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!

A Day To Remember!

What a day! Sy is on the local Channel 13 news today with his favorite all-time, World Champion bowler, Norm Duke! Please watch!!!

http://www.cfnews13.com/video?clip=http://static.cfnews13.com/newsvideo/cfn/Strikes-For-Sy-0228.flv

Also, please take a moment to visit www.strikesforsy.com. Thank you so much!!

Indescribable Love!

This month, our family got to experience something amazing...

As you know, we have struggled to keep a healthy rhythm of life with all the changes happening AND trying to figure out how to continue Sy's treatment in Cincinnati. We had been praying that someone would come along, see Sy's situation, and help us fight the battle to keep him healthy. Well, that person showed up and we cannot believe what she has pulled off! More on her in a minute, but let us first tell you about the spectacular event that was held.

The silent auction was beyond words. We saw a huge group of people come together to put this on and make it so much fun! We thought that there would maybe be 10-20 nice items,  but that expectation was a little low! As the coordinator of this event built momentum, more and more people saw how they could help and brought items to auction to help raise money for our little boy. Someone even went as far as to make our tables look like this was a Hollywood event! People donated a flat screen TV, sporting event tickets, autographed sportswear, Universal Orlando tickets, a week vacation at a huge private beach house, custom art, gift baskets, and so much more! Even multiple local merchants came from all over to donate their services or gift certificates. Over 60 items like this! Over $6000 was raised to be deposited into Sy's trust for travel expenses & medical costs. Thank you to everyone who donated items, volunteered your time, participated in the bidding, and came to have a great time. This means more to us than you realize...

And here's the person who has started all this love...

Her name is Meredith Rosser and she has blessed Sy (and all of us) beyond our dreams. Meredith put so many hours into making phone calls, working out logistics, networking, passing out flyers, posting on Facebook, driving everywhere to pick up items, hiring professionals, and so much more. There are not enough words to express the gratitude and love we have felt. Thank you so much, Meredith. You are our answer to prayer!

And here's the best part...she's not even done yet.