"Update on my boy"....

Well, it's been a very long 3 weeks. I could stop there. But, since this is a scrapbook I should continue!

I could not be more proud of the way that Elijah Brooks has dealt with his adversity. Yes, he has cried, he has yelled, he has been angry, he has been frustrated, has been "Jekyll and Hyde", has thrown things, and has just been plain ole' sad.  But, he has also smiled, laughed, told jokes, shown courage, perseverance and endurance. He is learning that he has 2 options : either he can be miserable or he can find joy in the midst of his affliction. He has realized that he will eventually walk again, but there are many children who never will. He is learning that whatever is in is heart, will be what comes out of his mouth - so if there is anger in his heart about the situation, then angry words come out of his mouth. But if there is joy in his heart (that only Christ can give him), then his words will be pleasant and pleasing. He is learning that pain in this life is inevitable, but misery is optional.

As difficult as it has been, and continues to be, there have been many wonderful moments for both of us as we wade these new waters together.  I know a broken leg doesn't sound like such a big deal, but it has proven to be much harder than anyone realized. Everything, and I mean everything, is more challenging - and taking care of an 8 week old in the midst of it has certainly added to the challenge.

But, here we are 3 weeks later (with 4 weeks to go), and we have made it thus far and God has taught us both some invaluable life lessons.

His long, full-leg cast was cut down this week to a shorter cast just below the knee. He had been coming to me for several weeks with his plastic saw, crying and begging me to please cut his cast off. Talk about breaking my heart wide open. At the doctor this week, he was terrified of the real saw - it was so loud and he was afraid the nurse was going to cut his leg.  Through his tears, he kept saying, "please don't cut me, please don't cut me, please don't cut me".  Later he asked me, "Mommy, why didn't that nurse talk to me when I told her not to cut me"?  I assured him that she didn't talk because she was concentrating so that should wouldn't cut him. I think he was glad she didn't talk back!  Once she got the blue, long cast off, again through alot of tears he said, "Hi leg"!  It was the sweetest thing Jay and I have ever heard. He was so glad to see his leg again.  When the nurse asked him what color his wanted his new short cast to be he said, "John Deere Green"!  So now he has a bright green cast and matches his John Deere tractor perfectly!

He received a walking boot to begin trying to walk, but so far is unable to walk.  He was very fearful for the first 24 hours to even attempt to walk, but I convinced him yesterday to try to stand with me holding him and we would walk around the kitchen a few steps. I was not prepared for the muscles in both of his legs to have atrophied and shut down in 3 weeks time, but they have. When he tried to stand, his legs were like jello.  And today, the same thing.  So I think we have a long road ahead of us, but I am so proud of his perseverance. His back muscles are even weak from not using them. I make him get up every hour to walk around the kitchen/living room with me holding onto him.  If you are reading this, please say a prayer that strength would return to his legs, complete healing for the bones, and protection for him as he begins to try to move around alittle more. He is going to be rather clumsy for awhile.

So, that's where we are. We return in 3 weeks for another evaluation. I am praying that each day we will notice strength returning to his legs.

My sweet Ellison is doing well - still spitting up alot each day, but doesn't seem to be as fretful and agitated about it.  I am praying that the new medicine may be kicking in now. Add that to the prayer list!  It's been a wild ride around here.  If your family life is dull and boring, please come see us!!  There is never a dull moment around here!

God's grace is sufficient for EACH DAY, and His mercies truly are new EVERY MORNING.

Good Night.