This week Makenna has pointed out to me this simple fact:
It's easy to get caught up in the small stuff and focus on all that's wrong. But it's way more fun to forget all those things and enjoy life and relish the moment. Be thankful for what you've got and don't worry about what is missing.
It began on Sunday in church. My kids would probably not win any awards for their behavior during church - but they wouldn't be in the doghouse either. They do not sit still with their hands in their laps, attentively listening and robotically following along - but rather enjoy themselves, one another and those around them. Semi-distracting... but exhibiting a contagious enjoyment of the day. During the Glory to God, Makenna began belting it out - "Glory to God on the highest, and peace to his people on earth". And all the while a huge smile on her face!
And it just made me beam inside. Here is this kid who has been through so much in her short life and she is singing her praises to God. Forget the casts, the IV's, the sedation and anesthesia, the MRI's, the x-rays, the eye dilation, and the blood tests - LIFE IS GOOD! Point taken. Thank you, Makenna :)
During the offering, the children are allowed to bring up their own offering to a basket on the alter. As all the kids gathered dollars or envelopes from mom/dad, Abby and Makenna headed up as well. Among the sea of children it was easy to spot Makenna. She was the one dancing and hopping her way to the front. Such a love of every moment...and I smiled. The structured and ordered part of me wanted to tell her "you know, you should just walk up there, put your money in the basket and walk back"... but how can you squelch such vivaciousness? You can't - and no one should.
As if to test my thought... she has now appeared downstairs at 10:43 pm and would like to make a "position" to stay up this whole night and help me :)
She has been blessed with her disposition and it will help her on her way and teach all those who cross her path. We are not defined by our circumstances, but rather how we handle our selves in the wake.
And she is strong. and brave. and resilient...
We have two test ahead of us this month. Next week we head to Cincinnati for a Velopharengeal Insuffenciency Clinic at Children's Hospital. This is to address her nasal speech issues. They will do an indepth analysis and evaluation using all kinds of fancy equipment. Most of it will be easy - except for the scope they will do through her nose to see what happens when she speaks. I am holding my breath that her braveness continues and she pulls through like a trooper.
At the end of the month we head to Chicago for her orthopedic follow up. She is still looking really good; spine wise. I am optimistic that the doctor will agree. I do not think it would be wise to wean her from the brace anytime soon, so I have no high expectation or concerns about that appointment ;) - and that's refreshing.
It's easy to get caught up in the small stuff and focus on all that's wrong. But it's way more fun to forget all those things and enjoy life and relish the moment. Be thankful for what you've got and don't worry about what is missing.
It began on Sunday in church. My kids would probably not win any awards for their behavior during church - but they wouldn't be in the doghouse either. They do not sit still with their hands in their laps, attentively listening and robotically following along - but rather enjoy themselves, one another and those around them. Semi-distracting... but exhibiting a contagious enjoyment of the day. During the Glory to God, Makenna began belting it out - "Glory to God on the highest, and peace to his people on earth". And all the while a huge smile on her face!
And it just made me beam inside. Here is this kid who has been through so much in her short life and she is singing her praises to God. Forget the casts, the IV's, the sedation and anesthesia, the MRI's, the x-rays, the eye dilation, and the blood tests - LIFE IS GOOD! Point taken. Thank you, Makenna :)
During the offering, the children are allowed to bring up their own offering to a basket on the alter. As all the kids gathered dollars or envelopes from mom/dad, Abby and Makenna headed up as well. Among the sea of children it was easy to spot Makenna. She was the one dancing and hopping her way to the front. Such a love of every moment...and I smiled. The structured and ordered part of me wanted to tell her "you know, you should just walk up there, put your money in the basket and walk back"... but how can you squelch such vivaciousness? You can't - and no one should.
As if to test my thought... she has now appeared downstairs at 10:43 pm and would like to make a "position" to stay up this whole night and help me :)
She has been blessed with her disposition and it will help her on her way and teach all those who cross her path. We are not defined by our circumstances, but rather how we handle our selves in the wake.
And she is strong. and brave. and resilient...
We have two test ahead of us this month. Next week we head to Cincinnati for a Velopharengeal Insuffenciency Clinic at Children's Hospital. This is to address her nasal speech issues. They will do an indepth analysis and evaluation using all kinds of fancy equipment. Most of it will be easy - except for the scope they will do through her nose to see what happens when she speaks. I am holding my breath that her braveness continues and she pulls through like a trooper.
At the end of the month we head to Chicago for her orthopedic follow up. She is still looking really good; spine wise. I am optimistic that the doctor will agree. I do not think it would be wise to wean her from the brace anytime soon, so I have no high expectation or concerns about that appointment ;) - and that's refreshing.