Neuro Appointment and Greens

Ryan says to say, "Howdy" and that he feels GREAT today. We went to Asheville today to see Dr. H (Ryan's neurologist). Like Sunday, Ryan was acting silly and looking all over the place. He's had a haircut this week, which makes him even cuter. So besides looking cute and being very alert, Ryan was somewhat engaged in the conversation around him which certaily pleased his doc. (and of course, Me.)

Dr. H said that, to him, Ryan looked better today than he has in a long time. Thank the Lord. This is the same doctor that often has to give us bad news. I know he was happy to see Brother doing well, because I overheard him talking to a new person in the hallway about Ryan. He referred to Ryan as "one of my favorite patients". HEE, HEE!! He's my favorite too.

Next on the agenda is a developmental evaluation to try and expedite a new wheelchair order, which he desperately needs. Then, we are off again to Asheville for upcoming dental surgery. He's a pretty busy guy, right? Well, what do you expect, he's popular.

Are you guys gonna plant a garden? Boy, we are (Lord Willin'). Already we have peas, spinach, kale, collard greens, onions, lettuce, and potatoes in the ground. All but the taters are "gittin' with it". (Taters are slow, like me.) Friday we hope to plant corn, green beans, cucumbers, and squash. Tomorrow, I hope to start some bell pepper and tomato seeds inside. Sallie has an herb garden that she has started from seed this year. Cool right?

Dirt is awesome!! Everything that sustains this whole planet is dependent on dirt. AND WORMS ARE THE BOMB. Don't fish with'em. Throw 'em in the garden. They make everything grow like stink-weed. And SEEDS!!! Who would've ever thunk that a tiny seed could have enough sense to know whether or not its a corn, or a bean, or an apple tree? God is truly awesome. If nothing else can convince you of the intelligence and power of God, come and watch my garden go from dirt, worms, and little seeds to pounds of fresh food that is wholesome and wonderful.

Recipe for health: Dirt, seeds, and worms.

Add sunlight and water.

In just a bit... Meal after meal: fit for a king. (We are kings you know. The
Bible says we are a "royal
priesthood." So, we should eat
like it.)

Bye, I love 'yuns all.

"BAD BLOGGER" Ha! Ha!

Man, it has been a while since I've sat down to blog. I know ya'll are mad because there hasn't been an update about Ryan. Please forgive me.

Anyways, Ryan is fairing pretty well. We did go to Youth Camp, and had a GOOD TIME. Almost everybody got to see Brother. I know, he's a cutie. We left a little early because Ryan had a few seizures, and we thought it would be for the best. It was terrific just seeing everyone.

Thank the Lord for all who were saved!!!

Ryan and the rest of the gang went to services yesterday morning. He was truly in rare form. He just talked (in his own little way) and smiled. He definitely is aware of the presence of God, and he let's it show!!

Ryan has some appointments this week, so we will be travelling with him some. Please pray that God keeps him safe form germies and that he continues to LIGHT UP EVERYBODY'S DAYS!!

I sure hope all is well with you guys. And for those of you who reached out so graciously to our family this week..... HERE'S A BIG HUG FROM ALL OF US!! I hope God pours out triple-double-score blessings back on you all.

Looking Forward...

It is all I can do to keep from packing for the Youth Meeting next weekend. Ryan has had a bit of an infection, but has been on antibiotic therapy. Therefore, he will be "tanked up" and ready to go!! He has had sunshine on him a couple of times this week, and has a sweet healthy glow. Boy, he's cute!! We are sure praying for many of you and ask that you continue to do the same for us. Sorry for the brevity of the posting, but things are CRAZY here between preparing for the garden, youth camp, bible school, etc... Oh, did I mention home-schooling? WHEW!!! Ryan sends his love and big hugs...

HICCUP UPDATE!!

Ryan says to tell everyone, "Hello!" He is feeling well and has been for the last several days. His hiccups are intermittent, which sure beats the alternative. I must say that if hiccups make a child grow (old-wive's tale), then he will be big as a moose in just a few days. Hee hee.

My crew is certainly looking forward to Youth Camp in Tennessee next month. My prayers are that Ryan will be well enough to go. Even if he can't be at every service, he could at least stay there on the grounds so everyone can come by and kiss him. Pray that way, would you? He needs to be surrounded by all the love he can get.

Sometimes, our other children will come with members of our home congregation when my husband or I can't bring them. But, Ryan was able to be there last year and that meant I got to go too. I hope it goes that way this year as well. Often, we are unable to do things as a unit (you know, all 6 of us at once) because Brother's not able to be "up" for long periods of time. But there, I can take all his equipment and he can lie down whenever he needs to. He loves it, and the rest of us do too...

Church is busy! God is certainly doing a MIGHTY work in our home congregation. Many have given their hearts and lives to our Lord Jesus Christ. And I am soooooo thankful. There is nothing like the birth of a new creature in Christ and the joy it brings to the Mother. I am so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful family. I love each one.

If you are reading this, you are being exposed to the miraculous power of a wonderful, merciful God. The amazing things that he has wrought in the life of Ryan are enough to convince the greatest skeptic of the certainty of my Creator. I love him and I owe my everything to him.

Lord, thank you for allowing Ryan to have several good days. Forgive me when I don't understand. I know you have the best of plans for him. I guess sometimes I tend to forget that he has belonged to you all along. I can see your majesty in his eyes and your kindness in his smile.

Photogenic!!

I would like to apologize for taking so long in posting. A combination of computer glitches, scheduling, and mass hysteria all played a part in this delay. LOL!!

Ryan had about a week there when he was feeling very well. He had no hiccups, fever, sweats, etc. It was amazing. Unfortunately the relief was short lived. All of those crazy symptoms are here again. Yet, he smiles through it all. He's tough as a "pine-knot" as my Granny would say.

Last week, Ryan underwent some tests to rule-out possible causes for many of these symptoms. The main concern was that there may be a tumor in his adrenal gland: which would explain much of his situation as of late. Firstly, there had to be a urinalysis to detect specific components to indicate this tumor. Those were found in his urine and hence he was sent for a CAT scan. Thank God, his CAT scan came back normal.

His physicians believe that these symptoms are indicative of an overall neurological decline, not a condition or illness that requires medications or specific treatment. So, we are back to square #1, relieved that he is not facing some crazy surgery, but hopeless that there is nothing we can do but enjoy every moment with him.

Did you see his pictures? The day that he was scheduled for the scan, Sis.F was scheduled to come and do some pictures in our home with the family. I called her and told her that we could do it another day. NO WAY! She came, in spite of half of us being in pajamas, the house upside down, and all of us waiting on the doctor's office to call.

She was as cool as a cucumber and did a beautiful job getting some great pictures. (But, I have to admit that I have some good-lookin' kids)It is just like God to send a sweet spirit into the house (Sis. F) to take our minds off the test and back on happier tokens. Thanks Friend!!

Ryan was not shaken in the least. Drama does not affect him at all. You can see in his pictures that he was happy as a lark. His face shows me that his soul is not troubled over any of this world's worries: his physical condition included.

That's my little buddy... Ain't he cute??? When you think of his little face, you smile too.

Comments

This is Ryan's Bloggy Friend again....had to make a few changes in the blog settings and wanted to let ya'll know....

Comments to this blog are greatly appreciated. Unfortunately some people can ruin a good thing and because of this, comment moderation has been turned ON for all older posts, as well as the word verification step, to make it harder for spammers to leave comments.

I apologize for the extra step this creates for the good people out there who are leaving thoughtful comments, please do not let this prevent you from commenting as it is a wonderful encouragement to Sis. S when you leave comment love for her and Ryan.

Thanks!!!

At a Loss for Words...

"Prayer begins where human capacity ends."
Norman Vincent Peale

Often, when life happens; we are left unknowing what words will express how we feel.