Blake's Health Update 2009/10/05 #2

Hi Ho, everyone.

Greetings from Kingston General's Kidd Wing - Room 641 - Bed 2.

I come to you from my very comfortable chair next to Blake's bed. I'm thinking this would be good in my rec-room. It's not as wide as a regular recliner, but it reclines almost flat and I'm able to get a good rest on it, now that I have a nice blanket! My girlie Taimi and her son Nathan brought me a comfy pillow and comforter with matching slippers! They brought Blake a bag of goodies in a Superman bag. Two of the many items were a little gun that shoots disks.... guess that's for Blake to flirt with shoot the nurses.... hahahaha.... as well as a foam puzzle of the human body's organs. First organ that Blake removed was the large intestine! hahahahaha.

Anyways, I was just sitting here thinking of Blake's hemoglobin and thought I should advise you that the level today is up to 90. It has gone up eleven points, so that news excites me! But right after the nurse told me, she asked how many bowel movements he's had today and I said "none" and she said, "well, his heart rate is a little high, so they want to know where the blood is going". Yikies. I didn't like to hear THAT. I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. I'm not surprised that he hasn't passed anything because he was completely emptied last night for the colonoscopy procedure today, and he hasn't eaten one thing all day except jello in the early afternoon. Anyways, she drew some more blood so they could do another hemoglobin count.

(Update regarding blood count: Resident Doctor Michelle (nice name!) was just in (11:13pm) and said his last hemoglobin check was back down to 84. His heart rate is still a little high at 120, but she said it apparently didn't even go down when he was sedated today during the colonoscopy. They will continue to monitor the blood count as well as the heart rate. They're not overly concerned about the heart rate because his blood pressure is maintaining a good level; however, they will continue to monitor him closely. I am not worrying about any of this, so neither should you all.... ok?!)

Also, Doctor D did not get in to see us this afternoon like he said he would. I can't imagine how busy these guys are. You should've seen the line-up of patients today waiting for procedures. And I overheard them putting many off until tomorrow and even saying "ok, he's not an emergency so he can wait a day or two". They were just swamped down there.

Jon, Jake, & Jared brought supper tonight. We ate in the sunroom, which I guess at 9pm at night would technically be called the moonroom, and then I let Jake and Jared come back to the room by themselves to spend some time with their brother before Jon and I spent time with him. Blake apparently had to "relieve himself" and asked Jared to hand him the plastic urinal. Jared made a face and wouldn't touch it. hahahaha Blake said, "I thought Jared would most likely be the one to help me in my time of need, but obviously NOT!" ahhahahahaa. I laughed. For crying out loud, I remember Jared having a fit in the car one time when we had to pick up some bottles for stool samples for Blake. He was all grossed out. I said, "Oh Jarey, for goodness sakes, they're clean bottles! They haven't even been used yet!!!" Jarey didn't care. He wasn't gonna touch them. (They were even in plastic bags!!! Crazy kid. Can't see HIM getting into doctoring or nursing).

Well, I think I'm gonna close. I know there were more things I wanted to tell you, but they've left my tired mind now. I stayed up too late last night, so tonight I'm gonna watch some news then hit the hay.

Thanks to Pastor Paul & Sally & girls for my Tim Horton's French Vanilla treat and the box of muffins. Blake has already claimed two of the muffins for himself, but has to wait until he can have solids. He was afraid Jon would eat them. Don't worry, Blake, Dad and the boys will be too full for muffins once they get to Carol's apple pie! hahaha.

Specific prayer requests would be that Blake would have more energy tomorrow; that the blood in the intestines would stop; that the Doctors have wisdom in treating Blake; and that Blake's heavy sad feeling would be lifted..... he's quite upset about the diagnosis and how it now affects his future. Pray that he seeks God throughout this trial, that he is nourished with fresh springs of water and green grass as he passes through this valley.

Thanks everybody. G'night.

Blake's Health Update 2009/10/05

Howdy howdy, y'all.

We're coming to you today via rain showers with Mr. Sun peaking through the white fluffy clouds! The sun shining on the waves of Lake Ontario is so beautiful. No wonder folks love waterfront property. It's peaceful to have such a view from our hospital room. Mr. Sun is so bright today that he's creating a glare on the computer screen... he's trying to chase away those rain clouds.

It's about 1:30pm and Blake is resting quietly.... finally. Last night was pretty rough with that Pico-Salax laxative. Thank goodness for morphine.

By the way, THIS hospital gives actual morphine, whereas Picton used the synthetic morphine called hydromorphone. And apparently hydromorphone is much stronger than morphine. I don't understand why one hospital prefers one kind over another; but I really don't care as long as it keeps Blake from pain.

(Hokey Dinah! Just glancing outside, Mr. Sun DID chase away the rain! The showers are done, but I think there'll be more before the day's done).

Well, Blake's colonoscopy has been completed by Doctor D. He will be coming to our room some time today to discuss it in more detail, but the meat-and-potatoes of the story is this:

Blake DOES have Crohn's Disease.... he has a very severe case of it.

THAT is why the Prednisone was not effective in the healing, because there is SO much going on in those intestines. Yes, I said, THOSE intestines.... both large AND small are affected.

There are a couple of different meds that can be administered to start the healing process. They are both in the same price category, as he said they are two different companies, so they keep about the same price to stay competitive.

I cannot quote the name of these meds to you right now because they are long words, I have a short memory, and there was no paper handy for me to write it all down and he was in a hurry to get to other patients. He'll be up here sometime today to chat about it all, and I'll get the names of the drugs at that time.

He prefers to start Blake on a drug that is administered via intravenous. The drug is given one day, then again one week later, then again in two weeks, then again in four weeks, then again in eight weeks; and then the drug continues to be administered once every eight weeks thereafter. There is still the chance of flare-ups, but he knows of many people leading very normal lives.

Here is the part where you must take a deep breath.

Ready?

The cost for this medicine is approximately $18,000.00 per year.


Hello?

Are you still there?

Yuh-huh. You read it right. $18,000.00.

We now need to look into some type of medical coverage. The first dose is covered here while we're hospitalized. Doctor D suggests we look at Blake's school to see what they have to offer by way of medical coverages, but I don't think that's a possibility because he technically hasn't even started yet. He also suggests a program that is in place for folks to get assistance from our good ol' government based on your family's income. Apparently there are lots of ways to get some moo-lah! (Thankfully!)

I do not know, at this time, how the degree of this disease will affect Blake's schooling nor how it affects his plans for travelling to other countries/continents in the near future or the years to come. I will be checking with many people who I know suffer from this disease to see what works for them (Hi Lola!) and hopefully in time we will come to find a way of life that is very normal (does such a thing as a "normal life" exist with even healthy people? Hmmm, I wonder....).

Jon and I both had our little meltdowns a couple of hours ago and I think we'll be fine now. Blake is sad as he feels his plans for the future are now squashed. I told him not to push any panic buttons.... that things will move in the direction that the Lord allows them to as long as we submit to what HE wants, not what WE want.

As a Mom, I don't care if he's a ditch digger in The County the rest of his life! I just want him healthy.

As a young man looking to his whole life ahead of him, Blake just wants to be healthy to travel and do missions.

I explained that the mission field can be right in your own backyard, but I know this isn't really the time for me to be talking about it with him. Things need to sink in a bit more and we also have so much more to learn. Doctor D feels Blake can lead a pretty normal life, so we'll take things right now from that positive angle.

You all are spoiling us rotten with your cares and concerns and prayers. I have always been thankful for my family and friends. There are literally HUNDREDS of you showing your concern.... most of it from our own little community, but also from other parts of Canada, from the States, and even Brazil (Hello to all of you praying-folks in Brazil!!!!! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!!).

We are also being spoiled by doctors and nurses (and technicians and porters and staff..... list is endless), as the care level is top-notch!!! Even our own doctor at home, Doctor C, gave me her personal cell number and home number and wants regular updates. I am overwhelmed at all of this.

And if all of YOU care like this, then imagine how much more our Heavenly Father cares for us. I'll close with the words of that beautiful old hymn, O The Deep Deep Love Of Jesus.

O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Vast unmeasured, boundless, free!
Rolling as a mighty ocean
In its fullness over me!
Underneath me, all around me,
Is the current of Thy love
Leading onward, leading homeward
To Thy glorious rest above!

O the deep, deep love of Jesus,
Spread His praise from shore to shore!
How He loveth, ever loveth,
Changeth never, nevermore!
How He watches o'er His loved ones,
died to call them all His own
How for them He intercedeth,
Watcheth o'er them from the throne!


Update: Just as I was ready to hit Publish Post, a porter came to take Blake for an x-ray. I didn't know one was scheduled. Running for these tests has just about wiped Blake out today. He came out of the x-ray room with a bucket on his lap.... I guess he was feeling nauseated. He looked quite pale. He's happy to get back into bed, and the nurse is supposed to be bringing some more pain meds to make him comfortable.
(Ahhh... as we speak, here she is! Hi Nurse Brianna!) Brianna just indicated that the x-ray was on his chest, probably routine. She said the doctor would let me know if they found anything. Assuming now it's just routine. They've never indicated a problem when they've "stethescoped" him.

Also, while we were down there at x-ray, Julie H. spotted me and we chatted. (Her husband served as interim pastor at our church a while back, and he now works with my sister Wannett at the church camp). Julie offered her home to me for rest/shower/downtime.... Thanks Julie.

And just a quick note to Carol R. Blake was not feeling well enough to eat your beautiful home-baked apple-crumble pie. I had not had the time to throw it from the fridge to the freezer before Blake had his episode, so Jon just called to ask Blake if he could have a piece. Blake (who really at this point couldn't care less.. hahaha) said that they could have it. I figure it's better that they eat it before it goes bad. Then I told Jon to make sure he brings ME a piece when they come for a visit tonight! So, thanking you in advance, Carol, for 1. your understanding of the sharing of the pie! and 2. your fabulous baking! (I have no doubts it will be scrumptious!)

Will write again soon when I have more info from Doctor D. (And by the way, Blake is having a wonderful sleep as we speak type.) I'm now headed for my breakfast/lunch and it's 3:52pm! (Yes, Mom, I did have a muffin while I waited for Blake's colonoscopy procedure.) I'm DYING for a Tim Horton's French Vanilla! Must remember to call Jon before he comes here tonight!

Blake's Health Update 2009/10/04 #2

WARNING.... too much time on my hands in here [the hospital] I guess. This is a long post!

Hi everyone, it's me... Michelle.

We are thrilled that the hospital gives patients internet access!!! So, the boys brought Blake's laptop here and now I can update the blog and Blake can talk to his Brazilian sweetheart by Skype. Thank you, powers-that-be at Kingston General!

[long pause.......]

Sorry, just as I started this post, Blake needed my full attention for quite a while. He just had a double dose of THIS stuff:

It's the laxative you take before a colonoscopy!

And let me tell ya..... this Pico-Salax is NAAAAASTY!!!! I've never seen Blake break out in such a sweat from the pain it's causing!

He's back in bed now and resting. They've given him some pain killers and we just asked for a bit more and then discovered the line is leaking, so now we're not sure just how much morphine he's received. But the nurse said that we'll give him some more in half an hour if he needs it. However, he's snoozin' away now.... thankfully.

Today he's still been passing blood. And after taking that Pico-Salax, he emptied over 600mL in the bucket and it was all blood. (Sorry to be so descriptive for those of you with weak knees.)

As my trusty secretary, Wannett, told you in the earlier post, the CT Scan came back showing nothing unusual. This, in itself, is unusual because you would think with all that's going on, SOMETHING would've come to light in the Scan. Oh well. Maybe the colonoscopy will show more. This should be taking place Monday morning.

Doctor D is our specialist and is one of the head haunchos in this area. He went to school with our Picton doctor, Doctor C. Doctor C could not brag him up enough. She recalled one case when they were in their fourth year. She said NO one could come up with a diagnosis, and Doctor D was able to figure it out. She said, "He's a needle-in-the-haystack kind of doctor... he loves the challenge." Doctor F confirmed this today. She told us that Doctor D loves cases like Blake, where things are like a puzzle and he has to sort them out.

All I'm thinkin' is: YES! PLEASE! GO AHEAD AND SORT! JUST SORT AWAY, BUDDY! GET BLAKE ALL PUT TOGETHER AGAIN!

Blake's hemoglobin is something that they are watching. It should likely be around 125 or so. It was 113 when we were discharged from Picton on Sept 21st. When we arrived by ambulance at Picton early Friday morning, it was 110. On Saturday, here in Kingston, it was 85; and Sunday (today) it was 79. The reason for numbers 85 and 79 are likely because of the amount of blood loss early Friday morning (which caused him to faint) and then they withdrew a mega-amount of blood Saturday. So, we'll keep an eye on the hemoglobin on Monday. If it comes up a bit, we're good. If it lowers, we are looking at giving him a blood transfusion.

I also want to give a few more details on "the big scare" at our home the other night at 3am. There are already stories going around The County that are not accurate about Blake's health. (In fact, one story was that JACOB has CANCER and there's nothing that can be done for him! HUH??? First of all, WRONG KID! Secondly, cancer has NEVER been mentioned. So please, be mindful of rumours, folks.) For accurate information, this blog will be considered accurate up to 99%, allowing for any information that's given to me that I maybe misunderstood. Also, my sisters and Mom should likely have accurate and up-to-date information. If something sounds "fishy" that you hear from someone else, please be careful before spreading that information until you know it's accurate. Thanks.

OK, back on track. Friday, October 2nd, 3:00am. I hear Blake vomiting in the bathroom. I went in to help him and he was very weak, and had lost a lot of blood. Jon gets up with me. After Blake finishes, I indicate to him that I need to use the "facilities" myself, and we move him to a chair a few feet from the toilet. Jon says, "I think we'd better run him to the hospital". Blake says, "Yes, let's go to the hospital". I start to wash my hands at the sink and I hear Blake say, "Mom? I can't see you......" I walked over to him and his eyes were fully dilated.... two big black saucers is what they looked like. His face and lips were completely grey.

I lightly slapped both cheeks are started yelling his name. He was not responding. His eyes looked right through me, his mouth hanging open. He was simply "not there". I heard Jon let out a fearful cry, and as I hollered for him to call 9-1-1, he was, at the same time, yelling that he would call 9-1-1. At that point I heard Jake and Jared both run towards the hallway. I continued to call Blake's name, and I realized at that point that God was going to have to intervene through the 9-1-1 operator, because I knew something was desperately wrong.

I scooped Blake up as best I could and started dragging him to the kitchen, knowing the kitchen would provide more room for the ambulance attendants to work on him. Apparently Jacob met me in the hallway and helped to drag him to the kitchen. I do not recall this. We laid him flat and I recall hearing Jon basically losing control on the phone. He then left the kitchen to go outside the door to speak to the 9-1-1 operator.

I watched Blake's face and recall finally seeing his eye move a bit, and then I noticed him take a breath. Jon came in the house at that point and I took the phone from him. The 9-1-1 operator assured me the ambulance was on it's way. He stayed on the line with me as I confirmed that Blake was breathing and was conscious and was aware of his surroundings. He directed us to lay Blake on his side so he wouldn't choke if he vomited. Blake's colour slowly started to turn back to "flesh colour" rather than that frightening grey!

Apparently, Jacob said he administered chest compressions to Blake. He said he felt for a pulse, didn't feel one, and started compressions. Blake recalls this feeling of someone working on his chest. I can't believe I was right there and didn't see that. I don't know how I could miss it. I guess I was concentrating on his eyes and breathing and then concentrating on my conversation with the 9-1-1 operator to ensure I was giving him accurate information about what had happened and what he wanted me to do. When he realized Blake was now breathing and assured me that the ambulance was on it's way, he indicated that I could hang up.

Jon grabbed a flashlight and headed to the road to help flag down the ambulance. We saw the lights coming from the Milford direction, which seemed odd, but not really surprising when you're in the south end of the County. Turns out it was NOT the ambulance, but our own community's Volunteer Fire & Rescue Unit.

Here is where I want to say a HUUUUUUUUUUGE thank you to all you Milford boys.

*Doug

*Ricky

*Alex

*Brent

*Glendon

*Randy

*Mike

I cannot tell you guys how much I appreciate your assistance that morning. I know you'll say, "Ah, we didn't do anything", but just BEING THERE was really reassuring during those frightening moments. I'm glad we gave you the chance to "try out" that new oxygen-level-thingy, and I'm thankful that we were able to get some oxygen on Blake until the paramedics arrived. I am grateful for our South Marysburgh Volunteer Fire Department; I am thankful for your unselfishness in helping others; and I am thankful for the friendship that I share with most of you guys. So just in case you haven't been told lately..... YOU'RE GREEEEEEAT!!!!!!

At that point, the ambulance arrived. It had to come from TRENTON! If the operator had have told me THAT bit of information, we'd have put him in the car and driven him ourselves. However, all worked out well. Our attendants, Rhonda and Gary (question mark on the name Gary.... but we're pretty sure that was his name), were very kind and gentle with our boy. They hooked him up to a machine with a bunch of 'cables' to check heart rate, etc. Then we loaded him up on the stretcher and loaded him into the ambulance. I rode in the front of the ambulance with Gary (I let HIM drive.... hahha) and Rhonda accompanied Blake in the back.

We arrived at Picton Emerg. where the terrific nurses immediately attended to Blake. Doctor C was on call (not OUR Doctor C, but another Doctor C. This doctor is pretty cool because we discovered that he's a fiddle player himself.... East-Coast style! Wahooo.

After checking Blake out, he mentioned perhaps a blood tranfusion might be headed our way, but in the meantime, they'd be admitting him. So up we go to Room 215 and, bless those nurses hearts, they gave him a private room. I love those girls!

Our own Doctor C is on holidays this week; however, she took the time to come in and see what was up with Blakey. After a few phone calls, she announced that Blake would be taking another trip in an ambulance to Kingston where he would receive super care from Doctor D.

And I guess, folks, you know the rest of the story from there through Wannett's updates.

It's now well after 12am and I started this post at 10:23pm! Blake has just had another attack of pain. The nurses had given him some pain killer, but she just gave him some more based on the fact that the attachment to the line is leaking. He just now has settled back down and is sleeping again.

And I think that's what I had better do as well. I'm sleepy now and need to rest. I am hoping to have a shower tomorrow..... they must have something set up SOMEWHERE in this hospital for family to shower. If I start stinkin' bad enough, they'll find me SOMETHING! hahaha.

I am very thankful for the fact that we have wonderful hospitals here. I do not take that for granted. The doctors are great, too. I feel very fortunate that Blake is under their care. And I can't say enough about these very busy nurses. MaryJean and Amy have been our primary nurses and they're GREAT!

We are truly humbled by all of your overwhelming kindness and love that you are extending to Blake and to our family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

I will update Monday after the colonoscopy, if the doctors give me any news. Until then, God bless.

PS - Forgot to mention about the quarantine. Apparently there was a Scabies breakout last week. All patients and nurses on the floor were treated. They have now closed off the 7th Floor as well! [sigh!] So far we're ok! Didn't want you travel down here and then get turned away!

OK, NOW I'm going to sleep.

Night.

Blake's Health Update 2009/10/04

Wannett here again, typing for Michelle.... when is Secretary's Day??!!

We're (Michelle & Blake) still at Kingston General Hospital. Blake had a CT scan done yesterday, along with OODLES of bloodwork. This bloodwork will be shipped to Ottawa. Hopefully, through the extensive bloodtests, the results will give the Doctors a lead as to which direction to go.

Doctor F was just in to visit and reported that the CT scan report showed good results. This has her stumped because with the amount of blood he has been passing, one would think that the CT scan would have shown some ulcers or some type of inflammation. She commented that the report may not be showing ulcers and inflammation because perhaps the Prednisone that Blake has been taking since September 14 has helped to clear up the intestines.

We're hoping the colonoscopy can be done Monday and that it will give some answers, along with the bloodwork that has been shipped to Ottawa.

Visitors are restricted because of a quarantine placed on Floors 6 & 7. Although we know many people would like to visit, Blake knows you are thinking about him and praying for him. Hopefully, in time, you will all be able to see him personally, feeling better and rippin' some tunes off on the fiddle.

Hoping we will have access to computer here at the hospital which will make things easier. I will post again as more information becomes available.

Blake's Health Update 2009/10/03

Hello Everyone.

Michelle dictating over the phone, Wannett typing...

Blake and I (Michelle) are in Kingston General Hospital.

We are looking at spending the whole week here, at this point. Doctor F came in this morning and did a physical on Blake and discussed his health history and the details from what happened on Thursday night (actually early Friday morning) when he was taken to Picton by ambulance.

Just to let you know, Doctor C confirmed with me that Blake just "fainted" the other night, that he did not "pass away". She explained to us that all the blood drains from your head/body and goes directly to your heart and other organs to keep them functioning. Blake accurately recalls everything before he fainted as well as everything after he regained consciousness.

Right now, we will be getting a CT Scan as well as another colonoscopy, more bloodwork will be done as well - some of these will be sent out and results may take up to a week.

I'll update as more information becomes available.

Blake's Health Update 2009/10/02 - URGENT

Hi Friends

Please continue to lift Blake up before the Lord.

It is with tears in my eyes as I type this.... we thought last night we had lost him.

I will give more details later, but Blake became unconscious and we called 9-1-1.

He was probably unconscious, realistically, for about only one minute, but I can tell you that it felt like an eternity. At this point, I'm not even sure if he didn't actually die! I just don't know, and I need to talk to Doctor C about this.

Before the ambulance showed up, we had the South Marysburgh Volunteer Fire & Rescue here. I am grateful for these dear friends of ours for showing up at 3:30 in the morning! More details about these guys later, but I just wanted to mention how much I appreciate them.

The ambulance took us to the hospital where he was monitored and then admitted. He will remain there for at least a few days.

I cannot believe how quickly his health changed from "coming along pretty darn good" to "BLAKE! ANSWER ME! BLAKE! BLAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I have just come home to gather a few things and am heading back soon. I'll likely spend tonight with him and will try and update this blog by tomorrow afternoon/evening.

Thank you, everyone, for your concerns. Please pray for the Lord to give the doctors the wisdom in how to treat my baby. Please pray for Blake's health to improve; for the bleeding to stop; for the ulcers to heal; for him to gain weight.....

I know there's a reason for all of this.... I am trying to trust the Lord.....

But I don't EVER want to see that "death look" on one of my children again. EVER!

God bless, and I'll write again as soon as I can.

Blake's Health Update 2009/10/01

It would appear that THIS is what our lives will be like for the next while:





....up and down and up and down.......

With the exception of a couple of days where Blake has had a bit of mild pain or felt a little weak, he's really been coming along great.....



.....until last night.



.....and again today.



Last night he experienced excrutiating pain in his belly again. He says it feels like knives jabbing him in the belly. And the diarhea returned.



(Pardon me that I've been misspelling the word "diahrea". The Canadian spelling is actually diarrhoea and the U.S. spelling is diarrhea. I just checked my Oxford. Thanks, Bob & Donnie, for the dictionary! Did you know you gave it to me nine years ago TODAY?)



He woke up this morning around 5:30am with lots of pain and vomitted twice this morning. There's been blood in the stools again, quite a bit; and he's complaining of back pain again.



No appetite and no energy today.



[sigh]



I will SO much appreciate the upcoming visit with Doctor B, the specialist. I expected a flare-up sooner or later, but not quite THIS soon.



Might be time to call Doctor C on her cell phone. (Yes, Karen, I promise I will speak with her).



Blake was very upset today, saying things like, "I thought I was getting better!!" I'm having a hard time explaining to him that we still have so much more to learn about this disease and that it's going to be a lifetime struggle for him.



He wanted to go camping with friends this weekend.... He wanted to go to an overnight youth retreat in Toronto in a couple of weeks.... He is SO BADLY wanting to go to college in New Brunswick in January.....

(By the way, he's decided not to go camping nor go to the retreat in the city! THANK you, Lord!)



I explained to him today that my first concern is for his health, and I tried very delicately to explain that unless November and December were fairly healthy months, his father and I will not be "allowing him" to travel to New Brunswick for school. He nodded and said he understood. I explained that once his health was under control, assuming that some day it will be somewhat normal, we can look at him travelling such a distance to attend college. I am disappointed for him because I know how much he was looking forward to going, and the folks at the college have just been fantastic!



And I am really wishing that the Rheumatologist would call for our appointment with him!!!!! I am really wanting to know if we are dealing with one chronic disease or two!



I participated at a fundraiser last Sunday where I sang a couple of songs along with many other local musical artists. While there, I spoke with the wife of one of the band members. She has THREE chronic diseases, two of which involve Rheumatoid and Crohn's. (The third one has something to do with her lungs, but I can't remember what it's called.) She looked amazingly healthy despite the fact that she's been battling these three diseases for about 30 years! It gave me some encouragement that Blake might just be able to have some normalcy some day.



I guess I just expect everything to be fixed "NOW", and God's time isn't a NOW kind of time.


I hate to see one of my babies hurting. And when Momma bird can't fix baby bird, it makes her feel helpless.


But if running to his bedside with crackers and sips of water and medication and pain pills is all I can do for now, then that's what I'll do.


Sometimes he doesn't have the energy to call out for me, or maybe I can't hear him because the dryer is running or the radio is a bit too loud, so I put a little porcelain bell by his bedside. It sure startled me at 5:30 this morning to hear that little bell a- ringin'.


I think he secretly likes ringing that bell because it's like I'm his MAID or something! I'll have to keep that bell handy for when I get in my 80's or 90's and I need HIM to get MY crackers or water or meds.... or fetch my dentures or change my Depends. hahaha.


Anyways, that's where we stand today, folks, with Blake's health situation. Thank you SO MUCH for all the cards you've been sending and the emails and the phone calls. We are so so so blessed to have so many caring people around us.


And when you pray for Blake, will you please also remember all the people in the world who are much worse off than we are?? The news today was filled with death tolls of people who lost their lives in earthquakes and tsunamis. We tend to push it to the back burner of our minds and only think about what WE are experiencing. But we could have it so much worse.


What we have is temporary.... the good stuff AND the bad stuff.


In Job 2:10, Job said, "Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?”


Yes, there are times when we face some bad stuff. But we're not the only ones who are suffering. Millions around the world are suffering tonight.


But God sees them all.


And God sees us.


And God sees Blake.


And we'll rest in knowing that our Lord is still on the throne and He knows what He's doing.


Thank you, again, for your love and support.