NOBODY IS MORE SURPRISED THAN US! GKTW alumni return! 10/21 MOVING DAY!!

[kayrosek]

Praying for Rachel and definitely praying you are able to make it to Florida. I know how much you guys need it! Homeschool can really be a blessing especially with kids with medical issues. I know I appreciate the freedom it gives us on days when the kids aren't medically able to do as much. I'm jealous of you guys being ahead. I meant to school more this summer but we have been so busy we just haven't had time with all of Johns wishes. You amaze me Judy, with your busy schedule and finding time to get lessons done. I can only imagine. Tomorrow we have an appointment to talk to the Dr. about Johns new symptom. I am nervous but just praying for God to give me peace about this. It's one of those things that could really show which way John's health is headed and I know that plan is already in His hands so I am trying to just "Let go and let God" (as one of the art pieces in my house says). Hoping today is a good day for you guys.

 

[thebeesknees]

Oh, goodness how scary to read about Rachel's fall being hard enough to move those mugs around! Poor girl, no wonder it is taking her awhile to recover. PTL you homeschool and will be able to closely control her pace this fall to allow her to get back to normal without undue pressure of trying to keep up with everyone else. We are continuing to pray for her, as well as JJ, John, Courtney's friend and the other requests.

My SIL and BIL took the kids overnight Saturday as my birthday gift so David and I could have a date night and Sunday together alone. Then they made dinner for us on Sunday when we came to get the kids. It was such a relaxing weekend for us. We slept in and were able to go out for lunch after church with a gift card we'd gotten for our anniversary. I am so blessed in the in-law department, they are truly sweet people, although I think the kids wore them out! My SIL's girls are both grown and married and she said she had forgotten how much energy it takes to watch younger ones!

 

[redomni]

I am sorry to hear that Rachel isn't getting any better. Hopefully once she does start to improve it will be rapidly. I know that seeing any kind of improvement will be a relief though. Hope that your week isn't to busy and that everything is going okay.

I am with some of the others I try not to mention specifics so I don't forget anyone but I say prayers as I read for all those that need them.

 

[KatMark]

Judy, we leave in three days and I have a lot to accomplish (since I lost most of my Saturday with an emergency visit to the vet for Cookie). I just want you to know that I will be keeping you all close in heart and in my prayers while I am gone.

 

[PlutoRocks]

I was hoping to come back from the weekend to a good report about Rachel. I'm sorry she is still feeling bad and no improvement has happened. I'll keep praying for her and everyone on here.

I had a busy weekend - my parents have decided to move to the Phoenix area so they asked me to come up this weekend and help clean/pack/organize so their house can be listed. It is going to be strange - this was my grandparent's house and they had it built for their retirement in 1976 so I have been going to that house since then - a lot of memories there!

Back to work today - and the students start moving in this Friday and classes start a week from Thursday. It is going to be a busy couple of weeks.

OOHH - there is a highlight though - Duck Dynasty starts its new season on Wednesday so that is something to look forward to and get through the first part of the week.

Take care everyone!

 

[ladylyons]

Aww too cute!! It sounds like fun was had by all and there crafts turned out so cute!!! I hope you are feeling/doing well!!

Madeline

Thanks! It was a lot of fun! They can't wait to do it again in a couple weeks when we go back and get to build El Chupacabra (also from Planes). I'm doing well. Still dealing with a little morning sickness here and there but thankfully I have some medicine the Dr. gave me that helps once the symptoms start. I try not to take anything unless I really have to.

Smiling pics of cutie pies always makes me happy! You know me so well. Pete used to take the children, they had a great time. It always falls during 4H now, so he hasn't taken Lisa in awhile.
I hope the healing starts soon and it is quick, not slow. I keep thinking baby steps, but it isn't happening yet. That was why I was hoping a concentrated prayer effort might spur things along.

I'll try to post more pictures but sometimes I get busy doing everything else I don't take pictures. Really need to get better at that!!

I was going through all of past Disney trips and pulling some pictures out to create a Disney Memories photo book and I thought I'd share this picture of Jeremy from his fist visit to Disneyland. He was only 5 weeks old! Made me cry to see the difference between then and now.



And here he is now!!



I'll share more when I can get them uploaded.

Continued prayers for Rachel! Hopefully she's well enough when you go to Florida. You all need it after everything that's been going on.

 

[McDuck]

Just checking in real quick as we have been pretty much hunkered down today. I will post a pic of Kaity from the Build and Grow, probably tomorrow. I need to download all the pics off my old phone since I got a new one today-surprise to me! We were in Best Buy to get a neoprene laptop sleeve for Bill, and I found out I was able to get an iPhone 4 for free since I was eligible for an upgrade (that's better than at the cell phone company itself)! I also may be able to get the activation fee waived, just need to call the provider and ask. Since I've been a customer since the 90s, and have never asked for a waiver before, here's hoping! All they can do is say no, and even if they do, at least I don't have to pay the activation fee til the next bill, rather than today.

My prayers continue for Rachel, and for your family as a whole. Prayers for everyone else on here as well.

 

[Redwavess]

Hi Madeline, concussions are strange things, there isn't a lot know about them other than what others have done and that can vary wildly person to person. If she hasn't improved by the three week mark, they tell me there is the next phase which is post-concussive state. We return to her pediatrician on Tuesday and also have neuro and the concussion clinic set up over the next week. Rest, NO screen time other than occ MINDLESS TV for 20 to 25 mins, nothing to stimulating for her brain, she can't read or do schoolwork. Thankfully she is homeschooled and we have been working through the summer so we are ahead! Gail and I are speculating the healing could go fast once it starts, we are claiming that healing for Rachel! They keep telling me baby steps and that 3 weeks is the average time for a teen to recover. Tuesday will be 2 weeks, although it feels like 2 months!

I want to Thank you again for my beautiful early BD card and gift for our trip... you are such a sweetie!


Rushing to post this before I get kicked off!!!

Thanks for explaining all that to me. Oh I'm sure it has felt longer then two weeks. I know when Mallory is sick one day can feel like forever!!

I'm going to be praying that Rachel starts to feel better quickly and that the healing process goes fast. I really want you to be able to make your Florida trip. Your family certainly deserves so much needed R & R!!!

The card was my pleasure!!

I'll be waiting to hear more!!

See you soon!!

Madeline

 

[blessedmom4]

I know so many of you care for my family, I wanted to give a short update. THANK YOU for your messages and your prayers, they DO help!

Rachel isn't yet up, but will be shortly. We see her pediatrician this morning. As of last night she was still not well.

Lisa has a big Cardiology appt this afternoon. What makes it even more sad is her cardiologist who has been with her since she was an infant is moving to Charleston. His wife, who had a double heart/lung transplant as an adult at CHOP (Lisa's hospital in Philly), isn't doing well and he wants to be near family. For the past two years he has taken one week a month off and has now decided it is time to move near family. I am of course heartbroken, as well as worried for my daughter. This man has been like family and cared for Lisa as if she was his own. He hand-picked the partners in his practice, so that is a comfort and I have known both of them for many years as well...but they aren't Dr. G. Our normally worrisome appt, has the added dimension of our trusted MD leaving...so I am a bit on edge to say the least. I have known him since April, 2003. He was the first doctor to see Lisa when we transferred from UNC after Lisa's first Open Heart Surgery and he supported getting us transferred out to go to Philly for Lisa's other surgeries/cardiac caths/special testing, etc. He has been beside us almost this entire journey and this is hard. I know a lot of people can't relate to this in this day of managed care, because we often have to change doctors to fit the insurance wims. We have fought several insurance companies to be able to keep him as Lisa's doctor. He has changed cardiology practices (he actually started one at our preferred local hospital, my alma mater) in part, because of Lisa. There is a bond between them (and us) that will never be broken or filled again. I will miss the comfort of knowing he is close.

I know I sound like a broken record, but I am thankful to you all for being here and praying for us. I appreciate the personal messages to my family!

I add my prayers for all that need them!

Kathy, have a safe trip! I read about your Mom Praying for Cookie as well. Please know, I am NOT singling anyone out, and would love to respond to each of you right now, but have to get Pete to work!

 

[cogero]

Oh Gosh Judy that is stressful but may be a blessing too.

My OB retired in February with no notice and I was almost 6 months pregnant,my new OB has been a god send. I saw him almost weekly and twice weekly for the last 3 months. He also saved me during my C-section. I had some complications due to scarring and then he has also been seeing me for the last 10 weeks post partum due to an open wound. I honestly don't think I would of received this level of care with my old OB and I did love him but My new OB has my undying gratitude. So what I thought was going to be horrible has been wonderful and at least you know what is going on with Lisa's doctor.

You are in my prayers.

 

[McDuck]

Praying for Rachel, Lisa, and you today. I am sorry to hear of your beloved doctor's relocation, that really does stink and I know must be so hard for you. It is a blessing his partners were handpicked so my prayer is that Lisa and your family are able to have another cardiologist who will be as comforting, reliable, and caring.

 

[p00h4me]

Still praying for Rachel! Praying all the rest she is getting is bringing healing...all in God's timing. I sent you another e-mail that if you have a moment or two to check into before Rachel's appointments that you might bring this alternative idea to the attention of the doctors if it's a possibility for treatment if need be.

Will also pray for the bittersweet appointment with Lisa's cardiologist! I know that he'll leave you in good hands when he leaves. Will also pray for his wife condition and that being near family will bring them both comfort.

 

[homeschoolmomof4]

Oh Judy! I'm so sorry you are losing such a trusted member of your medical team! I'm absolutely heartbroken for your loss. You said that your doctor had handpicked the other doctors on his staff. Is there anyway that you could have a meeting with your doctor and the doctor from his associates that he feels most comfortable with taking on Lisa's case? I know it's a long shot given everyone's schedules, but it might ease the transition and make you feel more comfortable. You've trusted your child's life in your doctor's hands. You need some kind of reassurance that you can feel comfortable doing the same with a new doctor. I've interviewed/had a consultation with my kids' doctors before using them. Why not at least see if an introduction of some sort can be made so that you and Lisa will feel more comfortable with the new situation?

I'm so sorry to hear that Rachel is not doing any better. Poor sweetie. I will continue to keep her in my prayers.

 

[mickeystoontown]

Judy, I am so sad to hear that you are losing such a trusted part of the medical team that takes care of your family. I know how hard it can be and the shock that you feel when they tell you that they are moving/leaving. John had the same neurologist for almost twenty years and it was a blow when she told us that she was closing her practice.

It's wonderful to know that the doctors handpicked by Lisa's cardiologist will care for her. If he trusted them, you can too.

Praying for peace for you and Lisa and for Rachel!

 

[kayrosek]

Judy, I understand about Lisas Dr. We have had two that we feel that way about with Johns care. One in particular was with us during many emergencys including when John suddenly had 13 grand mal seizures. When she left suddenly my stubborn husband refused to go to any dr for almost ayear. That was not a good time for us. I pray the other one doesn't leave. I like the idea of a meeting with both the old and new Drs if possible. I will be praying that you can be comfortable with whatever Dr. Takes over Lisas care.

 

[Panotchr]

I understand how you feel about your cardiologist. We feel the same about Emily's neurosurgeon. It would be horrible if he no longer practiced. As it is, we drive to Maryland to be able to use him. I am praying you find comfort with the new cardiologist.

Hoping you get some peace today and that Rachel is feeling better.
xo Kelly

 

[ladylyons]

Oh no about Lisa's Dr. I hope your able to have a meeting with him before he leaves and can tell you who would be a good choice to take over Lisa's care. I also like the idea of a meeting of the Dr.'s so you and Lisa are comfortable with them. I know you've been through a lot with yours and I understand how hard it is. After on of our miscarriages (that my Dr. cried over, she was my ob before we ever had Jeremy) I was told she was retiring. I cried for days after because I didn't know if I'd find some one I trusted as much as her. We have gotten lucky and have a great ob now! Now I've told my kids Dr. he's not allowed to retire any time soon!! He laughed and said he doesn't plan on going anywhere right now.

 

[happybelle]

I am always praying for your family. How difficult to lose a doctor who has meant so much to you all. Praying your appointments this week are going well.

 

[kaoden39]

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone.

 

[happybelle]

My thoughts and prayers are with everyone.

Especially Judy and her family.