Updates

Wow!  We are overwhelmed by the prayers, the messages, offers of help, and the gazillion facebook messages.  You are good people.

Simon is being cared for 24/7 by one Gary Sprick.  I couldn't dream of a better care giver.  I'm there when I can be, but we are also mindful to give our other three ducks a parent as well.  I'll be home this afternoon and evening.  I value all the offers of help, but I'm at a loss as to what to say.  I'm not sure what we need.  I'm not sure how long Simon will be in the hospital.

I'm finally home this afternoon and sitting by the computer in an effort to respond.  Please know that I read all the messages, I cry over them, I rejoice about them. . . I'm trying to get on top of it.  I'm feeling good though and full of praise. I even remembered to trade a tooth for a dollar coin last night under Garrison's pillow.  Whew!

God has been blessing us.  Here is just a sample of some of the ways God has shown us His hand.  Simon didn't die.  (This was seriously a very real thought for both Gary and I--which we never admitted to each other until yesterday.)  This pain was not related to his tumor.  Our sister-in-law works at DeVos and was working both Monday and Tuesday.  She provided such needed support, encouragement, and advice.  Only one of the abscesses needed to have a drain put in it.  My mom was able to babysit both Monday and Tuesday so I could be at the hospital.  Friends have babysat to fill in the gaps--without complaining one bit.  (I dislike asking for help.)  By Tuesday morning there were two meals in the fridge at church.  Our doctor was working on the day we needed him.

See!?!  Great stuff.  Blessing stuff.  Simon is doing better today.  He has a daddy who makes him get out of bed and walk around.  Meany!  He still has lots of pain and is very bothered by the smell of his drainage tube.  :)  There doesn't seem to be a position that feels better than another.  He is eating a bit and trying to drink. . . well his dad is making him drink as much as possible!  He is enjoying the movies and ipad time.  Do you know there are some very angry birds out there?  We continue to pray for him and for relief from his belly pain.  It has been over a week since this kid had a normal feeling day.  I can't even imagine having near constant pain in my abdomen.  Yuck!

I'll leave you with this.  Simon is on the 9th floor of the hospital.  It is for non-contagious surgical kids and for oncology kids.  I've been humbled to see parents wheeling their bald 1 1/2 year old around in a wagon.  I smile at the bald 15 year old who is doing laps with his iv pole.  I hear parents laughing and talking with the nursing staff because they know each other so well.  I see the teenager sitting in his bed alone on the computer.  I paused in the lounge where volunteers have made hats and special hair bows for these cancer patients.  This could be us in a heartbeat.  We could have had the hospital become our second home.  It isn't.  Simon doesn't have cancer.  We don't have to leave him there alone.  We will be coming home.  Bless God.