big stuff first...
Jack and daddy returned from a two day trip to Shriner's Children's Hospital in St Louis this last Friday night. The report was good. The doctors were pleased with his joints and range of motion. They didn't see any inflammation in the knees or feet and this is good, good news. Although I was hoping to be given the ok to take Jack completely off of meds, we were told to lose only one of the last two. I am definitely pleased about this, but secretly was a little disappointed. Because JRA can move into the eyes, Jack is checked regularly by an opthamologist. Surprisingly, they did find inflammation in Jack's right eye. We were given a prescription for eye drops and must check in with a local eye doctor within a week to check for progress. My momma heart broke just a little when Daddy called with the news, but he was very encouraging and feels, after speaking with the doctors, that this is going to be completely healed.
Overall good.
Fireman status: as of a few weeks ago we thought he was going to lose his fireman job. bummer. The negotiations between Mayor and Union had been going on for some time and we knew it was a possibility. However, when it comes down to it... it's a different story. I know we would be fine. I know our God is mighty and faithful to us. But with all that was going on that week, I felt my ankles being pulled into a quicksand of gloom. That same week, we were burglarized. Perhaps the most violating experience of my life. Someone was in my house. Uninvited. Stole my stuff. Rummaged through my cabinets and drawers. Left mud and glass all over the house. Left my back door open all day. And I have to say, I was mad. I was ready for them to come back and let me take the crowbar they so thougthfully left behind, to their knees and other precious bits. They took my computer, aka my lifeline, and my new guitar the fireman gave me for Christmas. I lost a lot of sleep and cried for days. bitterness. unease. broken. frustration. frightened. desperation. All good words to describe my feelings. Yes, they stole my joy and my security (and my photos and music library).
But here's the goodness...
My mother stepped in to show her love and offered us a computer.
My friend gave me her old, beautiful guitar.
I got a random check in the mail for a 401K I had been paying into all year at the Gap (unknowingly) and it covered the replacement of the computer.
And Calvin still has his job.
How good is that?
Good.
very, very good.
So we are living out life in Tulsa, OK. Still trying to discern what's next for us. But in the meantime, life is sweet and good.
