Little Bumps in the Road

I always feel like I am better at things when my plate is full. It means that I must be more intentional with my time and plan, plan, plan. On top of school we have had fun with friends, soccer practice, and piano lessons. All of this activity also means that some things get left behind, sorry blog.

As you might remember we had planned Maggie’s hand surgery for October 10th. Well, not any more. Maggie caught her first virus at the end of July, she spiked a fever and then had congestion. Now, for you and me, colds are a nuisance but it runs it’s course, right? For Maggie, not so much. Her sinuses are impacted by Apert Syndrome. When she is congested it causes her narrow nasal passages to become even smaller causing her to gasp for air. She ended up on steroids so we could reduce swelling and get rid of her trouble with breathing and thanks be to God, it worked so well!

Then she caught another virus. Thankfully with one virus under our belt we started steamy bathroom treatments immediately, did saline a gazillion times a day and used our dear friend nose-frida (its weird but it works).

Her latest cough meant that her lungs were impacted and it was within 6 weeks of surgery so, no-go. We have a new surgery date in November and we will try for then. But, it is what it is. We will try our best to keep her healthy and away from all germs, but the reality is, we don’t have complete control.

I mean, I could tell the kids not to touch Maggie for six weeks, I could tell them we aren’t going anywhere until her surgery. I have already created new routines with the kids to reduce the chance for germs and I have kept my kids from large fun friend packed events because we do have to be prudent. I could just say, “Everyone stay away from us and stay away from Maggie!” I could, but I won’t. Maggie needs her siblings, she needs to laugh, she needs their hugs and tickles, she needs to be out in the fresh air. We as a family need to be near family, friends and our faith community that give us life, hope and love. And so we trust, we trust that the Father will give us what is good, because he is good.

I am reminded of my kids when I say such things. There are those days where the little monkeys will follow me around or stop me in the midst of a lesson to ask “are there any treats today?” or “can we watch a video after school is done?”. No matter how many times they ask, I say, “Please let us finish what we are doing first”. Usually by the 10th time my response is a little louder and a bit more disgruntled. One day it dawned on me to ask my oldest a question, “Do you like it when I surprise you and announce, ‘Guys you have done a great job today, you can watch a video!’ Or do you prefer when I say, ‘Okay you are finally done, go watch your video?” He responded that he liked the first scenario better and so I explained, “Look, I know you want to watch videos and I know you want treats. Let me surprise you with them. Trust me. It is more fun for you and for me.”

I wish I could say that was the last time I had to say that, but it is sinking in. The other night the boys asked what was for dinner and I told them to trust me. Juan responded, “I’m gonna trust you Mama, cause whenever I do, I get what I want!” I couldn’t help but laugh because there were going to be vegetables on his plate.

It was endearing though, he knew I wasn’t asking his trust so that I could fool him, he knew I asked it of him because I want to give him good things and that I don’t give him things that will harm him. They may not be exactly what he wants, they may frustrate him at times, but I give him things that will help him grow. So it is with God.

I remember before Maggie was born, I would revel in our blessings and in the midst of prayer I would panic and wonder, “Will this end Lord? Will these blessings run out? Is tragedy going to strike our family? Is something going to happen to this baby?” This last week I was laughing at myself because I realized how foolish I was, how ridiculous I was to think that the Lord’s blessings could run out or be hindered by anything. Maggie is our greatest blessing yet, this pilgrimage with Maggie has let me see even more of His goodness, and has freed me even more to say, “Yes, whatever you desire, because when I trust you, I always get what I truly want, what I truly need.”