Oh poor Don -  he's got the stomach flu now.  He came home from work at mid-day yesterday and has been in bed ever since.  Sigh.  I hope I stay healthy to care for all these sickies!

I started Cody on his new "regime" last night.  Sixteen new supplements - each to be taken on empty stomach, or full stomach, or 2 hours away from that other one, or "with" that one!  I made an excel list with color codes and numeric charts so I can remember what to do every day!!!  All that plus 3 anti seizure meds that require special timing too.  Drove all the way to Snoqualmie yesterday to get the concoctions - cute little town!  There's a "curiosity" shop next to the pharmacy that had all sort of fun sensory toys for Cody - things that light up, whirrrrrrrr around, vibrate. 

Oddly, in the midst of everyone being sick this week, the Lord has really given me some wonderful moments.  I got some beautiful flowers from my parents-in-law yesterday with a note saying "good job."  I had a friend tell me this week that I was a great mom.  What a blessing to be affirmed this way.  It's the highest compliment I could get - and those kudos keep me afloat on the worst of the days.  I remembered those words at midnight last night as I made up my color coded list of meds & supplements for Cody while the rest of the family lay asleep.  Being a mom is such an invisible job - yet I know that even above the compliments of those who know me - is the praise of the One who sees it all.  He sees every tear I've shed, every minute of midnight and beyond I toil away over research, prayer, comforting a child awakened by seizures.  It's the highest calling I could have - serving my boys.  I pray the Lord continues to equip me, keep me healthy, and give me the grace to be a mom.

And on the flip side, I am blessed with a partner who is amazing.  The best way to illustrate my great husband is this:  Don met me at the Dr.'s office on Thursday on his lunch break.  I was waiting in the parking lot for the staff to get back from their lunch and Don pulled up.  He gave me a big hug and kiss - looking handsome in his starched white shirt without a wrinkle - highlighting his tan from hours of running and training for his marathons.  I mention his bright white flawless shirt because I realized after getting Cody out of the car that he needed a serious diaper change before we went in or we would fumigate the office.  I looked in the back of his diaper and saw that the mess was encroaching on his back and we had to move fast!  I wouldn't have even thought to ask Don to change him since he had to go back to work and the last thing he needed was smears of doo doo on his clothes while he led meetings that afternoon.  So as I went to lift Cody, Don said, "No!  Let me do that!"  He picked up Cody effortlessly and went to lay him in the back of our SUV.  "NOOOOO!  You might get your clothes messed up!  You don't want to smell like poop all day!!!  That shirt is white - let me do it!"  "Nope....I want to."

I stood there watching my selfless husband change his son's diaper - just cause he wanted to - despite the risk.  I didn't ask, but I think Don just wanted to serve his son.  He thinks other dads miss out by not pitching in.  He likes it that Cody knows dad is willing to change his diapers - and do it happily. 

So JoAnn and Don - in response to your flowers and card that said "good job" to my mothering - I say "good job" right back to you!  You raised a fine man - a man who constantly puts himself aside for the sake of his family.  A man who gets no time to himself.  And when he takes time to pursue his only hobby - running - he even takes Cody with him when he trains.  Partly to give me a break - but also just because he wants to spend time with his son.  He wants to enjoy sports with his son.  And he found a way to do it.  Pretty cool. 

So I have no complaints today.  I'm looking at all I have.  Even down to the small things like a church friend who read my blog and saw "Snoqualmie" was the place I got Cody's new meds.  She wrote me saying "I live in Snoqualmie and can pick them up for you and bring them to church!"  What a burden lifted that will be because yesterday it was a 2 hour round trip to get those meds.  God may not be providing "healing" when it comes to my son's seizures (yet!) but He is certainly providing healing to my soul every time I experience the kindnesses mentioned above.  Compliments, practical help, flowers, a husband who pitches in....all ways the Lord continues to show me He is here.  He is in it WITH me.  He is providing and meeting our needs. 

love,

Shawna