Spina Bifida Awareness and Support

The doctors told us Gary had Spina Bifida. They then went on to explain what that means. An L1 means that he will have multiple brain surgeries, kidney damage, possible breathing issues, digestion complications, will not be able to control his urine or bowels, may not walk or have limited movement or feeling, cannot have children, cognitive delays yet mentally and socially aware. You will most likely have to relocate, quit your profession, declare bankruptcy and seek many forms of insurance to cover the physical therapy and frequent short term hospital stays. A year later on his birthday.... As I rock you to sleep tonight and your sleepy eyes are closed your little lips smack together as you snuggle so close to my neck and become a floppy doll I am reminded of the blessing I have in you. It brings tears to my eyes to recall all of the hard times we have had together and yet how much we have learned. I am so thankful for you and look at the person I am today and who I was before this and realize how much I have changed for the better.

I get to choose your special verse tonight and I think about how I relate to people with health conditions and the WORRY that goes along with that.

I have learned so much from people in my life and extended family that have lifelong challenges. Attitude and trust in the Lord goes so far with living out these circumstances.

I have also learned about the other side of worry, not about what will happen but what others think that don't understand. Some people will look at you and put you in a "different" category before they even give you a chance or limit you. It makes me worried when I think about your future. I already worry about your self -esteem, how will you respond when you can't play on the playground with everyone else, how are you going to find a woman that loves you like I do... the list goes on. But then I stop... and I have found your verse. It reminds me that If we give all of our worry to God, hand over all of life's what if's, live today, now, and be confident in who we are, He will never let you be shaken or moved. I love you little boy! 1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.