Miracles and More

Our church recently started a Bible Study called "Experiencing God." The main idea of the study is that you need to stop what you are doing, look to see where God is working, and then join him in that work. The blessings that have come from doing this study have been amazing. I've learned things about God that I never knew before, and I've been given the opportunity to witness some real-life miracles.

Everyone knows the struggle we have faced with Travis' feeding issues. Just in case you don't know, he does not eat solid food and takes his nutrition from Pediasure through a bottle. We have jokingly called it "manna from heaven," but it is the truth. There is no other explanation for how that has sustained him these past 4-1/2 years other than by God's provision. We have spent a lot of time and money on oral-motor therapy and have always ended up feeling frustated and tired. I even decided to take some time off from therapy for a while, because I felt we just needed a break.

About a month ago, we found a new therapist and started again. We were given the same exercises, and I thought "oh no, here we go again." This time, however, it seems to be God's timing because Travis claimed a breakthrough last weekend that was nothing short of a miracle. He learned how to swallow! What I mean is, he usually will put a cracker or something in his mouth, roll it around a bit and then spit it out. Last weekend we had went to visit Memaw and Grandaddy and were sitting around their dining room table eating pizza. We just started talking to Travis about how you have to swallow your food and were trying to show him how to do it by really exaggerating how we were swallowing. My dad told him to "gulp" and then swallow. We were all shocked when Travis did just that...he gulped, and then swallowed! He stuck out his tounge and all the crumbs were gone! I cannot explain to you what a big deal this is, but trust me it is HUGE!

Now, I like the new therapist and I think she is very knowledgeable, but I am afraid I cannot give her the credit for this. God deserves all the credit! Since Saturday, Travis continues to eat animal crackers, goldfish and ritz crackers by chewing and swallowing. We are not pushing him to other foods just yet, but letting him build confidence and be comfortable with these first. The other will come. Did I mention this is a big deal?

I do think that one thing that helped make the timing right is the Sensory Therapy we have been doing since last summer. Travis loves his therapist, Ms. Lauren, and she has been so sweet with him. She has really educated me on this whole topic of sensory processing disorder and I think we all are coming to understand it a little better. Some of the things we have worked on is motor planning and muscle work. She has him do different things like obstacle courses, climbing over bean bags, ball pits and other stuff. It has really helped him and he seems to be better coordinated and easier in figuring out what he need to do to accomplish physical tasks, like climbing. I really think this has helped him get a little better control over his tounge and mouth muscles, too. Whatever the case, to God be the Glory!

The other big answer to prayer has come with the decision about what to do for school next year. I think we have found out that Travis will be able to attend UCP next year for kindergarten. I am very excited, and pleased with that choice and think it will be good for both of us. He will be able to get some independence and I will learn how to let him have it. We actually are scheduled to go tomorrow for the Student Study Team Meeting and development of the IEP. I am confident it will be a good meeting and we will be well-prepared for next year.

You know, I've realized the last few posts I have created I didn't really talk about Emily. Last week, I actually won the "family name game" on Z88.3 and I got to talk about Emily on the radio. My only problem was I had too much to say! Maybe I will say here, what I wish I had the time to say then. Emily is amazing. She truly is everything I wish I could be. She's super smart, and funny. She's silly and energetic. She's compassionate and loving. She preferrs to have your undivided attention, but will make do playing by herself if you aren't available. She is the most outgoing 2-year-old I've ever seen and isn't afraid to go up to people and say hello. You'll never believe this, but I think she'll probably be a vet when she grows up. She loves every animal, especially puppies and kitty-cats. Heaven help me. She tries to be so helpful with Travis, and she is in so many ways. She is truly a blessing.

We truly have a lot to be thankful for. Never lose sight of that!

Psalm 136:2
Give thanks to the God of gods; His love endures forever.