We are still healthy at the time of this writing. We were able keep our Christmas travel plans and went to Kentucky. We had a wonderful time! We were able to spend 8 days there, three of them with all of my siblings and their families together. Ben was able to take down some huge limbs for my dad, since some trees in my parents’ yard had grown quite tall. I was able to help some around the house, since both of my parents were still recovering from Covid-19. Joy had a good time, specifically cuddling with Granny in her big recliner. Ethan was ready to go every day—playing, playing, playing. He “built” a treehouse in one of Poppa’s big trees and enjoyed showing his cousin when he arrived. We had incredibly smooth trips, going and coming. We’ve tried to settle back into a routine now that we’ve been home, but it keeps changing.
Joyanna had an appointment with her orthopedist last week. Unfortunately, her scoliosis has worsened. She is very near the point where he would suggest considering surgery but, because she is still growing, he does not want to do surgery. He said it would be best to try to maintain or significantly slow the decline by wearing her TLSO (chest brace) almost all the time. She can have 3-4 hours a day where she is not wearing it. She even sleeps in it now. It was a hard step for me. I know that Joy doesn't like wearing it, but it is what she needs. Sometimes you have to do what needs to be done despite how you feel about it. I was so worried that she wouldn’t sleep in it but, thankfully, she has done fine. I think she has figured out that she can’t fight it. The great news is that after 5 days of wearing it 20 hours a day, I can already tell a difference. She is straighter than she has been. That’s the goal!
She started virtual school again last Tuesday, but hopefully, will return to regular in-person learning next Tuesday, the 19th. I’m hoping she can stay in school this time and we can get used to a routine. Other than her scoliosis, she is not having any more issues right now. Most other things have been really steady. Praise the Lord!
The semester has started at the college where Ben works, but it is more low-key right now than most years, since the typical big meeting at beginning of the semester was cancelled. Ethan is doing okay homeschooling, but we have had to be flexible with it since Joy has had virtual class and therapy time I've had to help her with. Many days, it is taking us all day to finish Ethan's school day and daily chores. That’s probably why I am hoping for a consistent routine starting next week.
You can see the planner in me, raising its hand, trying to gain control. The truth is, I don’t know if a consistent routine will ever happen again. Things could just keep changing weekly, daily, from here on out. That makes me panic a little bit inside…until I remember the thought from the beginning paragraph. He knows the way! He really does and I can trust Him!
May God bless your year with the peace of being close to Him and the grace to trust His way!
I Know Who Holds Tomorrow
I don't know about tomorrow.
I just live from day to day.
I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to grey.
I don't worry o'er the future
For I know what Jesus said,
And today I'll walk beside Him
For He knows what is ahead.
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand.
But I know who holds tomorrow,
And I know who holds my hand.
I don't know about tomorrow.
It may bring me poverty,
But the one who feeds the sparrow
Is the one who stands by me.
And the path that be my portion
May be through the flame or flood,
But His presence goes before me
And I'm covered with His blood.