Healing: An update on Isaac

Many of you are so kind to ask how we're doing, and to let us know you are praying for us. I appreciate that so much. Here's an attempt to update you. It may sound whiny, and I hope not. I'm just wanting to be honest, and it's been a tiring time, but we're still very thankful for all the great things that we've learned and experienced throughout this time. We've been persevering through this healing time for Isaac, as he recovers from surgery, and let me just say, we are looking forward to being back with the land of the 2 legged. I'll never take for granted the insanity of taking 3 able-bodied children to run errands again, even as hard as it can be when they are so active.

Surgeries and healing really affect the whole family, and we've just been out of sorts for a long time now. Elijah has probably weathered it all better than the rest of us. Our tempers are shorter, our energy dwindling, and our patience nearly exhausted. Isaac and Abigail's sleep seems to be where they've shown the impact of the stress on the family, and so that causes the cycle to continue - less sleep, and poor quality rest, just don't help attitudes and energy improve. And, of course when they're awake numerous times at night, so are Mama and/or Daddy.
What we've dealt with is really nothing compared to so many who struggle with chronic illness and treatments, yet it's been a long 3 weeks for our family. I'm just tired, deep in my bones. It's difficult to be stuck in a long, heavy cast when one is an active 9 year old boy who loves riding bikes and playing outdoors, and it's been hard on James and me, carrying him from place to place, or hauling out the wheelchair and pushing him in that, along with carrying a hefty nearly 5 month old. There's no real way we could've prepared for someone who has been previously very independent becoming extremely limited in movement and not too happy about it. He has overall made the best of the situation, but he is pretty tired of the whole thing. We can't wait till the cast change operation on Friday. We are praying for a short cast and for a short amount of time required in it. Please pray with us about that!

This poor long cast has been dragged so much, it's starting to crack and chip off on the toe end. Today Abi said, "Dr. Killian is going to freak when he sees this cast!" He just might do it. Oh well - he can come and stay with us then, and tell Isaac to just not move on his own for 21 days! Isaac has mastered hopping so well on his right leg that he could probably beat me in a race, while I ran with my 2 good legs! Tonight though, he did say, "I am tired of this hopping." I concur.

We've been so fortunate to have our faith family bring us meals for most of the nights since we came home from the hospital. These meals have saved my sanity. I don't think I can even say how much help they've been. It's more than just not having to cook. It's relaxing and eating together as a family, without having to find the energy to shop, plan, and prepare while tending to the needs of 3 children, and without wiping the sweat off of my forehead from frantically throwing a meal together. It's comforting to be so loved and cared for by friends, and it's heart-warming that others with busy lives made time to serve my family. It is overwhelming that my sweet friend organized all these, while nearly 9 months pregnant herself, and made sure our family was taken care of in a practical way.

We've also had folks bring goodie bags to Isaac, movies checked out from the library and delivered to us, a portable DVD player loaned so Isaac didn't have to be carried back to our TV room, prayers said aloud in our presence to uplift us, cards mailed to encourage us, a couple of short playdates, and friends have called to check in while running errands, just to see if they could pick up anything from the store for us. I think God has been so honored by these kind souls who have truly served our family and showed Christ's love during this time of healing and waiting for our family. He is faithful and has provided every need for us, and even some bonus treats to help pass the time. We're very grateful.