7.6 Pounds ~ An Update

During Austin's recent crisis in his struggle with DCM and Crohn's,

we sought the LORD as to what He would have us do next.

Day by day, He leads.  Moment by moment, He is Faithful.

Where would we be without Him?

Last Friday, Howie and Austin visited with the 
Heart Failure Specialist at Children's Hospital.

This particular Cardiologist made it very clear that he 
does not expect Austin's heart to recover.

He only hopes that it will not get any worse.

Our Electrophysiologist, however, has a
conflicting opinion about Austin's prognosis ~ 
she believes his heart could recover some of its function.
Austin's pacemaker is therapeutic ~
its purpose is to facilitate improved heart function 
over time with ongoing treatment.
However, neither specialist knows the future for Austin.

We serve a Great God, and He alone holds the future.

Our hope does not lie in man or medicines or devices.

Our hope lies in the LORD of the Universe!

Whatever He deems best is what we seek after.

By His grace.  For His glory.

It's easy to demand what we want.
To dig our heels in and say we will accept nothing less than a miracle.

But, we do not command God.  

He is the Potter.  We are the clay.

We must submit to His way with us ~ it is best.

May we remember this.  Always.

Even when the valley is deep, the path long, 
and the sorrow nearly crushing.

We must remember.  He is Good.

In recent weeks we have employed another

set of means to help settle the Crohn's down.

It appears to be working well.

Austin has gained 7.6 pounds in three weeks.

He is encouraged.  So are we.  

The Lord has led us each step of this journey.

We look to Him to make these means a blessing to our son.

Reducing the heart medicines has also produced some good results.

We are so thankful that the Lord has gone before us in these things.
So thankful that He prepared the hearts and minds of the
physicians who care for Austin.

It's all such a blessing and an answer to prayer.
It seems that once again, the tide may be turning.
There still is a long way to go, but, the initial signs have been good.

Eleven months ago, we were rejoicing to see
our son thriving after nearly losing him.
How quickly the change was wrought in his physical body.
It was a glimpse of how life was prior to any of these challenges.
Only a few months later, however, a decline in Austin's health began.

It surely has been a roller-coaster, but, 
our Precious Saviour has carried us through at every turn.
I can testify to the fact that He never leaves us nor forsakes us.
Wherever He leads, He gives the grace and strength required for the journey.

How blessed we are to belong to Him!
Wherever this path ends up, we have confidence that
He will lead and guide for our good, and for His glory.
There really is nothing to fear and everything to hope.
Because He is Good.  Always.

Thank you so much for praying for our family.
We are thankful for all the loving care and concern shown to us.
May the LORD bless you each one.

With Love,
Camille