Again

On Monday we went in for Presley's VCGU and renal sonogram. Brad was not able to go with me because Kennedy had a 101 fever. (It was just a virus). Presley was scared, but I was very proud of her. It was hard for me, I did want to shed tears on several occasions, but I did not. I was very grateful for the sedation, glad Presley did not have do the test awake.

The people at Plano Pediatric Imaging were very kind. They explained what they were looking for and what they saw (as opposed to having to waiting for my dr appointment). The test did show bilateral reflux (both tubes). It was a grade III on one side and a grade III/IV on the other side. (The highest grade is IV). The renal sonogram showed some fluid on one side. Th dr said she thought Dr Ewalt would probably recommend a low dose antibiotic for a year and then re evaluate.

The entire test lasted about 15 minutes and then we were taken back to a recovery room. The nurse brought Presley three dum dum suckers for her to choose from. When she moved the bed to sit Presley up, Presley began to wake up and cry for a second, but just a second. Presley chose the cherry one first, then changed to the watermelon one. But Presley says she does not remember choosing a sucker. As soon as Presley was all the way awake she said she really needed to go to the restroom, so I ran her to the restroom. We did stayed long enough for Presley to change back into her clothes and drink a little sprite, then we headed out to our appointment with Dr Ewalt.

We had just enough time to get to Dr Ewalt's office (with a short stop at CVS for a drink and snack). Dr Ewalt was running a little behind due to a surgerical delay, so we began with the PA. The PA looked at the films from the test and explained that Presley did have reflux of a grade III on both sides. She said Dr Ewalt was always up on the latest research and felt that he would recommend surgery over a low dose antibiotic route. She said the research showed that 95% of children who are 4 years or older who show reflux of a grade III or higher who did the antibiotic regiment had to have the surgery to correct the problem. Dr Ewalt did join us and apologized that he was running behind. He looked at the films and recommended what the PA said said he would recommend.

I was not prepared to hear this news. I really wanted to cry, but I did not. I remember my surgery, this exact surgery. I was in the hospital for at least a week, I remember being in pain, lots of pain. Both the PA and the doctor assured me that the procedure has changed tremendously over the years. Among the many changes is the size of the incision, it is much smaller. It is now just an overnight stay. He said they did this procedure on a 3 year old late Friday, she was home by mid afternoon on Saturday and by Monday the little girl was feeling good.

So we scheduled the surgery for Friday, August 6th.

We are calling it a "procedure" instead of "surgery" so Presley will not freak out.

My conversation with Presley as we walk out to the car from the dr appointment:

P- "Mom, I don't want to have another test."

M- "I know, but we need to fix the problem so it won't become worse."

P- "Well I will just run away from home so you cannot find me."

M- "But you would miss all of your family."

P- "You're right. But I really don't want to do this again."

M- "I understand, but you you were so brave."

P- " No I was not brave, I was scared."

M- "It is okay to be scared."

Since then, Presley has overheard me talking about the procedure on the phone to our family members. I overheard Presley tell her Dad that her procedure was going to be on August 6th. She has been okay so far. I pray that will continue.

Freedom

Today is July 4th. A historic day, the day of our nation's independence from Britain. I have a feeling the first several 4th of July's were emotional for those who celebrated them. The early settlers understood what it meant to be free. Freedom to pursue their unalienable rights, that among these are, Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. My entire life I have enjoyed these freedoms. Freedom is all I have ever known, the cost of that freedom rarely enters my mind. The founding fathers and early settlers of our country knew freedom came at a cost, blood. Many men and women have given their lives to ensure that I am free. Today, there are men and women in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other unknown locations, willing to shed their blood to protect my freedom. Not just my freedom, but freedom for my children, grandchildren and the many generations to come. I am grateful for my freedom and I am grateful to the many men and women who have fought to secure it.

There is one who shed His blood so I could enjoy another kind of freedom, freedom in Christ. But unlike the freedom I enjoy as an American, where blood has to be shed over and over to ensure my freedom, Christ died ONCE. His sacrifice, His blood that was shed on the cross guarantees my freedom and the freedom for all generations past, present and future.

Oh precious is the flow that makes me white as snow
No other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus.

The blood of Jesus ransomed me from the slavery of sin.
The blood of Jesus rescued me from the consequences of my sin, eternal damnation.
The blood of Jesus makes me as white as snow, righteous in the sight of God.
The blood of Jesus secures my salvation.

While America has continued to fight when a new foe has risen to threaten our freedom, the blood shed by Christ and His resurrection has FOREVER defeated our spiritual enemy, Satan. Our enemy has been defeated, Jesus is the victor. There is no need for any further blood shed. Jesus has won! My salvation is secure! I have no reason to fear, no reason to question, no reason to worry. I have chosen to put Christ on as my savior and as a result I get to enjoy the freedoms of being in Christ and no one, nothing can ever take them away.

It is a great day to be an American and to be a child of God!
Freedom that should be cherished not just today, but everyday!