6 Months-What a Journey!

Just a little over 6 months ago we were blessed beyond measure, by the most selfless act of love by my sister in law, Carrie.

Carrie, through her love for Owen, courageous spirit and kindness gave Owen the gift of new life. She demonstrated, here on Earth the love of Jesus and willingly endured a long, painful surgery and even longer recovery so my son could live. To this day, and I am sure as long as I live, am brought to tears of joy and thankfulness for the gift she graciously gave Owen. I'm still at a loss for words and nothing I could ever say or do could even come close to showing my gratitude for Carrie.

To say that Owen's life has changed since transplant would be a complete understatement. Before transplant Owen could sit. And sit, and sit. Not move or crawl, but sit. And he was happy with that. Owen was in the hospital for 11 days after transplant. On day 7 we got him out of the bed and the physical therapist came in to evaluate him. He immediately pulled himself into the crawling position on his own. Then, just 2 short days after returning home from the hospital, this little man was on the move!

Since April, Owen has become a master crawler. Literally, he is so super fast sometimes I can't believe it. His physical therapist said she has yet to see a baby crawl at the speed he can! He has also become a master climber. Climbing on tables, chairs, slides, and yes, even windowsills!

It was amazing to see the transformation occurring before our very eyes as Owen's body learned to accept his kidney. He (almost) immediately felt better. His eyes were so much brighter, and full of life, even his laughter was a little sweeter! The gift of life that Carrie so graciously gave Owen was literally a new life. A new life free of pain, of constant nausea and vomiting, free of 12 hour daily dialysis, twice weekly shots. It is a new life full of hope, determination and a new "normal".

Owen has changed, in what seems like overnight. When I look back on pictures from weeks before transplant, I see such a baby. A very rolley, chunky baby!

It seems as if we were thrown straight into toddler hood, and it feels oh so good! Yes, even the tantrums are welcomed in knowing that Owen is growing and developing at such a fast pace! He is so, so close to walking on his own and is one of the busiest boys I've ever seen. He keeps me on my toes and blesses me daily with his love for life and drive to reach new milestones.

Thank you, thank you for those who have prayed for us and with us. Who have sent encouraging messages and who have shared Owen's story. My prayer is that God will continue to use Owen's life for His glory. That Owen's story will bring hope to those who are weary. That his story will show the ultimate blessing of faithfulness through struggles and valleys. That his story will reveal the promises of God to be true and always, no matter the timing or outcome, perfect.

So, please, rejoice with us in the healing we have seen! Praise God for His faithfulness to our family and His plan that has been so much bigger and better than I could even have imagined.

 
The following passage blessed me beyond words. Waiting for Owen to arrive, and his first year and a half of life were no doubt difficult. I can so clearly remember the somber looks on the doctors' faces when they delivered the news of Owen's grim condition to us. If I could see them again, if I could tell them one thing, I think I would share this passage with them. The difficulty we endured far surpasses the mark Owen's story is leaving on this Earth. The blessing born out of this difficult situation was so worth enduring the storm.

" Difficulty is actually the atmosphere surrounding a miracle, or a miracle in it's initial stage. Yet if it is to be a great miracle, the surrounding condition will not simply be a difficulty, but an utter impossibility. And it is the clinging hand of His child that makes a desperate situation a delight to God."

 And just so you know, Owen is finally taking up his role as big brother around here. :)

 Psalm 30:11-12
" You turned my wailing into dancing; You removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever."