This was one of "those" weeks :-/
-Grace's cardiology appointment got moved back again because of a scheduling issue, so our new appointment is on Oct. 7th :-(. Will you please continue to pray for all good news at our cardiology appointment?
-In addition to having to cancel Grace's cardiology appointment when she was sick, we had to reschedule a blood draw in preparation for an endocrinology appointment we had this Friday. In an effort to make sure that the results were in on time for our appointment on Friday, we had her labs drawn last Monday. In typical Gracie fashion she threw us for a loop... our pediatrician called me on Thursday with some concerning results. Many of Grace's labs were off, but the ones that were most perplexing are her crazy high B12 and CRP (it's an inflammatory marker in the body). Based on some of the other lab results, it appears that her body was either still getting over the illness she had the weekend prior or that she was battling a new infection. However, some of the results raise concern for what could be (worst case scenario) leukemia (children with Up's have an increased risk of leukemia, but some studies show that they are more likely to go into remission). Our pediatrician consulted a hematologist and they said that it is very difficult to interpret her labs since it appears that her body may have been fighting an infection at the time (at least that's what we hope is the case, I know... who would have thought that we would be hoping for an illness). The plan is to repeat labs in 3 weeks when (Lord willing) Grace's body should be completely back to her normal/baseline. I had a teary day on Thursday afternoon (when I got the phone call) and evening, but was blessed by the support of Graces's amazing teacher (past and present- I feel beyond blessed to know them both, let alone have them love on our Gracie Doo each day) and dear friends and neighbors. God has used this scare to recalibrate our perspective as to what really matters in life. SO much of what we think is important each day is just racket that distracts us from experiencing the joy of the moment with the people right under our nose and answering the all important question, where will we spend eternity? Will you please pray that in 3 weeks Grace's labs look totally normal with no sign of leukemia (or anything else scary)?
Blessings that God used to give me perspective this week...
-So, I was already having a rough day/week and I had just got flipped off on my way to drop Grace off at school in the morning (there are many days that I probably deserve to get flipped off while driving, but this time I seriously didn't do a thing other than sit in bumper to bumper traffic in the HOV lane) and as I felt deflated and frustrated at such an unkind gesture, Grace is calling my name and when I looked back at her she was making a triangle with her fingers and saying "triangle" (the show she was watching, Hi-5, a family fav, was talking about shapes). This may not sound like a very big event, but those of you with a special needs child know that it is worth getting unfairly flipped off a million times!
-Each day the big kids know that they have to tell their momma "stories" about school. This includes answering three questions that provide me with insight as to how their day went, giving us a chance to celebrate the good, process and pray about anything hurtful, and continue to be purposeful about how God can use them to bless others each day. The questions are:
1) Who made you smile today?
2) Did you get your feeling hurt?
3) How did you show Jesus' love?
I love and look forward to story time everyday, but the big kid's answers to question number three especially blessed my broken heart on Friday... Abigail had the opportunity to pray with one of her friends at school who was struggling with some "girl drama" and Andrew almost missed the bus again because he was busy serving others (helping someone stack chairs, delivering water bottles left behind, etc). I'm praying that I can focus on the "fruit" (the work of the Lord in their lives), not all of the other distractions of the world that really don't matter in the big picture.
-Our local newspaper featured a story about Gigi's Playhouse Sugar Land (Down Syndrome Achievement Center), which we are beyond excited about how it will change the lives of so many! We would love for each of you to get involved in some way whether it's help get the word out, donate, volunteer, or pray! Back to the article... David, Abigail, and Grace were featured in the story, see pics below...
-We had the opportunity to meet with an amazing couple from church who God used to speak truth, love, and encouragement into our lives! Thank you Bradfords!
Weekend highlights...
-Andrew sold popcorn outside of Lowe's with his Cub Scout den...
...while these two came to the gym with me!
-Grace learned to spell her name...
In case you are wondering what in the world she is wearing, as I've mentioned before, she loves to find clothes in the big kids room and put them on, so she has a pajama shirt on over her clothes. The best part of the video is Grace's face at the end, so don't miss that part :-).
-We got to watch cousin Joe's soccer game and hang out with Aunt Becca...
-David and I got to actually watch Abigail's whole soccer game because my parents took Andrew and the busy body who never wants to sit still at soccer games, Grace. It was an intense game, they tied 2-2. So proud of her team!
This obviously wasn't at the soccer game, but instead at open house at Grace's school. One other time we were able to have some adult conversation this week :-).
Thank you for praying us through this season of emotional and mental exhaustion!
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
1 comment:
We will be praying for those labs to be just fine next time! Love you guys and your faith! :)
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