Hemmed In

I can always get Aaron to pose when he has a Monster Truck on his shirt!!

You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.

You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.

Psalm 139: 1-5

     Hemmed in.  By God.  What an amazing concept.  I've been spending a lot of time considering this over the last few days.  I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer but I can definitely figure out how well hemmed in God has me.  Behind and before.  Surrounded.  He knows me.  My heart, my feeble words, all my ways.  Nothing passes His eyes.  He's got me.  He's holding our family.  In the midst of our struggle to take one single day at a time, without panicking about what is coming around the corner - He has us.  How do I know?  Because we have been overwhelmed with God's Amazing Grace through the kind words, encouragement, prayers and love from so many.  Our e-mail box has been filled to overflowing, the comments and facebook messages have poured in and many have taken the time to call and encourage.  Thank you.  Thank you for hemming us in.  Thank you for coming alongside us and keeping us company as we pray and wonder and struggle through this season.  We are still struggling.  We have no easy answers and our prayers have not magically removed all of our worries.  Right now we are taking one very careful, fearful step after another in this walk of faith.  We are weak and frail and so very needy.  But God has us.  He does.  And so we step out in faith.  Trusting.  Believing.  Whispering prayers.  Hoping.  Held.  Hemmed in. 

     Dear Brady.  The picture I posted of dear little Brady solicitated a host of responses.  It was a Lost picture of a group of Lost boys.  I didn't even know I had it until Thursday morning.  Hearts have stirred because of Brady's story - because of Aaron's story.  I am in awe. God IS moving and I thank you for every story, every testimony that has been sent our way in the last 48 hours to clue us in as to HOW He has moved and is moving.   Please pray.  Pray for all those who are struggling, considering and seeking out God's heart for their families.  Please pray because so many are wrestling with the issue of adoption, not just for Brady (and yes there are those who DESPERATELY need our prayers as they make THAT decision) but for the other children who are out there in need of homes.  We have received a number of requests from people asking for prayers for their families as they pray and consider.  I am humbled and honored to receive each request, and yes, I will pray for each and every family that asks. 

     We traveled to Shriner's yesterday (Philadelphia).  It was a hard but good visit.  Aaron was amazing except when the Doctor's tried to examine him, but they bought him off with presents, so he left happy.  For those who don't know, Aaron has arthrogryposis.  He is affected in all four of his limbs.  We had the opportunity to meet with both the doctor who treats the lower limbs and the doctor who treats the upper limbs.  We were beyond impressed with both of them and are grateful that we live within reasonable driving distance in order for Aaron to receive treatment under them.  Okay - 5 hours through DC, Baltimore and Philly is not ideal but at least it is doable.

     We both shed tears during the day.  I couldn't help but cry for all that Aaron lost by not having therapy and intervention for the past 6 years.  But I also cried because I felt surrounded by the people in that hospital.  Their care and concern for Aaron was evident from the minute we walked into the building.   It made me cry.  I confess.  I was a bit of a weepy mess most of the day. 

     Instead of beginning treatment right away, we are taking a few months to just relax and bond with our sweet boy before we start tackling his medical issues.  In January we will begin treatment of his feet (serial casting).  They are the easiest to fix and will increase his quality of life drastically as the issue of constantly falling will finally be resolved.  This process will take 2-3 months of weekly visits to Philly.  No - We are not looking forward to those trips but while we are there each week we will be able to begin to address the longer-term treatment for his arms and hands.  We will also be able to work with the Occupational Therapist on getting Aaron as independent as possible.  We met with her yesterday and felt sheltered in her care and concern for our little guy.  She gave us great hope for his future. 

     I apologize that this post is all over the place.  So much to ponder.  So much to say.  Through it all... God is good.  He is most certainly good!