Humbled

And he will be their peace. Micah 5:5

Nearly a year before autism had forced itself upon our family, I was taking part in an ARC meeting for one of my students whom exhibited signs of an autism spectrum disorder. I sat and listened as the school psychologist informed the mother that her son’s eccentric behaviors were characteristic of Asperger’s Syndrome. Following the meeting I asked my colleague to imagine our roles reversed. How difficult it must be to sit surrounded by a group of professionals informing you that your child has a developmental disability. Little did I know that I would not have to imagine for long. I quite often replay this moment in my mind, and wonder if God was using this meeting to humble me.

I am often humbled when I am reminded of just how smart Jacob is. Because of his delayed speech and behavior, it is easy to underestimate Jacob’s intelligence, however unintentional. I am happy to report that Jacob’s use of verbal requests is greatly improving, and he is even learning the power of manipulation. I have recently received numerous kisses and have heard “please” many times when there is something he desperately desires.

Jacob and Maggie had a wonderful Christmas. The greatest gift was receiving news of Jacob’s test results from earlier in the month. Though we are still waiting on results of the genetic testing, Jacob’s MRI of the orbits and brain was completely normal. We are hoping to hear back from Jacob’s PCP within the next week.

Today I am thankful for time well spent with my family.

MRI

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, Romans 5:3-4

Because Jacob was scheduled for a sedated MRI this past Thursday afternoon, he was prohibited from eating after five that morning. As a result I was feeding my child as many pancakes and muffins as he would eat several hours before daybreak. With a belly full of sugary treats and Special Agent OSO on the iPad, Jacob was not about to return to bed. By the time we arrived at UK to register for his MRI, Jacob was cranky from both hunger and exhaustion. While taking Jacob’s vitals, one nurse tried to prepare us for what we were about to witness. She said that it would be very likely that Jacob would try to fight against the sedation. She then proceed to inform us that when patients are a little more combative, their eyes will appear to roll back. How, I ask, am I expected to prepare myself for such a sight? As we were waiting anxiously for a machine to become available I began to pray. I knew that God would protect Jacob during the procedure, but I needed for Him to put both Jacob and myself at ease during the sedation. Then, as if an answer to my prayer, Jacob fell sound asleep. Recall the unusual early wake up call, coinciding with a hospital procedure scheduled for Jacob’s nap time. All things work together for good (Romans 8:28). We are still waiting to hear from our PCP for results of Jacob’s MRI and blood work, but we did learn that Jacob’s blood pressure was elevated. At this point we are planning on monitoring his BP and consulting with his team of doctors.

By Sunday, Jacob had put thoughts of the MRI behind him, and he partook in the Christmas play at church. All of the children did a wonderful job of recreating the story of Jesus’ birth, but in my unbiased opinion Jacob’s performance as a shepherd was award worthy. A year ago I never would have imagined that we would be able to watch our son participate in such activities. Thank you to all of those who encouraged Tyler and I to get Jacob involved.

Today I am thankful for the staff at UK Hospital for making our experience a pleasant one. I also want to give thanks to the staff at the Center. Because of their work with Jacob and his Halloween costume, he was able to wear his shepherd garb without hesitation.