January 1, 2010

It is hard to believe that we are entering a new year, yet this past year has seemed like two years rolled into one!

We entered 2009 with Zac only having completed 1 of the 3 surgeries on his left leg. He was still wearing the fixator. On January 13th he had the second major surgery which was very successful! As a result Zac now has a knee that is able to bend at about 70* (90* is a sitting position), Dr. Paley first thought that we might get 20*! The fixator was then removed in March, and he was fitted with new braces. He is now able to stand and walk with assistance! It has been awesome to see this miracle played out before us. Just to look back and see his bent legs, and to see them now, is amazing.

James was able to find a job which he began at the end of February. This is a big praise! All of the travel, insurance premiums, and lack of income has been difficult...but God has met our needs each step of the way, and we are so thankful for how He has worked in our lives. He has also sent some amazing people into our lives as we continue on this journey.

Zac received his power chair in May. This gives him a great sense of independence when he gets a chance to go as he pleases...or as Mom allows!

Cai started Kindergarden this fall. He is doing well, but we are still working out the joys and struggles of homeschooling. He is so good with Zac. They do have their times of being typical brothers, but for the most part these two guys are best buds! We are very proud of Cai and the boy that he is becoming!

Zac is developing in his own ways, including a personality that works for him! What I love is that he is determined to do things himself. He also does not have any trouble communicating his needs, or wants. I am convinced that God gives these kids extra measures of grace including their personalities. All I know is that he is teaching us a lot along the way....

We continue to progress with Zac, he has a walker on order, that he has tried and can maneuver quite well. These things just take a long time to get. He just received another set of new braces. These are more advanced and durable. Hopeing to give him the stability and mobility that he needs.

We will be back to see Dr. Paley in Feb. for the next follow-up visit. It is our hope that all is good for now and that there won't be any more surgeries...at least for a while. Zac is on a 6 month follow-up schedule with his surgeon.

We are anticipating great things for 2010!!! What ever happens, we know that God is in control...and has a plan beyond our imaginations. He has seen us through every step of the way and He gets all of the praise!

Sharing our story...

I had the opportunity to share our story with 60 homeschool students and their parents. It went well, other than me shedding a few tears. Why do I always cry? It really can be a hang up. I do hope to refine the presentation and have the opportunity to do it again sometime. The focus of the talk had to do with God's plan and purpose for our lives, using Psalm 139:13-16, and Jeramiah 29:11. God creates us for a purpose, and uses our differences to mold our lives and help ourselves and others grow. I am thankful for this opportunity, and for the blessings of all the miracles that we have seen along the way!!!

Dr. Visit

We've returned from another follow-up with Zac's surgeon. This was the first one in FL. It was so nice to spend time with family and friends. We have not been able to travel to FL in over 2.5 yrs; both of us have siblings, and I have extended family that live less than an hour from Dr. Paley's new institute. We had a great time. Zac has never been to the beach, and Cai has only been once before. They loved it! I will have to post pictures later.

Dr. Paley gave us a good report. He does not believe that any procedures need to be done at this time. He was very happy with Zac's efforts and progress toward walking. We will proceed with the Physical Therapy and efforts to walk. Dr. Paley expressed very confidently that Zac will walk without assistant devises. He did however recommend a helmet when attempting to walk on his own. We are proceeding to order the walker that he is now trying in PT. I was overcome with emotion today as I saw Zac walk in that walker. It was amazing to see him walk himself closer to a toy in the waiting room that he could reach for the first time, standing on his own two feet! We are so blessed to witness these miracles first hand. God is so good.

We are now on a 6 month follow-up schedule with Dr. Paley. Each visit will determine if anything needs to be done based on growth, and Zac's mobility development. It is a good place to be; and I don't think there is anything that we would do differently. We are so thankful that we had this option with such an amazing surgeon, especially when we see Zac standing and now walking (with a walker)!!!

2 Quick things:

1)We are headed to FL next week for Zac's follow-up apt.

2)Zac walked on Friday in a walker. This walker has a harness that is attached to a bar with a regular walker base. We are trying it to see if we want to order it...so far so good! This is actually not just a trainer, but a mobility devise.

Please pray for one of our support kids family....

My heart is heavy as I post this. One of our kids on the TAR support group (also named Isaac) passed away. It is hitting way too close to home! I think when they are doing so well, we forget about the dangers of having low platelets. I just can't stop crying right now. Please pray for this family.

The post on the TAR Support group site:
"It with great sorrow and tears that I write this email. Isaac passed away yesterday. He fell Saturday and hit his head. Trauma was worse that what we expected and his brain would not stop swelling. We wanted everyone to know as we know many people do not take the paper.

Services will be at Debaun Funeral Home on Wednesday July 15 from 4 pm - 8 pm. Funeral services will be help at 10:00 am Thursday morning." Christa Foust

Her is a link to the obituary: http://www.legacy.com/tribstar/Obituaries.asp?Page=Lifestory&PersonId=129713337

High Point Enterprise news article, June 14, 2009