Another Six Weeks At Least

Josiah had his follow-up appointment today.  The x-rays look "good" (although to this mom it didn't sound all that good).  He has to stay off his leg either on crutches or walker or wheelchair for at least six more weeks.  The surgeon said that it will be at least a year before he is back to somewhat normal activities.  There will be NO sports for at least two years.  He absolutely cannot fall for the next two years - doctor says if he falls,  the situation will be much worse even than the first time.  His muscles are weak and the femur is weak from non-use.  He can begin to put 15-20 pounds of weight on his right foot.  The condition, for those who want a label, is called by some Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis. There are some potential issues in the future, but we are praying for complete and excellent healing. 
One thing about going to a children's specialty hospital is that it puts life into perspective.  Josiah's troubles pale in comparison to so many children there! 
Thank you for your prayers.

Ellen                                         Kidding Season has Begun

 P.S.  I am feeling terrible still and struggling with my own health issues:(  Gregg and Rachel took Josiah to his appointment in St. Paul today.  I hated having to stay home and not be there with them.

Broken Down

I have not wanted to write about myself since Josiah's accident, but I am needing prayer.  I have a very horrible infection that I have been fighting and I am not winning.  It has me so nauseous, chilled, sick and in pain!  My legs are still very weak (since the day before the wedding) and I had a hip injury in October that has been causing a LOT of problems and pain.  I didn't really feel like I could write about it since my hip/leg socket problem pales in comparison to what Josiah has been through.  Pain has been keeping me awake of course.  I did better than I expected after the wedding (which does not mean I did well, but I am thankful for what I have been given), but my whole health picture took a major turn for the worst about 11 days ago.  So...I would really appreciate MORE prayer from you faithful warriors.

I will give an update on Josiah sometime after his appointment next week.

Ellen

15 Year Old Males do NOT Like Being Still:)

Josiah is doing pretty well.  He has had some swelling and circulation issues which we continue to work on.  He has an appointment with the surgeon in two weeks so we will hopefully know more then.  Thank you for your continued prayers.  He is having a tough time staying in a wheelchair or in bed. 

Many people have been so thoughtful.  Josiah has many special cards, postcards, books and games that people have sent.  This is one of my favorite cards made especially for Josiah by a sweet friend.  It makes me happy just to look at it. 

Ellen

The Lord's Mercies are New Every Morning

Psalm 103:1 
Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH for your continued PRAYERS!!!

Josiah is doing so much better than we ever expected.  He was able to be at his sister's wedding and reception and even the rehearsal dinner.  He is now off pain medication.  God truly performed miracles.  He is in a wheel chair and has to be extremely careful not to have any reinjury.  Your prayers, cards, love etc. have been such a blessing to all of us.

The wedding was a bit chaotic, but beautiful.  Our friends were amazingly supportive and we never could have pulled it off without each and every one of them.  It is so encouraging to see how the body of Christ comes together in hard times and in joyful ones (even within the same week:).  God provided strength for me to be there (a long story, but I was so weak I could almost not stand up at all on Friday, and was having heart issues and pain . . . - missed the set up, rehearsal and dinner and wasn't sure how I would ever make it on Saturday).  Again, God provided.  It is amazing how he orders priorities when we ask him to. 

We definitely would appreciate your continued prayers.  It will take some time to recover for all of us.  Thank you for holding us up during this intense time.

Ellen

Coming Home!

Good news!  Josiah is on his way home right now!  He seems to be doing pretty well.  He is laughing and telling jokes :-).   He is able to sit up in the front seat of the car for the ride home and was just talking to Mom on the phone.  Okay, got to go - they just pulled in the driveway!

~Rachel

Praise be to God!

Thou art worthy, O LORD, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.  Revelation 4:11


Josiah is doing well.  Thank you so much for all your prayers!  After physical therapy today they will assess when he can be released.  He will probably come home tomorrow.

Ellen

Surgery Update

Josiah is out of surgery.  Everything went well.