I know many of you are waiting patiently on a summary of Tessa's neurology appointment yesterday and her therapy session at Hearts for Hearing today. I had every intention of summarizing the neurology appointment in my post last night, but to be honest, needed that time to focus on the words in James instead.
Please be in prayer for the four of us, for improved health and much needed rest.
We are enjoying family time this evening and plan to all get to bed early. Tomorrow will be the goal for the summary....thank you for your prayers between now and then!
~Whitney
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Before and After
"Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you", James 4:8.
While my sisters were here, July 29th through August 2nd, they posted scripture throughout our house to serve as reminders to us, each day, of God's presence in our lives. James 4:8 is the scripture on our mirror in our bathroom, that we see each and every morning while getting ready for work, and each and every evening as we're getting ready for bed.
I have thought over and over again, in the last month, of how impossible the journey is that lies ahead. I have thought how any one single diagnosis that Tessa has received in the last month would have been devastating news to us before. It is very difficult to try and step outside of our situation and look in...as those of you that are keeping up with our journey, here on this blog, but I feel that it is incredibly important to share with you, that our approach to each diagnosis is not an approach of strength that we have found within ourselves, but an approach that has been gifted to us, as we have learned what it truly means "to draw near to Him". The approach that we would have taken before, is almost irrelevant to discuss, because this chapter of our lives that we are in now, looks very different from the chapters we were in before.
Half the time I walk away from my posts and I wonder: where in the world that came from; how in the world are we not devastated by the news we have received; how in the world tomorrow looks hopeful; how in the world we feel such Freedom during a time that would seem to impose such Bondage...and tonight, on my mirror, I feel like I have found the words to summarize where our hope comes from and how we are able to do what we do.....we are drawing near to Him. There is a particular reason why James 4:8 is posted on our mirror, because to begin and end each day without the strength that is available to us, would not only resemble more of the approach we might have taken before, but it would prevent our outlook of Hope and of Freedom.
For me personally, there has been so much freedom in discovering....knowing God's purpose for my life. There is so much freedom in knowing that every piece of the puzzle that makes up my life as a daughter, as a sister, as a wife, as a mother, as a friend...has been intricately pieced together for this very moment. I feel honored to know that this is what my God had planned for me all along. I feel blessed to have found my purpose for my time here on earth and look forward to the day that I will stand before my Heavenly Father and have the opportunity to thank Him, for the gift of drawing near to Him and the testimony of His promise to draw near to us.
So, What in the world is going on? Well, it's a whole new level for me, for us, for our family...but from what I can tell, it's changing our lives and having somewhat of an impact on the ones we love around us....so I say... sit down, put your feet up, stay awhile, and we'll all watch and see what our God can do with the before and after!
~Whitney
While my sisters were here, July 29th through August 2nd, they posted scripture throughout our house to serve as reminders to us, each day, of God's presence in our lives. James 4:8 is the scripture on our mirror in our bathroom, that we see each and every morning while getting ready for work, and each and every evening as we're getting ready for bed.
I have thought over and over again, in the last month, of how impossible the journey is that lies ahead. I have thought how any one single diagnosis that Tessa has received in the last month would have been devastating news to us before. It is very difficult to try and step outside of our situation and look in...as those of you that are keeping up with our journey, here on this blog, but I feel that it is incredibly important to share with you, that our approach to each diagnosis is not an approach of strength that we have found within ourselves, but an approach that has been gifted to us, as we have learned what it truly means "to draw near to Him". The approach that we would have taken before, is almost irrelevant to discuss, because this chapter of our lives that we are in now, looks very different from the chapters we were in before.
Half the time I walk away from my posts and I wonder: where in the world that came from; how in the world are we not devastated by the news we have received; how in the world tomorrow looks hopeful; how in the world we feel such Freedom during a time that would seem to impose such Bondage...and tonight, on my mirror, I feel like I have found the words to summarize where our hope comes from and how we are able to do what we do.....we are drawing near to Him. There is a particular reason why James 4:8 is posted on our mirror, because to begin and end each day without the strength that is available to us, would not only resemble more of the approach we might have taken before, but it would prevent our outlook of Hope and of Freedom.
For me personally, there has been so much freedom in discovering....knowing God's purpose for my life. There is so much freedom in knowing that every piece of the puzzle that makes up my life as a daughter, as a sister, as a wife, as a mother, as a friend...has been intricately pieced together for this very moment. I feel honored to know that this is what my God had planned for me all along. I feel blessed to have found my purpose for my time here on earth and look forward to the day that I will stand before my Heavenly Father and have the opportunity to thank Him, for the gift of drawing near to Him and the testimony of His promise to draw near to us.
So, What in the world is going on? Well, it's a whole new level for me, for us, for our family...but from what I can tell, it's changing our lives and having somewhat of an impact on the ones we love around us....so I say... sit down, put your feet up, stay awhile, and we'll all watch and see what our God can do with the before and after!
~Whitney
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Evaluation - Points for Prayer
While we are doing our best to stay focused on the positives, there have indeed been difficult results to sort through. SoonerStart's Evaluation helps determine Tessa's percentage of delay based on her chronological age and developmental age. We were told by Tessa's neurologist in the hospital that her mobility will be of great concern based on the results of her MRI. SoonerStart's evaluation of Tessa on Friday put emphasis on this concern. Tessa shows to have an 81% delay in her Gross and Fine Motor Skills. From what I can tell from the paperwork they left with us, this would put her Motor Skills around that of a one month old. Tessa also has a 44% delay in both Language Expression and Non-Verbal Thinking.
These are numbers, and honestly, don't mean just a whole lot to us right now (if ever). But we do understand that in order for them to track Tessa's progress, they need a baseline represented by numbers...percentages. We know that she is delayed and we know that we will have areas to work on with her....but like the doctors told us over and over again in the hospital, it will take time to know what Tessa's struggles will be in her life.
There is so much freedom in living life one special day at a time. God is a "lamp unto our feet"...I believe that this is God's provision for us for those times in life where the greater picture is overwhelming for today and overwhelming for tomorrow. It is by faith that we trust Him to light the way, one special step at a time. It is by faith, that when percentages are put forth to define the present, we can heed them only as starting points at the beginning of a path of many successes.
Today's One special success:
This evening while Darin was holding Tessa in his arms, she brought her very own tiny little hand up to her mouth to suck on her hand.......a normal progression and expected progress for others.....a profound moment met with sweet rejoicing for Tessa. This was the first time we have ever seen Tessa make such an intentional movement. So while their numbers and percentages leave room for sorrow and doubt....they also leave room for celebration of a special moment...celebration of movement ~ SUCCESS!
So yes, Friday was difficult, reality is difficult, but as I've said before and probably will continue to say....where there is sorrow, there are moments of joy, when we learn to breath them in and travel a path of many successes!
My sister encouraged me earlier today to feel free to post the things that people might take as a "charge to pray". Through this process of blogging..."posting" simultaneously makes things very real for me. I enjoy the posts that keep me hopeful and thinking positive, but I am trying to have faith that the sharing aspect of the negative, can have the same hopeful effect. So, for those of you that find this to be a "charge for prayer"....thank you for your love and support; and thank you for allowing this time of 'difficult posting' to strengthen our faith in the things God has promised us!
~Whitney
These are numbers, and honestly, don't mean just a whole lot to us right now (if ever). But we do understand that in order for them to track Tessa's progress, they need a baseline represented by numbers...percentages. We know that she is delayed and we know that we will have areas to work on with her....but like the doctors told us over and over again in the hospital, it will take time to know what Tessa's struggles will be in her life.
There is so much freedom in living life one special day at a time. God is a "lamp unto our feet"...I believe that this is God's provision for us for those times in life where the greater picture is overwhelming for today and overwhelming for tomorrow. It is by faith that we trust Him to light the way, one special step at a time. It is by faith, that when percentages are put forth to define the present, we can heed them only as starting points at the beginning of a path of many successes.
Today's One special success:
This evening while Darin was holding Tessa in his arms, she brought her very own tiny little hand up to her mouth to suck on her hand.......a normal progression and expected progress for others.....a profound moment met with sweet rejoicing for Tessa. This was the first time we have ever seen Tessa make such an intentional movement. So while their numbers and percentages leave room for sorrow and doubt....they also leave room for celebration of a special moment...celebration of movement ~ SUCCESS!
So yes, Friday was difficult, reality is difficult, but as I've said before and probably will continue to say....where there is sorrow, there are moments of joy, when we learn to breath them in and travel a path of many successes!
My sister encouraged me earlier today to feel free to post the things that people might take as a "charge to pray". Through this process of blogging..."posting" simultaneously makes things very real for me. I enjoy the posts that keep me hopeful and thinking positive, but I am trying to have faith that the sharing aspect of the negative, can have the same hopeful effect. So, for those of you that find this to be a "charge for prayer"....thank you for your love and support; and thank you for allowing this time of 'difficult posting' to strengthen our faith in the things God has promised us!
~Whitney
Highlighting The Positives
So we had our SoonerStart Evaluation done yesterday. As expected, with every evaluation, comes results. The results were difficult to hear and the percentages frustrating to see, but today we choose to highlight the positives and prepare to buckle down and begin the process of improving those areas that will require extra effort to achieve Tessa's greatest potential!
Tessa scored her very highest in the areas of 'self care' and 'self concept and social role'! Amen right!! What else do we need....but to eat and to laugh! ;)
Her 'self care' at this point in time, is basically her ability to eat and maintain her nutrition. Her 'self concept and social role', well...I would basically consider that her joy and her sense of God's incredible purpose for her life!
We are so thankful that God is faithful to reveal such declarations of joy amid such sorrowful results. We will work so very hard with Tessa on the areas that she will need to improve upon....at the same time rejoicing and nurturing the areas that God has made so unmistakably perfect and apparent in her.
Check this out: Isaiah 55: 8-12
(8)"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. (9) As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (10) As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, (11) so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (12) You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap theirs hands."
My observations-
verse 9: God's Thoughts > SoonerStart's Thoughts (Evaluation Results)
verse 10: Rain waters the earth making it bud and flourish-Tessa "Rayne"
verse 11: We believe Tessa will accomplish what God desires and that she will achieve the purpose for which God created her.
verse 12: Tessa's joy is evident and "infectious" as others have expressed...she will change us all and cause us to Praise the Lord for allowing us to be a part of her truly spectacular journey!
Amen, right!?!
~Whitney
Tessa scored her very highest in the areas of 'self care' and 'self concept and social role'! Amen right!! What else do we need....but to eat and to laugh! ;)
Her 'self care' at this point in time, is basically her ability to eat and maintain her nutrition. Her 'self concept and social role', well...I would basically consider that her joy and her sense of God's incredible purpose for her life!
We are so thankful that God is faithful to reveal such declarations of joy amid such sorrowful results. We will work so very hard with Tessa on the areas that she will need to improve upon....at the same time rejoicing and nurturing the areas that God has made so unmistakably perfect and apparent in her.
Check this out: Isaiah 55: 8-12
(8)"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. (9) As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. (10) As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, (11) so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (12) You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap theirs hands."
My observations-
verse 9: God's Thoughts > SoonerStart's Thoughts (Evaluation Results)
verse 10: Rain waters the earth making it bud and flourish-Tessa "Rayne"
verse 11: We believe Tessa will accomplish what God desires and that she will achieve the purpose for which God created her.
verse 12: Tessa's joy is evident and "infectious" as others have expressed...she will change us all and cause us to Praise the Lord for allowing us to be a part of her truly spectacular journey!
Amen, right!?!
~Whitney
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Upcoming
Tomorrow is a big day. A speech pathologist and physical therapist will be coming to our home tomorrow at 10:30 for Tessa's SoonerStart Evaluation. We're not exactly sure what to expect for tomorrow, but are praying for good information and a promising direction!
Monday afternoon is our first follow up visit with Tessa's neurologist. There is a mix of emotions in anticipation of this appointment, but we are thankful to begin establishing a relationship with Tessa's new doctor.
Thank you for praying for us!
~Whitney
Monday afternoon is our first follow up visit with Tessa's neurologist. There is a mix of emotions in anticipation of this appointment, but we are thankful to begin establishing a relationship with Tessa's new doctor.
Thank you for praying for us!
~Whitney
Parker's Creativity
Parker decided to decorate his little sister with some of Woody's cowboy gear. A brother and sister playing and sharing ~ pretty special and pretty darn cute! :)
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Your Comments - Expressions of God's Love
To each and every one of you that have taken the time to leave such precious comments, Thank You!
I want you all to know how very special your words are to me, to us. They are our encouragement to get up and face each day...no matter how tired we are, how stressful the day ahead, how scary the unknown...we count each and every comment a blessing and God's provision of love, support and encouragement for us as we travel our journey!
I wish I could describe the sense of calm that covers me each time I read a comment...cherished moments with our Heavenly Father...experiencing His promise to walk with us, and at times, carry us along the way.
What I would give to have the time to respond to each and every one of you, each and every time. I pray that our sincerity and appreciation is evident.
~Whitney
Note: I am so impressed with those of you that are as new to this blogging thing as I am, and have figured out how to comment :) Just so you are aware, the comments are emailed to me first, then I publish them. It helps me make sure I read all the comments that are left on our blog. So, if I have confused you by taking too long to post your comment, I apologize...it's not that you didn't do it correctly...it's just that it took me too long to hit 'publish'! I will get better, I promise. Please do me a favor too, if you are 'Anonymous', will you make sure and put your first and last name at the end of your comment?? If you would rather stay 'Anonymous' I totally understand, but if you don't mind us knowing that it was you, a first and last name would be most helpful ;) Our relationship with each and every one of you is so important...thank you for connecting with us and loving us with your words.
I want you all to know how very special your words are to me, to us. They are our encouragement to get up and face each day...no matter how tired we are, how stressful the day ahead, how scary the unknown...we count each and every comment a blessing and God's provision of love, support and encouragement for us as we travel our journey!
I wish I could describe the sense of calm that covers me each time I read a comment...cherished moments with our Heavenly Father...experiencing His promise to walk with us, and at times, carry us along the way.
What I would give to have the time to respond to each and every one of you, each and every time. I pray that our sincerity and appreciation is evident.
~Whitney
Note: I am so impressed with those of you that are as new to this blogging thing as I am, and have figured out how to comment :) Just so you are aware, the comments are emailed to me first, then I publish them. It helps me make sure I read all the comments that are left on our blog. So, if I have confused you by taking too long to post your comment, I apologize...it's not that you didn't do it correctly...it's just that it took me too long to hit 'publish'! I will get better, I promise. Please do me a favor too, if you are 'Anonymous', will you make sure and put your first and last name at the end of your comment?? If you would rather stay 'Anonymous' I totally understand, but if you don't mind us knowing that it was you, a first and last name would be most helpful ;) Our relationship with each and every one of you is so important...thank you for connecting with us and loving us with your words.
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