Blessed and Seizure Free

New Years 2014

Yesterday marked a very special milestone.  My DS2, who many of you have prayed over and followed his story, hit the 2 year Seizure free mark.  I can't tell you how far in the future that seemed at one point.  There was so much fear that we would not see it...but yesterday was the day!

DS2 has really gone through a lot in the last two years, especially since we chose to go a somewhat non-traditional treatment route by going on the Modified Atkins Diet (version of the Ketogenic Diet.)  It is hard to be a kid on a very restrictive diet.  There are so many events that are food focused, particularly high carb food focused!  I am so proud of him and how well he has handled it all.  We have just weaned off the diet and so far, so good.

As Micheal in A Sound of Music, A Salute to the Tony Awards, The Center Players, NC

One really cool thing that came out of the last couple of years is my sweet boy discovered he had quite a talent for the stage.  It has been such a great experience for him as he has had to make adjustments in his life. He found an escape from much worry and stress through performing. I am so proud of him.

Temps & Tops, Salute to the Tony Awards, The Center Players, Elizabeth City, NC

As Sebastian in The Mermaid, Impact Children's Theatre, Florence, SC

I feel so blessed!

If you are not familiar with my DS2's story and you want to know more, catch up HERE.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His love endures forever.

~Psalm 136:1

30 Days of Thanksgiving: Day 16-29

30 Days of Thanksgiving

Day 16-29, 2012:  Oh my, I haven't done very well with my daily posting!  (But rest assured I have focused on what I am thankful for and spent more time IRL on that than in the virtual world sharing about it!)  It has been a crazy, busy month and I think this morning is the 1st time I have felt I had time to sit down and share. 

This year, I am acutely aware of how much I am thankful for my youngest DS.  We started this year not knowing what the future held for him (not that we know that now...but you know what I mean!)  If you don't know the back story you may want to start reading HERE  In the last 12 months I have witnessed his very close brush with death and more seizures.  Then walked with him down the path through some scary months of doctor's visits, tests and a major lifestyle change.  It hasn't been easy, but honestly, it hasn't been hard.  When faced with a very somber reality and what possibilities it brings into your life, it is amazing what strength God gives you to change.  I don't know that I have slept through the night in over 10 months but I don't resent that...I am so thankful to have the opportunity to check up on an alive, sleeping child. 

There have been some very poignant moments of thanks where he is concerned this past year, some of them big and some of them small, but none insignificant.  When he walked on stage to perform at his piano recital, I sent up prayers of thanksgiving that he was fully functioning.  When baseball season rolled around, I was astounded that we found ourselves sitting on the bleachers...there were many months that we didn't think that would ever happen again and I was in tears of thanksgiving.  When Mother's Day rolled around and he was there.... I felt thankfulness beyond compare. During the summer days spent swimming in the pool...I was thankful for each and every moment. When flag football season started and I got to see him take up his spot at quarterback I felt thankfulness that was overwhelming. 

The last few months have clarified so much in my heart and mind and put life in a perspective that I "knew" but had never had to live with each of my children.  Considering how much I know now about what we are dealing with ...seizure disorders...Epilepsy....I am so very aware of how blessed we are.  I have met so many families that are carrying a much heavier burden and that gives me pause for gratitude daily.  So, I thank God every single day for my children and husband because I know, without a shadow of a doubt, HE is the reason I am blessed to share life with them.

I am also immensely thankful for my handsome husband.  He is a great husband and a wonderful father.  I and so grateful for his patience, love and how he takes care of our family. I know that I have a lot to be thankful for in the marriage department and I count those blessings every day!

I know that even though my 30 Days of Thanksgiving posting was not as consistent as I had planned, I am still very filled with gratitude for all the blessings in my life each day....and for a Savior who made it so.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him, all creatures here below;

Praise him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen

`~Thomas Ken, The Common Doxology

The Unexpected Lesson from an EEG

This weekend finds us still on the search for answers to what is behind the seizures that DS2 has been having (to back track on this story begin here) and he is under going a 72 hour ambulatory EEG this weekend.  We went to Charleston yesterday to get it set up and attached (yes, he has to wear it until Monday afternoon...even during sleep but fortunately he doesn't have to stay in the hospital.)  He is a real trooper and hasn't complained which makes me so proud of him and his sweet spirit.

On the way home from Charleston, we stopped for some lunch. Remember, he was attached to the EEG.   It looks quite intimidating, as he has wires coming out from under his head wrap and attached to a little pack that he has strapped on.  Of course, in the restaurant it got noticed.  Not that anyone was overt but you knew they were noticing and no one was more aware of that than DS2.  By the time our food arrived I could tell his mood had become very reflective and serious.  He looked over at me with such seriousness in his beautiful green eyes and told me, "You know how when we see someone who is different, or we talk about someone who is different? Well, it changes a whole lot when you are the one who is different."  We went on to talk about how people who are dealing with illnesses, or just any physical differences must feel.  His heart opened in a way that I don't think I could have ever imagined just by his small experience of being "different."  He has always been a compasionate soul, but I could tell that his view into what others who are different must feel, was heart stretching.  He learned a lesson that no words I could have shared could ever have taught.  He saw that no matter the differences we truly are all God's creations.  My heart just melted as I listened to my 10 year old grow and mature before my very eyes. He poured out his heart concern and love for others, and I don't think I have ever been so touched and proud of him.

Who knew that an EEG could teach so much?

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for

righteousness, for they shall be filled.

~Matthew 5:6