Tuesday, August 25, 2009

End of Summer/Back to School

Well, I finished out the summer following my routine of not posting much!

We enjoyed the rest of the summer (or, more accurately, the time before school starts, since it's still summer and 100 degrees!) with a visit from my mom, some swimming, shopping, playing, and spending time together.

Here are a few pictures from my mom's visit.The Sunday before mom left, Tanner had a migraine, so, she took a trip to the ER with me (for IV medicine to stop the vomiting and try to decrease the headache) and Jon was able to stay home and sleep so he could go to work on Monday.

A week later, he had another migraine and ER visit. We've decided that we're there a little too often when the people at the front desk greet Tanner by name! :)

His migraines are worsening and no one can really tell us much about this. We are assuming it is because of the leukodystrophy (on a leukodystrophy forum, a lot of people discuss their struggles with migraines as part of the disease). We've tried different medicines and adding, increasing and changing them, they all seem to work for a little while. We will see the pediatric neurologist next week and see if he has any new ideas.

It's very difficult to watch him suffering, but, it's amazing to see how he gets through and deals with it. He's really an inspiration. Despite watching him in pain, it's not easy, but, Tanner's attitude and perseverance make it easier to try to live out Philippians 4:4-7

"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. "


This morning I was reflecting on the gardens and seasons. Most of our plants and flowers are brown, wilted and pitiful. The last few tomatoes are turning red, but, for the most part, those plants are finished. Soon, though, with the beginning of autumn, some of the plants and flowers will perk up and flourish once again. I'm looking forward to sitting outside, enjoying the cool weather and the blooming flowers once again. We're hoping and praying that Tanner will be like the plants that flourish and perk up once fall arrives, but, recognize that the season of more sickness and pain is realistic as well. Thankfully, most of the time, we do feel that peace which transcends all understanding.

On to a more enjoyable topic, yesterday was Tanner's first day of 3rd grade! He was excited and ready to go. He had a headache & didn't feel great, but, definitely enjoyed the day! Here are a few pictures!