"God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears and light for the way."

(author unknown)

We drove to Spokane this morning in sheets of rain. It was dreary and cold, mimicing how we were all feeling inside. We arrived at the hospital surgery center, signed more papers, got Ty weighed and measured again-- still 5'2" and 117#, and then he learned he got to wear a nice, faded blue gown that tied down the back. This did NOT thrill the boy-- he shot us all some attitude which was quickly squashed and into the gown he went. His mood improved when he was settled into a bed, covered with a warm blanket, and given the remote to control the tv--did you know "Sport Center" is on at 6:30 in the morning? For an hour, we answered repeated questions, asked a few ourselves, and wathced fleeting moments of ESPN. Soon it was time for him to go, we said our good lucks and love yous... and he was wheeled away--all of us wincing back tears.

The expected thirty minute procedure ended up being ninety. During those moments in the waiting room, Dennis and I experienced an array of emotion. As surgeons would come out to visit with other waiting parents, we heard good reports about successful tear duct surgery, ear tubes (Kacy has done that twice), and strabismus surgery (aligning the eyes, Kacy's done that one twice, too). We would have given anything to be one of those parents. I'm not disregarding their worry-- I've been there and it is never, ever easy to say goodbye to your child and leave them in the hands of strangers. But this time, waiting felt different. Our anxiety level was sky high--all we could think about was the fact that it was taking so long. It was difficult not to assume the worst. We were worried the doctor had found something in there that he had to remove immediately, and that is what was taking longer. Our fears increased when it wasn't the doctor that came to get us from the waiting room, but a nurse. We were certain this was a bad sign... thinking there must be something we need to be told that can't be said in front of a room full of anxious parents. Fortunately, when we saw Tyler, his color was good and he seemed to be coming out of the anesthesia just fine. When the doctor did speak with us, it was tears of relief that were shed. He said he felt optimistic that Tyler has a stress fracture. The reason the procedure took so much longer than anticipated was due to the decision to give Tyler a "nerve block" to help with the pain following surgery. Because this "block" will last several hours, we were able to take Tyler home and avoid a stay in the hospital.

It seems to be working out this time! We are overwhelmed with relief but will feel even better when the doctor calls about the results of the biopsies. As we exited the hospital, we all gasped at the surprise of the sunlight outside. After our dark and miserable morning, it was as if God was telling us, "see... I didn't leave you." Once again, we are thankful for those who have been supporting our family through prayer. I can't imagine doing all this without family and friends who keep us focussed on the truth, strong in our faith, and hopeful in His spirit. We are truly, truly blessed!