day +100 and 2

Day +100 came and went without fanfare...Elijah is back on TPN feedings to give his gut a rest. And it has been working. The pneumotosis is almost gone! The last few blood tests to determine if adenovirus is present have been detectable but below 500. That is great! His other counts are still low so it we are looking forward to Friday..when he has several procedures done including a bone marrow biopsy. The ENT will also do a sinus wash since his nose has been running for many months now. They are planning on clearing out his sinuses and then culture what they find there. They suspect that their is something going on that they have not yet been able to identify.

So, Lord willing, Elijah will have a bone marrow biopsy, sinus wash, and a central line removal and placement. He has to get transfusions and IVIG (immune system boosters) before he goes into the operating room. Right now his platelets and white count are still very low.

I have learned so much during this journey..some deep and spiritual..others simple and anectodal:

1. I have learned I could live just about anywhere. I love the city. I love the suburbs. I love the country. I didn't know that about myself. There is so much beauty in all of those places.

• I love the beauty of the city. The architecture, the people, the cultural opportunities, the community feeling,  the convenience. The time I have had hear on the campus of the University of Minnesota has been really nice...I think this campus is often wasted on the young. I graduated from the school many years ago...but I didn't appreciate all that it has to offer until now.
•  I love the suburbs..I grew up on a beautiful dead end street...the street was lines with elms and oaks that grew so large the branches made an arch across the road. It felt safe,  quaint and comfortable. I love to pick up the local paper, the Anoka County Union, and read the stories of local news...the names are so familiar, the places haven't changed much...the feelings of home.
• I love the country. We aren't out far into the country, but we live down a country road. Each time I drive down the road that we live on, I am filled with awe. It is beautiful. I love the llamas and the goats along the road. I love the beautiful quiet...the quiet that when listened to, does not seem so quiet anymore..the sounds of russling leaves, the squirrels, the birds...it's a symphony that amazes me with it's surprises.

2. I have learned that it is more expensive than I realized to feed and house one person. It is just more expensive...I am used to buying in bulk..I am used to getting deals. I don't have to worry much about waste. But, buying for one is not easy. I don't want to buy a gallon of milk but a 1/2 gallon costs the same. Things are not made for one...I have gained new insight and empathy for what singles face...and just because there are two of us here, we have not spent one 1/12 of what it costs to maintain our whole family.

3. I have learned that I spend alot of time in the car! I have really enjoyed having more time to spend doing what needs to get done when I don't have to drive an hour to get there.

4. I have learned that there is so much out there they I haven't yet explored in the Twin Cities. I have lived here all of my life and yet, I have learned so much more about the city that I hadn't seen before. It has been boring for Elijah to be in isolation over the past months, and we have spent alot of time driving through the city...looking at the buildings, the communities,  the pretty lights in the evening, the city parks, and the unique and quirky shops and services.  What a blessing..can't wait to explore it more when I am in a different season in my life.

5. I have learned that my happiness is not in a city, a community or in a place. My heart is with Lord and He has blessed us all in the midst of the struggle. I have learned that my heart is with my family..and I can't wait to be reunited fully with them. We are almost there!




Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:11-13

Cross references:

1. Philippians 4:11 : 1 Tim 6:6, 8; 2 Cor 9:8; Heb 13:5
2. Philippians 4:12 : 1 Cor 4:11; 2 Cor 11:27
3. Philippians 4:12 : 2 Cor 11:9
4. Philippians 4:13 : 2 Cor 12:9; Eph 3:16; 1 Tim 1:12