I haven't posted about this yet, because I've had a hard time putting into words just how frustrated I get with others responses sometime. As if we CHOOSE for our kids to have bazaar illnesses and situations come up. Like we ENJOY watching our kids get poked, prodded, scanned, and examined from top to bottom! Who wants that for their kids? Certainly not us!
Anyhow - back to the post....
Kayleigh's been complaining of dizzy spells, fatigue, and overall weakness for several weeks. We just assumed it was her blood sugar dropping too low, and honestly ignored it... telling her to eat more of this or that to try to compensate. But, in the last 10 days, things kind of came to a head.
On Friday the 14th, Kayleigh had a bad spell in school where she had to go to the office for a while. Then Saturday she was exhausted, but still pushed forward for prom that night. Late in the evening we got a message that her date was bringing her home, she was very dizzy, not feeling well, and he was a bit nervous for her. To put the icing on the cake, at youth group on Sunday evening she completely collapsed. The youth leaders helped her, then helped Devin get her in the car so he could bring her home.
Monday morning (the 17th) we called the doctor and we took her right over. Again, we continued to assume it was her blood sugar, and so did they. But her labs were looking good... her heartrate; however, was not! When we were at the doctor's office, Kayleigh was in a bradycardia sinus rhythm with a heartrate of 48-52. When they did one of their sit down, lie down, get up type tests - it dropped even lower! Next thing we knew we were scheduled for cardiology, neurology, heart holter monitor, and a boatload more of bloodwork!
So far - Kayleigh has had a ton of labwork done, as well as the heart holter monitor done for 24 hours. Her next appointment is Wednesday with Neurology (to rule out an atypical seizure problem because her Daddy has seizures), and we are still waiting on the Cardiology appointment.
Kayleigh's friend posted a Bible verse tonight: "So do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand." -Isaiah 41:10. How very true it is that we need not fret or worry about what MIGHT happen... He is ALWAYS by our side, through good and bad, there to comfort and keep us safe in His grip.
Pray for Kayleigh, and the wisdom of the doctors to get to the bottom of what's causing her symptoms.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Really. Really! Really????
Monday, May 17, 2010
My Babies Went to PROM!
Where do the years go? Devin and Kayleigh both went to prom this year, and they both looked fabulous!!!
Devin's date was his girlfriend, Kaity. She's been around for about 3 months now and is really a sweet gal... and she's great at keeping Devin in line!! They went with a group of friends to Nobles for dinner, then danced all evening at prom, and ended the night at a big (supervised) group get together at Kaity's house. Devin came home EXHAUSTED and sleepwalked through Sunday... but I know he had a great time!
Kayleigh's date was her best-friend, Jacob. They started their evening with a small group of friends at River-Birch Lodge, then went to prom. They opted out of any after-prom, but both said they had a great time!
As a special treat on Prom weekend, Grandma and Grandpa Lyons were here! With them living 12 hours away, we don't have too many events like this to share in person with them. I know that it was special for both Devin and Kayleigh, as well as the Grandparents! I watched Grandpa fight back a few tears!! So glad they were here!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day
I was at the mall earlier in the week with Mike. As soon as I walked through the doors, the signs were everywhere.. Celebrate Mom, Great Mother's Day Gifts, Show Mom You Love Her... I found myself walking straight ahead, trying not to notice. Then, we walked in Hallmark to look at clearance items and Mike disappeared. As I turned the corner I saw him... reading Mother's Day cards for his Mom. Instantly, I fell into tears and had to leave the store.
I know it isn't fair to my own kids, but I really struggle with Mother's Day because I don't have her to share it with. I don't have my Mom to tell her thank you for all that you've taught me. I don't have her here to say Thank You to.
So - for those of you who still have your Mom by your side, love her and spend time with her on this day. Make sure she knows that you are grateful for all she's done in your life.
For those of you like me, who are missing your Mom terribly. Rejoice in her memory and be thankful for all you learned from her.
Mom, I miss you more than words could ever describe. I am so very grateful for the time we had with you, regardless of how short it was. I learned to be a wife, mother, and friend by watching you; and for that, I am forever grateful.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Live For Today!
We continue to hear stories of people losing their life very very young.
- This week, a girl back home lost her battle with cancer.... 44 years old.
- A nurse that used to work with us didn't wake up.... 40 years old.
- Another nurse's son had a sudden cardiac arrest.... 34 years old!
I sent out a prayer request earlier in the week. My brother-in-law continues to battle an advanced stage of Wegener's Disease and was taken back to the hospital. His condition continues to worsen and we are preparing for the worst. Wills are being made, Powers of attorney are being signed, Attorney's have been called to help. He is just barely 40 years old...
These stories are not uncommon, yet we still seem to live life like we're guaranteed our next breath... and we're not. We need to live life today as if it were our last, making sure our loved ones KNOW we love them. And most importantly, making sure our Jesus KNOWS we love Him!
Pastor Beaty said something a while ago that has really stuck with me each and every day, and I'm leaving you with it...
If you died tomorrow, would you go to Heaven? Have you opened your heart to Jesus and accepted Him? Trusted in His love for you? Are you living your life to glorify Him? Will your family know that you have given your heart to Him so that they have peace in knowing your final destination?
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me shall live, even though he dies" (John 11:25)
Worshipping Him...
With lots of emotion, Kayleigh sang Tenth Avenue North's "By Your Side" for the first time on stage last Sunday evening with the Youth Praise Band. These kids love worshiping together. And when they sing, it is so clear that they do it to love and honor our God, and not just to be on stage. The emotion just pours out of them!
Monday, April 26, 2010
ROCC Youth Praise Band
Kayleigh sings with the ROCC Youth Praise Band at our church. We had the opportunity to watch them at rehearsals on Sunday afternoon. They are such a great group of kids, and so fun to watch!
This video is them singing 10th Avenue North's "By Your Side". Kayleigh has the lead in it, starting the song and finishing it.
State Fair Shots
Grandma and Grandpa Casto were here for the performance and loved it! It was a special treat for Kayleigh to have them in town. Living 12 hours away, we don't get too many opportunities to share events like this with them!
Here's a video of Kayleigh singing and dancing. When they come out on stage, she's the one in the middle.
This is Kayleigh's best friend, Andrea, singing. She played Emily Arden in the musical and was PERFECT for the role!!
The entire musical cast did a great job!!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Our Daughter Is a Cooch Dancer!!
Kayleigh is in Reagan High School's performance of "State Fair" by Rogers & Hammerstein this weekend! She plays the part Jeanne, a floozy, cooch dancer! We're so excited for her - this is her first singing and dancing role.. but it's so very strange to say that we're so proud of our floozy, cooch dancing daughter!
If you live in the Winston-Salem area, the performance runs Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the high school starting at 7pm. We'd love to see you there!
Saturday, April 17, 2010
Hebrews 13:5 "Never Will I Leave You, Never Will I Forsake You"
Ya know... We hear a lot of things like "there's always something going on" when another stumbling block gets thrown our way. Yes, there is always something going on, but we deal with it! Believe me... we couldn't make up this stuff if we tried!!
Ya see... in the 18 1/2 years we've been married we've been through a LOT... and I do mean a LOT more than most people deal with in their entire lives!!
(You can click on the bold words for more information.)
- Premature births of both our girls
- Paige spent several weeks in the NICU because of Bradycardia
- Devin was in the hospital twice on the same day for 2 different things! Stitches in the bottom of his foot early in the afternoon, Brown Recluse Spider Bite that night!
- The girls both have had tonsils taken out
- 4 sets of tubes in Chase's ears alone
- Kayleigh had Labrynthitis
- Consequently, Kayleigh deals with horrible Tinnitus... or ringing in her ears
- Kayleigh has an Acoustic Neuroma
- Paige is followed by oncology for Lymphangioma's in her neck
- Mike went through 4 years of seizures and no one can tell us why
- Devin has broke his leg TWICE and tore a major tendon in his foot
- Chase had Kawasaki Disease not once, but TWICE and consequently now has Autoimmune Heart Disease
- Kayleigh struggles with Hypoglycemia every day
- Chase battles a PDD-NOS with "mild developmental delay"
- Multiple bouts of pneumonia and croup in all of the kids
- Kayleigh has Raynaud's Syndrome... her feet turn almost black at times!
- Most recently, just Thursday, we learned that Paige has a moderate to severe hearing loss
And, believe me, this isn't what we would ask for if given the chance. But, it is the life we've been given, and we make the best of it.
Our God never promised life would be easy... but He did promise that He would be there for us every step of the way. Joshua 1:9 says "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." When we start to feel overwhelmed and we stop to pray, a sense of peace takes over and we know it will be ok.
So, next time you hear of something going on in our life, instead of automatically assuming that it's just something else for us to complain about, how about stopping to pray with us for strenght, comfort, and guidance; and know that our Lord has us in His grip, and we'll be ok.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Time Is Going So Fast...
But each day gets better a friend once told me... because each day, we are closer to being reunited again at the side of Jesus.
Love and Miss You soooo much!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Frail..
This is stolen from my husband's Facebook status, where late last night he posted:
"It's been a pretty rough few weeks, and I've found myself at a crossroads for many portions of my life (work, school, church, and many milestones/changes at home that are rapidly approaching.) I spent a better part of my evening just listening to this song over-n-over again. It is incredible for resetting your mind..."
The last few weeks he has lost 2 family members, only a day apart, and my brother-in-law is very very ill, seemingly losing his battle with Wegener's Disease. We were able to visit with another Grandmother while we were home for the funerals - though she is doing well, she is so frail and we know that our time with her is shorter every day. Our kids are growing up so fast, before our very eyes! Devin goes off to college next year, Kayleigh the next. Mike's job is very unstable as the word of technology takes over his business, possibly forcing him out of a job in the next few months - so we are again looking at college options for him. Even though he's seemed so strong through it all, he wasn't... like the rest of us, he is "frail".
For him, this video helped him "reset" a bit...
I watched it this morning, and I listened to the words... I had to watch it twice through the tears. Mike is such a rock through times of trial, rarely shows his feelings and sometimes I wonder how much he really feels because he is so very strong on the outside. But - like all of us - he hides in the shadows, he hides to protect his family.
When we stop hiding from God, fall on our knees and acknowledge His strength, His power, and His love over us... life seems to get easier and things are so much more clear!
I've always been a fool
I fear this love reaction
Just like you said I would
A rose could never lie
About the love it brings
And I could never promise
To be any of those things
Chorus:
If I was not so weak
If I was not so cold
If I was not so scared of being broken
Growing old
I would be...
I would be...
I would be...
Blessed are the shallow
Depth they'll never find
Seems to be some comfort
In rooms I try to hide
Exposed beyond the shadows
You take the cup from me
Your dirt removes my blindness
Your pain becomes my peace
[Chorus]
...frail
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
She Will Be Missed...
(Judy and her Mom, Grandma Eschbach)Around 11:30am this morning, Mike's Grandma Eschbach (Judy's Mom) was called Home. She was a wonderful lady who was always so caring with our family. When Mike and I started having kids, she was always Grandma Eschbach and the kids enjoyed going to her house when we'd be in town. They never felt like "step"- grandkids and for that, I will always be grateful.
Grandma Eschbach will be missed so much! But we rest comfortably knowing that she loved the Lord and is in His grip now. We look forward to the day we see her again!
Thursday, April 1, 2010
ENOUGH ALREADY!
The last week for our entire family has been... well... just plain sucky!
My step-sister's husband, Earl "aka Hot Rod", was diagnosed with an advanced Wegener's Disease last Tuesday after falling very ill on Monday and being rushed to the hospital. Here we are a week later and he's weaker, his kidneys and organs are failing him, he's in tremendous pain, and it is looking very very grim as he gets sicker each day. One week's time and he's fighting for his life!
Then, this Monday, Mike's grandmother was found on the floor in the middle of the night. Once in the hospital it was determined she had pneumonia, as well as emphysema, her fall was probably from very low oxygen saturations. She has gotten worse every day this week, and tonight our family is at her side as she slips away.
Early this morning, another cousin on Mike's side of the family died of a massive heart attack and barely 55 years old!
About 45 minutes ago we heard sirens in our neighborhood... they stopped at our neighbor's a few houses up where Chase plays all the time. Their son, also named Chase, has been very sick the last few days and unable to play. We're not sure what happened, but they put him in the EMS where they worked on him for a good 15 minutes before leaving. Our Chase is worried sick about his friend, on the very night we told him that his Grandma is dying tonight.
Oh... Wait... it gets BETTER! Our last phone call to check on Grandma, we got news that my mother-in-laws uncle has only a few weeks left also!! We don't know the details, only that he is very sick.
Our entire family is physically and emotionally spent! The hardest thing as parent is comforting our kids when they are so very upset over the loss and suffering of loved ones.
Through all of this, we hold on to our faith that our God has us in His grip. My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 66:13: "As a Mother Comforts Her Child, So I Will Comfort You..." We need Your comfort, Lord, We know You are near.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
World Down Syndrome Day
Today is March 21st... World Down Syndrome Day! This date was chosen because Down Syndrome is a triplication of the 21st chromosome.
We have a good handful of friends who have amazing, sweet, loving children who just happen to have Down Syndrome. Look at these sweet faces that Kayleigh captured on camera when she did her Reflections Project and send a special prayer up for them, and all others affected by Down Syndrome!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
What Goes 'Round... Comes 'Round!
Well... after feeling MISERABLE for 4 days and a Minute Clinic visit that was an hour of my life wasted, I went to MY doctor's office on Friday afternoon. Turns out - their strep test was POSITIVE and I had a lovely sinus infection brewing, huge tonsils, and a bit of an asthmatic type of cough going on that the doctor got to witness! So, he put me on steroids and antibiotics.... 24 hours later, I'm finally feeling a little bit of relief!
But... while I was AT the doctor's office, he asked me what took me so long to come in. I explained to him I went to the Minute Clinic thing on Wednesday night, and I told him how awful of an experience it was. He pressed for more details, so I gave him the WHOLE story! He then asked me which Minute Clinic I went to, so I told him. Then wanted to know who the NP was. I couldn't remember her name, but I told him she didn't speak much English. He smiled and said "oooohhh... that's Elena... I'll have a chat with her. I'm her supervisor!".
HA!
Turns out, my doctor is the Supervising MD for the Robinhood Road Minute Clinic!
What goes 'round, comes 'round, Elena! Maybe next time she'll use a bit more clinical judgement and a bit less computer clicking!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Don't Waste Your Money!
I've been dealing with a horrible sore throat for a few days now, and today the white blistery spots started. I have a history of tonsillitis and was actually scheduled to have my tonsils taken out a year ago, but I chickened out last minute. So - for me - it's not rocket science to figure out what's about to happen!
So, tonight, I gave in! I've hard all the rave about the new CVS Minute Clinic's so I thought I'd head down there thinking it would be an easy in and out, with a simple diagnosis, especially considering my history.
Started out simple enough... you enter your name into a computer and sit and wait your turn. I only waited about 20 minutes, for a walk-in I was pretty happy with that. A nurse practitioner (who did not speak English well at all) greeted me and took me into her little office. She immediately starts asking me canned questions from the computer and she clicks my answers... hardly any eye contact at all. Once she's done she says "the computer says to do a rapid strep test". I told her that was fine, but I was certain it was tonsillitis and started to tell her my history - she cut me off saying "the computer gives us clinical guidelines we have to follow".
Uhhh... excuse me? The computer is your clinical judgement????
So I let her do the strep test - she shoved the thing half way down my throat and left it there so long I ended up grabbing her arm to take it OUT of my throat! Kid you not! She runs the test and then shows it to me saying "one pink line is negative, two is positive, you only have one so what you have is viral".
Again - at this point she still hadn't even LOOKED at my tonsils! She's working based on what the computer told her to do!
She starts to click something on the computer and I said to her - it's the tonsils that are a mess, so she finally looked. First she asks (after she looked) do you even still have your tonsils? SERIOUSLY!?!? She then told me.... and I quote.... "you do have a lot of them, but your white blisters aren't large enough for me to click as a symptom" and she turned to go back to letting the computer spit out IT'S diagnosis...
"sore throat"
By now I was ticked and I told her so! Told her that it was a complete waste of my $35 copay and I'll call my own doctor tomorrow - to which she asked me if my own doctor prescribed meds based on what I thought was wrong. I very sternly replied - and I quote again "no, but she DOES use her own clinical judgement, something that you clearly don't know how to do!".
She was ever so kind as to print off the what to do for a sore throat sheet, and sent me on my merry way!
Now - I'm sure that if you have something that can be simply diagnosed with a test (i.e. strep, flu, etc.) that it's fine. But if there's any clinical judgement involved at all - don't waste your time or your money at Minute Clinic!
Sunday, March 7, 2010
First Time On Stage...
This weekend was the first time the new youth praise band was on stage during regular services. They sang "Hosanna" during the offering. Kayleigh's nerves were high, but they all did a great job!
(ps - Kayleigh's the one on the far left of the video!)
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Poor Andy!
In the short week we have lived here, Andy has already learned that he LOVES to go for an afternoon walk in the neighborhood to see his friends too! Tonight, as he was going down one curb to cross the street, his back hip gave out and he tumbled forward. His paw got stuck in the sidewalk crack and the next thing we knew there was blood everywhere! We got him back home figuring we could fix him up... but it was clear there was no stopping the bleeding so off to the emergency vet we went....
Turns out our poor pup has some sort of bleeding disorder we didn't know about! Yeah - I know - write a book of all the crazy stuff that goes on in our house! After two hours of waiting for his foot to clot on it's own, they ended up having to turniquet his leg for nearly 15 minutes AND cauterize it to get it to stop bleeding!
So for the next 3 days, no walks for Andy. To top that off, to go outside to potty he has to have a plastic bag over that foot (he HATES it!). Add to that, we get the joy of trying to get him to take antibiotics twice a day for the next 10 days and a pain pill each day for the next 3 days!
Poor pup!
Friday, March 5, 2010
A Tour of the Main Level...
First, this is looking into the dining area and kitchen from the family room...
