5 years ago....

Last week Jon and I enjoyed Clearwater Beach, Florida. Jon had a conference and I was able to go along and enjoy the beach! We had fun spending time together, eating good seafood, walking on the beach, snorkeling with manatees and scuba diving! Tanner stayed home and enjoyed a fun week with the Walsh family. We are so grateful for their willingness to take care of him so that we could enjoy some time away.

While away, 2 anniversaries occurred. Our 17th wedding anniversary, and the 5th year anniversary of Tanner and Alexis' arrival! When I told Tanner that our wedding anniversary was coming up, he was excited and said that he wanted to walk ahead of us down the aisle and throw flowers - he was so sincere, I did everything I could not to laugh!

The other anniversary, January 28, 2005, was the day we met Tanner!! How our lives have changed in 5 years!

I spent an afternoon reading through the first few months of notes of daily activities that are required by the state for foster parents. I had forgotten so many things! Such as how much he hated to get dressed! There were daily notes for many months about how he would tantrum every morning when he had to get dressed, and then how he would love to see the bus when it arrived. It's great to look back and see the progression of his language, how he was learning please and thank you, learning to share and always excited to learn new signs. There were also daily notes of the many tantrums, 5-6 every morning before school and multiple times in the afternoons/evenings (one day it was noted there were a lot less tantrums that day, only about 20-25 total). There were also many descriptions of his difficult time going to sleep, learning to go to the bathroom, and even notes about headaches.

Who knew then that those headaches would still persist today, and that they would mean more than just headaches! Thankfully, the depakote is still working and his migraines have continued to be less and without vomiting! He's still having them occasionally (about once a month), but, not entailing ER visits.

We've both been struggling more lately, with seeing more regression, looking back and seeing things he used to be able to do and can do no longer. But, it's truly amazing the blessing of God's peace, there are still many emotions and much sadness, but, it's truly a peace that transcends all understanding.

I love how God often speaks through music! Yesterday, when Tanner was home from school with a migraine, I was really sad for him and that I could do nothing for his pain, and then I heard the following song and loved the reassurance it brought.

"Safe" by Phil Wickham

To the one who's dreams are falling all apart,

And all you're left with is a tired and broken heart

I can tell by your eyes you think you're on your own but you're not all alone

Have you heard of the One who can calm the raging seas

Give sight to the blind, pull the lame up to their feet

With a love so strong and never let you go oh you're not alone

Chorus

You will be safe in His arms, You will be safe in His arms

'Cause the hands that hold the world are holding your heart

This is the promise He made, He will be with you always

When everything is falling apart, You will be safe in His arms.

Did you know that the voice that brings the dead to life

Is the very same voice that calls you to rise, So hear Him now He's calling you home

You will never be alone

These are the hands that built the mountains, the hands that calm the seas

These are the arms that hold the heavens, they are holding you and me

These are the hands that healed the leper, Pulled the lame up to their feet

These are the arms that were nailed to a cross, to break our chains and set us free.