It Isn't Rocket Science!

No, it isn't rocket science. It is brain surgery.

I've used the expression many times when I have tried to figure something out that should be simple..... "I should be able to do this, it isn't brain surgery". I guess we say that because brain surgery is far beyond most of our qualifications, whereas, we should be able to figure out how to play with a toy designed for a 3 year old.

This week, one of my dearest friends on the planet and her teenage son are not playing with toys. They are not trying to solve a puzzle or construct a model airplane. This week, Chris is having brain surgery.

5 years ago, the family was in a car accident at a new, awkard, unclear intersection. Christ was ejected from the vehicle, and in all honesty, the fact that he is alive is remarkable. Not only is he alive, but after months of therapy and rehab, Chris relearned how to walk and talk. This entire experience has been difficult and at times, heart-wrenching for the family. They have also celebrated many joys and accomplishments. On Tuesday night, Chris will graduate from high-school.

I can recall seeing Chris walk into church for the first time after he completed his rehab. That was before his momma was one of my best friends. I was overcome with tears and a brief session of sobbing. Since that time, his walk and his speech have so greatly improved....he is made of remarkable strength and determination. He has never given up on anything he has desired to do.

Chris' biggest challenge today is that he does not have control over the movement of his (left?) hand and arm. This makes even tying his shoes a challenge. For almost 2 years, the idea of having his brain stimulated in surgery to correct this problem has been denied. Finally, he will have his chance. The day after he graduates high-school, doctors will work diligently to repair what is not communicating properly between his brain and his left arm and hand. This could make the difference in his future career, and even whether or not he can live independently.....or rather, whether he can wear shoes with shoelaces.

If you are praying this week, please remember to say prayers for Chris and for the doctors God has gifted to perform his surgery. Please pray for such a blessed outcome that Chris will be able to hold his arm steady, and that he will desire to lift his hands to the Lord in praise. Please pray that Chris be aware of God's presence and the immeasurable span of God's love. There would be nothing better than a full recovery and all glory given to Chris' creator.

I will write an update about the success of Chris' surgery as soon as I know. Thank you for your prayers.

Asher Knows Right Where God Is

I could not sleep last night because I was in such shock and awe over something remarkable that happened. You might not find this nearly as fascinating as I do, and I'm mostly documenting it here for the diary that this is and so I will not forget it in the future.

Let me start by saying, I never "scare" my children....well, at least, not in the "boo" sense. I always make sure that I state cleary that there are no monsters and no ghosts. I think I do a pretty good job of making strange things seem light-hearted, etc. I just do not want my kids to be afraid, if I can prevent it. So, the next part of this story puzzles even me....and here it goes.

Last night Shawn was in bed asleep, Asher and I were having our "Asher/Momma lovin time suggled up on the sofa, and Joe was in the master bathroom taking a shower. I got the sudden urge, to, shall we say.....pee....and so I got up and went into the the 1/2 bath in our foyer area that is typically for guests. The 1/2 bath and the master bath share a wall, so I could hear the shower running. Asher, in typical form, came into the dark 1/2 bath where I was. I might have mentioned that I though it sounded like there is a monster in the wall...and so Asher ran out. I followed him right out of there and for some sick reason, decided to carry on the act. Asher and I snuggled up together on the sofa and discussed the monster in the bathroom wall, and I decided to get up and go check it out. Asher was kinda laughing/giggling/fearful. He didn't want to come with me, but just as I approached the bathroom door, he marched up in front of me because he didn't think I should go alone. (Be still my heart.......how romantic!). I held him. We opened the door, heard the monster in the wall, screamed, and ran back out.

I was trying to be silly through all of this, but Asher was still really focused on the major issue at hand...... a friggin monster in the wall is no small problem.

We hid behind the sofa. I could see that Asher was really starting to worry...and so I really was about to relieve him of his worries and turn it all into a big joke. I looked at Asher and said "what are we gonna do?". I could see in his expression, he was immediately trying to process a possible solution. I mean, for goodness sake, when there is a monster in the bathroom wall, afterall, what DO You DO? I dunno. Asher took charge. He really did. I don't know if he wanted to protect me, comfort me, or what......but he took charge.

Imagine a precious 4 year old, afraid but not crying...... afraid but not cowering...... afraid but willing to press on...... I have no words to tell you how this felt for me to see. Here is what happened..... Asher looked at me. His eyes were serious. His hands and arms were in tight formation, his fingers together and stick straight, both of them moving in sync. And this is exactly what he said.....

"Wait Mommy, we have REALLY got to get brave about this"......I asked, "but how do we get brave?".... "God, (mommy), God is with us everywhere!".

I was floored. "Yes Asher, He absolutely is". And oh by the way Asher, that isn't really a ghost, it is just the shower.

I hugged and kissed that boy and praised him for having such faith in God. I cannot even describe it now. I'll tell you.....as much as we do talk about God and Jesus around here, Asher learned that principle at Sunday School. They have really driven it home, week after week. I am so excited that God has allowed Asher to actually understand this. In possibly his very first truly fearful moment, Asher leaned on the trust the God is with him. I am absolutely beside myself with gratitude for this.