May Update

Here we go again...it seems.

We have been rolling along, but the last few weeks have kept us on our toes.  Sam has had moderately high blood sugars during the day but enough lows to keep me from changing his 24 hour insulin he takes before bed.  Last Saturday, he complained his stomach hurt all day.  He would get up to play with the dogs or his Legos and end up back on the couch.  Finally, at about 8:30 or 9:00, I thought what would Carla say if I called her with his symptoms?  I immediately thought she'd ask if I had checked him for ketones.  Nope!  His blood sugar had not been that high.  So we checked and found they were really bad.  So there was another bit of time to get them gone before we could go to bed.  It usually entails drinking a lot of Gatorade and water and checking every hour to make sure they are getting better and blood sugars are not worse!  We got him settled down within a couple of hours, thankfully.  But we still battled them off and on for a week.  He had two places on his leg that we treated with antibiotics, in case they were something worse than staph; so that could have affected him - fighting infection.  He seemed better on Saturday after having some weird numbers on Thursday and Friday.  He seems better still.  But I did go ahead and change his Lantus last night (24 hour insulin) and sent him to bed at a good number.  Not long after, I was reading in bed; and he slipped in to show me a 42 on his meter!  So I rolled back out of bed and fed him every snack he wanted until 45 minutes went by, and we had a reading in the 140's.  I slept through my 1:15 am alarm and checked him around 4:00 am.  He was a tiny bit high, but at night that is more of a relief after lows!

We went to an outside wedding near Charlotte on Saturday.  I kept telling Andrew and Sam to drink water and stay in the shade.  The actual wedding was out in the sun with no shade, but it was not long.  So even though it was very hot, they were fanning themselves and staying under an umbrella or the open shelter.  After the maid of honor gave her pages long toast, Andrew came from the table beside me and asked if I could go and see if I had emergency meds in the car "just in case."  I looked at him and asked if he was okay.  Then Pete looked at him and jumped up.  Fortunately, we were at the end of the shelter and could get him away from the reception and in front of the catering van parked in the grass.  I was torn between running to the car (parked quite a bit away) and staying but knew I needed to check on the meds, so I started running.  And praying.  I am not in good shape at all and am working on it, but I will need to work faster and harder now.  I was able to run down the hill and then walk fast.  As I got close to my car, Pop came with a golf cart and helped me search the car.  I felt sure the medicine was under the seat, but I could not find it.  So I got into the car and drove it up to the shelter to help.  By the time I got back, the seizure was over and sirens were coming our way.  Sam helped direct the first responders to Andrew (for the second time in a month).    They were so kind and helpful and were great checking on Andrew.  There were two fire response trucks and an ambulance.  Since we were at a winery, I am not sure what they thought they might find.  But we were thankful for them and a recent ASU nursing grad.  She and her boyfriend sat at the end of the aisle beside Pete, and they had talked before the wedding.  She kept an eye on Andrew and even noticed the cut on his head when they sat him up.  Not until we got him situated and then put him in the air conditioned car to hurry home did I know that Pete was really scared with this one too.  He watched Andrew go through it and come out of it without any medical help.  And it was tough.  Sometimes emergency meds don't kick in for a minute or so.  But it seems like 10 minutes when you are watching him not breathing.  It is so so scary.

We loaded up.  Andrew was still so polite.  He told his cousin he was sorry he disrupted his big wedding day.  His cousin went and got him some water and told him not to worry - that he understood.  And then we just went on.

The emergency people told us what to do if he had another on the way home.  To keep driving and call 911 and let them tell us to stop or to meet them somewhere.  That was good to know.  We did not have any problems on the way home, as we hurried home.  He slept in my spot again, and he did not have any problems during the night.

Yesterday, Andrew could not make Sunday School; but he was at church doing the sound.  We got there a few minutes before church started, and some who knew about his Saturday were happily surprised to see him.  I felt good knowing he wanted to be in church.

Since today is Memorial Day, I guess I will have to start all of my inquiries tomorrow.  Something is off, is not right.  Whether it's still getting his thyroid medicine straightened out (but it's been almost four weeks now, since we corrected that) or getting a new MRI (he has not had one in a while) or something else.  He has four specialist appointments in June, so we need to gather all of the information we can before those appointments.  We just need lots of prayers for guidance.

Pete started to fuss at Andrew a little bit about not telling us he thought he was going to have a seizure.  He wants him to not ask for medicine but to tell us he feels like a seizure is coming.  But I told Pete that he has felt bad before and not had one.  Andrew and I were on the interstate coming home from UT Knoxville around midnight after he ran a 10,000 and he felt weird.  We were on a dark stretch with no exits for a while.  Andrew put his medicine on the dash and a blanket on his lap.  And we had a plan that if he had a seizure, I would pull over and call 911 on speaker and pull him out and put him on the blanket.  I drove as fast as I safely could, and I prayed.  Very hard.  And then the feeling passed.  And he did not have one.  So we are thankful when he feels one coming on but are so thankful when they don't get him.

Once again, we are thankful that he is okay.  He could have these when we are not there to help.  We give him medicine when we can and turn him on his side and talk to him (and sometimes yell to try to get him back) and pray and pray and pray for it to let up and go away.  It's hard, but I would never trade that for him being by himself.  God is good.

Please pray for Andrew.  And for us to seek out what he needs.  Thanks so much.

"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."  Romans 15:13


This verse has been taped to my computer for years.  I need to read it often.

UPDATE:  I was in touch with Duke today.  Andrew has a July 31 appointment with a neurologist who specializes in difficult to control seizures and autoimmune issues.  He is also on a waiting list in case an earlier appointment becomes available.  Thanks again for praying.

An April Update

We are happy to see the end of April go!  Particularly the very end!  We look forward to spring-like weather after this weekend of possible May snow flurries!  The rain and cold have matched my mood the last couple of weeks, and I am determined to pull myself out of my feeling sorry for me mode.

I guess we all have those things that come, and we see them and don't let them bother us.  But sometimes things come in a flurry and knock us down; and then the least little thing becomes too big to handle for the day or week or month.  Andrew tells me (no offense!) that I am too sensitive.  He says it in a sweet but  knowing way.  And one of the sins Pete mentioned in his sermon Sunday was worry.  And he knows I have been so guilty of that lately.  But he also says he knows how hard I have been fighting it and to keep on.

So I decided that since most of April I did not feel well, I would try to get a change of scenery soon.  Because I need it and because I need the boost.  I felt really run down and ran through most days and tried to rest when I could, so I would be able to keep up.  And I remembered a friend who did the very same thing for years.  And it was hard to know your whole life revolved around trying to keep up the best you could, while feeling as if you were losing ground more and more.  And now that I feel better, I can be out of that loop.

When last Friday rolled around, we had already had a couple of tough weeks with Andrew - he was tired and fighting an infection.  We'd been trying to get him well and back on track, and he was doing better.  But we knew his thyroid was off (had just found out), and Carla had sent the labs to his newer doctor in Winston.  Andrew was planning on manning the water station at our half-way point at our road race the next day on the Greenway.  Paula and I were doing early packet pick up at the Greenway and had gone to her mom's to get Andrew's water station supplies.  When we got into her car to go back to the Greenway, Sam called and calmly told me I needed to come home.  He said, "Andrew is having a seizure, so you need to come home."  I asked where his dad was, and he said that he was on the phone with 911.  I knew it was bad if Pete called 911.

Paula rushed me to my car, and I jumped in and took off with my flashers on.  I was being very careful, even though I was frantic because I could not get Sam back on the phone.  We had already prayed for Andrew, and I kept praying and put on some praise music.  As I came down the road from the Greenway, a car pulled out from the swim complex; and an SUV pulled up to pull out.  I beeped my horn slightly, so they would notice I had my flashers on and was in a hurry.  They pulled out right in front of me anyway and hit their brakes a few times in a short amount of time.

Now, I know those people were probably coming from swimming and had children in the car.  And they could pull out in front of me if they wanted to.  And they could hit their brakes and slow me down more.  I just wish they had had some compassion.  I was not doing anything wrong or running up on them.  It's that power trip that a lot of people have driving.  And I think it's just the by product of our society now - that if we can do it and want to, we can.  No matter what.  Who cares about anyone else.  God helped me see a straight shot through a parking lot before we pulled out onto the next road, and I took it and was able to save a little bit of time. 

My friend is a fireman, and he told me once that if I drove on the road with my flashers that people were MORE likely to pull in front of me.  And he has been right.  Another time, I tried to get to the old high school where Andrew had pretty much collapsed while running in the infield, and a car saw me and pulled out in front of me from the gas station.  Because he could.  And it has happened a couple of other times, and I have not driven with my flashers on many times!  I have watched cars not pull over for fire or ambulance.  And it is appalling to me!  I cannot do anything about it but make a way when it's my turn.  And I just have to work around them when trying to get to my person who may need me.  Just something to think about if you see someone in a hurry.  Maybe they are just rude, or maybe they are on their way to an emergency?

I drove down my road and saw the ambulance and fire truck in front of my house.  I pulled in at the lower part and ran up through the yard to the front door.  Andrew was lying in the floor with oxygen and four people working on him.  He was able to smile at me and tell me he was doing better.  So I could breathe again.  I just hate seizures so much.

One young fireman was holding Andrew's hand.  I noticed he kept holding Andrew's hand, because Andrew had a grip on him and did not realize it.  I was there when the fireman got ready to stand up and gently undid Andrew's fingers from his own.  So Andrew still did not notice.  It just showed the kindness and compassion of this emergency worker.

We decided that Andrew felt okay and did not send him to the hospital.  He was exhausted, and we called our doctors to check on one thing.  My mind always tries to figure out what is different and may have caused him to be susceptible to a seizure. 

Pete had called 911, because Andrew stopped breathing.  Then Andrew went into a second seizure and was still too locked up to have any emergency meds that we have.  I was not there to help, so he had to ask them to come on.  It is too tough to call 911 and try to keep him turned on his side and try to get him breathing or give him his meds when you are by yourself.

Sam ran and got Andrew's emergency meds without Pete even asking.  He corralled the dogs in the back yard and called me.  He even flagged down the ambulance.  He was a much better helper than his mother who literally freaks out.  So we are very thankful for his calm, helpful little spirit.

Some of our faithful neighbors who check on us came by to check on Andrew.  The same ones who offer help and mow yards for others even when they are sick themselves.  We are thankful for them.  They drop what they are doing and offer to help.

Andrew slept in my bed in my spot and started another seizure at around 10:00.  Pete and I both were able to get the medicine in him before he got too bad.  It's just hard to wait for it to kick in and to see if it will kick in and help.  It was rough.  He was so exhausted.  But after that, we all slept, me on the couch but where I could hear.  And the next morning, he was feeling better but foggy.

This week, we found out that Andrew has gotten the generic of one important drug since December,  Carla suggested I check on that, and she was right..again.  That has been changed back to name brand.  We also added another seizure med to the two he already takes.  We have tried to get him to rest and get to a place where he can take his exams.  He has already gone to Bible study and run with his friends on the team.  Like I have said before, he bounces back, so we do too.

Pete is helping me look for my change of scenery, and sometimes it's stuff right under our noses.  I am thankful he takes it seriously and wants to help.  And I am thankful that walking more and reading my Bible more and praying even more are things that bring about a noticeable difference.  I know I cannot take care of these special charges if I cannot take care of myself!  And I am glad I don't long for long and faraway trips.  I just don't, so that helps too!  I would rather be at home near my favorite people.

Please continue to pray for Andrew.  The other boys can always use prayer, but they are doing well.  Peter broke his ankle and just got his cast off.  He is happy to be driving again and not be tied to our schedules! 

Thanks for all of the prayers!  We appreciate each and every one, because we know God hears each and every one!

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not."  Jeremiah 33:3

A March Update ~ March 11, 2017

We are expecting SNOW!  They keep lowering the amounts, but we are a little bit excited.  We kind of cannot expect spring until we see some, so we hope we get some!  We have our sleds and hot chocolate ready just in case!

Pete just got back from a long Israel trip on Wednesday.  Long is 12 days!  We were so ready to see him.  Once I dropped him off at the airport on a Friday afternoon, we set out to clean and get rid of a ton of stuff.  I had some help, but the boys were pretty busy; so I got a lot done.  They did help some and haul stuff away.  I have a lot more to do, but I am happy with what I got done.  My next big job is Sam's room - the ceiling and trim.  And then we hope to tackle our front stairs and hallway.

When Pete is gone, I have his responsibilities.  I did not preach, but I did his cleaning jobs.  And I miss him being here to help me and talk me through the day.  We got along really well until the very last couple of days.  Andrew got really sick, and I found myself very pulled and juggling a lot of different things.  And before anyone fusses at me for not asking for help, I did what I needed to do when I could do it.  That meant putting Sam in charge at home a couple of times for a couple of hours.  He really stepped up.  And I have had so many offers of help and lunch brought to me and people checking on me that I had to stop and tell God thank you for giving me the very best people to help me.  He really does.  And I am so very thankful.

Andrew seems better.  He told me Tuesday morning that he did not remember ever feeling that terrible.  He was sick later Monday night, and I got up some to check on him.  But Tuesday morning was very rough on him.  He ended up getting 2 1/2 bags of IV fluids.  His hemoglobin was up, so we will check that again in a week or so.  He was so dehydrated, and I was so worried about him.  But he is much better now.  My dad came over and took  him to class (because he has to go to class!), while Sam and I went to the airport for Pete.  Dad got him lunch, so he was able to eat for the first time in really over a day and a half.

Sam had been sick the week before with a fever off and on, which he never has!  He took flu meds just in case, since he is so high risk.  With no snow days, the flu and strep have been awful here.  Another reason to wish for some snow!  ASU is on spring break, so hopefully that will help them with their germs!

We had two really great preachers come while Pete was gone.  They talked about sharing Jesus.  One talked more about international missions and trips, and the other talked about local people who have not heard the Good News.  Both sermons were different, but they both brought the reminder that we are to share with others.  I just saw an ad with Ron Reagan (Ronald Reagan's son) who said he is an atheist and not afraid to burn in hell.  It literally made me sick.  He took on an air of someone trying to tell us what we need to do but began and ended the ad with his own personal beliefs.  It should have made me mad, but it made me feel so sick.  I did not think, "Well, he will find out one day."  I have added him to my own prayer list.  He cannot be happy living a life without hope.  And he is not the only one.  I know some people look at me and other Christians and church goers and think they would rather take their chances than be like me or associate with me.  But it's not about me.  It's about Jesus and what He did.  My job is to share and try to stay out of the way.  I have to share the truth while showing love.  But my job is not to tell you no matter what you think or believe that all will be well when this life ends.  It won't, and I don't wish that on anyone.  I think it's a burden we should have, because we can pray to be obedient while we are praying for those who have no hope while giving it all to Jesus.  It is just so overwhelming.

Have you seen the ad where the two boys are in a car wreck?  And they are standing in line somewhere.  And the line is getting split.  It hits one boy that the people in the lines are going different places, and his friend is in the good line.  And it's heartbreaking when he asks his friend in a most desperate voice, "Did you know about this?  Why didn't you tell me?????"  It's so powerful and should shake me up to share more.  I worry too much about the wrong things - offending someone or being awkward.  But we should tell our story as second nature and let God do the rest.  I have not felt compelled to shake my finger in anyone's face, but I have stepped up a few times over the years and told someone I did something to help them because I thought God wanted me to.  And it really is pitiful to see how few times that was.

Peter is in his senior year and probably will graduate in December.  Will is still working every day and was able to haul off quite a bit in his long bed truck.  It is loud, but I just thank God when I hear him coming home.  Andrew has at least another year of classes and internships with his added nutrition major.  He finished indoor track and is done with running for Appalachian.  He is sad but ready to move on to marathons or whatever is next.  He got to run at conference in Birmingham and did not have the best races.  He had a couple of good races, so we were happy that he could run.  And he was the top fundraiser in Laps for Apps ~ which some of you know about, because you were so generous!!!  Sam is reading a little bit, and we will certainly take that.

One sweet time today was that Sam decided to run track.  So Andrew started "coaching" him today.  He went out again later with me to walk.  We took both dogs which was an equivalent of a 10 mile workout for me - they were so excited and running and pulling me on the leashes.  It was just so sweet to see Sam excited about training for track.  This will serve him and his health well in the future too.

Thanks for reading this.  I have a new song!  It's Mercy Me's "Even If" ~ and I have played it over and over.  I have a new worship CD ~ Hillsong's "Let There Be Light".  "Even If" talks about praising God and talking about Him even when He does not answer  us in the time or way we want.  We still know He is there and in control.

"Even If"  Mercy Me

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
Well good thing
A little faith is all I have, right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Oh 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 Imperfect Runners

Sam and I drove a lot last weekend to Alabama to see Andrew run one race.  He did well.  He did not run his PR, but he looked good; and I felt like he had improved much over this season of indoor track,  his last season as a Mountaineer.  It seems weird to drive and spend the night so far away to watch him run for nine minutes or less.  And not spend much time with him.  But it's so worth it.  Watching my boys run over the years has been a huge highlight in my life.  There have been great races.  There have been spectacular races.  And there have been ones that were awful and I would never have wanted to miss as their mother and biggest fan.  Andrew had pneumonia when he first started training for indoor, and that left him beaten down a bit.  It's so good to see him build back up.

The race the afternoon after Will gave blood at school earlier in the day was painful to watch.  He is tough.  He was born that way.  And to see him struggle and not be able to do anything about it was hard.  He got into some trouble for not making a good decision on a meet day, but I knew he had not thought about that and was trying to do something good.  Like, give blood that could help someone.  So I overlooked that and just prayed him through that rough race.  And then he had some great races when  he looked smooth and strong.  I remember him running The Bear one year and coming up the mountain holding his shirt (so I did not recognize him).   Until one of Peter's friends asked Peter if the next person was Will, I was worried about him making it the whole way!  He loved biking more than running, but he thought he would give it a try.  Ninth!  I already knew he was tough but not that tough!  I remember watching him run, and sometimes win, road races for good causes.  That was fun, but I never took it for granted.  

Then there was Peter.  He had some tough races with his stress fractured foot (that we did not know about) for about a year.  He had foot pain, but our medical insurance was bad that year, so I did not push for an MRI until months later when it still hurt and hindered his running so much his senior year.  No one felt worse than I did when that stress fracture showed up.  He wore a brace for months and could not finish track.  That's when he kind of gave running up.  He still runs some now, and that makes me feel better; because I know he has that talent.  It was fun to watch him have a great race, like the year he got second at regionals in Charlotte.  He made the front page of sports in one big city beside the guy who won.  He ran a great time, and I was so happy for him.  I am glad he has that race, because his senior year fell apart.  His state meet was terrible to watch, and someone was ugly to him in the midst of his own pain.  And he felt so bad.  And I felt bad and bad for him.  He just had to put that behind him, but it was hard to end his running on that note.  Maybe he will be out there one day running with his brothers again.  He is so strong now that he can do handstands and all kinds of crazy strong things.

Andrew has never been slack in his training.  Never.  So it's what his body will do that can be a problem, not lack of effort.  Now we know, of course, what is wrong there.  But back when he was in high school, it was frustrating to be up and down.  It's frustrating now too, even though we know why he gets sick so suddenly and gets wiped out.  I remember one cross country meet in Lenoir.  They were lining up, and the announcer named Andrew as their top runner the week before, when he'd had a good race and was first on the team.  Pete and I were happy that he got some attention, because he was overlooked a lot in a lot of things.  Andrew did not care about attention but loved having good races.  If a teammate had a good race, he has always been happy for them.  And he was always happy for Peter to beat him.  He got his name on the gym wall at Hardin Park for a mile he ran.  He told us that he hoped Peter beat his time the next year.  I always remember that is how Andrew is.  His best races have been unexpected.  I was not sure in 2015 if he could run The Bear.  And he won!  And this past fall, he was so sick he could not run a home meet but was first on the team at a huge meet the next week.  The hot, dry weather really got some of his teammates and a lot of other runners.  But Andrew ran a great time and was untouched by the elements -which is a miracle!  He was Sun Belt Conference runner of the week, voted in by coaches at the other Sun Belt schools.  We were so happy for him.  I know some people cheer Andrew on in whatever he does, because they know how hard he works and tries to overcome his illnesses.  And I also know, the hard way, that others have no clue, but yet sometimes comments still hurt.  That is me being his mother, of course.

Sam has run a few races.  He ran his cross country race this fall and did well pacing himself.  He won a medal, because of his place with sixth graders.  He wasn't first, but he perservered.  I was so thankful to watch him.  He reminds me a lot of Andrew.  It's hard sometimes to be his mom.  I want him to fit in and be able to read and do his school work.  And that is just not how it is right now.  But even though it's hard, because I hate that it's hard for him, I always remember when God told me I was Andrew's mother when he was a newborn in NICU and He would help me take care of him.  And I know He meant that for all of my boys.  And Sam is the sweetest, most thoughtful person I know.  And I know some great ones.  He has such a precious heart.  

This week has been a little weird in that people have wanted to remind me in different ways that my boys are not perfect.  There have been a few different people in different ways about different boys.  And as their mom, my first instinct is to lash out.  But I won't.  I have tried to let it make me pause and see where the negative comments come from.  That right there will take care of a lot, if I consider the source and motivation.  My boys will not be on FB looking perfect 24/7.  And I don't want to give that impression, because it does more harm than good.  They are real, and they are not perfect.  They come from imperfect parents, but parents who love them and want them to be men of God.  And that is a process.  And I  know I have to keep putting them in God's hands and trusting Him.  And I know He loves them more than we do.

So Sam and I will climb into our car early Monday morning and make another long trip for Andrew's last track meet.  I know I will cry at some point.  He came home last night and said it was hard to believe he had just finished his last workout as an ASU track athlete.  He was a little bit sad.  But his dad reminded him that he can keep on running (which he plans to do) and maybe he will let his dad help coach him?  

And just when the negative or thoughtless comments bother me more than they should, God will show me a glimmer of something that changes my attitude and perspective and reminds me to pray for these boys entrusted to us on this earth instead of using my energy being upset.  As parents, it is always good to encourage each other and point out the good things our children do.  And I appreciate those who take the time to tell me things they see and observe.

I trust Philippians 1:6 that says " Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" ~ I will choose to put my trust in that.  Whether it's illness, or learning difficulties, or behavior, or whatever it is, I will keep asking God to work on my boys to complete the good work He started in them.  And in me.  He's not finished with me yet either!

That Car

I cried a little bit today.  Pete sold my car.  Well, Peter set up the deal, and Pete finalized it.  It was sad to say goodbye to my white Honda van.  I intentionally looked back at it one last time, and mouthed "Goodbye" and "Thank you."  Silly, I know.  But letting go of that material thing brought back a lot of memories.  And lots of feelings of and reasons to be thankful.

I had that car when Sam was first diagnosed with diabetes in 2009.  It took us to the doctor many times for his diabetes and his eyes.  It later took us to hospitals and offices for his neurological issues and learning difficulties.  It was always dependable, and I never worried about being late or getting stuck on the side of the road.  It was a trusty part of the whole process.

Same with Andrew.  It was there to take us to the doctors who would help Andrew keep running.  It took us to the appointments where we found out not so good things were wrong.  In fact, I was at the dealership getting its oil changed when I found out about one awful disease.  But it took us to the appointments.

It took us to meets to see the boys run.  It took us to one track meet when we had three boys in the same race.  How many times does that happen?  We went to season meets and state meets in that car.  And the fun meets at McAlpine where Pete and I also ran in high school.  It climbed Grandfather to see The Bear.  It brought us safely home from far away places where college races were run.  Sometimes in terrible weather.

It took the boys to school and me to work every day for a long long time.  And it sat in many pick up lines while I read my favorite Robert Whitlow books.  It sat in dark parking lots while I waited on Andrew's track bus to get home at all hours of the night.

I'd like to say it took us on many vacations, but it only got to go on a few.  But that's okay.  It got us there and back.  Many trips to see family.   Always to church.  Lots of room for groceries and Christmas gift delivering.

It took large groups to gatherings.  It helped get other cars started.  It rode to the dealership on a rollback once, but it only needed a new battery!  Thank goodness!

It took me down the mountain almost two years ago to get Pete to the ER at Baptist.  I was so afraid taking him myself, but we knew we had to do it.  And the car was just there and dependable and no trouble as always.

It was between the white and navy vans.  I picked the white when the salesman in Hickory told me about his church and the other guys there who went to church with him.  I prayed about it and then got it.  I never went to see the navy one - which was my favorite color.  It has been the best car.

It was the car that flew over the roads just a little over the speed limit to get us to Andrew when he collapsed during a night meeting on campus.  It rolled me up beside the fire truck and police cars and ambulance.  And it waited until we got him out to take him home.

It took me to work and to doctor appointments in snow storms.  It would not climb hills well, but it was great in low gear to navigate winding downhills.  It stayed in its lane and out of the ditch on many occasions.

It was the car that picked up little puppy Lucy and brought her home as Sam's special buddy.  And it was the car that we had to pull and push Lucy out of before we could take Pete to Baptist when he had his worst stroke.

It  hauled lots of building supplies as we continue to remodel parts of our house.

It was plain and simple and non-descript.  But it was a big part of our family for eight years and many many miles.  We bought a newer one just like it, just a different color.  We hope it will be the same!

My van went to a good home.  A man bought it for an older couple at his church.  It will be a good car for them.  Pete said he sold it to "your dad".  He said the man was just like my dad.  That made me feel better.  It will probably last many more years and help many more people.

Funny how a car can bring back so many reasons to be thankful...Just a plain old car.

Merry Christmas ~ 2016!

Merry Christmas!

It's hard to believe, once again, that it is really December!  As I look back over this year, like most people at this time, I can see so many blessings and things for which to be thankful!

Pete continues to do well.  He just keeps on going.  He is so so close to finishing our bathroom remodel that he took on himself.  He has worked on it in stages, and we are really in the final stretch.  My vanity has taken up the front hall for a long time, but it will be in place soon.  He put down leftover hardwood floors, and they look wonderful.  He is still working on getting his right foot/leg to run.  At times, he ran up through our neighbor's yard which is an incline.  It was funny to see three dogs and a boy in pajamas running with him.  One dog would try to protect him from the other dogs' jumping, and she would end up cutting him off.  So he got lots of physical therapy that way too.  He still loves being a pastor and has also been back to Israel two times this year.  I saw a picture of him yesterday that reminded me of how he used to walk/run.  And for a minute, I felt sorry for me.  Then I remembered that I need to remember how he was in the hospital and be so very thankful that not many people can tell he suffered four strokes.  We are truly blessed by the recovery God made happen.

Andrew is a fifth year senior.  He added another major and took Chemistry and Biology this semester and ended up with the final exams on the same day!  He had one more cross country season left, and we enjoyed watching him run and cheering for him and his team.  He had some disappointing meets when he was sick or very tired, but he also had a couple of great races.  One landed him as Sun Belt Runner of the Week.  I have all of his articles in a previous post.  But I was extra happy for him, as he works so hard and doesn't get to see what he could really do when his body and health won't cooperate.  He was on Charlotte Today with one of his doctors and was able to run and win a road race benefiting Levine Children's Hospital where he had his first IVIG infusion a few years ago and continues to go to clinic.  We added a new doctor recently who has been very helpful, and he goes back to him next week in Winston.  The following week he has two specialist check-ups in Charlotte.  He has been featured in The Appalachian and The Winston Salem Journal recently and has been able to share some of his story.  Andrew has such a great outlook on his medical issues and hearing him talk to reporters and anchors has really helped me be more thankful for the blessings and thankful for his attitude.  He missed his infusion medicine until after Easter due to Blue Cross Blue Shield issues, and I struggle with the unfairness of that.  But God kept him from getting pneumonia.  And though it did cost him, as his immune system went down and made him susceptible to sickness and he got sick, he pushed through better than he should have been able to.  And we know that was God.  He still has one more indoor season left, and we hope to make most of those meets ~ even the ones far away!

Peter is a real senior who changed his major and hopes to graduate next December.  He works on the days he does not have class and has helped me with some major projects at home lately.  He still keeps us laughing, in person and by text.  He is a huge help when I need him.  Will works with our neighbors still.  He graduated in the spring, a year late.  God worked in that situation so much, with teachers and the principal,  ~ and I know we don't even see most of what He did.  Then Will got his CDL and has been able to drive dump trucks and other big machines.  Our neighbors have been a huge blessing.  I have seen Will take apart vehicles and put them back together (kind of like Goober on Andy Griffith that time!), so I know God has given him talents.  And we pray he will use them for the Lord,

Sam is still our little happy person.  He had a rough start to his year in a lot of ways, but those things have vastly improved.  And we are thankful for that too!  He goes to Appalachian two times a week to learn to read.  And we are seeing great progress there ~ finally some hope after asking everyone for years for help, especially after learning of that event (a possible stroke) before he was born.  We constantly have to keep up with his diabetes, but he helps a lot with that ~ and everyone else in the family does too.  He was able to spend an afternoon and evening with Laura recently, and that was so special for him.  He doesn't have many people who can take him and take care of him.  We had a road race in October to benefit JDRF and raised over $8500 for juvenile diabetes research.  Thanks to all of you who helped with that in any way!  Our goal was to raise awareness and raise money.  We have about 270 t-shirts out there somewhere with the warning signs of Type 1 diabetes and hope our efforts may prevent even one tragedy of a late diagnosis.

It seems every year for the past few to several years that I tell myself that I will do better in the year to come.  And then all I can see is where I did not.  So I am really making an effort to be thankful and let God show me how to order my steps to do what He has for me to do.  Things are going to be different this year.  I know they are, and I am waiting for Him to show me.  Instead of being anxious, I am try to wait with anticipation fully knowing that He loves me.  I still work at Blue Ridge Pediatrics in the back, and it has been such a blessing in so many ways for the past seven years.  I took over some of Pete's cleaning jobs after his stroke, so I have a pretty full plate.  But I have great helpers and look forward to that time spent with them.

One of my favorite scriptures during Christmas is Isaiah 9:6,7

"For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."

And Luke 2:1-20 ~

Luke 2King James Version (KJV)

2 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

It's the best story next to that one of Easter ~ when this baby died for our sins.  Without Christmas, there would be no Easter.  And without Easter, Christmas would not be anything special.  But oh how special it is, because Jesus did come to save.

*************************************************************

One more thing...We have a Christmas special tomorrow, and it ends with "That's My King" by S.M. Lockeridge.  I love this, and it gives me chills.  If you don't know Him.  If He is not your King, please find Him today.  He already knows you.  He already loves you.  He already died for you.  He is just waiting for you to meet Him.

My King

The Bible says my King is the King of the Jews. He’s the King of Israel. He’s the King of Righteousness. He’s the King of the Ages. He’s the King of Heaven. He’s the King of Glory. He’s the King of kings, and He’s the Lord of lords. That’s my King.

I wonder, do you know Him?

My King is a sovereign King. No means of measure can define His limitless love. He’s enduringly strong. He’s entirely sincere. He’s eternally steadfast. He’s immortally graceful. He’s imperially powerful. He’s impartially merciful.

Do you know Him?

He’s the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world. He’s God’s Son. He’s the sinner’s Saviour. He’s the centrepiece of civilization. He’s unparalleled. He’s unprecedented. He is the loftiest idea in literature. He’s the highest personality in philosophy. He’s the fundamental doctrine of true theology. He’s the only one qualified to be an all sufficient Saviour.

I wonder if you know Him today?

He supplies strength for the weak. He’s available for the tempted and the tried. He sympathizes and He saves. He strengthens and sustains. He guards and He guides. He heals the sick. He cleansed the lepers. He forgives sinners. He discharges debtors. He delivers the captive. He defends the feeble. He blesses the young. He serves the unfortunate. He regards the aged. He rewards the diligent. And He beautifies the meek.

I wonder if you know Him?

He’s the key to knowledge. He’s the wellspring of wisdom. He’s the doorway of deliverance. He’s the pathway of peace. He’s the roadway of righteousness. He’s the highway of holiness. He’s the gateway of glory.

Do you know Him? Well…

His life is matchless. His goodness is limitless. His mercy is everlasting. His love never changes. His Word is enough. His grace is sufficient. His reign is righteous. And His yoke is easy. And His burden is light.

I wish I could describe Him to you. Yes…

He’s indescribable! He’s incomprehensible. He’s invincible. He’s irresistible. You can’t get Him out of your mind. You can’t get Him off of your hand. You can’t outlive Him, and you can’t live without Him. Well, the Pharisees couldn’t stand Him, but they found out they couldn’t stop Him. Pilate couldn’t find any fault in Him. Herod couldn’t kill Him. Death couldn’t handle Him, and the grave couldn’t hold Him.

Yeah! That’s my King, that’s my King.

Amen!

THAT'S MY KING!!!!!  The One we celebrate at Christmas!

Merry Christmas!  

Love, 

The Vandenbergs

Wednesday

Just a quick update.

Andrew had a bad seizure last night, and it was the first one he has had in over a year.  We were surprised and disappointed, but he just got up and kept on going today; so I did too.  I know God loves Andrew, and He wants what is best for Andrew.  And I will hold onto that.  I picked him up around lunch time and took him to the library.  He has two classes this afternoon.  I am keeping an eye on my phone, because he was still so tired.

Peter and Sam were here to help me.  Peter and I were cleaning up from scraping the ceiling in my bedroom, and one of them yelled for me.  I was upstairs cleaning something in the bathroom.  Sam kept Andrew from hitting his head on anything, and Peter got Andrew's emergency medicine and called 911 - which he cancelled before they sent someone.  Andrew was on the couch for a while exhausted, and Lucy made sure she was curled up at his feet.  It is funny to see a 95 lb dog curl herself up like that and look concerned.  We just made sure Sadie did not lick him.  When he went to bed, I slept in a sleeping bag on his floor - just to make sure.  Our doorbells are old and don't work, but we have not needed them in a long time. I will get another one just in case.

He has been exhausted.  At conference, he felt like he could have collapsed during the race and has never said that.  He did not run his best time, but he ran a decent time.  Last Friday, he ran a 10K in Virginia on the same course where he had a great race earlier this year.  He was about a minute and 45 seconds off last year's time, so he was disappointed.  But when I saw him at the 8K, I wondered that he could finish.  He looked that bad.  But he seemed okay after the race, just tired.

We cannot really test him for mono, as his immune system can mess up any tests like that.  So we will see how he is tomorrow and Friday.  He is supposed to run a road race in Charlotte on Saturday, so we will see.  We just keep praying for him and asking God to show us what to do and when.

The other boys are all good.  Sam is doing much better with his new insulin pens.  I am confident he actually gets his insulin, and we try to work around the whole units.

Pete comes home Friday - I pick him up super early in Greensboro.  So we are in a mad dash to put our house back together.  I hope he thinks doing the ceiling and redoing some things in our room are good!  It should go with our bathroom that hopefully will be done over Thanksgiving!

I always thought it would be great to redo rooms of sick children - to make their rooms clean and comfortable and something they really love.  But  I don't have the talent - or the funds - so I decided to do it at home.  I am doing a little bit on my own room, but I'm going to do Sam's in December.  I dragged him into every TJ Maxx and Homegoods the other week on the way home from Charlotte!  So I hope Pete likes what we found, and my neighbors will be glad when my new front lawn decor that appeared last night is gone (stuff sent out the front door!).

I think projects keep me and my mind busy.  I need that during times like this.  I feel like I could fall over today and may ask to be excused from choir practice after church tonight.  I never feel like that!  But I know God will give me what I need.  He always provides.  In all kinds of ways.  In many that I miss, I am sure.  I am so thankful that He loves me and is always here to help me with whatever I need.  Always.  Thanks for praying.

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."  Philippians 4:19


And I love this new Natalie Grant song.

"King of the World"

I tried to fit you in the walls inside my mind
I try to keep you safely inbetween the lines
I try to put you in the box that I've designed
I try to pull you down so we are eye to eye
When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world?
I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world
How could I make you so smallWhen you're the one who holds it all
When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world
Just a whisper of your voice can tame the seas
So who am I to try to take the lead
Still I run ahead and think I'm strong enough
When you're the one who made me from the dust
When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world?
I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world
How could I make you so small
When you're the one who holds it all
When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world
Ohhhh, you set it all in motion
Every single moment
You brought it all to be
And you're holding on to me
When did I forget that you've always been the king of the world?
I try to take life back right out of the hands of the king of the world
How could I make you so small
When you're the one who holds it all
When did I forget you've always been the king of the world
You will always be the king of the world