It is 9pm and I am sitting at my writing desk. Outside birds chirp furiously to chase away a cat, and there is a gentle rising and falling swishing noise as the wind blows through the trees. Inside Lydia is tucked up in her cosy bed in her own room and the sound of my typing will not disturb her. Micah keeps interrupting me, but it doesn’t annoy me because I have the evening with him, and I will to be the one to tuck him into bed tonight. It feels so normal, yet my devotional calendar is still on the 29th of April and betrays the fact that is has been fourteen whole days since I last sat down at my desk.
We are home and incredibly grateful to be home. The last fortnight has been a marathon of driving and juggling things to try and fit in normal life while Lydia had her IV antibiotic treatments. We are so pleased it is over and grateful for all the answers to prayer and offers of help that have got us through.
Lydia had a lung function test this morning before we could leave. It has increased to 72%, this is an improvement of 10%. Also, good news is that we have noticed an improvement in her energy levels, even with the disturbed nights in hospital. Her consultant was really pleased to see that the antibiotics have had a positive impact and been worth all the effort. He was also amazed that Lydia’s long line had lasted the whole two weeks. Most children need at least two lines in that long admission so another amazing answer to prayer.
We are both very tired. The room was warm, and we had to keep our window open. This meant that, despite ear plugs, we could still hear the cars speeding towards the Emergency Department and the ladies in the floor below pushing their babies out into the world. The most annoying the cleaners who would come outside at 3am and 5:45am for a cigarette and a gossip. I could nearly hear every word even though they were three floors down.
Tonight, we will appreciate the relative peace and quiet of our own beds. My back will appreciate not being on my zed bed, with its saggy mattress. Lydia will have at least ten hours without anyone coming to hook her up to infusions or take her temperature. I will enjoy not having to drive over an hour to get Lydia to school. We are both looking forward to our evenings at home without clock watching and heading back to the hospital. Micah and Drew are looking forward to our company at breakfast tomorrow.
The fortnight has been tough going but we have known God’s provision and strength to get us through every day. He has answered so many prayers, the main one being that it’s been worth it. We are encouraged to see Lydia have more energy again, I don’t think we’d realised how much she’d been struggling.
Thank you to everyone who cooked meals, gave us lifts and stayed with Lydia in hospital. Most of all, thank you for praying for us and standing with us.
With a thankful heart I want to leave you with a song. It speaks of the incredible truth that the God who created the heavens and the earth cares to listen to and answer our prayers. He also loved us so much that he died in our place. All I can do in response is sing….. ‘All praise to him’……..
I would love to hear from you…….
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It’s so good to hear of God’s goodness to you all in keeping you in the past 2 weeks.really pleased to hear Lydia’s lung function is up again! Love you all lots xx
Cheryl this brought tears to my eyes and praise to God for what He did for Lydia and His persevering and sustaining power for all that was accomplished through you and your family. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. His grace is sufficient even when we have no more strength or energy. I want to commend you for your strength and diligence. You are an awesome mom and woman of God. You are walking this out with such grace and with a smile on your face. Thank you for showing God's glory in your story. Rest in God's love, take a breather, and be refreshed my friend.