I had a hard time sleeping last Thursday night due to my excitement of Jordan’s appointment to get his ground reaction AFOs (Ankle Foot Orthosis). These leg braces may be the key to strengthening muscles that he has never been able to use correctly. These braces will also help him stand easier and better.
As with the rest of our journey, we have had more time to reflect on the fact that we are thankful for a chance to be here on earth. We had a visit from some new friends who live in the United States, but are originally from Liberia West Africa.
As we shared Jordan’s story they were amazed at how we were able to find out about his diagnosis before he was born, perform a C-section for our safety, that Dr. Hudgins was able to repair his lesion on his back, and insert a drain that will grow with him to help keep fluid from harming him.
Without these doctors and God’s hand we would not be celebrating the holidays together, attending appointments, taking walks in the park, or enjoying the laughter that has been brought into our home. We sometimes take for granted our health care system in the United States. As frustrating as it can seem at times, we don’t want to miss how thankful we are to be here.
We will be visiting Dr. McMahon’s office this week for Jordan’s urodynamics testing. Our last test was performed in July and Jordan was approaching the border line of needing to be catheterized to protect his kidneys from being damaged. Though he hasn’t shown signs of infection or lack of wet diapers, there is always a chance that the pressure in his bladder may change with his growth. We are praying that we will not have to cath, but if that’s what we need to do we’ll take the education in stride.
We are so thankful for the body of believers we have around us that have been lifting up our little man in prayer. As our journey has progressed we are blown away when we receive a card, letter, greeting or message stating they have been thinking and praying for Jordan. These aren’t always people that we have met before. It usually seems that these items are received right when we may be feeling down or in a rut. God has been so faithful.
So as we prepare for our week we are excited to spend our time playing on the floor in some standing positions in Peanut’s new “super boots” (AFOs), clapping and blowing raspberries at each other. Life is good.
Read more about Megs’ and Randy’s journey of raising a child with spina bifida through her blog, Labor of Love.
