I WILL rejoice!

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything; by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4: 4-7)





Will there always be fear? Will I ever get to the point that I don't worry when Caed has a tummy ache, a fever, seems overly tired, etc... I'm not sure. When you go through a great trauma, I think it always follows you (somehow). Today was a big day for us...Caed's first lab draw since being off the IV fluids, and also quite possibly his LAST dressing change! I've had feelings that I don't think I can explain, nor which most would even understand. These are things we have been doing EVERY week for the last 8+ months, as awful as they are, as traumatic as the dressing changes have been for him, it's a strange feeling thinking these aspects of Caed's illness are over. Please hear me.....I'm not saying I don't want them to end. YES! Of course I do. But, again, it's something that I cannot explain. It's moving into a new phase....uncharted waters. Much quieter waters, but nevertheless unknown. As much as I want that central line OUT, it also has provided great security for us. It helps drawing blood every week to be a painless experience. Something quite honestly I am dreading SO MUCH!! Today was supposed to be a day of great rejoicing. Prayers have been answered! And yet, time and again, I felt satan creeping in trying to steal my joy and consume my heart with fear. What if his labs come back abnormal? What if we take out the line too soon? What if we're getting our hopes up for a recovery that may not happen? Will there ever be a time I don't worry?



The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy.............. (John 10:10)



The Lord has reminded me of this truth many times today. It is a choice I have to make. I fully recognized satan's attack against me today, so now I need to choose JOY!!! Isn't that just like 'the deceiver'? Days that should be filled with rejoicing and praise, he sneaks in and plants seeds of fear and doubt. God has answered so many prayers for Caed and this week we are seeing them play out. Our nurse called this afternoon and said HIS LABS LOOKED PERFECT! He has only had 3 stools so far today!!!! He possibly had his LAST dressing change EVER!! We will be heading HOME (and our family be reunited) very soon!!

PRAISE GOD!!! YOU HAVE BEEN SO FAITHFUL TO US! YOU HAVE BESTOWED TREMENDOUS GRACE AND MERCY ON OUR FAMILY! YOU, AND YOU ALONE ARE WORTHY! YOU ARE JEHOVAH-RAFAH.....THE GREAT HEALER! YOU CONTINUE TO CARRY US THROUGH THIS TERRIBLE STORM! THROUGH YOU.....WE WILL OVERCOME!


I will choose to REJOICE!!!!!!!!!!




Last pain-free blood draw????????




LAST dressing change?????????