Quick Emily Update:

I hope this is my last Flu 2011 update.

I was on target about Emily.  She does have bronchitis (but the lungs sounded clear).  She also has an infected toe, and her G-tube had some bleeding last night.  That's a strange symptom that I don't see very often.  She probably pulled it at some point, but in any case it's red and irritated now. 

All of those things together add up to a 10 day course of antibiotics. 

As far as the extreme weakness goes, he reminded me of what she's been through and said it would be at least a month before she was back to herself.  What's strange is trying to remember what back to herself is.  Is it Emily before she was having so many seizures?  Or was that Emily when she having seizures I didn't know about?

My Emily is funny and smart.  She loves school and jokes.  She thinks boys are cute and puke is ewww.  She loves her dog and her sisters and plays made up games with complicated (and sometimes gory) rules. 

I find myself staring at her now to see if her eyes are focused and alert.  I watch her body language for signs of illness.  I feel her head, and listen to her chest with the stethoscope that is draped across her bed next to her favorite stuffed ferret, Leah.  She is becoming a watched child instead my funny girl. 

My watched child did get cleared to go back to school on Monday for 1/2 days until she is able to build her strength up. Then she can go full time again.  So much better than last time she had the flu when she missed 4 months.

It amazes me that one week ago she was in the hospital after one of the most terrifying days of my life.  When I carried her into that ER, I absolutely KNEW without a doubt that I was holding a child who would die without help--I'm not sure I've ever felt that before.  Feared it, yes.  Known it, no.  She had nearly 105. fever, her heart rate was 150, her blood pressure 90/47.  She was barely opening her eyes and unable to keep any fluids down.  She would have made it another day, maybe two without intervention. 

I'm not being morbid there.  I'm being grateful.  As I drove to the hospital, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmingly grateful-even through the fear--that a 20 minute drive to the hospital, an IV, antibiotics and lots of rest and my daughter would probably be alright.  Then I thought of the countless mamas around the world who hold their sick and dying children with no where to go. 

I'm praying for God's peace in the heavily burdened hearts of those mamas tonight.  I pray he surrounds them with comfort that pours out like rain.  It would truly be a peace that I do not understand because I can't fathom holding Emily so sick and feeling peace in my heart.  I pray that if I ever am, I experience the true depth of His Grace. 

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."   John 14:27 (NIV)

Begin with Praise

1 Chronicles 16:36
Praise be to the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Then all the people said "Amen" and "Praise the LORD."

Last week I decided I would try to organize my blog a little.  I thought that I would start every Monday with praise.  I want to make a conscious effort to start each new week with praise and gratefulness instead of the ugh...Moonnndaayyy I usually go with. 

 

This is the week that the Lord has made, I need to rejoice and be glad in it. 

 

I'm thankful the Lord placed this on my heart before last week actually happened.  I haven't had an amazing week.  It's been hard, a little sad, and I'm kind of tired. 

 

THAT is exactly why there should be praise on my lips.  It does not matter what is going on in your life, there is always cause and expectation for praise. 

So, let the praise party begin!

One major praise of my family is that our oldest daughter Hannah was accepted into the college of her choice, Pfeiffer .  We are all so excited for her and look forward to what God has in store for this wonderful girl of ours. 

 

I am thankful the weather has cooled a bit here in Florida.  This is one HOT state.  Warm weather most of the year means that August is brutal.  A few 60 degree mornings just make me happy. 

 

I'm thankful for our home; a safe place for my children to grow and develop.  I am beyond grateful that God has allowed me to be home each day to watch that happen. 

I'm thankful for the people in my life; they bless and renew me with their love and prayers when I am struggling and concerned. 

I'm thankful that God hears my prayers and answers them, even when I can't understand His answers.

Right this very moment, I am thankful that there are no dishes in my sink.  I do not like Mondays with dishes to clean or a messy house from the crazy weekends. 

As I begin to focus on all of the things in my life that I have to praise God for, my heart fills with gratitude instead of the sadness I had been feeling.  Emily has been having lots of little seizures this week, too many to count.  It weighs heavily on my heart everyday.  She hasn't been able to make it through the any whole day of school feeling well.  There are a bazillion other things going on in life that I need to deal with. 

How easy it would be to write the post I wanted to write about how hard this is and how worried I am.  But today is begins a week that I choose to start with praise.  I choose to open my heart to God's love and provision, even in the midst of so much concern for a child. 

Are you ready to begin your week, whatever your week might bring, with a grateful heart?  Can you spend a little time meditating on what is good in your life instead of focusing on the problem?  Start your week, your day, and your life with praise in every circumstance.  We have each been given a gift unique to human beings; the ability to choose.  Today, join with me in choosing joy and praise.