"Necessity is the Mother of Invention." -Plato

Oh, the inventions I have seen with over these last weeks! The technology I have seen has caused me say, "Thank you, God!"

Seriously! I have moved into a place of total gratitude to the Lord for the ideas that He has unleashed into the minds of men (and women). The invention and technology have saved countless lives. Once again, in an unassuming way, the Lord has shown His great love to me...and to those I love.

I am totally impressed with "the vest" that goes around a bedridden patient. It vibrates the patient to keep lungs clear. When Jackson was inti bated, he had to have this therapy daily. It sounded like the high spin cycle of my washer. It last about 10 minutes, then they took it off and were on their way. How amazing for family members who are in long term comas. Just fascinating.

When Jackson went into surgery for his arm, the doctors had to remove dead tissue and the infection that was hiding beneath it, leaving a very large wound. Into that wound, they placed the "wound V.A.C." The Vacuum-Assisted Closure heals the wound 3 times faster.

The doctor told us that Jackson would be wearing this for 2-3 months. It stays on 24 hours a day and is changed every three days. He is sedated for the change out.

All this time, other doctors have come in for the procedure, to see the "impressive" wound. Well, at yesterday's procedure, everyone was SO impressed with the healing. The surgeon feels that he can move Jackson to a change out schedule of two days a week! He also feels that this healing may be wrapped up in three weeks! This is a miracle.

I believe the invention of the V.A.C. (at Bowman Gray Medical Center right here in North Carolina!) is a miracle. On top of that, God has preformed a miracle specific to the expedited healing of Jackson's arm.

We have walked through some very dark days here, the Lord being present in each moment of every day. Jackson came home last night to a very happy family. We still have a long road to travel. I am learning to go slow and enjoy the walk...I've been running for a very long time.

Back to necessity and Plato...

I see where Plato was coming from. There is a need, and we have a desire to see it met. It's part of the creativity that resides inside of each of us...it just comes out in different ways. What other inventions is the Lord wanting to release through his creation? The cure for autism, cancer, AIDS...the list goes on. What about the solution for clean water? Yes, I am sure of it. Friends and co-workers are woking on that right now...others are digging wells.

There is so much out there, that we are able to address. We need to first, look outside of ourselves and see the need. Then, we need to seek a way to meet that need.

You may not have the cure for autism (wish you did!), but you may have the answer to something else...how to advocate for someone with autism, how to get a meal to someone shut inside their home, training families in Africa to farm so that they can provide for their families. Maybe you have the knowledge and resources to make your local school better.

The thing is, there are many needs out there, each of us, in our own realm, has the way to meet that need. Go for it!

Lost

It's been so long since I have been here, I almost forgot the way. Really. Some may have thought I had lost my way. No worries, I'm back.

Gabi is sleeping on this beautiful fall afternoon. Ashley is just out the window at the "City Park." Jackson is watching a movie. Todd is out running errands and I am sitting here with the laptop. All seems so normal. (Well, not the part of me sitting with the laptop, especially in the afternoon.) So, let me give you a glimpse of what is really happening around here!

It is a beautiful fall day here in downtown Charlotte. Yes, downtown. Jackson has been in PICU and on the Pediatric floor for almost two weeks. So, Gabi is sleeping on the bench/parent bed in Jackson's room. Ashley is outside his room's window, playing at the beautiful park, provided by Microsoft and he and I are watching Aristocats for the millionth time. I'm not complaining.

After 6 days of being intibated and all those days in PICU, I am thrilled to have him in a room, sitting up and watching movies between naps and walks around the floor. It is Friday and as "everyone knows", Friday is sundae making day in the playroom. (How did Todd luck out to be here for two, yes 2!, Fuel Pizza parties. That is more my style!)

We have had a very intense couple of weeks, preceeded by a very intense summer (no time, or heart, for blogging). I am "back logged" with thoughts, amazing stories of what has gone on this summer...with the house, sweet baby girl Gabi, Jackson and awesome big sis, Ashley.

For now, this simple update, from room 208...

Almost 2 weeks ago, Jackson was brought to the hospital, for an infection in his arm. After 36 hours of intense antibiotics and no visable change, Jackson was seen by a pediatric surgeon, sent for an MRI and then immediately into surgery. Here, the doctor had to remove a portion of Jackson's forearm. To say the situation was serious would be an understatement!

Later in the week, the surgeon let us know how serious it was...life threatening. Then, over the weekend, the attending pediatrician told Todd, "Your son is very lucky. People in his situation usually do not make it to the hospital." Well, how thankful to get this information after the fact. Seriously! I know it is God's grace that I made it through each day. And God's mercy that Jackson is alive.

We are so grateful. We have a long road ahead of us. I have seen God inspired inventions on this journey. Technology that would amaze you. Things that are used to save Jackson's arm and his life. I am grateful.

I am also grateful for the incredible friends that have offered to sit with us, spend the night with Jackson so we could get a night at home, texts from a far, meals, a friend that flew in...just for a few hours...because he and his wife wanted us to know that we are not alone. There are the amazing friends that have brought meals, offered to help with the girls, sent notes, left messages on the phone, prayed for us, telling others to pray for us, etc.

To be the recipient of all this love and outpouring of kindness leaves me speechless (a miracle in itself, right!?) and teary.

We continue to covet your prayers as we walk through this season. We do not know how long we will be here...at least another week, maybe longer.

Not sure what the path looks like from here on out. We definitely are not lost, just taking it slow, one day at a time.