The Long Road ~ An Update

We were at Children's Hospital yesterday.  All day.

Austin was booked for an MRI of his heart.

He also had a follow up appointment with the Cardiologist ~

Complete with another Echo and ECG.

Austin was in the MRI *tube* for well over one hour ~

perhaps closer to one and a half hours!

They wanted to be thorough.  And they were.  What a blessing.

The MRI will reveal something of the long-term prognosis for Austin.

We will not know the results until our next appointment ~

A month down the road.

But, as the Cardiologist pointed out, those readings are to show what

Austin's heart has become.  Barring a miracle, it will not change.

(We do know, however, that our Great God is able to do anything!)

At the moment, how he responds to the heart medication is the big question.

We wait and see.  God already knows.  HE is already there.

Oh how thankful I am for this!

The Echo showed an improvement in heart function

compared to the images obtained last month.

The hope would be that it would not have changed for the worse.
Or, at least have stayed the same. But, there actually is improvement!

What an encouraging report!  We praise the LORD!

It would appear that Austin is responding well to treatment.

He does not need to have a pacemaker inserted at this time.

The LORD has done this!  He has used means.

But, ultimately, He is the Great Physician.  He does the unseen.

We praise Him for His work in Austin's heart!

Both physically and spiritually.

The most dreaded disease of all has been dealt with.
That malady is sin.

For that, we are eternally thankful!  It truly is a comfort.
The LORD knows what He is doing.
We rest in His Sovereignty.

Where do we go from here?  The road is long.

And it is still uncertain.  We must be patient and wait.  We continue to pray.

Thank you to all of you who have lifted our son up before the Throne of Grace.

God hears.  He answers.  He does all things well.

Even when we don't feel like what is happening is for the best.

It is.  All of it.

Austin has been gaining weight.

He regains a little more of his strength each day.

He reports that he feels better than he has in a long time!

Oh how it warms my heart!

As we move forward, the dosage amount of one of the heart medicines is to be increased.

Double now, double in two weeks, and so on.

In some cases, this process can result in worsening of symptoms.

We pray this will not be the case!

Each day continues to be a gift.  Each day has grace enough.

Each day has strength enough.  Each day, the LORD is with us!

How Precious He is!

"O taste and see that the LORD is good:
blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."  Psalm 34:8

Thank you for joining with us on this journey.
Your kind words of encouragement do not go unnoticed.
The LORD has used you to bless us.
The prayers prayed on our behalf are greatly appreciated.
Thank you all so very much!

Many Blessings,

Camille

**Photo of the pier by Calvin ~
Thank you my love! xo

Taking Notice

Every moment
is a gift.

More than ever,
this rings true.
Each *ordinary* day
has its own beauty ~
if only I would stop and see.

Taking notice of all the
*little* things that make up
life around here.

The beautiful.

We praise the LORD for
HIS Goodness.
Each day.

Continuing to count...

1656. The daily progress
we see in Austin

1657. The prayers prayed on
our behalf

1658. That Austin has an appetite!

1659. The various interests
of our children and watching the
development of each one ~
Fraser loves languages and countries

1660. My clothesline reinstated
for another season...yippee!

1661. That Austin was able to
play a little bit of Badminton

1662. More mud pies :)

1663. Hyacinth on the windowsill ~
Thank you Michele :)

1664. A little girl who likes to read,
and a Daddy who likes to listen ~ J.O.Y.

1665. Gloriously sunny days

1666. Spring bursting out everywhere

1667. The smell of a Spring morning

1668. Opening the windows and letting it in

1669. Orange Cranberry Scones for Brunch ~ Y.U.M.

1670. Another puzzle

1671. The joy a kite brings ~
For less than $5

1672. Seeing it flash past
the front window
over and over and over again

1673. Date night ~ The first in a long time

1674. A gift card to use

1675. A phone chat with Auntie Mary ~
Anticipating her upcoming visit...yaay!

My journal sits on my counter.

I list as events unfold.
Sometimes many all at once,
and other times in a trickle.
But, always by HIS Grace!

Would you like to begin?
Just grab a pen and a journal,
set them out on the counter,
and list out your blessings.
Find the joy in the moments ~
As they arrive.

Enjoy the journey!

Many Blessings,
Camille

Paper Route ~ A History

We have lived on our street for over 17 years.
When the children were little, I observed the paper route
family as they dutifully delivered week after week.

Two papers per home.
Twice per week.

One family was employed by both papers.
They were delivered on the same days to the same homes.  I was intrigued.
As they passed by our home, on occasion, I let it be known
that if they were ever going to give up the route,
we would be interested.

At the time, our children were very young.
If I remember correctly, Emma was just a newborn.
She may not even have been a part of the family yet ~ I cannot recall.
But, I could see the potential.  And, I was right! :)

It was something the children and I could do together.
The routes were eventually given up.  But, not to us.
Two papers.  Two different families.

And I was back to square one.

This time around, I called the papers and got my name on the list.
If ever the routes should become vacant, we were in line for the take-over.
It took time.  First, one paper became available.
And then, about six months later, the other one.

Seven years ago this June was when we began.
Austin was 10 years old, Calvin was 8, Fraser was 5,
and Emma was 3.  It was busy.

But, we did it.  Together.  The five of us.
Rain, snow, hot sun, and everything in between ~ we delivered.
And we saved.  I paid the children a small amount each time,
and the rest was socked away.

After two years and four months, we had enough money to
go on a family vacation.  All the way to Florida!
The children were very excited that they were able to take
Daddy on a holiday!  Very excited ~ and so was I. :)

(Of course, travel rewards were used and whatever we could
get for *free* was secured ~ BUT ~ the cash portion of the trip
was paid for with our paper route savings).

That was in 2008.

When we arrived home from our holiday, the boys
took over the route as I was no longer needed.
The boys were old enough to do it all by themselves.
Emma was still too little.  Her paper route days were over.

Until recently.

Austin withdrew himself from the roster last summer,
and Emma took his place.  (Thoroughly protected by her brothers, of course)!
She's pleased to be able to earn a little money again.
Actually, it's more than a little.  Since the children do it without my help,
they equally divide the proceeds.  It's a sweet deal.

Unfortunately, that means I am out of work.
(Is a Mum every really out of work)?!
Currently, I'm trying to figure out a way to build up my reserves ~ LOL!

Many Blessings,
Camille

SO Much!

Daily mercy.
Daily grace.
Daily strength.
Daily peace.

So much
to be thankful for.
SO much!

Numbering.
Counting.
Giving thanks.

To the ONE
Who gives them all.
Praise HIS Holy Name!

"O give thanks unto the LORD;
for He is good:
because His mercy
endureth forever."
~ Psalm 118:1 ~

1628. SO thankful for the storms that
drive us to our Precious Saviour!

1629. That HE is always IN the Storm

1630. Peace, strength, mercy and grace
in the midst of it all

1631. All those who prayed for us
while Austin was in the hospital ~
Such a blessing!

1632. Being carried through
by the LORD ~ Once again!

1633. Free parking at Mr. and Mrs. N's

1634. Two vehicles for such a time as this! ~
(After about 18 years with only one)

1635. That Austin had chest pains
which God used to get us to the hospital ~
They appear to have been unrelated to his heart!

1636. That there was a bed for him
at Children's rather than at the other
hospital he was originally going to be sent to!

1637. The Echo was done ~
it may not have been requested!

1638. How the three children at home
went the *extra mile* and
kept things going around here!

1639. The church ladies, friends,
and family who provided meals for us ~
I hardly had to cook anything during
this whole ordeal...what a blessing!

1640. So thankful that each medicine
given was received by Austin's body and
that he was able to come HOME!

1641. The daily improvements we see

1642. Austin is able to join us
on the beach in the mornings ~
able to walk a little further each day.

1643. Thankful that Austin turned 17!

1644. And he has an appetite ~
First time in about two years according
to his calculations...yippee! :)

1645. God's mercy to us that HE
didn't take Austin suddenly ~
SO thankful!

1646. Each new day and the gift of it

1647. Birthdays to celebrate ~
And a brother to join in who
may not have been with us to do so!

1648. Cards from each of the children
to Calvin ~ Precious!

~ Austin's ~

~ Fraser's ~

~ Emma's ~

1649. Balloons representing
the number of years old the child is ~
What they wake up to on their birthday
(Only until the age of 16) :)

1650. Enjoyment of the *gift*
from Mummy, Daddy and siblings

1651. Fifteen candles! :)

1652. Makin' Mud Pies!

1653. And *Soup* and *Salad* ~
Want some? :)

1654. A camera to catch the moments

1655. Thankful for each one!

My journal sits on my counter.

I list as events unfold.
Sometimes many all at once,
and other times in a trickle.
But, always by HIS Grace!

Would you like to begin?
Just grab a pen and a journal,
set them out on the counter,
and list out your blessings.
Find the joy in the moments ~
As they arrive.

Enjoy the journey!

Many Blessings,
Camille

The Gift of Today

A dear friend of mine
has much wisdom to share.
We have known one another for over 17 years ~
A blessing from the LORD.

Shortly after Austin was admitted to hospital,
this sweet friend was in our home with her
teenaged daughter who has Lymphoma.

Early on in this young lady's battle with Cancer,
her Grandpa was planning to stop by for a visit.
He was weeping on the phone.
And my friend told him that tears to that extent would not be
welcomed in the presence of her daughter.

They were not having a funeral.
Her daughter had not died.
They were rejoicing in each day graciously given
by the LORD.

They were living.

That is what we plan to do too.
Live life as it is given.
And cherish the moments as they come.

Day by Day.  By God's Grace.


Grace is there as it is needed.
Not for the worrying about what is to come.
I can testify that this is true.
Once again.

Yes, there have been tears.
Tears like I have never experienced before.

Never.

But, I am finding that those tears
often are about the *what ifs*
and the *fears* of what may lie ahead.
It's not productive to go there.

We are to enter into this moment.
Enter into this day.  Live it for HIS glory.
It's a gift.  It's what we have been given.

The gift of today.


I contemplated shutting down this blog.
But, then I remembered that our story is not finished.
It's still being written.  Life still is being lived.
God still has much to do in our hearts.

Sanctification.

And so, I plan to continue.
When there are significant changes in Austin's condition,
I will give updates.

But, in the meantime, life goes on.
And we all want to participate
in whatever the LORD gives.
And live life to the fullest for HIM.
One day at a time.

Each day is a gift.

"It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed,
because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness."
~ Lamentations 3:22-23 ~


We will, of course, continue to pray.
God has already done amazing things,
for which we are thankful!

Medically speaking, the progress may be slow,
and the journey long.
But, God is able to accomplish far
above that which we ask or think!
Our times are in HIS hands.
What a blessing it is to know that HE does all things well.
How wonderful it has been
to witness HIS hand upon our son.

If the LORD brings us to mind, would you pray too?
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
We appreciate you all so very much!

Permit me, if you will, to return to my *regular* posts.
Posts about life and living.  About the simple things.
The *everyday* things.  Amazing things about my
Precious Saviour and HIS Goodness.
Perhaps even the mundane.

And, in the meantime, please know that your prayers
for our son and our family continue to be cherished.
Each one of you is a blessing.

Is there something you need prayer for?
Please feel free to email me privately (sidebar),
or leave a comment on this post,
and we will seek to remember you before the Throne of Grace.

HE hears and answers.
HIS ways are always best.

We have been filled up beyond
measure with the outpouring of love
shown to us during this trial.
May the LORD bless you, each one!

"The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped:
therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth;
and with my song will I praise Him."
~ Psalm 28:7 ~

He is Good.  Always.

Much Love,
Camille

Home!

The journey that lies before us is long and uncertain.
We (and they) do not have many answers yet.  Time will tell.
God knows the beginning from the end ~
What a blessing this knowledge is!  Our times are in HIS Hands.

We were allowed to bring Austin HOME yesterday!

He is very weak.  He has to take things slowly.
We still have to wait and see what these meds will do.
We still need an MRI to know the extent of the damage.

But, he is HOME!  And we are excited!
God has graciously answered many prayers
in the affirmative.  We are so thankful!

Eleven days ago we didn't know if we would
ever have him home again.

By God's Grace, HE enabled us to take things
one day at a time.  When I began imagining things
beyond the day we were in, I couldn't bear it.  We aren't meant to.

God's Grace is there for Just. This. Day.

How precious these things are. We have so often taken
so many things for granted.  How easy it is to think
that things will go on and on in the same way forever.
It's rarely the case.

Each day is precious.

As Christians, we ought to live in the moment.
With the LORD.  Enjoy the blessings that God gives.
Rejoice in HIM!  And live for HIM.

HE is perfect.  HE never changes.
HE does all things well.  We rest in HIM!

Thank you to each one of you who has kindly left notes
of encouragement, and extended your friendship
in a miriad of ways.  And for praying!

If the Lord should bring us to mind in the next while,
would you please continue to pray?
Thank you so very, very much!

We believe that Our Great God is able to do amazing things.
Whatever HE chooses to do ~ It will be for our good,
and for HIS glory.  Of this, we are certain.

May we live this out.  Moment by moment.
By HIS Grace.

"But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings as eagles;
they shall run, and not be weary;

and they shall walk, and not faint."  Isaiah 40:31

Many Blessings!
With Love, Camille

**If you have missed the previous posts in this journey,
and would like to read them...Please ~
Click here for the first, Click here for the second, and
Click here for the third.

Waiting and Resting ~ An Update

God is Good.  Always.  No matter what.
And He gives the grace needed for the journey.
How amazing is HIS love!

Thank you to each and every one of you who has
emailed, left blog comments, sent cards, phoned, brought meals,
visited with Austin, and of course ~ Prayed!!

Every single email, comment and note has been read.
Every single phone message has been listened to.
The food has been a great blessing, and Austin has enjoyed all the visits!
Thank you all so very, very much.  How precious God's people are!

The LORD is carrying us through this journey.
HE is in control.  And we rest in HIM.

Austin is out of imminent danger.
His body has responded well to each of the heart
medications administered.  It might not have been the case.
This is a direct answer to prayer.

Each medicine had to be added in one by one to be sure
he would tolerate them.  There are three or four.
God has graciously answered prayer and the meds are working well.

The full picture will not be known for some time.
Many tests were implemented and results will be slow in coming.
There are many questions.  We must be patient for the answers.

Each day is a gift.

In order to see the extent of the damage to the heart,
an MRI is needed.  It will likely take place next week.  Now we wait.
We do not know what the future holds.  But, we know WHO holds it!  

Our Great God is already there.

The team of cardiologists at Children's Hospital
has determined that Austin should be closely monitored
and then re-assessed in about three months.
It takes a long time for the medicines to take effect.

In the meantime, we pray that healing would happen.
We pray that his body would continue to accept the meds.

The next step in this journey would involve inserting a pacemaker, if necessary.
Please pray that it won't be required.
When/if that stops working, there are ways to mechanically
help the heart while waiting for a transplant.

Statistically ~ One third of children with this condition die.
One third live with impaired heart function and use medications,
possibly a pacemaker, and may eventually receive a heart transplant.
One third completely recover.

Anything is possible with God.

If all goes well tonight, Austin may be released from
the hospital in the morning. He will have to lay low
for awhile.  Chess anyone? :)
The new normal?  Time will tell.

Thank you once again for your prayers!
If the LORD should bring us to mind, would you please
continue to pray?  Only as you are able.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him...
Trust in Him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before Him:
God is a refuge for us."  Psalm 62:5 and 8

The LORD truly does all things well.
Resting in HIM, Camille

For the first post of this journey ~ Click Here.
For the second post ~ Click Here.  For the third post ~ Click Here.

**Photo courtesy of Calvin ~  Thank you my love! XO