Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Growing weary.

Today is now day 3 that Wyndham is laying here at home- sick. Chip and I were 'planning out our day' for today's schedule {ie. who would get the kids to school, how my classes would go and when we should try and get Wyndham in to the doctor} and I was feeling tired and worn out by last night. Being concerned for a child's health is hard work. Both physically and mentally. It's just hard to watch her take 2 steps back and one forward and to wait and wonder what to do next.
I was thankful when I got an early morning phone call telling me that our school was closed for a snow day today. I thanked God for one more day of 'rest and recovery' that suddenly came out of nowhere, and asked Him for wisdom and strength for all of us today.
Wyndham has kept down the bare minimum for fluids to stay hydrated...we give her dropperfuls of enhanced water and she has still has a hard time keeping that down. Even one teaspoonful at a time each hour.
Early this afternoon she will be going in to the doctor. So between now and then we need her to keep down more fluids so that she can avoid a hospital stay and IV fluids. I think she is tired of all her aches and just wants to feel 'better'. Thankfully the other three kids have been getting along very well and eating and sleeping well too. They seem to understand that Wyndham needs extra care and that Mommy and Daddy don't have too much tolerance for misbehaving kids.
At times like these I begin to grow weary of asking for prayers and for not having good news to pass along. Wyndham's MRI is now rescheduled for next month and it seems like there just is a never-ending list of things that need to be attended too.
The blessing in such hardships for me is the realization that there is more to life than what we go through...and someday we will be free from these sorts of pains and trials. In one of my readings yesterday, I took comfort and felt my load lighten when I read about Heaven. The writer {Joni Erickson Tada} was talking about how sometimes our momentary troubles threaten to 'blind us' or 'sidetrack us' from the realization that Heaven is real and awaits us. And it's not that too far off- especially when you think of how long eternity is compared to the moments we have in life. The phrase that spoke to me yesterday was something like this, she said, "Earth but cloaks our Heaven...". Meaning sometimes the stuff we face and the things that weigh heavy on our hearts are just that 'stuff'. The idea that this will all be but a blip on the screen of eternity someday is comforting. To know according to 2 Corinthians 4:18 we can have hope if we claim this verse, which says, "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal".
Yes, we are all growing weary at this point. But at the same time we gain a growing sense of Heaven and it helps keep things in perspective. Trials can make us all bitter or better. We thank God that with each testing, our faith and outlook just seems to strengthen and become more clear. That is something that is hard to believe, until you are weary and go through it yourself. That is a big part of why I share so openly on this blog and in 'real life' too. Chip and I both feel strongly that if God is having us walk through life on a bumpy, narrow path, then one of the things we can do along the way is share what He has helped us learn and how He keeps giving us strength for the journey.
My hope is that this is just another 'bump in the road' and that we will all be back on our feet and feeling stronger for the journey. Thanks again for your prayers. I will keep posting updates on Wyndham and really hope I can post pictures of her smiling, happy self again soon!

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thankful for another day of rest for your family today...praying that Wyndham's appointment goes well. If you end up in GR (I'm assuming she goes to DeVos?) and you need anything, please email me...we're not far away at all!
amandakjones@comcast.net

Sonja said...

Jody dear, you are never out of my prayers, ever...While I've never been through something so trying, I understand your weariness and I'm praying for relief for you and your family. Hugs to you.

Anonymous said...

Just breaks my heart. I hope today is a much better day for all of you and this is just a nasty virus that will soon pass.

Praying for Wyndham!!

Cindy
Virginia

Kirsten said...

Oh dear, I'm so praying for good news soon. My own father-in-law has been in the hospital for over a month and it's all I can do to rally myself for a visit. I know the pain and worry when you kids are sick, but have never been able to imagine myself in your place. Just {{ cyber hugs }} thats all.

Anonymous said...

I pray that today has brought some calm and rest for you. I also pray for an answer, but I am not sure God has revealed that yet. Your insight regarding your journey on your path called life is tremendous and God certainly is proud of the love that you are sharing and the teachings that you are doing along the way.
Hugs,
Megan

FlipFlop Mom said...

Oh I feel horrible as I haven't read your blog in a few days.... You're in my thoughts and prayers... always!!!!

Rays Family said...

Please know that our family is praying for all of you today.

Anne

Anonymous said...

Hugs for you and your family.Sending lots of warm wishes and good thoughts to you.

Anonymous said...

I am still praying for your family, and I hope the doc can figure out what's going on with Wyndham lately. I always pray just to feel better again and I am 30 so I can't even imagine how it must be for Wyndham. And you and Chip are both wonderful amazingly strong people. When I had my brain injury and began having seizures and hospital stays, I feel like it was probably harder on my parents watching me go through everything than it was for me to actually go through it. I check your blog daily and appreciate all of the updates.

Anonymous said...

The anonymous one right above this is from me. Katy, of Muskegon
I am good friends with Lori "Straitfan10" and that is how I learned of all this

Unknown said...

Praying all goes well Jody, hope you get more rest :)
I love Joni!! I have 3 of her books, including the one about her amazing life!
One big hug from me to you to last you the day through :)

Anonymous said...

Continuing to keep Wyndham and your family in my prayers! God Bless.

Anonymous said...

Hang in there Jody...we are praying for you all...and we can't wait for the healthy Wyndham pictures soon to come. :)

Hugs,
Rhonda

paige said...

you are unbelievable--i swing over to see how to bless you in my prayers for ya'll today & end up being blessed myself.
hugs

Anonymous said...

I feel like I know you after checking your blog every day, and I am praying for Wyndham and your family. {{{HUGS}}} from one mommy to another.
Melissa H.
Kentucky

amy & lisa said...

I will continue to lift you and your family up to HIM who provides for every need and care! Hang in there.

Angi said...

Once again, I want to thank you for sharing your faith and your light with all of us. You have a wonderful spirit, and make me thirst to be deeper into God's word. Thank you, and I am praying that your lives return to calm again very soon ((hugs))

somebody,somewhere said...

i agree with melissa - i've followed your blog for almost 2 years now, and i feel like i know you! my prayers go out to all of you again today! :) my husband left town today for 10 days for work (he doesn't do that very often) and tonight, i have 1 of my 3 throwing up - know the other 2 are probably sure to follow, but, trusting that GOD in his divine plan knew even this - reading you reinforced that, and i will go to bed resting in HIM and will pray that you can do the same! hoping for a good update on wyndham tomorrow! :)

Unknown said...

Dearest Jody.....you and your precious family remain in my loving thoughts and prayers. As usual you show us how to truly live a life of faith. Keeping your mind on the true focus...and reminding me that this is but a blip on the big screen of life. Our time in heaven is so much more than this puney little life here on earth! BUT we are being tested every day.......you my friend are defenitely passing with flying colors! I think who God entrusts much with, he truly trusts and depends on.......Obviously he can depend on YOU!
My heart is heavy for you....I do hope you are sleeping soundly on your own comfy bed tonite (I have been in those noisy hospitals and you are right, there is NO rest there....those beeps drive me insane!)
Love & blessings!
Sherry

Eddy said...

Jody, with God at your side,her wonderful and loving parents, their deep faith, her will (stretching obstacles), I'm sure Windham 'll be better in a few days\hours. I'm french, so, I don't know if I choose good words, but I know that my thoughts are clearly with your family since I read your blog, daily. Thanks for sharing your experience and your faith. Catherine

Anonymous said...

Jody, you and your family and especially Wyndham are all in my prayers -- more so these last few days. May God bring to you more moments of calm, and clarity and may Wyndham be feeling great in no time. Big hugs to you all!

linda t said...

Praying for you Jody... for healing for your precious Wyndham.

Just wanted you to know that your music screen is not allowing me see some of your pics that you post.

Tina Vega said...

It hit me this morning that perhaps it was a reaction to her anti-seizure meds. I'm praying it as simple as a side effect and will be quickly be relieved.

You're in my prayers!