Where do the weeks go?

I am not sure how another week has managed to fly by. For me this has been a week of reflection. Last year on December 9th, Alex became extremely sick. It was the start of a month long admission and some scary days. On December 13th, Alex underwent the biggest surgery of his life as it was decided without an ileostomy his diseased colon would continue to leak bacteria into his bloodstream and most likely kill him. It was a surgery that was as scary emotionally as physically. I was scared of how my sweet boy would adjust and how life would change. Physically he struggled with the recovery, but emotionally he has handled this change with more courage and grace then I ever could have imagined. In fact we have seen the opposite of what I feared. Instead of a decline in his emotional well being, I have seen a decrease in anxiety and a new sense of calm and maturity that I did not expect. I say it so often, but I am so lucky that God chose me to be the mother to this extraordinary child. He has an ability to touch everyone who has the privilege of meeting him. He maintains a joyful disposition and a faith in Jesus that never wavers. I pray constantly that God uses Alex in this world that so desperately needs some light in the dark. His perspective is one we can all learn from.

Monday I got a long update from Zoey's trainer and also got to speak to her on the phone for a bit. Zoey is doing a great job and doing exactly what she needs to do. She is going to be such a blessing to us when she comes home. The independence and confidence she will give Alex in knowing that she will alert him if her needs more hydrocortisone and the peace she will give me overnight and when I am not with Alex is indescribable.

Zoey and Mazie (one of our friends dogs) who is also with Beverly

We continue to fundraise to ensure we can finish Zoey's training. We are so grateful to everyone who has donated, shared our link and prayed for us. Zoey's Fundraiser

We had a pretty good week otherwise. Monday we were able to celebrate with the Family Advisory Council that I have been a part of for the past 3 years. It is so fun to get our family's together once a year for dinner and an ornament exchange. 

Maddy had a great week at school. She loves every minute learning, playing with her friends and loving on her teachers. She cried on Friday because she was sad that she didn't have school. I love that she is so happy in her preschool and is growing in confidence. Our church has blessed us in countless ways through the years and Building Blocks is just one more example of the love of Keller UMC. 

Alex continued to practice his violin this week and he had another lesson with Sonny as he prepares for a special performance on Tuesday. He is nervous, but excited for this concert. 

We also managed a visit with Erin and Greyson this week.  Alex and I got to love on Greyson and Erin helped me with wrapping presents for Christmas, which was a HUGE help.

Yesterday we were able to attend the Spiderman movie thanks to HopeKids. I knew Alex was excited to see it, but Maddy loved it just as much! She was also excited to see a big Christmas Tree decorated in Pink! Alex and I also got to see a show directed by his Improv teacher that featured many of his friends!

Only Mad needs a tiara to go see a superhero movie!

Please keep us in your prayers this week. Prayers for continued good health. Prayers for the kids on Tuesday as they both have performances that they are worried about.

Ali