Claire - you indeed do not disappoint! You do such a wonderful job of bringing us all together to share in your challenges. And your positive and practical information is always interesting and enlightening! Your words of wisdom as you evaluate your situation and Grant's responses in life, are truly inspirational.
I'm a bit slow responding.... don't seem to get things done like I used to! I'm learning what it is like to be a full-time caregiver for my 98-1/2 year old mother. A completely new situation for me too. I feel cabin fever given the fact that I only have a few hours each afternoon with caregivers present so I can run errands or get out of the house - or simply hide in our loft master bedroom to have a little bit of time to myself. At the same time, like you, I am sure, I am grateful that I am able to do this, that we have the support structure and medical care and resources needed to make it work, and the Divine guidance that helps me accept the fact that this is simply my calling for this particular time in my life. Nothing I ever wanted or expected to be doing - but am doing never-the-less! And it's okay. I think that also applies to you -- except you don't get the daily breaks, I think!
When you mentioned pre-school, I was reminiscing about the little pre-school we had in our home in Abidjan. Luke and our Bethany were playmates, and had a wonderful preschool teacher - Miss Stephanie - a missionary from Australia.
You are a remarkable woman, and I hope to one day meet you in person. In the meantime, I can see that you are a reflection of your faith and your family connections.
I don't go on fb much but when I do I search your name to look for updates. I love seeing you on outings in the woods and your other trips and adventures. Grant always looks so happy, that precious smile of his is a day brightener for me. I am glad he is doing well and continue to cover all of you in prayer. I will specifically add to my prayers that your "pod" creation goes well so that Grant can have in person activity with a friend or two. Love you!
So good to hear such positive comments about how things are going for Grant and also for You and Luke. Love to hear in these comments how every one talks about how happy and smart and polite he is but then would not expect anything else from your child and Alicia's grandson. Enjoy the photos too! Thanks for taking the time to post so we know how it is going and what we need to pray for now. God Bless you all!
Luke & Claire we were so excited to get to come for a visit! I still can’t believe how much he has grown and how incredibly Smart, Polite, and Sweet this little guy is! He was so excited to have company and we were Very happy to provide entertainment for our nephew! Even if that means reading all his favorite books 5-10 times 😉 I’m happy to say he is basically oblivious to his condition, ( congrats! He doesn’t feel singled out your definitely doing something right!) I feel that is such a Blessing! As far as he’s concerned he’s a normal 3 year old who has to watch out for “germmies” just like everyone else right now. This is his “normal” He will likely never know the difference as he gets older. He is obviously a huge fan of riding on uncle David’s shoulders and being outside ! We loved seeing all of you and are excited for another visit whenever he’s ready! Love y’all!
Oh, Claire, may hope continue throughout these next 12 months of your "new normal". Thanks to God that GRANT has YOU and LUKE as his parents!! Thanks to every human being (family, friend, neighbor, medical staffer, and stranger) who has expressed love, encouragement, practical help, skills, and earnest prayers on your behalf. Most of all, thanks and praise to the tender mercies of strength, patience, healing, peace, wisdom, discernment, and love that flow from the hand of the Living God to all His creation. We love you 3, Vicki & Doug/mom & dad/Granma & Granpa
Nothing disappointing about this post, Claire! I’m glad things are going well, will continue to pray, and will remember some things you’ve said that apply to ALL of us in this strange but not pointless year.
Hi Claire - thank you so much for this update. I was just praying for Grant today. Our community group is continuing to pray. May God continue to give you grace as you persevere through this journey. We love you!