I have sat down many times to write many stories and
updates. However, these stories never make it any further than the hard drive
on my computer. I never seem to make that extra step to actually post what I
have written. Maybe it is because some of the stories are meant to be just for
me; however other times, I just don’t find the energy to plug in the Internet
and wait for my blog to pull up on the screen. And to be honest, sometimes I
just worry that what I have written is not “good enough” or not “worthy” of
others’ time to read. I know these are things I should not worry about…but it’s
true. Written words could never capture the emotions and feelings that are
experienced first hand. But any update is better than none. So now I will spend
time posting updates…there are many so please bare with me with the amount of
posts that will ensue (hopefully)…
Philly – Round Two!
(originally written in September 2015)
August 16-29th was trip #2 to Philadelphia for
Caila and I. This time, the trip was only two weeks. Caila had a few doctors
appointments and daily therapy scheduled. Even though the trip was short, Caila
was still a little nervous and did not know what to expect. After a long day of
travel, we managed to arrive at the Ronald McDonald House without any major
issues. We were so thankful that a room had opened up just in time for our
arrival that day. Although we stayed at the same Ronald McDonald House on our
last trip, I noticed Caila was apprehensive as we pulled in. However, once
inside, I could see a little relief in her face as we saw some familiar faces. These
faces were of two children and their families who we had spent ample time with
during our previous stay in Philadelphia – she did have some slight confusion
as to why these same kids/families were still living in this random house that
is for strangers to live together for short periods of time…ha! Anyway - to
much joyfulness, both children were standing tall with assistance from forearm
crutches – both children were also once told that they had a slim chance of
standing and walking again due to spinal cord injuries. At the exact moment
that we walked into the house, I had a view of Caila and the two other children
and immediately my heart smiled. In that exact moment I saw God. Three children
who were NEVER supposed to walk again were standing, walking right in front of
my eyes. It was as if God was standing
behind each one of them holding them up. Nothing
is impossible for God.
AS I fought back tears, we got checked in and headed to our
room for the night and prepared for the next day. Our routine the next morning
was exactly the same as in February and March and seemed as if we had not
missed a day doing it even though it had been a little over 5 months. It was as
if we had never left. The doctor’s appointments were filled with nothing but
good news and praise. Caila continues to amaze all of her doctors. Her physical
therapist was no different. No one thought she would be where she is at today. Even other patients and families who we had
met previously were truly amazed at Caila’s progress over the past 5 months. It
was so heart warming to hear everyone’s kind words and to see the excitement on
their faces as they watched Caila walk…without assistance. God placed each one
of those people specifically in Caila’s life – and my life – to encourage her
and cheer her on. I am so blessed that there have been so many people placed in
her life to be her support system away from her home!
Caila received the amazing news of needing to come back in
ONE YEAR!!! Not 3 months, not 6 months, but a year. This is awesome news.
We have been back from Philadelphia for about 2 weeks. Caila
has NOT used her forearm crutches since we have been back. When we got back from
Philly; she put the crutches in her house and has not touched them since. Every
time I see her walking around I get tears in my eyes. Knowing what could be
versus the current reality is something that we all think about from time to
time. There is no denying that our minds wonder to the “what if’s” in this
situation. But our God is far greater than we could ever imagine. Our God is so
good.
The latest skill Caila has begun to master is JUMPING – take
a second to watch the video. Caila is JUMPING. Eight months ago, Caila could
not move her legs and definitely could stand or walk. Now, she is jumping!
I cannot say it enough...GOD IS GOOD!!!
