greensboro. I had help from PKS getting his "business wardrobe" ready. I like to be self-sufficient, but God is showing me that there are people out there who can really help me. And this was one case!
Sam is working hard at school. It is not easy for him. He has gained a lot of independence and does a lot of things probably unnoticed by others ~ but I know they are a stretch for him, being shy and quiet most of the time. He stays pretty steady with his blood sugar right now, and we just keep on trying. He did have strep again last week, but hopefully it won't come back. I've lost count - 6 or 7 times since school started!
Andrew is finally running better and better times! He has not PR'd much at all in track since he started getting so sick a couple of years ago. We are thankful for the doctors who not only try to help him stay well but also know how important his running is to him. He was set on Appalachian and trying to walk on the cross country and track teams there, but Milligan College in JC has offered him a huge scholarship to run there. He would be at least in their top three, so now that is a major consideration too. Pete and Andrew visited a few weeks ago and felt it was a great fit. So that means, of course, that I am now dealing with him going "away" to school.
I know it's hard for any parent to have a child go to college or anywhere else, but I feel like I need more time to make sure he is okay to go. I won't be there in the middle of the night if he needs me. I won't be able to get to him in 30 seconds. I will wonder if he will be able to ask for help if he needs it. So I have some major work to do in turning this over to God. I have been, but I know this is just March. I tend to snatch worries and cares and anxiety back. I am excited for him and happy to see him excited.
In doing all of this, we have been applying for scholarships. One required a letter from his immunologist. He wrote a letter for Andrew and said when he first met Andrew that he was surprised he was up and around with his numbers. I knew this, but it hit me again to see it in writing. This is a doctor who works with these situations all of the time, studies them, goes to seminars, and trades stories with his colleagues. But I won't go backwards. We are choosing to be thankful, to keep treating him, and to keep praying and hoping the treatments are temporary. It just underlines what I have called Andrew before - my miracle runner. It just adds that he is a miracle student, brother, son, etc. for all he has been able to do and keep doing.
I will update more later. Their track results can be found on the school website and also links found there to track sites.
Thanks for reading this. Thanks for praying for our family!
Wendi
Sunday, February 12, 2012
He ran ~ FAST!
Andrew's race in the 3200 at the NC 4A State Indoor Meet in Chapel Hill yesterday was so exciting to watch! He started out at his pace, at the back of the race as usual, and moved up according to his pace. He stayed in the back for a while and then started moving up. He passed one ~ to which Sam said, "Mommy, he is passing one!" Then another. Then another. Then a pack. He ran a 9:47 PR in Indoor! Outdoor track starts tomorrow, and he is so excited to bring that time down more.
One of the most exciting parts was the finish. Andrew finished strong. He was running to catch one more...and did it! Andrew notoriously gets passed at the finish after giving everything he has. His body just cannot hold on. But it did yesterday, and I sure did notice that! Thank you, Lord, for showing me that!
We had a great time having Russell and Cindy there. They got to see his best race, and that was really special!
Sam got to swim in the pool at the hotel (which is the equivalent of Disney World for him), so that was fun. He loves to swim.
It was exciting to watch the other Watauga runners and also some of the others! The meet clicked right on schedule which was so nice. They did not hesitate and wait. They kept it moving!
So happy for Andrew and cannot wait to see what comes in Outdoor for him!
One of the most exciting parts was the finish. Andrew finished strong. He was running to catch one more...and did it! Andrew notoriously gets passed at the finish after giving everything he has. His body just cannot hold on. But it did yesterday, and I sure did notice that! Thank you, Lord, for showing me that!
We had a great time having Russell and Cindy there. They got to see his best race, and that was really special!
Sam got to swim in the pool at the hotel (which is the equivalent of Disney World for him), so that was fun. He loves to swim.
It was exciting to watch the other Watauga runners and also some of the others! The meet clicked right on schedule which was so nice. They did not hesitate and wait. They kept it moving!
So happy for Andrew and cannot wait to see what comes in Outdoor for him!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Sam's GREAT labs too!
Every year, our endocrinologist does a set of tests to see if Sam (as a diabetic) has any problems or indicators that can be caught early. Last year, he had one number climbing. The doctor was not that concerned, but I was! Today in the mail I got a note addressed by me to myself - that always throws me off a bit at the mailbox - that "All labs look great!" Praise the Lord! Sam's numbers are better. He is still off a bit in the mornings, and it does affect him at school and his learning. But overall, he is doing really well. He is a little skinny person, but he has grown six inches in the past 2 1/2 years which is good for one of my boys! Sam is having trouble with some retention and short-term memory in school, so we are really trying to work on that with the school. It is clear that the better he feels (bsl), the better he does!
Andrew runs in the state meet in the 3200 on Saturday in Chapel Hill. So excited for him! I will hear the door open and close (the mudroom is right behind the bathroom in our bedroom) and hear footsteps heading out the driveway. On colder or rainy mornings, I will hear the treadmill (that I am really impressed has not just died!) start up and hear the thump thump thump of his feet as he kicks into robot mode for four miles...or 12! He really enjoyed swimming on the WHS team and plans to continue to incorporate swimming into his training. Outdoor starts next week. That is exciting, but I am feeling the "parent of a senior syndrome" now! But my focus is more on getting him through his senior year and checking out all of his college options. He is trying to run a time that may allow him to walk on ASU's team and is also being recruited to run at a smaller college not too far away. As a former Admission counselor, I know what it means for them to have options. They will appreciate their final choice even more!
Will rides his bike all over Boone which is good for January and February in Boone! He cut down three trees in our yard the other week and has hauled off the branches and cut up the firewood. He is looking at going into the firewood business if you need any! I felt better about his school after talking to his teachers at open house last week. And I am excited that he is in construction technology where he can use his never ending skills!
Peter took a break during indoor although he did swim some. I was so excited that he literally jumped right into swimming! He has "growing pains" sometimes, and I think the water is really good for him. He is looking forward to prom and getting his license soon. I love that he always makes me laugh! And I have discovered that he is a great house cleaner - above and beyond what I ask!
Happy Valentine's Day! I am getting ready to go get some small gifts for my boys. Toby talked about love in Sunday's sermon. Gifts don't have to be big to show love, but it's nice to tell people; and too much is better than not enough!
I read on a blog I read about a little girl who died yesterday after fighting a brain tumor for over two years. The last part has been really rough, but her family has gotten through knowing where she has gone and that they will see her again. Another little girl in CA died not long after Christmas after less than a year. In her time, she brought joy in the form of "Joy Jars" to many other sick children - not thinking of herself but of bringing joy to others. Her dad is a pastor at one of the Saddleback churches. These stories are not front page news, but they should be to us - the hope and faith shown in the saddest of circumstances.
Have a great week! Looking for more snow here in Boone!
Andrew runs in the state meet in the 3200 on Saturday in Chapel Hill. So excited for him! I will hear the door open and close (the mudroom is right behind the bathroom in our bedroom) and hear footsteps heading out the driveway. On colder or rainy mornings, I will hear the treadmill (that I am really impressed has not just died!) start up and hear the thump thump thump of his feet as he kicks into robot mode for four miles...or 12! He really enjoyed swimming on the WHS team and plans to continue to incorporate swimming into his training. Outdoor starts next week. That is exciting, but I am feeling the "parent of a senior syndrome" now! But my focus is more on getting him through his senior year and checking out all of his college options. He is trying to run a time that may allow him to walk on ASU's team and is also being recruited to run at a smaller college not too far away. As a former Admission counselor, I know what it means for them to have options. They will appreciate their final choice even more!
Will rides his bike all over Boone which is good for January and February in Boone! He cut down three trees in our yard the other week and has hauled off the branches and cut up the firewood. He is looking at going into the firewood business if you need any! I felt better about his school after talking to his teachers at open house last week. And I am excited that he is in construction technology where he can use his never ending skills!
Peter took a break during indoor although he did swim some. I was so excited that he literally jumped right into swimming! He has "growing pains" sometimes, and I think the water is really good for him. He is looking forward to prom and getting his license soon. I love that he always makes me laugh! And I have discovered that he is a great house cleaner - above and beyond what I ask!
Happy Valentine's Day! I am getting ready to go get some small gifts for my boys. Toby talked about love in Sunday's sermon. Gifts don't have to be big to show love, but it's nice to tell people; and too much is better than not enough!
I read on a blog I read about a little girl who died yesterday after fighting a brain tumor for over two years. The last part has been really rough, but her family has gotten through knowing where she has gone and that they will see her again. Another little girl in CA died not long after Christmas after less than a year. In her time, she brought joy in the form of "Joy Jars" to many other sick children - not thinking of herself but of bringing joy to others. Her dad is a pastor at one of the Saddleback churches. These stories are not front page news, but they should be to us - the hope and faith shown in the saddest of circumstances.
Have a great week! Looking for more snow here in Boone!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Yay!
Today I got Andrew's new IgG number! It is 1070 - over 1000!!!! It started out as 187 which was not only bad, but it was "alarming" per the doctor! He has responded so well and so quickly. We keep praying these treatments are only temporary. Please pray for his CBC. It was a tiny bit low last time (3 months ago) and even lower this time, but we will just keep an eye on that. This is a HUGE milestone, and we are so thankful and grateful!
I was reminded the other week when reading a book that God's strength can be, is, and will be very or more evident when we are at our weakest. I feel like sometimes I have been in the hole, ditch, pit, or whatever for so long that I may never climb out. God can get me out and set me on a rock, if I let Him. It's a promise in the Bible.
So Sam's numbers and Andrew's new numbers are great encouragement to some weary warriors. Thanks for all of the prayers and encouragement. We know where our strength comes from - and it's not from ourselves!
I used to think if I just knew for sure I was on the right track with something I could go forward full force. I think we are on the right track with Sam. We are getting there with Andrew. I know some things are, and I still wonder about others. But I am really getting a lesson in God's timing versus my own. His time is worth waiting for - just easier said than done.
Thanks again! I look at some precious people struggling this week and pray that they will have the reminders set before them that are so often set before me. I don't always feel victorious even when I know I should. Sometimes it's okay not to feel okay and just to rest in Him and let Him bring the peace that passes all understanding. He is the only One who can do it anyway! And I will be reading this soon to remind even myself.
I was reminded the other week when reading a book that God's strength can be, is, and will be very or more evident when we are at our weakest. I feel like sometimes I have been in the hole, ditch, pit, or whatever for so long that I may never climb out. God can get me out and set me on a rock, if I let Him. It's a promise in the Bible.
So Sam's numbers and Andrew's new numbers are great encouragement to some weary warriors. Thanks for all of the prayers and encouragement. We know where our strength comes from - and it's not from ourselves!
I used to think if I just knew for sure I was on the right track with something I could go forward full force. I think we are on the right track with Sam. We are getting there with Andrew. I know some things are, and I still wonder about others. But I am really getting a lesson in God's timing versus my own. His time is worth waiting for - just easier said than done.
Thanks again! I look at some precious people struggling this week and pray that they will have the reminders set before them that are so often set before me. I don't always feel victorious even when I know I should. Sometimes it's okay not to feel okay and just to rest in Him and let Him bring the peace that passes all understanding. He is the only One who can do it anyway! And I will be reading this soon to remind even myself.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Appointments in January
Thanks to all of you who prayed for us today. Sam's appointment was 1000 times better than I expected (not kidding!). We waited a long time before the doctor came in and had plenty of time to work on addition and subtraction. I was nervous the whole time, because I was sure his a1c would be terrible with all of the strep and high numbers. But Dr. Parker said it was BETTER than last time, and he said he was pleased since we just came off the holidays (Halloween through New Year's)! We went over the questions on my list, and he wrote all new scripts for Sam (even adding that Sam REALLY needed more test strips per day - and I did not say a word about my battle with the insurance). He had labs and did well with the blood draw (we called Andrew back for support). I went from feeling like I was going to be sick thinking about his numbers to practically skipping out of the office. I am so thankful. God just showed me (very very plainly) that He is in control - we just have to be willing to try. The numbers I see are hard to explain, but if I check him too soon he will be higher. I know what I have seen, but the a1c shows his average over the last three months. So this was really a BIG deal to me.
Andrew's appointment was good too. With all of his illnesses in the past few years, he still has great lung function - probably better than most people, not just good for him. Dr. Black was pleased too and was happy to hear Andrew just ran his best 3200 meter time. Andrew rolled his eyes thinking I was bragging, but Dr. Black has wanted to help Andrew get better AND move forward in his running. And it is working.
It was dreary and foggy in part of Charlotte today and on 77. But we hit terrible fog coming up near the Parkway in Deep Gap. Then we hit a clear spot before it got really really bad. But we finally got out of it and got home safely. It was the kind of fog where you turn off your radio and sit on the edge of your seat, so we hope everyone out there got home okay like we did!
Thanks for all of the prayers on Friday too. Andrew did great on Friday. Not only did he not have any medical issues or problems, but he PR'd in the 3200 with a 9:57 and made it to the state indoor meet in Chapel Hill! We are SO excited for him. He is the kind of runner who got up and ran four miles on the treadmill before we left this morning and then ran a hill workout after we got home at 6:30.
Two down this week and one more to go on Thursday. Thanks again! Have a great week!
Wendi
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