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!

Consider It Pure Joy...

My heart is heavy and these words keep ringing in my head tonight... "Consider it PURE JOY, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." James 1:2-4

Pure joy? Not blemished or partial, half-hearted joy but PURE, unadulterated and authentic JOY?

How do I exude this joy as I tell my son that he's failed this food trials today? How do I explain to him that he is allergic to ALL foods--that his body battles itself every time he takes a bite? How do I break the news that I have to take away the 5 foods he's been able to enjoy and go back to solely a liquid, medicinal formula diet? And all the while, he has to stay joyful in the process? ......................................................

Because God tells me to. Sometimes I get frustrated that God is having to use my son to grow MY character but then I think about how God has used these "hurdles" to deeply grow all of us. Strength in weakness... Beauty in brokenness...

Food is a basic necessity of life--we deal with it every day--at almost every social event, play date, school function, the list goes on and on. The only way to walk through this valley is to have HOPE and JOY in ALL circumstances.

Recently when talking to Sy about heaven, his big, blue eyes lit up as he asked, "Will I be able to eat all 'fewds' in heaven?" Needless to say, he has great hope and is stoked to get there!

So I trust... I have faith that God is using this for the greater good, for OUR greater growth, and HIS greater glory!

So even tonight as I sit here and struggle to feel it, I. CHOOSE. JOY!!!

Big Day in Cincinnati!

Hey everyone,

We are just asking for your prayers as we sit and wait to take Sy in for another endoscopy here in Ohio. We have added a few more foods to his diet and we've had a few new symptoms pop up, so we're a little apprehensive. We know that God has taken great care of our little champ and we know without a doubt that He will continue to do so!

Sy just enjoyed his 5th birthday, so we are praying that this will be his year for a breakthrough in his treatment. We are also asking for wisdom as we have many decisions to make after we get the results.

We will let you know how it goes. Thanks for your help in keeping our sweet boy healthy!

Sy Takes Five!

Well, today is a big day. Sy is turning 5 years old!

It just seems like yesterday when this special little guy entered the world and began taking us all on the adventure of his life. Even though Sy has encountered many obstacles, he continues to shine through every one with a big smile. He blesses our family every day and we are glad to have his attitude and patience around us when it comes to dealing with life's curveballs.

This birthday will be another one without a real cake, pizza, and ice cream, but Sy will still celebrate in full force with his 5 whole foods. Wow, that just hit me. 5 years of being alive and only 1 ingredient for every year. We hope to pick up the pace a little!

So we just wanted to take a minute to say Happy Birthday to our little boy and let you know how special he really is to us...

We love you, Mr. Man! Your smile is contagious and you are an amazing gift from God. We are proud of you and love you more than words can express. Four was a mighty year for you... You got to meet your all-time hero, Norm Duke; you fell in random love with "Ohio Steak;" you spent most of the year solely living off of your "juice boxes;" you became a big brother; and most importantly, you asked Jesus into your heart and began your adventure with Him. What a year! We couldn't ask for more and we can't wait to see what the Big 5 brings!!!

Sy is Joining A Motorcycle Gang!

Hello everyone! Please come join us for an adventure that you won't forget. This is another person in our lives who has taken her time to help Sy get the care he needs...We are pumped!

POKER RUN TO BENEFIT “SAVE SY’S ESOPHOGUS”
SATURDAY MAY 14, 2011
FIRST VEHICLE OUT AT 10:00 AM (ALL KINDS WELCOME!)
START: AMERICAN LEGION IN CLERMONT, 1063 WEST DESOTO STREET
LAST STOP: CODY JACKS OYSTER BAR IN MINNEOLA - LAST POKER HAND

$10 PER RIDER

SCAVENGER HUNT - 50/50 RAFFLE - GREAT GRAND PRIZE - LIVE MUSIC - $7 PLATED LUNCH - $1 DRAFTS

If you don't know what a poker run is, don't feel bad. We didn't either. Just think of a bunch of people in cars and on motorcycles enjoying the great Florida weather, having a great time, and playing a game all at once. Sy is looking forward to hanging out with a bunch of really cool people and tearing up our county! Also, you can click here for an official description!

So, don't just sit around and let your Saturday be boring! Come do something that is unique and a blast! We dare ya...

It's Just Not Enough...

This blog is quite a bit overdue, but there's something we just have to write.

Our family was speaking yesterday about the long road we've travelled with Sy over the last year. As we look back, we think of SO many people who have helped us get Sy's health to where it is today. It is amazing to look at the past blogs and see what has transpired. Whether it's been help with paying for his elemental juice boxes when he was down to his last few, donating frequent flyer miles or hotel points, holding a super fun auction, bowling with Mr. Duke, giving Sy hugs, and so much more, we have been blessed beyond our wildest dreams while trying to get our little guy taken care of.

There are so many of you who deserve more than a thank you; however, we want to make sure that all of you understand how much we appreciate how you've helped carry our family.

This post is to tell each of you the biggest THANK YOU that we can come up with. Thank you for your caring attitude, support, generousity, time, energy, and love...with all of this, we will continue to push forward and overcome this disease!