My Son, The Chemist

Once again, we've had another full weekend. Aaron attended a class at the Home Depot Merit Badge College at Roswell High School. There were about a zillion Boy Scouts there taking merit badge classes on a full range of subjects. Aaron chose Chemistry, and I am happy to report that all of the scouts have the same number of eyes and arms and legs as they did when they arrived! They seemed to have had a wonderful time, and he couldn't wait to share all the neat-o stuff he learned with me and Daniel. As for what we did while he was playing Mad Scientist...Daniel and I wandered through the shops near the high school. We looked at pets and toys and plants, and had a great time. One thing I noticed about him is that he has a wonderful sense of direction to be so young. After picking Aaron back up, both boys informed me that they were close to starvation. I could remember passing a certain restaurant earlier in our travels, but couldn't remember if it was east or west of the school. Daniel took us directly to it, turn by turn.

Aaron's troop was having their first camping trip that night, but by the time we got back home we had done all we cared to do for one day. Aaron said he was just too tired to go. I think he was a little apprehensive about being with the older scouts. I know they mean well, but they come across as a bit pushy at times. One of our smaller guys confessed that he felt bullied by some of them. Aaron just smiles and gets right in the thick of things. The older guys are so used to being together that they don't always seem to know how to deal with the younger ones. I'm sure time will bring the two bunches togther. In the meantime we'll just keep on trying to do our best and fit in!

Answered Prayers

Prayer is a powerful thing!!! Remember little Connor in the last post? Well, let me share some wonderful news:

Doctors found that Connor's bowel problem was not nearly as bad as they first thought, but then his heart rate kept speeding up and slowing down. It would go from 70 beats per minute up to 240. Late last week he had another surgery to put in a pacemaker. Well, I saw his grandma today and the little guy is HOME! He still isn't out of the woods, but what a dramatic improvement!

Isn't it amazing what modern medicine can do? Isn't it more amazing what God can do??? Our prayers do not fall on deaf ears. The truly amazing part is that no matter how many people pray all around the world at the same time, God hears and answers us all.

Prayers and Little Ones

I'm apprehensive about going to work tomorrow. I'm afraid of the news I may hear of my co-worker Carol's little grandson. Connor was born prematurely and with a congenital heart problem. He is now 2 and just had his third heart surgery at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta this past week. Things were going well initially, but he took a bad turn mid-week. His bowels shut down and began to necrose (die). The little guy lost two pounds in one day and is back in size 1 diapers. In case you're wondering, size 1's usually fit babies under 4 months old. Doctors say he is too weak to withstand another major surgery so soon after his heart surgery, and are not optimistic. I know prayer can work wonders, so I'm praying for a miracle for his little person.

I met another baby yesterday that has been on my heart. Austin is not quite 4 months old. I guess his mama meant well, but according to my cousin who babysits him, Austin gets left on his back all the time. Consequently his head is completely flat on the back, and very broad. Just playing with him for a short time, I'm afraid there is more to this little person's problem than a flat spot. Though able to grasp, he doesn't fully extend his fingers. He extends his legs, but doesn't kick like most babies. I also didn't see him turn his head much, and he appeared not to be able to raise his head when laying on his belly. I wish he could get to a specialist because I suspect hydrocephalus. I hope I'm wrong, but at any rate, this little baby needs prayers too.

Babies are the sweetest things on earth. When you think of other things sweet and angelic, doves also come to mind. Yesterday I lost one of my dearest little friends of over 23 years. Jiminy was a pink ringneck dove I got as a child. Mama was right when she said Jiminy never had a bad day. He was always bright-eyed, attentive, and soft as silk. He also knew each day of the 23 years he lived in Mama's house that he was loved. We sure are going to miss him. Maybe he is carrying my prayers for the two babies up to heaven.

Please after you read this, say a prayer for Connor and Austin. Think also of Connor's family who loves him dearly, and for my cousin, who gives Austin the love and care he desperately needs.