One Foot In Front of the Other

So far this year, Lacy has had more injuries than in all of his childhood.  Numerous falls with painful scrapes, a bruised shoulder, pulled hamstring, and on Saturday what we thought was a dislocated shoulder. Five hours in the ER and we were told it was a torn ligament.  It will heal on its own, and the deformity that is so apparent now will resolve itself.  No one seems to know how this happened.  Lacy should have been in a lot of pain, but is not complaining.  He is getting pain relievers around the clock along with an ice pack. Although the injury is troubling, the hardest part was the ER wait.  I know the folks who man the desk have seen all kinds of crazy,  but it is still hard to sit and wait with someone whose behavior is so bizarre at times.  We cleared out the section of the ER that we were sitting in.  Folks were nervous - maybe scared - and we were stressed.  Lacy was alternately yelling and calm.  He was suspicious ...

There comes a time in the course of Huntington's Disease when the person who suffers must begin to use assistive devices such as canes, walkers, shower chairs, and wheelchairs.  I think this must be a time that every family faces with apprehension. When Lacy was first diagnosed with HD, I immediately began to dread the time when he would need a walker or a wheelchair.  I felt as though this would be the hardest milestone - and not a good one.  However my perception has changed drastically.  I now see Lacy's walker, and the motorized wheelchair we have ordered for him, as the means to give him continued mobility. It was difficult to convince Lacy that he needed a walker.  Up to now, he has rejected any conversation about his health.  Instead, he has attributed his muscle weakness and increased number of falls to someone plotting against him.   Recently Lacy has made friends with his walker, and is accepting of his need for the support. We took Lac...

We've been reading through the Bible in 90 days at our church.  Reading from Genesis to Revelation just as though we were reading a novel.  This has been a great exercise for Kenny and I. Last night, we went to church to meet with our small group for the 90 day challenge.  We talked about the challenges we face in our lives, and the way we walk through those challenges. We talked about terminal illnesses, sudden serious health issues, and the sudden, shocking death of a much beloved friend. We all agreed on one truth.  We struggle with these issues, but asking "why?" is an empty question.  If God is just, how can He allow such things to happen?  For Kenny and I, Lacy's HD diagnosis was an unthinkable burden for our son, who has already struggled with many burdens over his lifetime. God is wise.  And this truth means that He is also just.   Horrible things happen to everyone.  How will we proceed when such a horror hits home? Not with ...