GroshLink

Last night Eden graduated from preschool today. Wow!  Can you believe it?  It's amazing how much improvement Eden's made and that she can't wait to go to kindergarten. Praise God!

Your prayers and care for Eden (and our family) continue to be a rich blessing and great encouragement.  Thank-you.

Yesterday on Facebook Theresa shared her hope for "good news and a cooperative kid" as she entered Eden's eye doctor appointment.  Many of our friends/family stood with us in prayer.  Theresa's report from the appointment:

Thanks for your prayers. I was pleasantly surprised at how cooperative Eden was, despite a long visit. And the good news is that her eyesight continues to improve! Hurray!

Praise God!

Do you have a hit film in your house? 

Eden and Lily enjoy rotating between various Donut Man with Duncan and the Donut Repair Club videos and Madeline (1998). I've really enjoyed watching them hang out together with lots of song, dance, hiding during scary parts, and looking for the lost (e.g., cup, nook, snack, doll, etc). Kids bring so much joy to the house and Lily is a special blessing to Eden.  Can you believe Lily will soon turn two years old?

I'll have to ask my mom if I did the best in school when I gave the most resistance to drop-off at the classroom door, sometimes without any signs beforehand.  That is data we're compiling as we read the reports from the preschool instructors (and therapists) after tough drop-offs, such as Friday's.  Anyone else have similar experience?

Note:  It's not a universal rule which has carried over to Sunday School drop-off :(  We'll see what's in store for tomorrow.  Ready to head out to Maytown celebrations!  Hope everyone's cheerful after their naps.

The other day while getting ready in the morning, Eden asked me to recount the story of Joash and then Snow White. While reading The Hide-and-Seek-Prince* this week, I've emphasized the call of God upon Joash and the responsibility which he received at 7 years of age. Note: In our culture, there is an ironic encouraging of children to their full potential while discouraging their ability to make decisions, strike out on their own, get it done, and take leadership.  Eden really enjoys the drama of the story. 

After hearing my brief recounting of Snow White, Eden pointed out God took care of Snow White.  Amen!  Then she asked, Did Snow White know God?  What would you say?  I responded that it was my prayer that someone such as us went to their castle to share God, His Life, and His Story, just as I go to campus. Furthermore, it's our responsibility to share God, His Life, and His Story each and every day with all whom we meet.  A conversation to be picked up, a life to be lived, and a Snow White Part II to be imagined/written by Eden in the coming months ... in the mean time how do you discuss God in relationship to the traditional tales of our culture? 

PS. Brian Godawa’s Word Pictures: Knowing God Through Story & Imagination (InterVarsity Press, 2009) has some great insights on storytelling. Material from this book coming, to wet your appetite visit my ESN blog post Recognizing the Messiah.

*By Mary Manz Simon. Illustrated by Dennis Jones. Concordia Publishing House, 1994. Based upon II Kings 11:1-12:16.

[insert Hallelujah Chorus] Eden's eyesight has improved to such an extent that she only needs to wear a patch for 2 hours a day instead of 6!!!! -- originally posted Facebook, 3/26/2010, 3:11pm.

Over the past several weeks, Eden's found ambulances of great interest and used her medical kids toys to exam family members numerous times.* On Sunday, we passed by an accident with an ambulance arriving and followed a second ambulance for about a mile.** So when we arrived at my parent's she went straight to the computer to find a picture of the inside of an ambulance and find out just what the bed looked like.  We looked at several sites, but she particularly liked taking the 360 tour of Rescue 53: Blacksburg Volunteer Rescue Squad again and again.

*With Lily trailing behind her and copying her every move.

**For part of ride, Eden desired to be a veterinarian. That was probably based upon Hayley sharing her vocational interest. But Eden moved from being a veterinarian for animals to being a veterinarian for animals/humans to being doctor for humans.

Below are some reflections, taken from my Spiritual Autobiography. 

But first swing by this album for some photos of Eden's growth/development and click here for some birthday party pictures.  To God be the glory!

On February 22, 2006, our family rejoiced in baby Eden’s first birthday as a child who continues to improve in health. As a sleepy newborn in her first several weeks of life we did not observe the way she twisted her neck and the misalignment of her eye. Maybe the bleed in her brain occurred shortly after the birth and was not immediately apparent. But after about a month, we had significant concern and before we knew it, Children’s Hospital had become a regular destination. On Good Friday, our doctors advised us to begin chemotherapy just after Easter to halt the growth of what at the time was considered most probably a brainstem tumor.

What a joy to celebrate Eden's 5th birthday and her continued growth, development, healing.  Do you remember when she was a baby? Check out her baby pictures. Note: Some of her story is posted beginning here -- follow the Eden thread backward.  To God be the glory!

Yesterday, Theresa discussed Eden's Early Intervention Progress Report with those giving specific attention to Eden's development.  In brief, Eden has made much progress over the past year.  Praise God!  Pray for Eden's continued growth in physical, social, communication skills as she prepares to enter kindergarten next fall. 

P.S. Eden turns five on February 22.  How about that?  Not what we were told to expect early on in the journey.  To God be the glory! What a privilege to be entrusted with raising this precious gift of God. 

Driveway plowed (Thank-you Rodney & Landon!).  Roads look ok.  So we're heading out to the 11:00 am simple service of songs and carols at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ.

Due to the snow, the 8:30 service and extended Fellowship Time for today was cancelled. The Christmas Service, with full orchestra, choir, and refreshment time between services, has been moved to December 27th.

Due to Urbana 09, I'll miss the full scale Christmas service on December 27th.  But I'm really looking forward to having the whole family participate in a simple service of songs and carols.  To expand upon that further, Eden's already shared her desire to be with us at worship this morning and what better Sunday than Christmas Sunday to have all the kids in the mix. ... So I'm bringing Lily along, whether nursery is available or not.  Praying for the Lord's blessing as we worship as a family, part of the family of God. An Advent Sunday full of anticipation. ... expect an update w/more thoughts on the larger topic.

Due to our opportunity to help out a friend by dog sitting for about 1 week, Eden didn't sleep much on Sunday night.  On Monday morning, Eden exclaimed, "We're going to watch a puppy for a whole week!!"  Theresa reports, "Much excitement getting acclimated the first day, but all in all, a good day. Sadly, she's better trained than my kids..." 

In day two, Eden can hardly contain her nervous enthusiasm as she spins around and tries to pet Daisy. She moves and licks a little too much, too fast for Eden.  Good prep to have been around dogs on our trip to Austin, TX. Time with Daisy now provides leverage for Eden accomplishing tasks.  It's great to see how well Eden manages balance around Daisy in the living room and the stairwell between floors. 

Note:  Ellen has been a great help sitting with and walking Daisy. Also, I have tried to remember to close the doors behind me to make sure I accomplish as much as possible before Thanksgiving celebrations begin ;-)  Although right now I'm watching the Eden while Theresa hits the grocery store before the Great Thanksgiving Rush.  Daisy is in the basement.  Later in the morning, I'm heading over to PSU-Hershey Christian Medical Society's lunch outreach.  I don't think Lily napped and she's having a fit.  Gotta run. ...

When Eden requested reading Little Miss Muffet during her afternoon quiet time on Monday, I was struck by how seldom I've read Mother Goose to my girls.  Going through the upstairs book collection, I found Richard Scarry's Best MOTHER GOOSE Ever (Golden Books, 1964).  Eden loved it and drifted off to sleep. 

As always, Richard Scarry delivered a creative depiction of the stories being told.  What a joy to read through the whole Richard Scarry's Best MOTHER GOOSE Ever and leave Eden with

Good night,
Sleep tight
Wake up bright
In the morning light,
To do what's right
With all your might.

May it be so! 

PS.  Much better than Good night, sleep tight. Don't let the bed bugs bite. ... I wonder if the bed bugs bit next door as Lily woke up shortly after I left Eden's room and started writing this post.  Gotta go, maybe I should give Lily a reading of Richard Scarry's Best MOTHER GOOSE Ever ;-)

Over the past several weeks, Eden and I prayed from Prayers for little hearts (Prayers by James Galvin of The Livingstone Corporation, Design by Catherine Berstrom, Tyndale House Publishers, 1996) before turning to a devotional. Just the other day we finished Prayers for little hearts and have now turned to A Child's First Book of Prayers (By Lois Rock, illustrated by Alison Jay, Augsburg Books, 2002).  Here's the Introduction, pray that it will be so ...

Learning to pray is learning to see the world as it looks from heaven.  It means learning to believe in the power of faith and hope and love... the unfailing love of God.

May these simple prayers be a first step in your journey.

While I was weeding and finding many earthworms, Eden asked me, "Mom, is the worm your friend?"

"No, I don't think a worm can be your friend." (Theresa)

"But it's my best friend." (Eden)

Then Eden proceeded to sit on the chair and sing and talk to her new best friend for a good 10 minutes. Then she tried to feed her not-so-best-anymore-friend to the rooster who wasn't so interested in a now-lifeless-not-so-best-anymore-friend. -- Based upon a status update from Facebook. 

Over the past couple weeks, Eden has mentioned again and again how much she can't wait for her new teacher.  And the first week of preschool has been great, not only with the new teacher but also with her therapists.  Recently Eden's begun mentioning her enthusiasm for her new Sunday School instructor.  Praise God! 

Pray for her ability to stay on her two feet as kids run around at Sunday School, Preschool (Tuesday & Friday mornings), Children's Choir (Wednesday evening), and Playhouse (Thursday morning).  And join us in rejoicing for how well Eden's playing inside/outside at various intergenerational social events, such as today's pool party with some friends from Grove City College.  Note:  there were 9 adults, 11 kids. Pics coming, but at present it's time for some rest.  

Eden's facial nerve surgeon called to discuss with us his recommendation of a gold weight in her not fully functioning eyelid to enable her to close it fully. We're exploring the steps necessary to go ahead with the surgery.

Pray for discernment, patience, and the ability to calendar well as we have conversations with other physicians involved in Eden's care, explore insurance coverage, and time our trip to Pittsburgh (where the facial nerve surgeon is located).  Pray for this procedure to truly improve Eden's ability to use her eyes without creating unexpected, adverse effects.

Eden kept active and on her feet throughout our visit to 'da Burgh.  Praise God!

Our trip wrapped up with Eden's facial nerve therapy appointment.  Her time in the office went long,* but well. As a result of the visit, we have some exercises/practices to stimulate the use of her facial muscles, including the closing of her eyelid.  Still considering the recommendation of a 'gold weight' in her eyelid.  Anyone have experience with this form of treatment? (More)

Last night Eden walked to and from my parents' house unassisted and without falling. After I put her coat on her to go over there she wanted to go out and I said she could get started. I figured she'd get as far as the porch steps by the time I wrapped Lily in a blanket and walked out the door myself. Well, when I walked out the door I looked around and didn't see her! She was all the way over to their driveway, heading to their backdoor. I caught up with her at the door so I didn't touch her at all. I can't say for certain that she didn't fall at all on the way over b/c she was halfway there by the time I saw her and I couldn't quite figure out what she was telling me when I asked her if she fell. On the way home, she actually opened their front storm door and stepped down the step by herself. And she informed me in no uncertain terms that she did not want any help to go home. I suggested she walk in the grass rather than down the steps on the front walk since there's nothing to hold onto on the steps. She took the grass and crossed the driveway and up the hill between our two cars and all the way into our house without me touching her. I stood behind her going up the hill and she wobbled, but managed to regain her balance. She even opened the storm door, with Righty, and stepped though it. Amazing!

In other news from her check-up: Dr. Carlson thinks the tube in her L ear (the one that's most recently been infected) is laying in the ear canal (meaning, it's not functioning b/c it fell out of the eardrum). We go to the ENT on Monday so we'll find out for sure if it did and what to do about it. It was in place on Tuesday when we went to the doctor. Eden is 40 lbs and 40 inches tall. 50% for height and 90% for weight, which is consistent with a year ago. She's one solid kid b/c she's not "fat" in the least. Puppy came along to the doctor today. When asked what his name was she said "Jay dog".

Continue to pray for The Gift of Spring in Eden's Life.  As our friends/family love to mention to us, Eden has continued to get around better and doesn't care if she runs into something or falls down.  For the most part Eden gets up and keeps on going, trying to keep up with whatever everyone else is doing and singing along the way.*  She even navigated some ice this morning, almost successfully ... then pressed on

Earlier we had mentioned Eden's vision 'possibly' slightly improved, but our most recent visit did not confirm this direction.  Please pray that when we go back to the eye doctor in April that he sees some improvement.  

Eden's made some progress in dressing herself.  She's limited in this area because she lacks strength and agility in her right hand.  

*Note:  Eden loves to sing

the ABCs
It's Raining It's Pouring as a lead into The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock -- love this!
Jacob's Ladder
O My Darling (Clementine)
Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham (but she's on a first name basis w/Abraham, calling him Abe-y)

We rejoice in God's gifts of healing and determination to Eden.  It has been a great encouragement at various extended family Christmas gatherings over the past weekend to hear again and again the surprise at Eden's strong participation in the social time (particularly walking about and sharing her thoughts/songs). 

With great hope and joy, Theresa and I anticipate the end of the winter and the coming of spring in Eden's life when she will have full control of her limbs, eyes, smile, and voice.  At present, we rest in the peace that the Father is it at work in the little things and we remind ourselves to give praise for the developments which we are so easily apt to overlook, but are hard to miss by those around us.  To God be the glory! 

Many people at our local congregation point out how well Eden's getting around, that's as I chase her down the hall, around the gym, or through the sanctuary.  How good and true it is!  And what a joy for our friends in the 'da Burgh, including many from Allegheny Center C&MA to see the healing in her life for which they have been praying since shortly after her birth.  

Praise God for Eden's careening without fear (maybe she'll be a running back as the bumps and bruises don't seem to bother her much at all), dancing, loud singing, and straight-up personality.  She continues to push her limits, e.g., last night she took a spill on the sanctuary stage while practicing with the 3-4 year old choir.  But no crying she makes, unlike when I dropped her off at choir. 

Pray for our family, as this coming Sunday morning will be packed morning with Eden singing in the choir, Lily Joy being dedicated to the Lord, a little reception for extended family after the baby dedication, and my facilitation of an adult elective session on How one processes the portrayal of Christmas in popular film.