Important Updates

Two important updates in one!  

LUCY:

I'm sitting here at OU Children's with Sweet Lucy Belle.  She's doing well, despite a hard seizure this afternoon.  Lucy underwent a kidney and bladder test this morning, and I must say she was a rock star.  I'm so very proud of My Girl!  I played praise and worship during her test, and the radiology techs sang along with me and Pandora.  There's nothing like worshiping during a radiology test!  What a special thing.  These are the same sweet techs who took care of Ellie Kate during her many tests here as well.  We have a special bond, and after today's radiology praise service, I think our bond is a little stronger.  

In the morning, Lucy will have her tonsils taken out.  This normally isn't a big surgery.  In fact, it only takes a few minutes and is usually done outpatient. Our doctors know us well though, and are aware that nothing about Lucy is typical.  They want to keep us a few days to make sure she does well after the procedure, which we are grateful for.  

It's always bittersweet coming to OU Children's.  I'm forever grateful for the doctors, specialists, nurses, housekeeping staff, transport staff - anyone and everyone we know up here.  There is something so comforting about getting on the elevator and hearing, "Hi Ryan and Lucy!", from a random hospital worker.  They know us and we love them.  But as I've said before, there is also a downside to being so familiar with the walkways, rooms and floors of this place.  It reminds me of the almost seven years we spent in and out with Ellie Kate.  

Everywhere I look, everywhere I turn, I see Ellie Kate.  I see a memory in my mind of the room we had been in with her; a memory of our favorite nurses caring for her and helping me wash her hair with those silly caps.  I see her in the lobby, in the elevator and on the sixth floor outdoor area where she hopped and played.  

Ellie Kate, Spring 2010

It's true that we are up at Children's about every other week for something, but sometimes the pain and memories hit me more intensely.  That's where I'm at with this visit.  Missing my girl.  Flooded with memories of her.  I may look like I have it all together here, but I don't.  I'm holding back the tears and my body manifests the grief in many forms, including nausea and migraines. I'm trying to hold it together because I have no other choice.  If I start crying, I probably won't stop. The only peace I have is in knowing that this is the life God has for us.  This is the ministry He's given us, the road He's given us to walk.  And that means that He's here with me every step of the way.  

God recently gave me the following verses.  The Holy Spirit's timing is perfect, and it never ceases to amaze me.  His word comes at just the right time, and I'm clinging to it even now as I write this post:

Psalm 28:6-9: "Blessed be the Lord! For he has heard the voice of my pleas for mercy.  The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped.  my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.  The Lord is the strength of his people; he is the saving refuge of his anointed.  Oh, save your people and bless your heritage! Be their shepherd and carry them forever." ESV

Needless to say, we covet your prayers for Lucy's surgery and for our hearts as we are here once again, missing our girls, separated from our boys.  

JENNI:

We are doing an online fundraiser for my sweet friend Jenni who is fighting late stage cancer.  Jenni is currently undergoing treatment in Arizona, and it isn't covered by insurance.  Jenni, her husband Heath, along with her parents and seven children, all are greatly impacted by this long-distance situation.  

The latest fundraiser contains OKC Thunder prizes!  Although this effort isn't officially sponsored by the OKC Thunder, the franchise has been extremely generous in donating both an autographed basketball AND four tickets and a meal for the 2014-2015 season.  To bid on these items, simply go to our special Facebook page:  Thunder Jenni.  Bidding is easy, and it's already begun.  Winners will be notified on May 3rd, so jump online and get to bidding!  

For more information on Jenni and her journey, please visit Support Jenni Kufahl.  The family covets your prayers and support during this incredibly difficult time in their lives.

Trusting Him to Hold My Heart . . . 
Ryan