ONE. YEAR.

Excuse me... cough, cough... It's so, cough, dusty around here...

Welllllll, hello! Yes, it's been a long time. Trust me, I feel guilty about it. There's been A LOT going on!




In November, Renn decided he wanted to have a birthday party... for his BRAIN. We had one alright, and boy oh boy, was it SPECIAL! We had a grand event that included so many of YOU, it was unbelievable. The love, the hugs, the watching-our-boy-run-around-and-laugh-and-play... Just magical. We even had some special, incredible friends come and join us from a galaxy far, far away...

 

Our special thanks to The Twin Suns (http://www.thetwinsuns.com)  and the 501st Legion,
for coming out and making our Jedi's dreams come true!!

We also got the news in December that Rick's job transfer was granted, so we've been in the throws of trying to move. We're also still homeschooling, and that has turned out to be the BEST decision we could have made for our Jedi and his super smart and oh-so hilarious little brother, E. But, that means that this momma doesn't slow down. EVARRR.

Okay, so now that you're mildly caught up, I'd like to get to the very reason why I am posting. It's hard to do this without sobbing and blubbering all over my keyboard, but I need to give it a shot.

Friends, for those of you who have been going through this journey with us for THREE years (as of 2/26/15) now, I have the best news. Your prayers, your words of love and encouragement, your notes, gifts, pictures, shares, donations, hugs, and your pourings out of pure love, have led us here...

Can you believe it?

Are you sobbing? Blubbering?

Join the club.

I woke up this morning in a rush. The boys and I woke up late, and were running around in a frantic- ARRGGGGG kind of way, trying to get out the door to Community Day (our 2x a week meet-up with teachers and other home schooled students). I will admit, I was feeling too guilty- since I'd forgotten to make St. Patrick's day all special for the kids (I was lucky to have some green shirts clean for the kids!)- to pay attention to much of anything . But Renn, being the amazing Jedi he is, paused, grabbed my hand, and made me look at him. He raised his eyebrows and said, "You know what else today is, right, Mommy?" Instantly, I started to weep.

My boy... Seizure FREE?

I got to make a giant announcement in front of all the other 125 students and their parents, this morning at Community Day. Even though not a single one of them had journeyed with us through his tests, medications, surgeries, they erupted in cheers and celebrated with him. I watched the parents enter in the words "Purple Day" on their phones' calendars when I mentioned March 26th. I saw the support of a boy whom they barely knew, but they loved earnestly.

To sit here and thank each of you who has known and loved our family through all of this... heavens... I'd be here all day. But know that every time we look at our Jedi's face, we see your hearts. When we hug him, we feel your hugs. We are always and forever grateful for your kindness and support.

We are also indebted to the doctors, nurses, and staff at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital. They became the instant family we needed in those dark days. We are thankful for their guidance, talents, grace, and love.

Now, today our Jedi is ONE YEAR seizure free. Does that mean he is cured? No. No it does not. Could the seizures return? Yes, that monster could awaken at anytime. However, we believe in a mighty God who has far greater plans for Renn than we could ever, EVER envision. So we will hold on to the promises we are given, and those will keep our hearts thankful and jubilant. It might not be a seizure free life that Renn leads, but he got one year, and we'll take it. We'll remember each and every moment that God gave us. Each smile, each soccer game, each laugh, and each milestone that our Jedi reached. We'll remember the encouragement that he gave others, and the joy on his face when he saw his presents on Christmas morning, and the prayers... we'll remember the prayers that his baby brother prayed every. single. night; The ones that begged God to "let Renn's scar heal, and to keep the seizures away..." What a true blessing, indeed.

By the way, this isn't just a celebratory week because of this monumental day, but also, Renn turns 8 on Thursday... EIGHT.

And to think, there was a moment when I didn't know if I'd see him turn seven.

Praise you, Father.

One year down, friends. Let's keep 'em coming!!!

"For the mountains may depart

and the hills be removed,

but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,

and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,"

says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

Isaiah 54:10