For those of you who followed our brief trek to Dallas this week on Facebook, I though I’d share an update. For those of you who don’t waste time hang out on twitter, Facebook and instagram, I thought I’d fill you in as well. I’m so grateful for your prayers. If you are new to The Kitchen Mission, welcome! I’m so glad you are here. For more history on Littlest’s story you can read previous posts:
The Back Story:
Husband and I took Littlest to Dallas this week for a check up at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital. Our expectations, based on a previous visit last December, were such that this would be a routine visit, minimal films – just an X-ray, and further discussion regarding Littlest’s upcoming surgery loosely planned for after Christmas in early 2013. The surgery – a double hemivertebra resection is rare. Since Littlest was born, the battle cry from her docs has been consistent “the question is not if she has the surgery, it’s when.” Our doctor, who began at Scottish Rite as a Fellow and is now Chief of Staff, has only seen one similar case. We’ve felt confident all along with the extremely conservative approach the surgeons share. No one is rushing to put her on the table. With surgery inevitable and the timing more an art than science, we traveled to Dallas believing we would have a routine spine check to monitor the curves and learn more about the timing of the surgery.
And, that’s exactly what happened. Only God delighted us with yet another miraculous answer to prayer. The gift of time. When the doctor told us he reserved the right to change his mind at any point during this process, he believes for now it is in Littlest’s best interest to hold off at least another year on surgery. In fact, he didn’t even see the need for us to return until next June. We’ve never known the freedom of a year without doctor visits. It feels foreign and oh so good.
The Praise:
Praise! All praise to you Lord Jesus! Thank you, Father, for the 24 hour trip to Scottish Rite in Dallas. For protection in the worst thunderstorm cell I’ve ever driven through. For the beauty of the fancy hotel and the excitement the girls shared exploring the room and devouring the extra pillow chocolates. For the Guacamologist who treated us in the lobby with samples of gourmet guacamole (the secret ingredient is roasted garlic!). For the free (Husband pleasing) trolley ride to Taco Diner for supper. For the heavy plastic bedding bag I creatively used to protect the feather-down pillow top mattress just in case Littlest wet the bed. For the friends who offered prayers via text and on Facebook. And for those who have interceded on our behalf since before Littlest was born. For delicious coffee and room service. For a husband who knows the backstreets of downtown Dallas. For the tremendous gift of Texas Scottish Rite Hospital. For the parking lot security guard who greeted us with a smile so bright it had to be YOU, Jesus. For a laughing Littlest who giggled in her green hospital gown. For her peace and joy and comfort in this place now familiar. For Candy Stripers who delivered games in a red wagon. For free wifi while we waited. For X-ray technicians who made Littlest smile while holding still for the camera. For an older sister who patiently sat by her sometimes pesky little sister’s side. And took her to the potty more times than me. For nurses who gazed deep with eyes that gently whispered I know. For a doctor who confessed his right to change his mind. And for the miraculous words, “Let’s wait.” For quiet moments of temporary disbelief released into happy tears and praise. Thank you, Lord for always being in our midst. For ordaining tiny details and orchestrating major miracles.
Mostly, Lord, thank you for the gift and miracle of time. Amen.
Thank you, friends, for walking this journey with us. We appreciate your love and prayers more than you know.
I’m sharing this story as part of a blog series
created by my friend Brooke called One Beautiful Thing.
Our trip to Dallas this week and the news we received most definitely counts as my #onebeautifulthing!
Love,
Oh how I live this! Praise God – He is so good!!! And thank you for the joy-filled report on the lovely details of His goodness so we can experience it too! Hugs to your Littlest and yahoo!!!
Thank you Susan. Hugs to your sweet family too!
What a beautiful girl … and her momma shines Jesus bright. Wonderful news and a beautiful way for me to start this Thursday morning.
Love you, Kristin!!
You teach me to shine, friend.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! Praise Him all creatures here below! Praise Him above the heavenly hosts! Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
AMEN!
Amen, indeed! 🙂
oops – that was Oh, how I LOVE this! gotta love the spellcheck on my iphone 🙂
Cried. Your gratitude and faith were palpable, my friend. Love you and so thankful for your gifts.
Thank you, Thelma. I mean Lynne. 🙂
Kristin – This is truly miraculous and I am so happy the littlest is doctor/spine surgery free for a year! As an adult and having been through multiple spinal surgeries/procedures it’s frightening and this is just the best news ever!!
God bless . . .Rachelle
Rachelle, I remember you telling me about your back surgeries. Having walked that path with Husband, I know it’s brutal. How are you doing now? I’d love to see you IRL, btw! 🙂
God is good! So glad you got such wonderful news! Have been through the rounds with back specialist with our oldest who had an unexplained and misdiagnosed compression fracture of her T5 when she was ten which ultimately required a spinal fusion to correct. We trusted the surgeon when others doubted and the surgery confirmed a problem which would not have been cured or reversed without the spinal fusion. Will keep littlest in our prayers.
Oh friend! It’s so hard, isn’t it? I’m so glad your Little’s back is corrected. Would love to talk to you more about your experience. Plus, I’d love to catch up with you! Thank you for reading and for your prayers.
Oh sweet friend! That is such fantastic news! I have been praying and am just praising him with you! Good good good good good good good!
Thank you, Logan!
The best news!!!!! Amen!
Thank you Stacey. Sarah said it was “the best day ever!” But that may have more to do with the chocolate than the actual news. 😉
So excited about this very, very good news!
Thank you so much, Jen.
Tears are rolling down my face as I read of God’s great mercy and continued provision. Your thankful heart in the midst of the struggle ministers to me, Kristin. Thank you for sharing the good news! xoxo
I cried too! Oh the blessings! Thanks for sharing the good news! You are a blessing to your family and to those of us lucky enough to witness your faith! Inspiring strength and courage! God bless sweet Sarah and all of you.
So, so happy for Littlest and you! What a sweet relief that only a momma knows. Praying for miracle upon miracle for you, friend.
Thank you for sharing your journey, your beautiful words and your amazing faith!:)
Dear friend, I’m all for clicking through to read the stories. The top two links for Sarah’s story appear to be linked to blogs other than what you intended (ravioli give-away and fishing?). Thanks for sharing the story… I love your writing! It is always moving, challenging, and thought-provoking for me, in so many good ways! Hugs.
Good morning! I’m late in joining you in prayer but will begin now! Sending you lots of love!!!