The weather is gorgeous, football season is in full gear, and pumpkin spice is calling the names of people everywhere. Some people long for the change of the seasons. In Texas, we obviously don't really have the opportunity to experience much seasonal change, since shorts can be worn well into November. Let's face it, when the temperature dips into the 70's, people start to break out boots and fall clothes just to embrace the idea of fall. That crisp air is a change that many long for after a hot Texas summer.
However, change isn't always met with complete excitement.
Many of you may remember the show, "Friends". There is an episode where Monica Gellar and Chandler Bing are about to get married. Throughout their engagement, Monica is expecting Chandler to go all "Chandler" and panic. Chandler was actually completely happy and confident until he heard their new answering machine message, which emphatically asked callers to leave a message for, "The Bings"! The thought of their married name brought some immediate apprehension.
Change can be a welcome transformation or a challenging adjustment. Many times, we find a norm that is comfortable and resist transition. We continually want to be in control of the situation. The truth is, life brings change and it's not the change that we should focus on, but how we choose adapt to that change.
Hunter was fitted in his first TLSO brace this week. Essentially, a TLSO brace is a custom brace made specific to his body. It is used to hold his torso in place and prevent further regression. Prior to our appointment, we talked with Hunter about getting a brace and what it would look like. He seemed open to the idea, but the day came and he was very upset. The appointment was lengthy and he had to try on the brace multiple times in order to get the correct fit. By the last fitting of the day, he was kicking and screaming to get it off. The orthotist was very understanding, but Hunter had reached his limit. Apparently, most children going from cast to brace, actually receive the brace the same day that their cast is removed. Obviously that would have been a lot easier.
Hunter's doctors didn't expect the amount of regression he experienced during the cast break he had in July, and therefore weren't expecting him to immediately need a brace.
Hunter will have to wear the brace 20 hrs. a day, which includes sleep. We were instructed to begin with one hour of bracing that night and add an additional hour every day until we reach that 20 hr. period. Right now, we are anticipating long-term bracing with potential casting again, until he will need surgery in his teens.
Honestly, I was dreading putting Hunter back in the brace after the rough morning and a long, napless car ride home. We left the hospital and I began to question what I could do to make this an easier process for Hunter. A good friend reminded me to make the experience fun and make him feel as though he's a super hero. I decided to sketch a picture of Hunter in his brace with Hayden by his side. When we got home, I held him in my lap and we looked at the sketch. We talked about his brace and I told him that it would help him to grow and become strong and mighty. He willingly put on the brace that first night and wore it without being upset. We're hoping the trend continues! We have offered him opportunities for distraction while bracing. I'm obviously not above bribery and at this point and will do whatever I can to help him adjust. :)
Yesterday afternoon, during brace time, I sat on the floor and watched my son play with his new train set. The train is battery operated and creeks up a track suspended in the air only to spiral down through a cave onto the track below. The track is laid out and is constructed so the train can complete the drop without any problems. Hunter kept watching the train climb to the top of the track's peak and then would hold the train to control the drop, rather than letting the train follow the prepared track. As I watched him, I thought about how often we try to control situations and their outcomes and how often we resist the plan that is set out for us. I didn't envision Hunter growing up with a cast/brace and battling this condition, just as you may not envision yourself experiencing job changes, disappointment, divorce, or the loss of a loved one. I love this quote from Karen Ehman's "Let.It.Go." study, as she says, "Learn to let God turn your predicament to purpose."
It is hard to watch children experience these battles, and as adults, we want to control the outcome. There is a purpose and plan already laid out for Hunter and all who experience challenges or suffering. Maybe one of those purposes is to teach us to let God take control.
Hunterman is going to continue to grow strong and mighty, whether in cast or brace. We are going to try our best to find the purpose in his predicament and help him develop into the super hero that God intended him to be.
I want to thank all of you who continue to keep Hunter and our family in your prayers. He has a wonderful cheering section and we are so blessed and honored to have people who genuinely care for him. A special thank you to my friends in my bible study group (MYC). These special ladies have brought care packages, given encouragement, shared ideas to make the transition easier, shared our hurts, and rejoiced in our triumphs.
Please continue to share Hunter's story so that we can help others who may be in a similar situation. Your continued prayers are much appreciated and we'll continue to keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers, as well. Blessings from Hunterman and the Ladybug!
Stay Tuned!
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