Saturday, 03/29

     Yesterday, Caren and Rick had to admit one of their children to residential care. It was a grief-stricken day for all the parents, to realize that this child was beyond their help, and needed professional intervention.  One thing, though, none of our children are ever beyond our love.  Caren had a very emotional day, and the concussion only exacerbated the tears.
     I observed, I consoled, I supported - and Lord, I prayed.  But, there were no tears.  It is not that I am unfeeling, nor is it that I didn't care.  I just felt all cried out - years of cried out.  This is my second time around, raising kids.  My kids went through some rough times. At one point I held my son's wrist together while my husband summoned the ambulance.  I sobbed, I wept, I beat my chest in anguish.  So, I understand the sorrow.  Also, I am not unaware of the healing property of tears. Maybe I'm just prolactin, andrenocorticotropic, and leucine enkephalin challenged.  LOL  Perhaps I understand that one day the child will no longer hate the parents. The child will come to understand the loving sacrifices made this week.  One day.  Right now, teenagers are seeking self-gratification in a hurry.  It's the way the brain is wired, so the Doc explained.  Many of our teens have the faulty notion of entitlement. We'll not debate this.  When raising my kids, the first time around, an old preacher once told me to cry in my pillow at night, wring it out in the morning, and go with God.  Joy comes in the morning.  
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     Caren has had another med change.  As she weans herself from the narcotics, there have been subtle trepidations, and challenges. Nonetheless, Caren has been triumphant. She has now discontinued the Tylenol with Codeine, and replaced it with 800 Ibuprofen - for breakthrough pain.  Right now she is taking Valium for rib spasms, and Oxycontin for pain, but only twice a day.  From no pulse at scene, to learning to walk again/etc. - what a miraculous journey, what a miraculous young woman!
     Thank you, God!

     And, thank you prayer partners for your loving support and prayerful watch with us.

PS  *yawns*  How exhausting!  A nap would be lovely indeed, :-)