Three Long Months

Josiah had his 12 week check up this week in St. Paul.  The surgeon says that the x-rays look good - no further slipping detected.  The next month Josiah is supposed to put increasing weight on his right leg until he is able to walk with the aid of crutches.  We need to make some decisions on what amount of risk to allow Josiah to take with his hips.  The Dr. said she would prefer Josiah just sit and stay still until the growth plates close (about 2 more years), but that of course she knows this is not reasonable.  It is imperative that he does not fall.  She said NO sports, games, running etc.  Walk only on level ground etc.  We live on a farm, on a hill, with animals...so this will indeed be challenging.  We are happy that he is finally going to be able to build up to walking again.  It has been a very long three months.  We are glad these wheelchair days are fading.  Please pray for his steadiness on his feet, good oxygen to the socket area, healing and strengthening of his femur (very brittle after no weight bearing for so long), even growth of both legs, and for him to SLOW down and be CAREFUL (not easy for a 15 year old male).  Thanks for checking this blog for updates.  We really do appreciate your care and prayers!

Ellen

Not More Than God Can Handle

And exerpt from the book Kisses from Katie by missionary Katie Davis

"Remember, God will never give you more than you can handle.  People repeat this frequently.  I heard it when I was growing up and I hear it now.  It is meant to be a source of encouragement, and it would be if I believed it were true.  But I don't.  
I believe that God totally, absolutely, intentionally gives us more than we can handle. Because this is when we surrender to Him, and he takes over, proving himself by doing the impossible in our lives."

I've been listening to the above named audio book while spending many hours in bed the past weeks.  I have time and time and time again taken one health step forward only to be sent six or more steps backward in this health quest of mine.  During the past fall and early winter, I had seen some progress in the right direction for the first time in a very long time.  Now, I have slipped back gigantically, and it is so difficult.  So many symptoms have heightened with a vengance.  I understand the "healing crisis" concept (I hope that is what this is), but in the midst of it, it does not seem like a good thing.

I feel that daily I deal with more than I can handle - even during the small improvement time - and now, this extra suffering seems crushing.  I so want to do things and go places and have energy.  I long to feel well and not have to work so hard at being cheerful.

So, rather than give you a list of symptoms, I thought I would give you a list of some prayer requests.  Please pray for:

*my heart to praise God as I remind myself of who he is
*my heart to thank God for the miriad blessings I have been given by Him
*me to be possitive and not negative in my speech
*God to perform the healing both my heart and body need
*me to have the will to continue doing the hard things to get well
*the long list of symptoms to be taken care of by God's healing power  e.g. the symptom that is literally screaming at me right now - incessant/ nerve wracking, loud tinnitus
*me to be the wife and mother my family needs while trying to rest and take care of my body (sometimes I have no choice - my body demands I do nothing but rest)
*God's priorities to be clear and for me to follow them and give up all else

I agree with Katie, He can handle it, I can't.  Blessed be the name of the LORD.

Ellen

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