Thursday, January 17, 2008

My day turned into a whirlwind after that.

From the time I hit 'publish post' on my last blog...it hadn't even been 3 and a half hours. I hadn't even eaten lunch. I was feeling a tiny bit on top of things. First, because that cup of coffee hit the spot. Second, because I had clean sheets on my bed, and third, there was a load of towels in the wash and my day was going so well.
Until 1:15 when my team conference call with Wyndham's therapists changed all that and they told me she had just had a seizure.
She has never had a seizure since her original closed-head injury in July 2001. She was perfectly fine when I dropped her off for her session. She had eaten breakfast and drank her juice. Everything was 'normal'.
It felt like the best day ever for me after a series of bad days.
Not to go in all the details about the rest of our day...but it was a whirlwind. We brought Wyndham into the ER and she had x-rays and a CAT scan due not only to the seizures, but because she has a shunt that runs from her brain to her abdomen. They all look normal at this point...but she had a second seizure while in the ER, so now Chip and I are staying the night in as Wyndham was admitted.
Needless to say...we have called lots of family and friends and asked for prayers for Wyndham and the rest of our family. We have had a rough week...only to be topping it off with this latest turn of events. Me personally...well, I am tired and weary and had some issues with my heart racing again today. I never did get any lunch today, but at 10pm tonight, Chip ran out for some 'real food' (versus hospital food...you know what I'm talking about if you've spent any time in a hospital) and when he came back, we all- including Wyndham, enjoyed some mashed potatoes and chicken and soup together.
My heart was heavy for Wyndham as she had such a rough day and fought the procedures so hard that it wore us all down. It pains me to see her, so young and innocent and unable to comprehend what is happening, have to go through such things. I admit, it brought me to tears at times to know she has done nothing to deserve such hardships in life. But when she made an effort to sign-even though she has an IV board strapped to one hand and a pulse-ox monitor and light on the other- and then managed to sign "I love you" back to Chip and me...well that kind of spirit and attitude just pierces my heart.
By the time we got settled in our room where I am typing at this time, she was trying so hard to cooperate and then she ate and watched Pooh movie and we snuggled together in bed and I just thanked God that I was given this gift of her. Even if it comes with the price of excruciating pain and unanswered questions and makes me wonder why stuff happens; I am still better for having her and all the trials I have in my life.
At 8:00 tonight my heart was longing to be at home tucking all my kids in their beds and giving them more kisses and just dreaming of how things were the night before. It all changed so quickly. For no obvious reason.
My sister asked me tonight, "Do you sometimes feel you are being tested too much?". To which I answered, "Yes.". But my faith and God are so real to me, that even in this time of unknowing and wondering, I am filled with a sense of peace that just can't be described. I see how beautiful Wyndham is right now, as she falls asleep next to Chip and I know my other kids are all tucked in and sleeping and we are warm and comfortable and it is easy to rest in the fact that God is in control.
He just is. I can't explain to you how easy it is to trust...even when your heart breaks and wants the world to spin in a different way. God gives comfort and peace and it strengthens my faith, if anything. To say-even through tears...even through the pain, I can feel You and I know You will never let me fall.
I hope to have another post- with some diagnosis or direction for Wyndham and our family soon. In the meantime, I thank you in advance for your prayers. And I pray that if God isn't real in your life, that you will seek Him today- this very moment- with all your heart. Because you just never know when your day will turn on a dime. When it does...there's no better place to be than resting and trusting God's hand.

67 comments:

Adrienne said...

Wow! God has had you and Wyndham on my heart ALL DAY! In fact, I had just come across your phone number and put it into my Outlook for another day. I'll still keep it for another day as you are a bit busy right now and don't need to talk to some lady from blog world, but I literally have been praying for your family all day today, Jody! I will continue to do so and check in. I pray for God's healing in W's body, for peace in all of your hearts and for even this time to be treasured. Love always, Ade

Jackietex said...

I will definitely pray for Wyndham and for the rest of you.

Gillian Ottaway said...

My thoughts are with you and your family! Hoping and praying for things to turn out well for Wyndham!

*hugs*

Unknown said...

I am certainly PRAYING for you and your sweet family...for your precious little Wyndham....for YOU!
May God strengthen you and continue to give you PEACE and STRENGTH....You are an incredible woman of God with a strength and passion that is not found too often. I feel blessed that you took the time to reply to me (at the break of the new year). You are GENUINE and just an absolute bright LIGHT in this world. God has to be sooo pleased and THRILLED with you and all that you ARE for Him!
Of course you will have tears, you are human........I hope you will get the rest you need and be able to get back home and sleep under those nice clean sheets and kiss your babies!!!
Love & Blessings!
Your "fan"...Sherry!

Unknown said...

I just want to send a big hug to you all!!
Praying for you all and hope your all home soon :)

Anonymous said...

Jody, the kids and I have been praying since Andy called last night. I pray the doctors will have some words of encouragement this morning for you and a way to get your family together again. I put this verse in the MOPS newsletter for today, I hope you find comfort in it...Jesus said, "Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matt 11:28-29 May you and your family find rest in the arms of Jesus today.

Lori said...

Much love and prayers for Wyndham and all of you!! Please let me know if I can do anything for you!!

paige said...

sweet jody i am praying now that the lord will give the doctors wisdom as they take care of & dx wyndham. i pray she will recover fully & you will feel restored.
you are such an inspiration girl
xo

Celebrate Today said...

Prayers are being said for you all, Jody. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

corinne5 said...

I know what you mean with the peace that is in your heart through this all and isn;t that the best feeling ever( so hard to explain to people who never felt this)! I will keep you and your family in my prayers and hope she will be home soon.

corinnexxx

rertel said...

Sending prayers & hugs for your family.

Jann Gray said...

Jody...I am praying for you and for Wyndham and your whole family. It is such a comfort to know that you know the God of peace...and the Great Physician. I am praying that you feel His presence....His hand holding you tightly...lifting you up and sustaining you all.

I understand that as humans we can't comprehend all that happens to us -- I just have to cling to the fact that none of what happens catches God off guard and that His gaze is ALWAYS upon us as we go through trials. I am sure His heart was broken with yours as He saw sweet little Wyndham signing...and I bet He just swells up with pride that she has such a strong spirit within her!

Please keep us updated and know that you will continue to be in my prayers.

{{{hugs}}}
Jann

Sonja said...

Jody, my heart is aching right now for you. I wish there was something I could do, please let me know if I can help in any way beyond prayers. Wyndham seems like such an incredible blessing, and I thank you for sharing her with us all.

scrapnic72 said...

Jody:

Please be confident that many of lifting you fervently and continually in prayer. I am sharing Wyndham and your family today with 2 of my closest friends who are both Prayer Warriors.....they are going to be doing heavy prayer work on your behalf.

Blessings,
Nicole

Shauna said...

Your family is in my prayers.

Alex Hardy said...

Your unwavering Faith is such a shining example to all. Thank you for sharing so openly.

Anonymous said...

O Jody,
my heart is pounding while I read this news about Wyndham. I truly pray that she recovers fully & speedily.

Thankyou for the gift that you and your family are, may you be Blessed again and again.
Lots of love,
Carolyn (Caro - sistv)

clg0513 said...

oh Jody - my heart is in my throat after reading that. I can only imagine what you are feeling right now. You are strong and you are right God isn't going to give you something you can't handle - you are one of the strongest women I know (even if it is through a blog). Know that you and your family are in my prayers. Hugs to you and Wyndham!

Anonymous said...

As a parent, I can only imagine all the things you have gone through - and now another bumpy road.

I am thinking of all of you and praying that you are at home tucking all the kids in their beds very, very soon (especially Miss Wyndham).

Sending my strength to you. . .

www.alifeandartinprogress.blogspot.com said...

A prayer is being said right now...you are so blessed to have your family and such strong faith in the Lord!!!

Peace & Blessings to you and you loved ones,

Laura

asnipofgoodness said...

prayers for you!

Melanie said...

Jody, You and your family are in my prayers!!!

Anonymous said...

The last comment in your blog was beautiful and touching. I will pray for you.

Dean Tipper Diva said...

Jody, God bless you and your family. God knows just what you need and when you need it. I was here feeling sorry for myself. Yesterday, I got so frustrated with life, I could barely breathe. But God is so awesome, He is almighty, and Omnipotent! I praise God in advance for Wyndham's healing.

Lord, we honor You! We praise Your Holy name. We thank You for being a prayer hearing and answering God. As Your children cry out to you on behalf of little Wyndham, I come praising you for the healing...it's already done. Thank You, Lord, for Your servants Jody and Chip! Thank You, Father, for their faith and their strength in You. Thank You, God, that even in their own trials they are concerned about the work of the Kingdom. Hallelujah, to the Lamb of God. In Jesus' Name, Amen!!

shalay said...

I am praying very hard for your family right now. Thank you for sharing your life with us.

Janna said...

I'm praying for sweet little Wyndham and for you guys! God bless!!!

cara harjes said...

praying.

Amy said...

I don't know you from Adam, but I found my way to your blog this morning from Becky Novacek's blog. My heart is going out to you as you experience this horrible pain. I learn alot from reading how hother people handle difficulties. I have definitely learned from you today to embrace whatever it is God sends our way, resting in the peace that he will be there with us each and every step.

Kim Hacking said...

Blessings!

Anonymous said...

You are such an inspiration. I'll pray for your daughter and your family.
God bless you all.

Anonymous said...

praying for your Wyndham and your family, I've been reading your blog for awhile now and cannot tell you how much you encourage me, God is good and I know He will see you through this

Stephanie said...

praying for all of you my friend....

Unknown said...

Awwwww man I am in tears! I agree god is great and sometimes the tests that he gives us are so hard to handle. My hubby had the flesh eating disease this past may and I thought i was going to lose my soul mate. I have been thru so much but during that time i just kept thinking this is happening for a reason. It brought me closer to god and i feel he truly performed a miracle. I try to look at what couldve happened instead of what did happen. Its so hard sometimes but if we dont then we can lose our minds. I will be praying for you and your lovely daughter! You are such a strong woman and I truly heart you for that! xoxoxo
{bettiescrapbook}

Brewster Lane said...

I'm very sorry, wish I had more I could say! Take care!

Rays Family said...

You and your precious little girl are in my thoughts and prayers.

What a treasured gift your Wyndham is to all.

Anne

metrochic said...

oh, jody! i left you a msg on the boards, too, but wanted to say that you guys have all my love, thoughts and prayers today. wyndham will be on my heart.

Anonymous said...

Jody, my heart goes out to you and your family. I remember sitting next to my daughters hospital bed and praying so hard that I thought I would die. She had a very bad seizure and was in an unexplained coma for about 36 hours. It was then that I felt the presense of God more than ever, because just as suddenly as it all happened, she came back to us and today she is a beautiful 20year old! Hang in there. There are so many people from accross the world praying at this very moment that I am sure you all are feeling His presence.
Tertia - South Africa

Erica said...

Wow! You are such an amazing person! I ran across your blog yesterday and I feel like I know you. I don't know why? You write so beautifully. You have been through so much and yet you are such a strong person. Wyndham and you are in my heart and prayers. *hugs* Erica*

Tina Vega said...

Lift you and your family in prayer today...

Unknown said...

Praying for you, Wyndha, and the whole family. God is with you.

Anonymous said...

Praying for Wyndham, you, your family, her doctors, nurses, so that this will have a good outcome. Thank you for being a great witness, you are right God is in control, even if we don't like what we see in front of us or understand it, we have to trust and have faith that He does understand and knows the "why".

jewell said...

Praying for you Jody

Anonymous said...

A friend shared this with my family during a rough time a few years ago and I've looked at it many times since. I hope you'll find comfort in the words of this old hymn...


"He giveth more grace when the burdens grow greater.

He sendeth more strength when the labors increase;

To added affliction He addeth His mercy.

To multiplied trials, His multiplied peace.

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,

When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,

When we reach the end of our hoarded resources,

Our Father's full giving is only begun.

His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,

His power has no boundary known unto men;

For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,

He giveth and giveth and giveth again."

I'm praying for your family today, Jody.
holly s

Anonymous said...

Praying for you, Jody! Will continue and await news about Wyndham. Glad you're able to rest in God's care - He is faithful!

Love,
Jodie R.

Michelle said...

Keeping all of you in my prayers Jody.

xoxo

Q's NEWS said...

I am sorry you have to go through this and I am especially sorry that Wyndham has to endure things she doesnt understand. Your faith amazes me and strengthens me at the same time. Please let us know as soon as you can what is going on with the testing, etc. Prayerfully, Susan

Anonymous said...

Tears are streaming down my cheeks as I read this! Jody (Chip and Wyndham) I'm so sorry you all have to go through this! I am praying for you as I type!

I come here fairly often and read your encouraging, inspiring posts! They do just that to me..encourage and inspire! I have someone close to me who is struggling with their life, faith and expectations and I have prayed they somehow would find what you have. Strength and faith!

I will continue to pray for you and your family!!!

Danielsmommy said...

Lifting you and your family up in prayers! May God just wrap you in his arms and fill your hearts with peace and love.
Thinking of you!
~H

Anonymous said...

I am praying for little Wyndham..her story and pics can just warm your heart when you post about her...I felt so sad for her when I read your post. Please keep us posted and we will keep praying for her. I hope you all get to rest soon.

Amie

Kari said...

My prayers are with you and your family right now and always. My grandmother fell last week, was badly injured and is in the hospital too. She is recovering very slowy and will never be the same. I am glad I stopped by to be reminded of the encouraging words and powerful reminder of God's love (and the beautiful music). Best wishes to you.

Erik said...

I don't know you or Wyndham, but I am praying.
You have been an encouragement to me through your blog.
Thank you, and God Bless little Wyndham.

Unknown said...

Jodi,
You are a truly amazing woman! I have only met you once, at the first sistv crop in Grand rapids, but I have followed your blog since. Your amazing faith in such scary times is in itself a beautiful thing, but to then take it a step further and challenge non-believers to seek Him out while in the middle of what must be such a scary time for you humbles me! My prayers are absolutely with you and your family! Stay strong in your faith!
Regan ... cherissemi

Anonymous said...

Prayers for you and your family coming from Savannah, GA. May god hold all of you close.
RobynS

Anonymous said...

Prayers for Wyndham and your whole family, Jody.

Hooliganmama said...

i am praying for you all! God is with you and working on your behalf even while you are sleeping! He is for you, for Wyndham. You know that, but reminders are good. Much love to you all! ~Rachelle

Anonymous said...

you have every ounce of love and prayers i can give...
xoxo

Anonymous said...

You, Wyndham and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep your head up =)

Mary W said...

You and your family are in my prayers. I hope your night goes well and you rest as much and as well as possible! xo Mary

somebody,somewhere said...

Praying for you and Wyndham and Chip and the rest of the kiddos & sending love your way! :)

Christine said...

Jody - your faith shines through everything like such a beacon - you are a shining example to us all. We are praying for you and Wyndham and that everything turns out ok, and you can go back to some "normal" days. Please let me know if there is anything at all that I can do!

Just a Simple Gal - Judy in Huntsville - AL said...

Joining with all here and lifting you and your sweet family up in my prayers.HAng in there and may you continue to feel His peace! ~ Judy

Bridget said...

Oh my goodness, Jody! When it rains, it pours! Please know that Wyndham will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hopefully the doctors can find out what's wrong and have her home soon.

Anonymous said...

Jody,

Sending lots of prayers for your Wyndham and your family as you face this new obstacle. You are right--God is here. Even in this moment.

Twila (mamat)

Just call me "B" said...

Please know that I am praying for you, for strength, from a few of those "that was all worth it" moments from Wyndham!

erin said...

jody,
i am praying for you and your sweet family. i love that you never forget to trust Him, and know that He will guide and support you through this difficult time.
blessings,
erin

china59 said...

Here's sending lots of love to you and your family !
I hope Wyndham will be feeling better soon !

Angi said...

more ((prayers)) and ((hugs))...you continue to amaze me :)