Exceedingly Abundantly

Since Caed's illness began, I can categorize each year that has followed in 1-2 words.  We have had a mixture of great moments, as well as those that were heart wrenching.  Ephesians 3:20-21 captures Caed's 4th grade year perfectly.

"Now to Him who is able to do EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever.  Amen."

Being a school teacher, I typically drag boxes and bags home on the last day of school.  I sit them in the garage, walk into the living room....and CRASH!  Some years I am embarrassed to admit those boxes do not get opened until I absolutely have to.....August.  The same goes for my children's backpacks.  This summer started no differently, but to my surprise I began sorting through the dreaded stacks much sooner.  While going through Caed's things, I came across a simple piece of paper that "exceedingly abundantly" knocked my socks off!  It was his yearly Fitness Gram report.  The PE teacher is required by the state each year to do a physical assessment of sorts.  I typically give the report a quick glance and toss it into the next pile.  Physical activity / sports come naturally to Caed, so I was not expecting to find anything alarming on the report.  All of a sudden my eyes became fixed on several numbers at the top of the page!  "This can't be right.  Obviously there has been a mistake!"

The data showed Caed to have GAINED 11 POUNDS and 4 INCHES from May 2013 - May 2014!

This particular area is probably the main source of concern when I think of Caed having SBS.  Will his body continue to absorb nutrients the best it can?  Will he physically look similar to other boys his age the older he gets?

I honestly have no idea if these numbers are as good as they appear.  Is he right where he should be on the growth chart?  We pray so!!  ...and will soon find out next month when we travel to NE to have a check-up.  But to this Mom's untrained eye, it looks AMAZING!  Weight / height increase equates his body is absorbing.  I will add... he is absorbing ALL his nutrition orally.  Although it is always the goal, it is not always achieved.  Most sbs'ers either continue on TPN,  feeding tubes, or both the rest of their lives.  So with that in mind, YES!  An 11 lb/4 in. gain (100% orally) is a huge praise!

Not only did Caed GROW physically, he also achieved PERFECT attendance for the school year!  I am a teacher.  I know how hard it is even for a "normal, healthy" child to be at school every single day of the school year.  Things come up.  Kids get sick.  However, for a child with a chronic condition such as Short Gut, this was HUGE!  He also passed all 3 STAAR Tests (Texas state mandated tests).  Academics do not come easily for Caed.  He struggles.  Yet, he fought hard this year.

This post is NOT a platform to praise Caed.  We believe 100% that once again God's mercy and grace are what allowed him to have such an unforgettable school year.  For whatever reason(s), God chose to exceedingly abundantly BLESS Caed this year, in all areas.  The scare we experienced back in Feb. with the ambulance....thus far, has not turned into anything of major concern.  THANK YOU LORD!

As this verse so eloquently says.....It is YOU God.  It's all about YOU!  We praise YOU.  We proclaim YOUR power that is at work in us.  It's not of our own strength or will.  YOU are able to do exceedingly abundantly MORE than our feeble minds could possibly think or even ask.  To YOU be glorified through it all....the good days, as well as the "bad" for all generations to come, forever and ever.  Let it be!