Philadelphia - Round Two

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 16-29^th 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!!! 

Jeremiah 32:27

(Quick background: Caila received scoliosis surgery in late July 2013. Post surgery she was medically deemed paralyzed – no sensation and no active movement. Caila and I traveled to Philadelphia in February for therapy. This was written shortly after our return to Haiti in early April)

Prior to leaving Haiti to travel to Philadelphia, I was asked multiple times “will Caila walk again”. I often replied with something along the lines of “I do not know. Science/medicine says no.” I could always see the impact of that answer and I always immediately felt like the pessimistic or the one who did not have hope or faith. I never was without hope and I never was without the belief in God’s power. But at the same time, I could not answer such a loaded question. It was not humanly possible for me to answer that question with a “no” or a “yes”. Perhaps I should have answered a little more profoundly; however this answer was almost a reply that automatically came out of my mouth without me thinking due to the amount of times I was asked, “will Caila walk again”. The truth of the matter is, I knew in my heart (and mind) that if Caila were to stand again, to walk again, it had to come from God. God’s miraculous healing would have to be part of her story. God has a plan for Caila and His plan would/will unfold in His timing. Just as He has a plan for all the children I have had the pleasure of working with, just as He has a plan for you, and just as He has a plan for me. We can spend countless hours trying to figure out His plan and trying to answer questions such as “will Caila walk again”, but that is all pointless and brings only worry, fear, confusion, etc. into our lives. Of course, it is our human nature to try to analyze every situation that is thrown our way when all we really need to do is spend all those countless hours in prayer – talking to God and listening to God….

On February 7, Caila said her goodbyes to her mom and aunt with many tears being shed and off we went. After 3 weeks of being back in Haiti, I was headed back to the airport to catch a plane heading to the US. This time I was headed to a different destination with a whole new purpose with Caila in toe. I could tell she was a little nervous…okay maybe a lot nervous. I would be lying if I said I was not a little nervous too. After all, Caila and I really had only known each other for 3 weeks and here we were about to embark on a difficult journey together. As we sat on the plane heading to our first stop, Miami, I fell into prayer. Prayers for Caila. Prayers for me. Prayers for my relationship with Caila. Prayers for God’s Will to be done in her life. Neither of us knew what was to come....

Day one of therapy came after a few doctor’s appointments, hospital admission, and lifted restrictions. I was not prepared mentally nor emotionally what was to come in that first session of therapy. I sat in the background watching Caila nervously follow all instructions from the therapists. After baseline measurements and assessments were completed, I heard the therapist say, “now we are going to stand”. Caila's head rapidly turned towards the therapist with her eyes conveying the message of “you want me to do what?!?”. Caila shook her head “no” multiple times. Then without hesitation, she pushed through her legs and stood. She stood up with minimal assistance on the very FIRST day of therapy. I could not make eye contact with anyone in the room as my eyes filled with tears and my heart began to race. I took a hard swallow and tried to prevent the tears from falling. I am sure my eyes were wide opened and my jaw dropped. This was the moment I knew in my heart that a miracle was unfolding….right before my eyes. Her smile says a million words!

Within 15 minutes, Caila was standing with assistance in the parallel bars. What happened next is something that plays over and over in my mind frequently. I cannot put it all into words…or at least words that can justify the emotions that every one in the therapy gym felt. Caila, on her first day of therapy, took a few steps. Yes, these steps were assisted…but she TOOK STEPS, one leg in front of the other. 

As the days progressed, Caila began making progress in an unbelievable pace. Each and every day, Caila added a new skill….as well as another day added to our “5-week” trip. Caila began with 2 people assist, then a walker, and then forearm crutches. Before I knew it, before I could process what was happening, Caila was getting on/off the floor, navigating ramps, walking up/down stairs, cruising around during therapy with minimal assistance, etc. I was enthralled on a daily basis. Watching Caila during therapy was something I looked forward to each and every day. I was trying to make sense of something that was unexplainable using scientific/medical knowledge. It was “simple” – she is a walking miracle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpLFfOFKViE

As I sat many mornings, afternoons, and nights listening to Caila sing along to worship music, I couldn’t help but feel my heart smile. I do not know if she truly understood each and every lyric, but I do know that God is working in her life. Not only in her physical life but also in her spiritual life. I couldn’t help but to spend so many moments wondering if Caila will ever know the impact that she has had on so many peoples lives throughout her journey. From the moments leading up to the surgery to the last couple months in rehab to transitioning back to Haiti she has touched lives every step of the way. I have witnessed Caila overcome every single obstacle thrown her way. Through her courage, determination, and her amazing ability to never give up even at the point of true exhaustion and discouragement, God has shown His glory and power. His mercy and grace. HIM! Nothing is too hard for God! 

I am not sure how or why God placed me in Caila’s life, why He chose me out of the billions of people on this planet more qualified for the "job" than me. But one thing I do know is that I am beyond blessed and forever changed because of this amazing 13-year old girl.

"I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" - Jeremiah 32:27