The Mind of a Champion

This past weekend I had the opportunity to hear from an adult stroke survivor. Every bit of him reminded me of Braylon.... except the age difference. He and his family spoke of the stroke and the recovery since at a Primerica fast start school. In their words they thanked God for his survival ( he had a 50/50 chance) and for the blessing they were able to achieve thru Primerica that made the monetary side of a stroke so much easier. I believe his stroke occured in October or November, but already he was speaking in front of a crowd of a few hundred and walking up steps... it gave me much hope for Braylon.

Just the other day B's p/t was discussing with us some obstacles that he will face in the upcoming years: walking up stairs, going to the bathroom, getting dressed. Most of the problems we talked about would be caused by the lack of use in his left arm. Now I completely understand her realistic view of Braylon's disability, but for me and my family we believe in God's healing. Everything we say to or about B is about God's healing. When Braylon sleeps longer than normal our response is, "God must really be healing his body right now." When Braylon is on my lap drinking a bottle I sing Joel Osteen's "Your an overcomer, more than a conqueror...." The Bible says power is in the tongue, so we plan on using that to our advantage. I once read in a book of a man who's son was born deaf. Everyday he would put his lips to the back of his son's head and tell him how strong he is, how much of a champion he is. That son grew up to be a successful inventor and business owner and that didn't happen because he focused on his disability!

Although we are not yet wealthy because of Primerica.... notice I said YET, we have definitely grown in spirit. We have learned to always look for the positive, and work hard for what we want. I am very thankful for a company that has changed my point of view of all situations and the encouragement we get from the people we work with. My family has been put into a position where not only can we talk Braylon into being a champion and a overcomer, but we all feel the same about ourselves. We are champions! How can we not be when our God lives inside us???

The unnoticables...

This past weekend was a busy one! First we went to Sea World, then Braylon was dedicated to the Lord at church and finally we had his 1st birthday party. Fun followed us everywhere we went, but so did appreciation. Family and friends surrounded us with love and joy... I'll take that any time. My favorite part was being able to see my children happy and enjoying God's many gifts. I also enjoy bragging on my kids... who doesn't?

With my older boys, Torian and DeShon, my bragging is more about how well they're doing in school or how they made me laugh, but with Braylon, it's a little different. I tend to brag on what others would never even notice. For example, on the way to Sea World B got tired of waiting on Torian to hold his bottle, so he thought he'd try it himself. To all of our surprise, Braylon held his bottle for the first time. We all started cheering for him and praising God at the same time. It may not seem like much to hold a bottle, but it is a huge step to his independence and time added to my day. Think about it... he is one and every time he wanted a bottle (every 2 hours) I had to stop what I was doing to feed him. Not that I minded, but I appreciate the fact that now he can do it on his own.

Stiffness in Braylon's left arm and hand is what made us know something was different with him. Now that stiffness is starting to leave him. Braylon was sleeping when his birthday party first began. After awhile, I decided to wake him up so we can sing "Happy Birthday". A couple of friends and I were discussing B and his healing. Wanting to brag on B, I showed them how now we can lift his left arm straight above his head. Again the unnoticables... they were impressed and I couldn't stop thanking God for that flexibility. Weeks ago it would be very difficult to put a shirt or coat on B. His left arm would have to go on first because it would BARELY move. I don't even remember thinking about Torian and Shon's felxibility, except for "How do they stick their foot in their mouth?" LOL! New lesson learned... Thank God for the unnoticables!

Still I Rise

This weekend our family celebrated Braylon's 1st birthday. We also celebrated Easter and Jesus rising from the dead. When we hear the word rise or risen in terms of people, we may think of Jesus Christ, Maya Angelou, or maybe even Tupac. I have one more to add to my list.... Braylon.
My mom flew in town to see all three of her grandkids and I'm sure she was so excited. It's been 3 1/2 months since we seen her last. Although Braylon has improved tremendously in that time, his disability becomes more obvious the older he gets; the more independent he's suppose to be. The first day Ga-Ga, my mom, was here she was impressed by B pulling himself up into a standing position. YAY! But what she didn't realize was that because of the stroke and hemiparesis, Braylon can't balance very good and he fell over. Now as soon as he fell, he started crying and my mom's guilt filled the air. I wasn't worried, but I understand wanting to be over protective. Failing at something over and over again is part of the learning process. That's why Sunday at church the exact same thing happened again. B pulled himself to the standing position and he fell. The nursery called me with worries, but like my mom, I assured them everything would be okay.
Words of encouragement and a hand to hold on to is all I can offer B as he tries to push his limits. My God is helping as well, but Braylon is going to have to take the first step. And step over and over again. We all can identify with B falling... or failing. We have failed at things at least a couple times in our lives. We've been disappointed and saddened when we couldn't complete the task or at least couldn't stay at the level of achievement we had hoped for. But are we like Braylon?? Do we say to ourselves let me try again?? It's difficult to continue get up after falling every time you try something, but persevere in all you do. Say to yourself.... "Still I Rise".

Infantile faith

What a beautiful day it is... at least where I live! Braylon and I are sitting outside listening to music and enjoying all that God blesses us with. As I look at the spring around me, I noticed our pecan trees are the only ones not to have leaves. I have no idea why it takes them so long to fill the sky with their green leaves, but I'm sure the tree is not worried about being last to bloom. "Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservation."

Today was Braylon's third adjustment with the chiropractor. It has been wonderful to see how Braylon interacts with everyone in that office. He gets so excited to see them and even reaches out to them. By the way he just started reaching out to me this week too! I wonder if somehow B knows that the chiropractor and his team are there to help. He must. Faith is what is natural for him. Why does he babble when he wakes up??? Because he has faith that mommy or daddy will come get him! Why does he show his chiro and p/t love when they come?? Because he has faith that God put them in his life to heal him. Makes sense doesn't it. Last year I asked God to increase my faith. What did I do that for? At the time I wasn't thinking that meant I was going to be put in situations where faith was the only thing I had to rely on. Good news is.... at least I have faith in God, some people don't even have that!

The chiropractic neurologist.

A week ago I received a phone call from a chiropractor. He heard about Braylon from a client of his and wanted to help. Help! Our minds were open to whatever can help B, so at least we can do is hear him out. We were amazed at what the doctor was showing us. It made so much sense. Braylon has been adjusted twice and we already see a change in his flexibility. With the chiropractic neurologist helping his central nervous system communicate better and the p/t showing him how to work his body..... oh boy! But the best part of all..... God is in control, working thru each one of us. I can't wait to see what's in store.

Check out this article. Maybe you can learn something that will help you or a family member live a healthier life.
http://www.falitechiropractic.com/index.php?file=article_neurology.html

Why a blog?

"This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words." 1 Corinthians 2:13

On January 27, 2009 My husband and I found out that our 9 month old son, Braylon, had a stoke. We had been knowing for a month or so that there was a problem, but the severity took us off guard. As the doctor went over Braylon's MRI report, explaining what occured to each area of his brain, I was shocked. Although I already new B was delayed, I never expected the picture that was sitting in front of me. Almost his entire right side of his brain had been damaged, some parts were even dead. As tears filled my eyes, I glanced down at my baby "B". He was banging a toy with his right hand. He looked up at me and smiled and I knew God was good.

Being a mother can be rewarding and tiring all at the same time in any situation. But I knew this situation... Braylon's situation was going to push me to limits I never thought I would experience. Since January life has been a constant race, because not only am I trying to get the best medical care for Braylon, but I am trying to continue to be a loving wife and caring mother to my other two wonderful boys.

Expressing myself through words on a paper is what I have always enjoyed. As for the others in my family, they'd rather talk it out. For now it is my words, thoughts and feelings that you will read. I pray God gives me words to encourage my family and friends. This has affected my family as group and as individuals. We have already grown in our faith. Since that day God has proven himself over and over again.... not that He needs too. Two months ago Braylon could do NOTHING by himself, now he's sitting on his own, rolling all over the place and playing independently on the floor. I am so proud of him and what he teaches me. Just because you can't do something today, doesn't mean it can't be accomplished tomorrow! I thank God for B's relentless spirit.

I leave you with this.... when the neurologist was explaining the reason why Braylon had his stroke, he used the words " a stroke of bad luck". But I disagree. God trusts my family enough to use our weakness to show off God's strength. To me that is a "Stroke of Luck".