God is so great and so mighty! Friday I took Braylon to a new doctor for a check-up. The doctor was taking note of his past medical history and issues with his stroke. The exam continued as normal, then the doctor left to get some referrals for a hearing test and eye exam. While she was gone, the head doctor came in to speak with me about Braylon's stroke. As I was discussing the amount of damage done to his brain, I remembered I had a couple MRI pics on my phone. So I pulled out my phone and showed the doctor (who had another doctor with him). He was speechless. The only words he could say over and over again were, "That's impressive." He couldn't believe that B was able to do as much as he was with an MRI image like that. The head doctor called in Dr. Khan (B's new doc) to see the images along with 2 more nurses. All them kept repeating "that's impressive." The nurses were able to talk a little more and were stunned at what they were seeing. I told them that I was scared to death when I first saw the images as well, but then I looked down at Braylon playing and smiling back at me and I knew God is always good.
When the appointment was over, I gathered my things and headed out the room. As I stepped out the door, I saw the 2 nurses crying over what they just saw in Braylon. Then walking to the checkout, I saw the head doctor in a room full of people talking about what he had just seen also. My thoughts.... sometimes the worst things in life can be the loudest voice to edify the Lord! We all need to humble ourselves and I think that day some doctors realized that although they can do some amazing things, God is so much bigger than them!
Today in church I saw one of the most powerful videos to every come before my eyes. Some of you may have heard of it or seen it as well, but I'm including some links to check it out anyway. The video puts in perspective how BIG God really is. It connects science with christianity. And by the end you will see why the only words the doctors can mumble out about Braylon are "That's impressive." My mighty Lord literally has allowed all of us to connect with him thru the cross. Watch and be amazed.
Deon
The video is about 40 minutes long. Because its on youtube, I guess you have to watch it in 5 parts. It's worth it tho!!!! Pass it on too...
part 1 : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FGxsI8ksX8Q
part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfNiZrt5FjU&feature=related
part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVxdRrWjh0g&feature=related
part 4: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6AB5IvogHc&feature=related
part 5: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVBNKSjg-LQ&feature=related
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Images....
"Nothing even looks wrong with him." I hear those words all of the time from people I meet and share Braylon's story with. What they don't understand is, B may have a disability, but in no way something wrong. The Bible says, "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." How can anyone have anything "wrong" with them when we are all made perfect in the image of God.
Looking at Braylon, there are some definant issues he is overcoming, but God's light is always shining through him. I see miracles and blessings everyday in my baby. It is truly a blessing to be chosen my God to have a child who had a stroke. When I go to the store, the chiropractor, a football game or anywhere, I find the closest person to me and tell them about Braylon. I tell them he had a stroke, suffered severe brain damage, lost vision and was partially paralyzed. Not because I want pity or attention, but so I can hear those words.... "Oh my God!" Yes, my God is here with us everyday. We get to see him in our lives and have a constant reminder of how good he is. I brag to strangers how good God is and the work he is doing in Braylon (and my whole family). Most people don't have a story to tell that gives praise to God in front of friend and foe alike.
Made in the image of God.... all of us are. Let's take a look in the mirror and see our image. Find God in us; our beauty, courage, triumphs and persistence. There is absolutely nothing wrong with us! God makes no mistakes. Take your disabilities, your failures and use them to sing praises to the LORD GOD our FATHER! I promise you will feel much better about the "cards you were dealt" and the obstacles in your way.
photos above were taken for The Littlest Heroes Project by Alison at Starglo Photography.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
hard-headed and frustrated
Everyone knows the so-called terrible twos really start about 18 months... When babies start to realize they can have a little independence, but aren't quite sure how to follow rules yet. I think we've run into this with Braylon. He is definitely a strong-willed baby, determined to have things his way. My husband and I both pray for B's independence, but gosh does it wear us out!!!
Braylon has been getting frustrated lately for a couple of reasons. One, because of his age and two, because of his disability. He wants to get around the house as fast as possible and get into everything within reach, just like other babies his age. But he physically can't do things that other babies can. He wants to walk desperately! So he walks around the couch, tables, book shelves and chairs. He also wants to be fast, so he crawls or hops on his knees to play chase (and believe me, he is fast!). Frustrations comes somewhere in the middle. Does he choose free and fast on knees or walking with help??? Braylon just doesn't know, so most of our day is UP, down, UP, down...
Good news is, he's really progressing. B is standing more and more on his own. He is trying to take a step here and there. And cognitively he is right where he should be... praise God! At the end of this month Braylon will be getting fitted for a AFO brace for his foot and a splint for his hand. Hopefully, both help him be more independent and active. I know he has dreams in his heart to run with his brothers. I can't wait for my blog entry to be about him walking around independently. Maybe it will happen sooner than expected!
Keep praying for Braylon and being encouraged by his spirit!!
Braylon has been getting frustrated lately for a couple of reasons. One, because of his age and two, because of his disability. He wants to get around the house as fast as possible and get into everything within reach, just like other babies his age. But he physically can't do things that other babies can. He wants to walk desperately! So he walks around the couch, tables, book shelves and chairs. He also wants to be fast, so he crawls or hops on his knees to play chase (and believe me, he is fast!). Frustrations comes somewhere in the middle. Does he choose free and fast on knees or walking with help??? Braylon just doesn't know, so most of our day is UP, down, UP, down...
Good news is, he's really progressing. B is standing more and more on his own. He is trying to take a step here and there. And cognitively he is right where he should be... praise God! At the end of this month Braylon will be getting fitted for a AFO brace for his foot and a splint for his hand. Hopefully, both help him be more independent and active. I know he has dreams in his heart to run with his brothers. I can't wait for my blog entry to be about him walking around independently. Maybe it will happen sooner than expected!
Keep praying for Braylon and being encouraged by his spirit!!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Miracles in my house
Peeking around a corner in my house, I witnessed a miracle. A miracle that brought me to tears and had me shouting praises to God! In my last post, I mentioned my emotions would soon turn to joy and believe me, joy can't even cover my emotions. They are more like, toe touches for cheerleaders or chest bumps for football players. Emotions that literally gave me a headache from all the blood rushing to my brain!
Now back to the miracle.... As I peeked around the corner to watch B working with the o/t, I saw him leaning against the window seal. The o/t reached out to him so that he may take a step. Well in Braylon's eyes was something I'd never seen before. He was going to do more than just take a step. I watched as B concentrated on his left hand (the hand that was paralyzed just 8 months ago). His thoughts were so intense that it was almost like I could feel what he was thinking. B was telling his hand to move... he was shouting at it in his hand, "Move, MOVE, MOVE HAND". And it listened!!!! B's left hand/arm stretched all the way out to reach his o/t!!!! Gravity hasn't even helped his arm stretch out straight, but with God's help he did it!!! The o/t and I clapped and cheered. I tried to hold back my tears, but couldn't. We have been praying so long for the use of his hand and I just couldn't believe it was starting to happen. Sometimes in life we ask God to bless us in certain areas, but we get so used to the asking we forget that one day it will come true. Now I'm praising God for reminding me that He is here and still does miracles!!!
Now back to the miracle.... As I peeked around the corner to watch B working with the o/t, I saw him leaning against the window seal. The o/t reached out to him so that he may take a step. Well in Braylon's eyes was something I'd never seen before. He was going to do more than just take a step. I watched as B concentrated on his left hand (the hand that was paralyzed just 8 months ago). His thoughts were so intense that it was almost like I could feel what he was thinking. B was telling his hand to move... he was shouting at it in his hand, "Move, MOVE, MOVE HAND". And it listened!!!! B's left hand/arm stretched all the way out to reach his o/t!!!! Gravity hasn't even helped his arm stretch out straight, but with God's help he did it!!! The o/t and I clapped and cheered. I tried to hold back my tears, but couldn't. We have been praying so long for the use of his hand and I just couldn't believe it was starting to happen. Sometimes in life we ask God to bless us in certain areas, but we get so used to the asking we forget that one day it will come true. Now I'm praising God for reminding me that He is here and still does miracles!!!
Emotions (first posted Augus 13)
Ahhh! Another Thursday afternoon. Braylon's therapies are done for the week, the house is almost cleaned (bathrooms tomorrow). Whoops, as I'm writing, I realized we do have to go to the chiro tomorrow. The life!! Honestly, I've never had so many things to remember each week...thank God for technology that chirps to remind me. Sometimes we get caught up in complaining about difficult or different situations (I hope I don't sound like that), but those situations are what I'm so thankful for.
Braylon's schedule has really picked up. We both have been working so hard... Braylon way more than me. B still cries thru every o/t appointment, but I see a huge improvement. I thank God for keeping us busy and pushing us further than we ever thought we could go, even if we are kicking and screaming. Usually the most uncomfortable of things bring us the biggest enjoyment (i.e. child birth for women. lol). It has to rain for the spring flowers to bloom!!!
Speaking of rain, last night tears rained down my face. Being on the sidelines of your favorite team brings many mixed emotions and that's how I've been feeling. All types, from ecstatic to sympathetic and yes, even anger. What has really been on me lately is sadness for my baby. I am praising God everyday because B really is improving, but with that comes obstacles. Braylon sometimes falls onto his left side and when he does, he gets stuck. It's very sad to see, but what's worse is the moment right after. The moment when I have to stand back and encourage him to try to move on his own. When he's staring at me, begging me to save him. Thank God it's just a moment because that's all I can take. Eventually I help him up, but I still must five him the opportunity to do it himself. Soon I expect my tears will again be of joy. If I know Braylon, he's going to learn to get out of that situation too!!!
Braylon's schedule has really picked up. We both have been working so hard... Braylon way more than me. B still cries thru every o/t appointment, but I see a huge improvement. I thank God for keeping us busy and pushing us further than we ever thought we could go, even if we are kicking and screaming. Usually the most uncomfortable of things bring us the biggest enjoyment (i.e. child birth for women. lol). It has to rain for the spring flowers to bloom!!!
Speaking of rain, last night tears rained down my face. Being on the sidelines of your favorite team brings many mixed emotions and that's how I've been feeling. All types, from ecstatic to sympathetic and yes, even anger. What has really been on me lately is sadness for my baby. I am praising God everyday because B really is improving, but with that comes obstacles. Braylon sometimes falls onto his left side and when he does, he gets stuck. It's very sad to see, but what's worse is the moment right after. The moment when I have to stand back and encourage him to try to move on his own. When he's staring at me, begging me to save him. Thank God it's just a moment because that's all I can take. Eventually I help him up, but I still must five him the opportunity to do it himself. Soon I expect my tears will again be of joy. If I know Braylon, he's going to learn to get out of that situation too!!!
Technical difficulties
Sorry everyone! I realized a few days ago that the last couple of post I made were all "mumble jumble". I sent a couple of posts thru my phone and I guess blogger did not read them correctly. I will try to repost them, plus update you on our very strong willed B!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Putting in Work
We have a new therapist who comes to the house... the occupational therapist!!! I have been more excited for her to come than any other. Why, you ask.... Well, Braylon's left arm and hand have suffered more than any other part of him (except the loss of periphial vision). I have been wanting to see what the o/t will do so that B can start becoming more aware of his arm and then start using it. Man, does she work him out!!!!
B is excited when she first comes and begins playing with him, but very quickly he becomes frustrated and/or irratated by the exercises. For example, yesterday the o/t brought a ball that Braylon can crawl on top of (smaller yoga ball). He loved it and used his right hand to bang on the ball so he can feel the vibrations. Then the o/t stretched the ball out, which made his left arm stretch out almost straight... oh boy did he HATE that!! Sometimes I try to imagine myself in Braylon's shoes and wonder how he's feeling, but it never works. I stretch my arm straight all the time... even when I'm not trying to (i.e. walking). And for him to have so much pain while forcing his arm to be straight, I'll never know what that is like.
If eyes could talk, B's were saying "Save me, MOMMY!!!!" He was just wiggling away from her, whining about all of the exercises and was completely exhausted by the time it was over. The therapist probably was too! As much as I wanted to pick Braylon up and hold him for just a few moments to give him a break, I new I couldn't. So I got off the floor and walked to the other side of the room to watch. The only words of encouragement that I could muster up were, "The best things in life require the most work, B." I know he's a baby and barely understands "Good Job" let alone my comment, but I didn't just say it for him. Yes, it fits the situation for B... him struggling to stretch his arm or open his hand so that one day he can use it. But I wasn't just talking to him. When I said the best things in life require the most work, I was talking to myself and the two therapist in the room. For me, a few things have become quite difficult, but I must continue to work... even when I'm wanting someone to come save me. Taking on B's stroke has been a battle in many ways. We recognize that not everything is properly functioning. Now we are putting in the work, no matter how hard, so that we can be our best. And we are all thankful to God for believing that we are up to the challenge.
To my favorite family in the world..... My prayers are with you. You have become aware of the problem and are willing to put in the work. There will be days you are screaming for someone to save you, and some days you will feel triumphant. It is your story you are writing. When you are wanting to quit sit back and see God in your situation... recognize His strength and tenderness in each moment. You will get your second wind. You will be blessed. You just have to work harder than ever before. I love you!!
B is excited when she first comes and begins playing with him, but very quickly he becomes frustrated and/or irratated by the exercises. For example, yesterday the o/t brought a ball that Braylon can crawl on top of (smaller yoga ball). He loved it and used his right hand to bang on the ball so he can feel the vibrations. Then the o/t stretched the ball out, which made his left arm stretch out almost straight... oh boy did he HATE that!! Sometimes I try to imagine myself in Braylon's shoes and wonder how he's feeling, but it never works. I stretch my arm straight all the time... even when I'm not trying to (i.e. walking). And for him to have so much pain while forcing his arm to be straight, I'll never know what that is like.
If eyes could talk, B's were saying "Save me, MOMMY!!!!" He was just wiggling away from her, whining about all of the exercises and was completely exhausted by the time it was over. The therapist probably was too! As much as I wanted to pick Braylon up and hold him for just a few moments to give him a break, I new I couldn't. So I got off the floor and walked to the other side of the room to watch. The only words of encouragement that I could muster up were, "The best things in life require the most work, B." I know he's a baby and barely understands "Good Job" let alone my comment, but I didn't just say it for him. Yes, it fits the situation for B... him struggling to stretch his arm or open his hand so that one day he can use it. But I wasn't just talking to him. When I said the best things in life require the most work, I was talking to myself and the two therapist in the room. For me, a few things have become quite difficult, but I must continue to work... even when I'm wanting someone to come save me. Taking on B's stroke has been a battle in many ways. We recognize that not everything is properly functioning. Now we are putting in the work, no matter how hard, so that we can be our best. And we are all thankful to God for believing that we are up to the challenge.
To my favorite family in the world..... My prayers are with you. You have become aware of the problem and are willing to put in the work. There will be days you are screaming for someone to save you, and some days you will feel triumphant. It is your story you are writing. When you are wanting to quit sit back and see God in your situation... recognize His strength and tenderness in each moment. You will get your second wind. You will be blessed. You just have to work harder than ever before. I love you!!
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