Stronger

Today we checked Thomas into Scottish Rite Hospital. Tomorrow he will have hip surgery on both hips. There are lots of technical terms about the procedure, but the best I can explain it is as follows: they will make an incision at his hip, cut off the end of his femur bone, then reset the end of the bone at an angle deeper into the socket of his pelvis. This will be done to both femur bones. This is to stop his femur from drifting out of socket and eventually malforming causing much pain and limiting his mobility.

Post surgery he will be set in a SPIKA cast. This cast will be from his chest to quite possibly the end of his legs. His knees will be set apart and there probably be a bar between his legs. The angle at which he will be set is still to be determined. He could be laying down or sitting up. And this will be his position for approximately 6 weeks.

We have experienced quite a few emotions leading up to this surgery. Anxious and overwhelmed for sure. But also very thankful. Thankful that we live in this city, home to an amazing hospital that specializes in my son's needs with some of the nations top doctors in the field. Thankful that this amazing hospital will do all of this for FREE. Thankful for an amazing family that loves and supports us sacrificially. Thankful for a community of friends and neighbors that are just as amazing in their giving to our family. And thankful for hope in a Savior that is stronger than any trial this world will put before us.

I have never been more aware of the broken world we live in as I have these past few months. Awareness has come not just as I have wondered why my son has had to live a life with so many obstacles to overcome, but also as I have watched so many friends face heartache and loss. Real heartache and real loss. Almost weekly a call or an email has come with some sort of news that just makes you ask why. Why her? Why now? What sense can this make?

When a dear friend went into labor too early and lost her precious twins, a song was sung at the funeral that has become one that speaks to me regularly. It is Stronger by Hillsong. The lyrics are in my heart and remind me how I will get through each day, how Thomas will get through each day.

Faithfulness none can deny

Through the storm and through the fire

There is truth that sets me free

Jesus Christ who lives in me

You are stronger, You are stronger

Sin is broken you have saved me

It is written Christ is risen

Jesus you are Lord of all

He is stronger than all this. The world is broken. Our hope for better is in Him alone. He overcame sin, rose again. He will bring us through to the other side of this. And I know He is there to do the same for all those that face the same.

We look forward to getting tomorrow past us. Thomas' surgery time is 2:00 and will last about 3 hours. We are told he will probably wake up scared and upset about his immobility. We will spend the days after at Scottish Rite learning how to bathroom, transport and keep him from getting skin lesions while in the cast. Our hope is to be home Friday or Saturday.

I will do my best to keep this updated on how he is doing. I cannot express how thankful we are for all of you. Your love and support is what sustains us!