Thur. 4/24 - update

There is no such thing as "random suffering" in the life of a child of God. Our sovereign God is a God of intent and purpose. He never does things capriciously! This means our trials and adversities - difficult , perplexing, and heartbreaking as they might be at times - are never "senseless." God's great purpose and plan for each of our lives embraces everything from minor irritations to devastating losses and setbacks. (Joni Eareckson Tada)

But I trust in you, O LORD; I say,
"You are my God."
My times are in your hands. (Psalm 31 : 14-15)

The questions still remain, "God, what is your purpose for this happening to Caed?" "How long will you allow him to suffer?" We don't fully know the answers yet, but are learning to TRUST in the One who does! We can see SO many things that are coming out of this experience already, and know that others may not be revealed for years to come. (kind of exciting!!) We couldn't possibly begin to share all the little ways the Lord is using this adversity for good. However, if it were one of us having to bear the burden (physically) like Caed is, maybe it would be easier. It's so incredibly difficult to have to WATCH as your child suffers. (and that literally is what we have to do....watch! There is very little we can do to help) The times my heart breaks the most is when he is in pain and all he can cry out is "Mommy!" To a child, Mommy and Daddy are there to "fix" any need that arises. It's excruciating when he is looking at me with tears rolling down his cheeks begging me to help ease his pain!! I want so badly to tell him it's going to be ok and that I can help him. I can't. It's in those times that I rub his forehead with a damp cloth and just PRAY!!!! Oh God....take this cup from him now! Today was one of those days for us. They decided to try a certain medication again (didn't work well the 1st time many weeks ago). However, I agreed to give it another shot. (many things have changed with Caed from 5-6 weeks ago) It didn't help. Caed experienced the severe pains for several hours this afternoon. The only thing that will help is time (to get out of his system). I was relieved to know that it was the drug (more than likely) causing the pain instead of an obstruction, etc...He threw up several (4) times again today. The dr. is concerned it might have some blood in it. She is starting him on some meds (that he was on before) for possible gastritis (irritation of stomach lining). They also want a stool sample to check for blood there as well. His feedings stayed at 8cc. So, other than the throwing up and the negative drug reaction, it was a pretty decent day.

This morning we were invited to a "Baseball Party" in the playroom. The Child Life Team puts together parties for the kids I think once a month. The room was decorated with everything baseball...had baseball music playing...had players from LCU and well as the head coach. Sonic donated hotdogs and drinks, and they had several games for the kids to play. Caed was excited to go and even wanted to take one of his own Tech baseballs (thank you Russ!) with him. He had fun at the party and even hit several balls (one of which came inches from knocking down a cart full of drinks...ha!) We always knew he had an arm. He played some games and felt great!! He even walked all the way back to our room (on another floor!). He has learned to push his pole by himself. He thinks he is "big stuff." On the way back, my mom and I noticed his strut was back. Normally he walks hunched over. He must have been feeling really well because he sure had a bounce in his step. Thank you God for a fun morning!!!! You have NO idea what it does for us when we see the "real Caed" for even a short moment. Gives us such hope!

Despite today being a pretty difficult day, I was very encouraged. He never threw up "blue!" Ate a whole hotdog! (at least half did come back up however), and had lots of fun at the party. By the way... just a quick word to all you moms and dads out there who get so frustrated that your kids don't eat enough or are "picky" eaters: Don't take it for granted!! Something we are learning daily. How we LONG for Caed to be able to eat something and totally KEEP IT DOWN!
Something so natural (eating), that we don't give it a second thought. However, when you loose the ability to do something as easy as digesting food, you have a whole new appreciation for it. Maybe that "one" little revelation for Todd and I is part of the answer to the question..."what is your purpose for this, Lord?" God, help us to see more answers daily!!!!



Who can ask for more...a Master's
cap AND the green jacket!
(Uncle Stan brought him back
this hat last week from Augusta)

*you will notice Caed's "TPN cheeks."
Despite eating nothing, he has gained
5-6 lbs. since being sick. They say it's just
one of the side effects to the feedings.



Caed getting an autographed bat from LCU head
baseball coach, Nathan Blackwood



2 of Caed's many "Child Life" girlfriends
(they are the ones who bring toys, etc...to the
kids in the hospital)



Playing a baseball game at the party



He has learned to hold his tubes and
maneuver his pole ALL BY HIMSELF!