Sunday, February 7, 2010

On with the Show

I've been waiting. Waiting. Wanting. Wishing. Hoping. Waiting to make my next post because I was just sure the next entry should be about McKay's first words. I guess I should of remembered what my grandfather taught me about wishing. "Wish in one hand and spit in the other--see which one gets full first."
McKay's ear tubes and echo went so well that we packed up that very night and drove down to Southern Utah for the weekend. I love running the annual half marathon every January and McKay seemed as right as rain so we hit the road.

We made the trip with friends and it was a busy, but fun weekend of doing something--ANYTHING--different. It felt good to get away.

All the stress of the week paid off as I ran and ran and ran my way to my best half marathon time yet--a 1:45! They even had photographers out on the trail this year to capture the journey for me. They obviously used a high speed camera to capture such a crisp image of my wind-like motion :).


The kids had a great time exploring the red rocks with their friends. And Ty celebrated his second of what seemed a never-ending month of "I'm 7 Now!" cake and ice cream events. Whatever. Birthdays are magical--the only day (or month) of the year that's YOURS. I love to do them up right for my boys. And Ty is just about as great as they come. I feel like everyday he's becoming a new person. One I have to chat with and interview and ask hard and bendy questions to make sure I understand where he's coming from. In many ways I feel like I'm meeting him for the first time. And you know what's even better? I like who he is. He makes me proud. He is smart and funny and kind. His heart is solid gold. In fact, we may need to switch faiths in order to join a religion with a paid clergy. He's just that good, through and through.

Then we came home and I waited. I waited for the miracle that was supposed to be tubes. "Oh! Your life will be completely changed," people told me. He'll sleep through the night. He'll eat better. He's react and move and light up to sounds like he's never done before. So I waited. And I watched. And I loved on him. But the only thing that's changed with my dear and darling Mac-aroni is this:
Despite our very best efforts to isolate and protect and provide all the best preventative medications, McKay somehow, somewhere, can't-think-about-where-it-came-from-or-it-will- drive-me-right-to-the-edge has contracted RSV.

He's home. We're watching him. Giving him steam sessions and syringing every drop of mucus we can get close to. And we're waiting. Waiting. Wanting. Wishing. Hoping. Hoping that somehow his just-last-Tuesday dose of Synagis will ease the symptoms and prevent the virus from multiplying as it normally would. We're beyond hoping for words this week. We just want him to breathe. So far, so good.

Tonight it's on with the show at our house. And in our version of normal, we're shrugging our shoulders and counting our blessings. All in all things are good. I have spent today weepy with a sense of gratitude for the gift of perspective Christ continually gives to me. Just when I seem overwhelmed with worry or want for something I cannot control, God consistently steps in, let's me know He is there, and redirects my path to more productive pursuits. I have talents to give. I have love to offer. I have pain to feel. But mostly my life is joy. And I have His tender mercies to see me through it all. No more waiting. No more wishing. Because He will make sure today has everything I need.

10 comments:

Me said...

Oh Mindi, I have been waiting for a wonderful post. I am so sorry the little guy got RSV. We will pray very hard that he stays home with his biggest fans.

GG, Marshelle's mom said...

Mindi...I am just glad to see your post...I check in on you daily...and I have been so worried about you and your family.
You are in my thoughts and prayer's.

Lisanne said...

I am so sorry! RSV is NO fun, so please let me know if you need anything. It was great to see you the other night, hopefully we can do it again. Let me know if you will be home tomorrow. I will be your direction and I have some earrings for you!!

Jamie Bailey said...

Oh no, I hope he gets feeling better soon. Poor guy.

I had to laugh out loud about what your grandpa said about wishing. My grandpa would say the same thing. Except he was not as tame as yours. He would fill the other hand with something a lot worse than spit. Tell my dad that the next time you see him at work - he'll laugh. Hope your little guy feels better...

heidivee said...

Beautifully written, Mindi. That little trooper is the cutest. I am glad you are home, we will be praying for a speedy recover from this nasty bug, and that he has no lasting effects. Ty is so cute, I can't believe he's SEVEN! Where does the time go?
And by the way, GORGEOUS legs, girl. And holy crap...a 1:45? Amazing. You are amazing. Not just in your running. In your every day living. Let us know if you need anything. ANYTHING.

Patti said...

You inspire me. Thank you. I hope things turn around there pronto.

Allison said...

Agh! Doesn't it just make you sick that McKay contracted RSV despite faithfully paying THOUSANDS of dollars each month to keep that very thing from happening??!! Makes me want to call your insurance company and demand a refund or something! I hope that his synagis will limit the effects of the RSV on his heart and lungs and that you can be able to see the results of his ear tubes very very soon!

Becca said...

I am so sorry!!! There is nothing more frustrating when you are getting the shots and they still end up with it. When Ellie got rotovirus, she spent a week in the hospital. Hopefully it will lesson it and he can get over it fast. Congrats on the half. I miss St. George so bad. Let us know how things go and if you need anything.

Becca-Ellie's mom

wylie said...

(BIG SIGH) . . . Casey and I were wondering out loud to each other last night a similar question, "How could it be that Tyler and McKay both go RSV?" We feel badly for you! We are praying for McKay's recovering. Thank you for sharing a positive out look. AND I am still checking daily for a post entitled "Ma Ma" =)

Aimee Hardy said...

Oh no! I'm glad you got a good run in before being cooped up again. We're praying for a speedy recovery for Mckay and no hospital stays. Take care!