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!
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
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
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Happy 18th Birthday ~ Andrew!
Tomorrow Andrew will be 18! I cannot believe it and am thinking we must go get his license renewed as it expires tomorrow!
As I look back, I can go right to the hospital room in Abingdon where Andrew and I wore out several people trying to get him here! I remember looking around at one point and thinking that everyone helping me was as exhausted as I was! I won't forget Pete eating candy I did not like (so he told my doctor it did not bother me because I did not like it ~ even if I was starving!). And Whitney saying she was going to run and "get a drink...uh...I mean, go to the bathroom" because she knew I was so thirsty. I remember being promised pizza and 2 liter drinks by Gene Kistner ~ which by the way were long gone the next morning when Andrew finally arrived. I remember pretending I was running up hills and giving it all I had to get my baby safely in my arms!
The next morning when Andrew had arrived, pretty much everyone went home exhausted. And about that time, my grandparents (Nannie and Grandad) arrived. Grandad took Pete to breakfast (he was starved!), and Nannie offered to stay with me...until the nurses came to get me out of bed! Then I had them show her to a nice waiting area so she would not faint. She was not up to seeing me in any kind of pain! It was so sweet ~ that special time to share with them. And they were the only people who knew us within a few miles radius who had gotten a good night's sleep!
At the hospital, you stayed in a large room with a TV and all of the soft drinks you wanted before the baby came. When you really could not watch much TV nor could you drink. After the baby, they moved you across the floor to a wing with tiny rooms. A little old man came by with a clip board to see if we wanted to "rent" the TV for $5 a day. I asked Pete, "Please could we?" And he agreed! All drinks had to be paid for, and there was not much room in the new room for visitors! How funny it was!
I remember when the young pediatrician came in at 4:00 am the next morning and fumbled with the light above my bed to tell me my baby was having seizures and how slick it was outside with ice on the roads. How could I go back to sleep after that? I cried and called people to pray as soon as it was polite.
I was scared. I wanted them to take Andrew and fix him and hand him back. I remember that so vividly. I did not want to feed him or hold him too long. I was so scared of him! Then I remember leaving with the flowers and gifts. A woman said she saw all of the baby stuff but where was the baby? I broke down and cried. Pete and I celebrated Andrew's first Christmas with him still in the hospital.
On the way to see him one day during that week, I decided I was his mother; and God sent him to ME to care for. We learned the seizures were toes "twitching", so they did not seem so scary then. He had lots of medicine (that he took for six months) but no more seizures after the first ones. Andrew had a male nurse named Joe with a dyed black comb over and a comb always sticking out of his back pocket. Joe knew I was scared with Andrew and would hand me Andrew, a bottle, and then he would walk away. I called Joe a few times at 2:00 am when we returned home with Andrew, and he spit up his medicine in the middle of the night.
We returned home to a furnace that had backfired. It was a mess - soot everywhere. But we lived through that and got the rooms repainted and had enough left over to get a new floor in the kitchen and new counter tops. Our house was little, so it did not cost much. I liked having some new, clean things, but I was so thankful to have my baby home. He had a soft yellow room with a border with magician's hats and bunnies. He had sweet soft clothes that Whitney and Dede had washed while I was on bed rest. Of course they had been rewashed after the furnace incident!
Fast forward almost two years later, and here came Peter! Peter taught Andrew to crawl on the couch, but Andrew told me when Peter almost scooted out of his car seat on the floor while I spoke to a doctor on the phone. Peter was always in a hurry to get somewhere! And then almost two years later came Will who always liked to play with Peter or follow his daddy around. And then seven years after that came Sam! And Andrew says he cannot remember our family before Sam was born.
Andrew prepared me well as the first child. He was obedient and calm and quiet and sweet. He was loved by everyone. He took good care of his brothers and played with them and was content to be with his family. He usually had one or two friends, but he liked being at home - just as he does now. He sat still in church and did not make a peep.
Things started popping up when he was one, then two, and then at three seemed to take right off. It has been one hurdle after another. And sometimes we hurdle some things more than once. Andrew still handles things in his quiet way and is obedient and reminds me of that little baby I so fiercely determined to care for during his scary first week.
I have been working on a poem/song for a long long time. I will post it when I am done. I keep adding and changing. I am so thankful for my child. I have had a couple of times when I have been literally scared out of my mind that he would be gone. I have seen such scary things that I never would have thought I could handle. But I think it goes back to that first week when God told me I am the one who is his mother. And I don't need to get in his way, but I need to care for him the best way I can - with God's help. And I am thankful for a husband who understands that. We cry together and pray together and believe together. And though we are not always on the same page, we can respect where each is and still do what is best at the time.
I am sad to see Andrew's high school years come to an end this year. But Andrew is different. They have been hard at times, a struggle. These have been some of the scariest years - and knowing when to let him go and when to hold on tight. So for Andrew, I am excited to see what is to come. I have had two different people in two very different years tell me of boys who seemed to "outgrow" their seizures in their late teens. That gives me hope as I realize that my hope sometimes has an expiration date (dumb, but I did realize that with some things). And hope does not expire. I am thankful for the teachers, coaches, and friends he has had during this time. Some of them have known him since he was so little and cheer him on and pray for him constantly.
Happy Birthday to my super duper special boy! I thank God for the opportunity and privilege it is to be his mom!!!!!
And please join me in continuing to pray for him to be wholly and completely healed of known and unknown things. And for him to grow in the way the Lord has for him.
As I look back, I can go right to the hospital room in Abingdon where Andrew and I wore out several people trying to get him here! I remember looking around at one point and thinking that everyone helping me was as exhausted as I was! I won't forget Pete eating candy I did not like (so he told my doctor it did not bother me because I did not like it ~ even if I was starving!). And Whitney saying she was going to run and "get a drink...uh...I mean, go to the bathroom" because she knew I was so thirsty. I remember being promised pizza and 2 liter drinks by Gene Kistner ~ which by the way were long gone the next morning when Andrew finally arrived. I remember pretending I was running up hills and giving it all I had to get my baby safely in my arms!
The next morning when Andrew had arrived, pretty much everyone went home exhausted. And about that time, my grandparents (Nannie and Grandad) arrived. Grandad took Pete to breakfast (he was starved!), and Nannie offered to stay with me...until the nurses came to get me out of bed! Then I had them show her to a nice waiting area so she would not faint. She was not up to seeing me in any kind of pain! It was so sweet ~ that special time to share with them. And they were the only people who knew us within a few miles radius who had gotten a good night's sleep!
At the hospital, you stayed in a large room with a TV and all of the soft drinks you wanted before the baby came. When you really could not watch much TV nor could you drink. After the baby, they moved you across the floor to a wing with tiny rooms. A little old man came by with a clip board to see if we wanted to "rent" the TV for $5 a day. I asked Pete, "Please could we?" And he agreed! All drinks had to be paid for, and there was not much room in the new room for visitors! How funny it was!
I remember when the young pediatrician came in at 4:00 am the next morning and fumbled with the light above my bed to tell me my baby was having seizures and how slick it was outside with ice on the roads. How could I go back to sleep after that? I cried and called people to pray as soon as it was polite.
I was scared. I wanted them to take Andrew and fix him and hand him back. I remember that so vividly. I did not want to feed him or hold him too long. I was so scared of him! Then I remember leaving with the flowers and gifts. A woman said she saw all of the baby stuff but where was the baby? I broke down and cried. Pete and I celebrated Andrew's first Christmas with him still in the hospital.
On the way to see him one day during that week, I decided I was his mother; and God sent him to ME to care for. We learned the seizures were toes "twitching", so they did not seem so scary then. He had lots of medicine (that he took for six months) but no more seizures after the first ones. Andrew had a male nurse named Joe with a dyed black comb over and a comb always sticking out of his back pocket. Joe knew I was scared with Andrew and would hand me Andrew, a bottle, and then he would walk away. I called Joe a few times at 2:00 am when we returned home with Andrew, and he spit up his medicine in the middle of the night.
We returned home to a furnace that had backfired. It was a mess - soot everywhere. But we lived through that and got the rooms repainted and had enough left over to get a new floor in the kitchen and new counter tops. Our house was little, so it did not cost much. I liked having some new, clean things, but I was so thankful to have my baby home. He had a soft yellow room with a border with magician's hats and bunnies. He had sweet soft clothes that Whitney and Dede had washed while I was on bed rest. Of course they had been rewashed after the furnace incident!
Fast forward almost two years later, and here came Peter! Peter taught Andrew to crawl on the couch, but Andrew told me when Peter almost scooted out of his car seat on the floor while I spoke to a doctor on the phone. Peter was always in a hurry to get somewhere! And then almost two years later came Will who always liked to play with Peter or follow his daddy around. And then seven years after that came Sam! And Andrew says he cannot remember our family before Sam was born.
Andrew prepared me well as the first child. He was obedient and calm and quiet and sweet. He was loved by everyone. He took good care of his brothers and played with them and was content to be with his family. He usually had one or two friends, but he liked being at home - just as he does now. He sat still in church and did not make a peep.
Things started popping up when he was one, then two, and then at three seemed to take right off. It has been one hurdle after another. And sometimes we hurdle some things more than once. Andrew still handles things in his quiet way and is obedient and reminds me of that little baby I so fiercely determined to care for during his scary first week.
I have been working on a poem/song for a long long time. I will post it when I am done. I keep adding and changing. I am so thankful for my child. I have had a couple of times when I have been literally scared out of my mind that he would be gone. I have seen such scary things that I never would have thought I could handle. But I think it goes back to that first week when God told me I am the one who is his mother. And I don't need to get in his way, but I need to care for him the best way I can - with God's help. And I am thankful for a husband who understands that. We cry together and pray together and believe together. And though we are not always on the same page, we can respect where each is and still do what is best at the time.
I am sad to see Andrew's high school years come to an end this year. But Andrew is different. They have been hard at times, a struggle. These have been some of the scariest years - and knowing when to let him go and when to hold on tight. So for Andrew, I am excited to see what is to come. I have had two different people in two very different years tell me of boys who seemed to "outgrow" their seizures in their late teens. That gives me hope as I realize that my hope sometimes has an expiration date (dumb, but I did realize that with some things). And hope does not expire. I am thankful for the teachers, coaches, and friends he has had during this time. Some of them have known him since he was so little and cheer him on and pray for him constantly.
Happy Birthday to my super duper special boy! I thank God for the opportunity and privilege it is to be his mom!!!!!
And please join me in continuing to pray for him to be wholly and completely healed of known and unknown things. And for him to grow in the way the Lord has for him.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)