This week leading up to surgery has been the culmination of the past 22 months of non-stop thinking about Jack and what to do for his leg. I feel such a sense of release - knowing we have closure and knowing throughout all of it God has a great plan for Jack. I have dedicated Jerimiah 29:11 to Jack shortly after he was born:
" For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, give you hope and a future."
I am so grateful for all your prayers and support! We truly have felt them! It means so very much to also have been in contact with other families recently who have/and are about to undergo this same surgery for their children!!
I will not deny that every time I look at Jack's little foot, my heart aches for a brief moment. It is quickly replaced by confidence and assurance that no matter what - God will walk in this new journey along side of us - good days, sad days, wonderful days, horrible days. He never has promised us that our life would be easy. I am glad it is not, in part, because I would not have realized that I truly can not depend on my own human ability and nature to get through the darkest of moments. The most daunting thing for me over the next few weeks is the unknown. I still continue to struggle with what lies ahead, and what I will feel when I see Jack's stump for the fist time, or how I will answer other children as they ask what is wrong with Jack's leg. Perhaps, as I usually do, I am getting ahead of myself - and need to continually remind myself to take things ' day by day.'
Today, the weather was beautiful here in Charleston. I decided to take Jack to a nearby beach on Kiawah Island to have a little picnic, take some pictures of him before surgery, and have quiet reflection time together. It was wonderful - Jack and I were practically the only ones on the beach! Here are some pictures:
Special thanks to the Scaia family who sent us some special presents for Jack today in the mail!! One was a book about Curious George goes to the Hospital along with Curious George himself! I have been talking to Jack for a few weeks now about going to see " Dr. Mooney" at the hospital and he would give him a special cast until he gets a new foot. This book was great, because we actually got to read about our friend curious George going through something similar. I improvised a little bit and wrapped George's right leg in a bandage to mimic a cast - so jack could see it. I am not sure how much he really understands, but I am sure he understands more than I think- he is almost 2 !
