Jack Ryan Townsend came into our life on March 17, 2010. He changed it forever. Looking back on the past 4 months, I have learned an immense about every emotion possible. I have come a long way, but have a long way to go. Being a mother has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am SO thankful for what Jack continues to teach me about LIFE.
Jack was born with some congenital anomalies that were unknown to us prior to birth. He has a deformed Right arm and has Right fibular hemimelia and Left Club foot. Countless days in the beginning were spent trying to place a finger on a particular syndrome, but no resolution. So we remain on a journey to attempt to make sense of his findings. At this point, even if we never find out the cause or associated genetic links, I know that THIS is Jack. It is who he is. We can't change it. We can't deny it. We can't understand it. I do know that He was created for a special purpose, and GOD knew what he was doing even though we don't. Ps 139 reminds us: "For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mothers womb."
John 9 has been a turning point in my life. May God's work be a testimony through Jack. My prayer is that Jack will be a constant reminder to others and himself of God's soverignty and love.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tl58qufXfYk
My inspiration:
So today we begin with reality:
Things we have to consider for full function of Right leg.
1. Limb lengthening for Right leg
2. Amputation for Right leg
3. options for full function of Right arm.
OK. We have some time to make a decision. But it is not going to be an easy one. We want to compile all the information to make the best educated decision. Opinions we have received this far:
1. MUSC orthopedic surgeon - amputation of Right foot by about 1 year
2. Shriners surgeon- agrees with MUSC
We are possibly going to explore the opinions of The International Center of Limb Lengthening in Baltimore, Maryland, and Shriner's in St. Louis, Mo. We have talked to surgeons in both places who are willing to see Jack.
What's Next
Making the little things count. He always smiles in the morning when I go get him from the crib- and that just makes my day. He is an amazing sleeper! Sleeps from 930pm-7am most nights! Takes great naps! Loves cuddle time. Chews on everything. Sucks his thumb (so cute!) He started rolling over by himself this past week! How amazing since I didn't ever see how he was going to do that with the braces he currently wares on his legs! Currently he is completing the ponseti method (series of casts were applied for 8 weeks to correct his club foot, and now braces - shoes with a bar connecting them are worn). The fist night he had the braces on, he nor I slept for more than 30 min at a time. But, it only took him one night to figure out that he had to kick his legs at the same time! (Thank you Lord!) He wears them 23 hours a day untill September! Then he will wear them night/nap time for 3-5 years. YES, I said years....
Our plan
One day at a time. Don't get ahead of myself. Lay a foundation, build from there. Believing what God says: "For I know the plans I have for you ...to give you hope and a future." (Jer 29:11). Oh yes, its NOT easy to travel this unknown road, to know what may lye ahead, to be consumed by anxiousness, to doubt. But HE walks along side us. He is with us in the midst of our storm.
