Updates on Mason

Well, it has been an emotional 2 weeks. Many ups and downs. We had a great time celebrating Mason's bday. We are still in the works to finish his bday rap and video. When you continue reading, you'll see why it has not been first on our priority list. Last Monday (June 7th) we received a call from the wheelchair company that our insurance would not cover Mason's wheelchair. We could pay the $5,000 or try and find an alternative.

Tuesday, we met with Dr. W. He gave us the choices of putting Mason on a med that could give him neurological side effects for the rest of his life or do the fundoplication surgery. Fabulous choices!

Then Thursday we received a call about my genetic testing and it came back positive. This means that Mason received this condition from me and Kevin and I can no longer have children. Talk about a bad week!!!!!

By Friday I felt so defeated. I cried, yelled, screamed at God about all that had transpired that week. I told Him that I know He loved us and Mason but I just needed a break. Please give us direction and hope b/c all our choices were so far from what I wanted or imagined. All weekend I felt like I was in a bad dream. I had to go to training for the Virtual School Fri and Sat. and it ended up being a great distraction. Sunday morning as we pulled into church my heart was so heavy. I didn't feel like wearing a smile and pretending like my world was o.k.

After church Nanette and Ty asked Kevin and I if they could talk w/us. Nanette is in my Tuesday night bible study that I've been teaching since January. Tuesday nights have been my sanctuary and God has blessed my life with these girls. Anyway, she said they she and Ty had been praying about starting a non-profit ministry for families with children in the hospital. We were so excited about this project. The need for organizations like this are great. They went on to tell us that they wanted to call it "Mason's Miracles"!! I couldn't believe it. Tears filled my eyes as God gently reminded us that He is working an amazing plan through Mason. The plan can be hard and discouraging but He has GREAT things He is going to do with his life. I can't wait to give you more info on this organization. Everything is still in the works but I will pass it along as I receive it. Funny how God works b/c after we left them peace swept over me like a tidal wave. Knowing we were going to meet with the General Surgeon the next day, the anxiety I had been feeling was slowly subsiding.

Monday we met with Dr. Danielson (General Surgeon) about Mason's surgery. He said that when they did the fundo they would also fix his elevated diaphragm. (assuming anesthesia said it was o.k) The surgery will be July 14th and will take 3 -4 hrs. The blessing is they believe they can do it laparoscopically. This is a HUGE praise!!! The only glitch in the procedure may be if his GJ tube is too close to the operating site. If this is the case, they will need to remove the tube and perform that surgery again as well. Going in to this appt. I begged God for peace. He delivered 100%. We left feeling very comfortable with our surgeon and praising Him that they would not have to open Mason up completely. This will make a huge difference with recovery. We will remain in the hospital for a wk following surgery. We're praying that this will make a positive impact on Mason's life. They are still quite a few negatives about the surgery but for now we're not worrying about them. Surgery will take place July 14th.

Thursday we received a call from Shriners that they were able to work out Mason's wheelchair dilemma. They were able to pay what our insurance would not pay. We have a hint of how this may have occurred but we give all the glory to God. I couldn't believe it when they called. We should have his wheelchair here by the end of July beginning of August.

This coming Tuesday (22nd) we will be meeting with a doctor to talk about our options to have more children. At this point, I'm not sure how I feel about any decisions. If you could please keep us in your prayers as we make these decisions. We're asking God for the answer to be crystal clear.

I know that I'm throwing alot of information your way. I wanted to keep you updated with the latest information. If you could continue to pray for wisdom for Kevin and I and the doctors as we move forward. We are so excited about the many things that are on the horizon. We're praying that our time in the hospital will be great meeting new families and encouraging them by showing them the love of Jesus. I know that this may sound weird but there is a part of me that loves our hospital times. Most families are more open to hearing the gospel. So I've used these opportunities to love on them. I feel so blessed to have an amazing group of people that encourage and love our family. You all will never know how much you've blessed our lives. We love you so much!!