It wasn't the worst thing

I was forced into fishing this weekend. It turns out, contrary to popular thought, it wasn't all the bad. Until we caught a fish. Then it got bad. Really bad. Because I felt bad for the innocent thing. I think I may be being called to a life without meat. No joke. 

When I found out that Chase was taking the girls fishing, I thought to myself, "Sweet. Movie theater here I come."

My whole evening came crashing down around me with those three little words. Is Katie going?

Ummmm heck no I'm not going. After my last fishing experience I was convinced fishing was not for me. Besides with Chase on the road so much, watching an uninterrupted movie seemed like an unattainable goal. 

Which it turned out, it was. 

Chase pointed out that if I didn't come, it might be a little weird. BUT I DIDN'T WANT TO GO! But I want to live a Godly life and sometimes we submit ourselves and our wants for what's best for those around us. Do I believe that enough to openly state on my blog? I do. 

So for three hours, I sat on a hard bench, exposing myself to the elements. The wind was fierce. I was cold. All of this could have led me to a grouchy spirit. But I choose happiness. I watched my three-year-old reel in a fish and she was so excited to show me. All of which I would have missed sitting in a movie theater. 

And I would have missed these two lovies being mermaids. Which would have been the worst because it was so cute. 

At the end of the day, I was glad I went fishing. I had the best time with my family and that's more important than anything else I could have been doing. 

Thinking WAY too small

Hey Peeps! Remember when I told you about the current God story going on in our home?

First of all, I better back this train up and tell you THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart. Your comments, emails, phone calls, texts and Facebook love has helped sustain us. There really are no words. We have been so incredibly humbled by the outpouring of love we have received from all of you. 

Wait a second. Is it just me or is there way too many ways to communicate these days? I keep reviewing my list thinking I left something out. Oy vey.

Back to the story. It turns out when I was writing of the events that led us down this journey, I didn't start far enough back. The Creator of the Universe put this story in motion well before last February. I don't know why this didn't occur to me. God started this process of events back before Isabelle was even a being. I'm so amazed and so grateful. {yes, I'm bawling right now. I'm a crier}

Now I bet you want to know what I'm talking about. I'm going to preface this with I usually don't publish personal correspondence on this blog, but I can't help myself this time. Really can't help myself. I could continue to keep writing but I'm going to stop. I'll just let you read the rest!

Here's an email I sent to Izzy's teacher and principal:

Hey Guys!

HAPPY EASTER :) My fave time of the year!

I just wanted to send out this email with a quick update on Isabelle. Her EEG confirmed that she is epileptic but they are unsure whether or not she suffers from absence seizures or complex partial seizures. They've asked us to come back for more tests. But we know who's really in control and He is good all of the time. So we aren't worried.

Until the MRI, they both agreed to put her on 250mg of Zonisamide a day. The side effect list is overwhelming but the only thing I've noticed is extreme tiredness. I put her to bed at 7:30 last night and she was still complaining of not getting enough sleep this morning. I'm new to this, so I'm not sure of my plan on overcoming medicated tiredness, but it's on my to-do list :)

On to happier news. EVERY DOCTOR (four and counting) we have spoken to has reminded us how fortunate we are to get an early diagnosis. Of course, we tell them what a wonderful teacher Izzy has and how you,  Melanie, alerted us because we had no idea. They then ask us where our child goes to school and the name of her wonderful teacher. Our pediatrician asked us to pass on his compliments because he was amazed that you were able to catch on so quickly. We are so unbelievably grateful. I haven't been able to say this person because I get a little choked up. Thank you one million times over!

Isabelle has been a high maintenance child since the day she was born and I know this doesn't make her easier. But both of you have been so good to all of us. Thank you!

Blessings in Christ!

KB

Brace yourselves peeps. Here's the email I got back.  

Katie,

Thank you so much for the update.  You have brought me to tears with your email. 

Although it may seem that I brought this to your attention so that the testing process could get started, it was God's work which started 20 years ago.  I truly feel it was a God led decision for me to get my minor in Special Education.  I had other plans for a minor when I entered college and something kept pushing me towards special ed.  Now looking back God had his hand in that decision for so many reasons. 

I feel He led me down that path to help me through not only the journey of my son's special education for the past 14 years, but also to help me understand the 100's of students I have had the privilege of teaching over the years.  It has helped me in so many ways with strategies for my students.

About 8 years ago my son went through the same EEG testing.  I am thankful I had this prior experience that could help me understand what may be going on with Isabelle.  I don't know how many times I have said, "I don't know God's plan here but I am trusting He has it all figured out because I know I don't."  I can now see God's plan of action working for the past 20 years.  He is truly an amazing God.

We will continue to keep your family in our prayers through this time of many tests and medication adjustments.  Continue to keep your amazing positive attitude.  You are a joy to visit with and receive emails from. You are always so joyous and positive.

Thank you again for sharing your email with me. It has reassured my faith and helped me to understand many things which have happened over the past years.

In Christ,

MD

*sob*