Carried On

After leaving the Cinci Children's Hospital a few weeks ago, we were overwhelmed with disappointment and discouragement after learning Silas had failed his food trials. Although we were choosing to rejoice in God's sovereign plan, there were moments of feeling like the journey was hopeless (as one doctor had told us before), long, expensive, and downright lonely. Many of our questions in regards to Sy's medical care just don't have answers at this point...

1. The docs don't know the long-term effect of the medicinal formula that Sy drinks each day.
2. Sy has failed so many food tests/trials that the hope of him ever being on a "normal" diet seems unlikely at this time (outside of a miracle and/or cure).
3. The option of heavy steroids poses many risks and once off of these meds, the disease comes immediately back.

Needless to say, we were at a loss and sometimes we're hesitant to share the reality of Sy's condition because, quite frankly, we feel like people are probably just plain sick of hearing about it. We KNOW we are blessed beyond measure and we never want to complain. However, the thought of the journey ahead is, at times, quite daunting.

BUT I love how GOD's plan is so much greater than our limited perspective. In the moment of our despair, GOD knew what was to come...

"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:29-30

Our community around us has just truly embraced us and carried us. Their love and support of Silas is what keeps him (and us) going. Seriously, I don't think he could handle the cards he's been dealt without the love he feels from everyone around him.

Here are just a few brief stories from the last couple of weeks:

*Silas is homeschooled but attends Classical Conversations on Tuesdays. The director, Jody Scott, shared a story last week about a 10-year old girl who told her mother that she would not be having lunch on Tuesdays because she doesn't want Silas to be the only one not eating at school. Wow!

*We've also learned that a friend of ours (who is a fabulous hairstylist) is doing back-to-school haircuts (this Friday) to raise support for Sy's Trust Fund.

*A 12-year old girl in our neighborhood is selling amazing hair bows, headbands, and stationary and donates a portion of the proceeds to Sy's medical costs.

*Another 12-year old friend is babysitting and is generously giving a percentage of what she earns to Sy.

*A couple of weeks ago, our whole church body spent a day fasting and in prayer for our boy.

Wow! ... Wow! ... Wow! ... Wow!

So I love GOD's timing... Just when things seemed hopeless, HE showed up in an enormous way and is using the body of Christ to walk this journey with us and even at times, carry us.

So thank you all for sharing your words of kindness, your hugs, your love, your finances, and your great ideas and acts of service. Little do you know that you have been the very arms of GOD to us!

Just Checking In!

Hey y'all!

Just wanted to put up a quick post with an update on Sy.

Sy has adjusted quite well to going back to his liquid diet and doing away with the few foods he was able to eat. He has, however, increased his desire to smell foods around the dinner table. Again, there has been no complaining and I think if Sy had to choose between eating and Angry Birds, the birds would come out on top. I guarantee he could take most of you if you are up for the challenge!

Anyway, we just ask for your prayers as we continue to find the exact path that Sy needs to walk. Please pray that Sy can get all the calories he needs in a day (by mouth). He's been struggling to drink enough each day. He's already tall and thin (size 2 shoe already) and he needs a little more meat on his bones. He also starts school next week and will need to practice extra self-control as all his friends eat everything around him.

Thanks for all of you who keep our boy in your thoughts and prayers.

Can You Hack It?

Tomorrow, August 3, our community will be gathering around Silas and joining him on a 24-hour liquid diet fast. As we think about the place food has in our lives, we will pause and pray for Sy and all those who are struggling with Eosinophilic Esophagitis. Please join us as we go through our day with only water or juice. We will work to help Sy find a way back to eating... It's only one day! 

We Just Couldn't Do It...

As we decompress from Sy's last visit to Cincinnati Children's Hospital and start over again on another long road with his health, we stop and realize the people and their blessings that surround us in the middle of our journey. We are blessed because of all of you who give of your prayers, you who give your time, you who give of your resources, you who read this blog, you who post thoughtful comments and send emails, you who give our little boy big hugs, you who take the time to understand Sy's struggles, you who make sure that Sy doesn't feel left out, and so much more...

Just tonight, as we talked on the phone, we began to try to understand what it is that God is doing with our family. We have many obstacles facing our family right now and we began to shed a few tears together as we try to figure out how to deal with Sy's health and the emotional toll it has on the both of us. However, we want you to know that we are able to continue to move forward because of the gracious encouragement that we receive from people like you.

Sy has come so far and it's almost unbelievable how many great options (like traveling to Cincinnati for top-notch treatment) have become available when we never imagined they would. We just want all of you to know that our family stands and moves forward because of your support... All I can say is we are humbled and more than appreciative of what all of you have done for us.

We just couldn't do it....without you! Thank you!