“Our job is not to mold our kids but to unfold them.” Jon Courson
I lean against the window and stare into sapphire winter skies. Days have passed since the night I heard those life-changing words. Still, I can’t get the doctor’s point blank statement out of my head,
“If she’d landed just a bit harder, she’d be in a wheelchair or dead.”
Heavens, what can unfold in no time at all. This proved true the night a gymnastics accident left our girl’s head throbbing and her sobbing scared over being “numb and tingley.” The accident didn’t look scary; she didn’t fall awkwardly or in any way that made me suck in wind or jump out of my chair. But, we don’t mess around with numb and tingley. So after the ER trip, x-rays and CT scan, we discover the critical bone -the odontoid – that protects her spinal chord is malformed. This bone protrudes from the second vertebrae, and the malformation means part of her spine is not as protected as it should be. Without this extra protection, any jarring of the neck can cause numbness. Or worse.
This leaves us numb and jarred into a new reality.
Will you read the rest at (in)courage?
And may I ask for your prayers? This condition is known as os odontoideum, and the missing odontoid bone means a wrong movement causes our girl’s first vertebrae to slide right into her spinal cord. On Wednesday, she undergoes surgery to correct this. While we are on-our-knees grateful the malformation is treatable, questions remain regarding our daughter’s recovery and future abilities. Only time will give answers, so today – right now – we rest knowing He already has all those answers!
Sharon O says
December 12, 2011 at 9:30 amwow… will certainly pray for this little one. Perhaps without the accident you would never have known about this so it might be a ‘prayer’ answer that you were forwarned of potential issues later. God does work in mysteriious ways. thank you for sharing this story.
Kristen says
December 14, 2011 at 12:15 amYou are *exactly* right, Sharon. We praise Him for bringing hidden truth to light!
Becky K. says
December 12, 2011 at 10:39 amPRAISE GOD they detected this condition, Kristen. My mommy’s heart aches for you today. You don’t know me (although we did ride the shuttle together at She Speaks!) but we are nonetheless connected through God’s sisterhood and the beautiful role of motherhood, his gift. I have two little girls. I’m praying for you.
Kristen says
December 14, 2011 at 12:15 amBecky, I do remember! And thank you for your prayers and for taking my hand in the sisterhood. You are a dear.
Sherry says
December 12, 2011 at 11:20 amThank you for sharing. My daughters both have varying levels of ADHD. One also has some OCD. It hasn’t been easy for her to make friends or even gain positive attention from adults. My other daughter is impulsive and has difficulty with self-control, especially with food. She’s quite overweight for her age. I’m having to let go of how I pictured they would be and what life would be like with them too. And to trust God’s working in them “to will and act according to His good purpose.” I’m finding it’s harder to let go of my own expectations than I could have known.
Kristen says
December 14, 2011 at 12:17 amSherry, I’ve had seasons when knowing this letting go and accepting it are two different things. Praying for your family right now…
Anne Thies says
December 12, 2011 at 8:05 pmMay our God, who knows all the future has in store for each of us, give you and your family peace that surpasses all understanding. I am praying for you!
Kristen says
December 14, 2011 at 12:18 amSo lovely, Anne. Thank *you*.
Keri Langert says
December 14, 2011 at 7:10 amSending lots of prayers and love to you guys today! I know God will keep the sweet girl safe!