Let the river flow

(Original appeared May 5, 2016)

“For you, O Lord , have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy.” Psalms 92:4
No offense to the psalmist, but today I would like to add an exclamation point to that verse! Jacob’s kidney output has been wonderful last night and this morning – so much so that they may have to consider reducing the meds so he doesn’t loose too many electrolytes. We can’t pinpoint the exact cause of the sudden output (could be a host of factors since we’ve changed so many variables lately). Suffice to say that we are grateful for the prayers and the nursing care. I am trying hard to temper the excitement simply because this is only the beginning of a long course. We saw this kind of urine output before – before it stopped about 10 days ago. So we are cautiously optimistic.
He will undergo a heart echo (ultrasound) to check on his PDA. We expect it to still be there since they continue to hear a murmur but we hope it has not enlarged and instead shows signs of closing up.
Tomorrow he will receive his weekly brain ultrasound to check for swelling and whether the blood clots are being resolved. Currently we are in “wait and see” mode with that. He will not be ready for a surgical fix to the swelling u til he is much bigger. We continue to pray that the blood clots have not caused significant brain damage and only time will tell if Jacob will struggle with any developmental issues.
Yet, we rejoice in the moment and always. -R
PS: I have chosen not to mention any individual gifts and acts of kindness in this blog so far, simply because to do justice to ALL the gifts, etc, would require me to write a separate blog just on that topic! But I do want to make special mention about the 3rd grade class at Addison’s school. I should mention that Addison is in 4th grade. Yet her younger peers, led by their caring teacher, prepared the most wonderful individual handmade cards for our family. The artwork was beautiful but the messages of goodwill, prayers, and thoughtfulness invoked emotion like you wouldn’t believe. The hopes and dreams of little ones are the most precious. Thank you, Third Graders! These cards follow the equally wonderful cards made recently by Addison’s friends in her own 4th grade. Very uplifting to her, and Deb and I.