Let me preface this blog entry by saying that (i) Bodie is doing great (eating like a champ and recovering well from the MRSA) and (ii) I don't do well with change. Bearing that in mind, here's a little window into the last 2 weeks in our world...
Change #1: I was let go from work last week. To be fair, I don't blame them. I mean, come on, how long can you let a CFO position be vacant with NO idea when the person is going to return? They had already graciously given me one extension on my maternity leave, and I absolutely understand that being all they could accomodate. But, clearly, I wasn't in a position to return to work June 15 as planned, so there wasn't really anything else we could do. But it really saddened me - I had worked there for over 5 years and absolutely loved it. It was a wonderful job - I learned so much and truly loved coming into work. Not very often in life you can honestly say that you love your job? So, to have to leave it for circumstances outside of your control really sucks, to be frank.
Change #2: Then, this week, on Monday, we found out that Bodie had MRSA and has to be in the hospital for at least 6-8 weeks on I.V. antibiotics, after which he can have his next scheduled surgery.
Change #3: Then, on Tuesday, Sierra's acting out at school really climaxed. We knew of a few incidents of her acting out recently, but truly had no idea the gravity of the situation until she was sent home from school, for the foreseeable future, on Tuesday. Absolutely heartbreaking for us on so many levels, not the least of which was that we had no idea how unhappy she has been recently at school. She has been at the same daycare since she was 3 months old and her entire world is wrapped up in the school. She has always loved her friends, her teachers, and her entire experience there. But clearly it's not the right place for her to be right now. We had to know that somehow the last 4 months were going to take their toll on her, and they have. She is desperately in need of "mommy time." So, now, instead of her going to school, she is going with me to the hospital and spending the day with me and Bodie in the CTICU. Not an ideal situation, to be sure, but we're doing what we can.
Have I mentioned that I'm so not good with change? Do you see why this week in particular has been rough on our little family? Ok, deep breath (I promise this post does get better - I'm getting to the better part).
So, Dusk and I have now come to the realization that there is NO WAY for our family to get through all of this (I mean seriously, have you heard of such bad luck?) without divine intervention. We have been praying all along as you all know, but now we're really going out there and admitting to all of you that the ONLY WAY our family is getting through this is God. It's all God. HE is the reason (the only reason) we can sleep at night and still have joy in our hearts amidst all of this craziness and uncertainty. HE is the reason we have hope for our future - for the future of our marriage, our children and our entire family. HE will get us through this - HE has already gotten us so far. HE has a plan for our family and we're going to wait patiently on HIS plan for our family. (See, I told you it got better, right?)
So, for now, even though (and I may have mentioned this already) I'm not good with change, we're celebrating in this opportunity to rely fully on God - and rejoicing in the small moments: realizing this is time I get to be there for my daughter in a way she truly needs it, understanding this is an opportunity for Sierra and Bodie to bond in a way they haven't been able to yet, and cherishing this opportunity to witness for the power and love of our Lord and Jesus Christ.
Oh, and here's a few pictures of our "family day" at the hospital today, when Daddy stopped by for lunch (the first time the 4 of us have been under the same roof in close to a month - clearly when I was praying last week for my entire family to be under the same roof, I needed to specify MY roof, not just any roof) (oh, and don't mind Bodie's red, gunky eyes - he has an MRSA infection in his eyes - of course he does, that's how we roll right now):
Yeah, they let Sierra in with Bodie!!! I didn't think she could go in. Really praying for you all as a family. Glad you all got to be together for a moment, praying for more time. We love you! Erin
ReplyDeleteMy Beautiful Bodie. You are so amazingly perfect and you are sooooooo, sooooooo loved! I continue to pray and believe for miracles for you, my baby.
ReplyDeleteMy dearest Amy. You have been and continue to be extraordinary. This is such a difficult time for you, Dusk, and sweet Sierra. But this too shall pass...
We are praying for you all faithfully. God is watching over you and loves you so very much. Let yourselves be wrapped up in His love and He will carry you, and He will reward you for your faithfulness.
I love you guys, especially my Bodie (my "4th one") :O).
God bless you. Sending you loads of prayers and Love... sleep with angels tonight... all of you.
Nairi
Prayers, hugs and love.....Karen
ReplyDeleteWow! What a post! I couldn't agree more that is is ONLY by the power of GOD that we "heart families" are able to keep it together. It's unbelievable what cute little Bodie has been through. He sure does like to make trouble, doesn't he? ;) And I'm so sorry for all of the change, especially since it's all out of your control. My husband and I are still dealing with the realization that we have no control over our lives, specifically the health of our children (and more specifically, Chase). But it's so crazy to think that we've NEVER had control to begin with! We are fully relying on God to meet our needs each and every day and are praising Him for each moment He blesses us with our health and our family. We will continue to lift you guys to Him in prayer!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts on how you're turning all of this into a positive situation (more time with your daughter, the opportunity for your kids to bond, etc.). It's such an encouragement and reminder to me that we need to keep our eyes on the "good stuff" while in the midst of the storms of life. Thanks for that reminder!
God bless!
Kathy
Amy, I am so sorry to hear about the rough week, especially your job. God's plan has another amazing opportunity waiting for you, I know, and look forward to the day when you discover what it is! As hard as it may be to see that far ahead, your living the day to day with your two sweet children by your side is a gift in itself. Love and hugs to you all!
ReplyDelete~Jeannette, Mike, Nick & Sabrina
As bad as the week sounds, in spirit it might just be what bodie needs. He has mommy and sister full time and sierra now can feel apart of everything going on and bond with her brother more.
ReplyDeleteShe will lift his spirits as I am sure he will do to hers as well.
Plus now you get more super cute pictures of the two of them!
My Bodie. We are praying for you to recover soon and get to come home to mommy, daddy, and sweet sister Sierra. I miss you, peanut! God bless you all. Sleep with angles tonight, my Bodie. I love you more than you know.
ReplyDeleteNairi
We love you so much. Each person in your family is a gift from God. We are praying that God keeps you strong and close to Him during all these changes and praying that these changes (though tough) will be for good. We send love, prayers and hugs. Love, Bonnie & the Kerrs
ReplyDeleteStay strong Amy. You are doing a great job under the circumstances. Prayers and love for you, Dusk, Sierra and Bodie.
ReplyDeleteLarisa and the Snyders
I just caught up on your blog and am in tears. You are handling everything with such grace (and I mean with God's grace, I guess). He meets you were you are and you all are going to be okay.
ReplyDeleteLove you so much,
Lori