On a Lighter Note.

Since the mood of my last few blogs has been, well... depressing, I have decided to share something very inspirational. I received this email from my roommate, Amy, a week or so ago.

Let me give you some background before you read it. It was written by her sister-in-law, Misty. Misty and Amy's brother, Tommy have 2 beautiful boys. Their oldest, Drake, was diagnosed a year or so ago with EE (Eosinophilic esophagitis). EE is an allergic inflammatory disease in which certain foods cause Drake to become very ill. I can't imagine what their family has been through trying to find foods that his body with process successfully. It has been a rough year, but they are so strong in faith and love, and Misty's email proves this. Enjoy.

A Happy 2010 to you all!!!As we start this year and soon embark on our 4th trip to Cinci. Children’s Hospital, I feel like I am supposed to share our story.

2009 has brought many blessings to our household. At the start of this year, Drake had zero foods and was still living off a formula only. Fast forward to now and Drake has eight foods. Eight may not seem like a lot but those eight foods have been life changing!

I must admit that this journey has been extremely hard, heartbreaking, and filled with many dark moments. There was even a time when I could not pray to God. I figured that if I asked God to bless Drake with food and he didn’t pass any foods then that would mean God failed me and worse my innocent son. So I somehow talked myself into not praying. I figured if I didn’t ask God for anything then I couldn’t get mad at Him. He could not fail me if I did not let him in. Yup……that didn’t work even though I tried to make it work for months.

Then just one day I realized that trusting God does not mean He will give you what you want. It means that He will give you peace throughout your crisis….that He will sustain you through the dark time…that He has a plan even though it may not be your plan. I let God back in and have now had a great peace. I will admit that I do still get very nervous when we are awaiting biopsy results, but I also know that God will get us through, and that God has given Drake a solid eight foods. So in 2010, may God bless you with peace and the knowledge that He will help you through whatever your trouble may be….financial, bad hair day, food allergies, sickness, a rotten day at work…

I end with a story from Drake. As we drove to the Little Gym I was snacking on toast (baby #3 makes me hungry). Drake asked if he could have a bite. Once again, I routinely said, “No, honey, we aren’t trying this yet.” I take a deep breath. Drake exclaims, “Mama, tell me the good news!” Good news I thought?? “What is that, Drake?” “Mama, tell me all the foods I can eat!” I slowly list off his eight foods making it seem like a lot…..He smiles with delight. “See, mama, that is such good news!” I am so proud of Drake….that he can see the Good News in all of this! May we all be able to see the Good News in our hard times!!!

God bless you and yours! Happy New Year, and send prayers as we take both boys to Cinci. for biopsies! Hoping Drake gets oats, beef, cocoa, and lemon…hoping Cade is clear!!!

Love,
All the Swans