Hopefully Getting Better

Macayla had a better week as far as seizures are concerned. For the past couple of days she has had more jerks, but they have been small. Her new medication may be helping, but we cannot be sure. We will continue to work her up to a therapeutic dose over the next couple of weeks. Once we reach that dose and stay on it for a while, then we will be able to see if it is helping.

Her arm is getting more comfortable and she has been quite smiley this week. Unfortunately, her bladder has been slow the last couple of days. We had to catheterize her yesterday and so far today she has not gone on her own. In the past this has been connected with increased seizure activity. Considering the increased jerking for the last three days, it's a "wait-and-see" kind of thing.

We are thankful for the prayers, thoughts and messages of so many. It's hard to see your child in pain and frustrating when there's nothing you can do about it. The reality of Macayla's progression has also been on the forefront of our minds with recent doctor appointments and some of her changes. It's daunting to have to think about setting aside part of your tax refund for future funeral costs. It is saddening to realize Macayla is increasingly less comfortable traveling and more comfortable at home. She is slowly becoming vegetative and we want her experience as much as possible for as long as possible. There is no way we can do this on our own strength.

There is a cliche among Christians that goes "God doesn't put more on you than you can stand." Unfortunately, this cliche is a misquote of 1 Corinthians 10:13. The actual text says God will never let you be tempted beyond what you can stand, that He will provide an escape for you. It's about the temptation to sin, not circumstances, and even escaping temptation can only be accomplished by God's grace. If the cliche, "God doesn't put more on you than you can stand" were true, many people would look at their circumstances and think, "God must hate me because I definitely have more on me than I can stand!" In fact, we face circumstances we could never face on our own. Christians are not immune or exempt from suffering. But it is in the circumstances we cannot handle we see God more clearly. His strength is made perfect in us in the midst of our weakness. We are sustained in our situation by God's strength and we find that strength through His Spirit in us, His word, and from the prayers and support of His people. We thank God for Him and His people!