Being prepared

Okay, since I don't have one of those counter things, and I think it would be great for Olivia to know who is reading this, please e-mail me your name at this address: dsorjevans@gmail.com.

Tonight I feel that I should share some of how God has prepared us for this surgery. Obviously we have been aware that surgery is likely, not just possible, for a person with Cerebral Palsy. Every visit we've had it's been a little bit of "she looks good, but we'll keep an eye on this (any number of things)". She's gone to see an orthopedic doctor every 6 months since she was a year old.

However there is a much more obvious example of God's hand. For the first time in Olivia's life there is a child at church that has needs on the same scope as Olivia. The diagnosis is not necessarily the same, but she has some of the same needs. This little girl had to have surgery for scoliosis back on October 13 (I think). The expected it would be a 'routine' surgery with no complications and in and out of the hospital in 8 days. After many many setbacks, she came home two weeks ago. Today is December 21. She was in the hospital 8+ weeks!

Needless to say that wasn't what the family had planned on. Another thing we have in common with this family is strong faith in God, that only gets stronger each day with a child with special needs. This little girl's mother stayed with her in the hospital every night, sleeping on the chair every night for 8 weeks - every night!!! My back hurts just thinking of that! The mom knows that there is a purpose. At least part of the purpose was to prepare us for surgery. It may not turn out how we expect, but God is still in control.

Another: December 11 Dave had a dinner that is pretty big on Navy tradition, which meant we were going. The dinner was scheduled long before Olivia's orthopedic appointment, and we'd already paid, so we went. The thought of going was crazy (as it got closer) because the night's schedule would keep us out until at least 12, and we needed to leave for DC at 5 a.m. the next day for Liv's appointment. We got there earlier than usual (before the cocktail hour started even) so we had extra time to talk to other early birds. Dave introduced me to a guy whose name I had heard. He was a friend of a friend in Maine. We told him that we had the appointment the next day and he told us his story of his daughter.

This little girl had a condition that required hip surgery. He went into details of the problem and the unexpected news that surgery was urgent. I believe they ended up having her surgery the next month, although I'm not 100% sure. He told us that she had to be in a full body cast from her chest to her toes. Then he apologized for going into such detail, and I told him not to be sorry -- we may have to have "something like that" done one day for Olivia. He asked what kind of appointment it was. I explained it was a "meet the doctor" appointment since we moved here recently. I told him that whenever we go to the specialist appointments we "prepare for the worst, hope for the best, and expect something in between". God told me I really need to prepare through Dave's friend. I thought about that little girl on the way home from taking the babysitter home, and driving to DC the next day. When I heard what the doctor had to say about Olivia, and that the doctor was explaining a very similar procedure, and cast, I thought about that little girl. So many many details of that evening, and that family's journey were meant to prepare us for surgery.

And another one: The pastor from our church in Ohio mailed us a letter that said he began in the fall to pray for the families in the church a week at a time. He would be praying for our family December 14-20. We were asked to e-mail him any specific prayer requests to him. I unfortunately dragged my feet, hoping he'd figure we just need prayer to keep on keeping on. Only God knew why we needed prayer this past week. After we got home from Liv's appointment, I e-mailed him to tell him the news, and how amazed I am at God's timing. The pastor started praying for the church, according to God's plan. God has a plan with unseen details, but I trust Him, and know that He loves Olivia!

Also, during Sunday school, Jack asked for prayer for Olivia. He told them she has to get her hip muscles fixed. I am so grateful to have children that believe in the power of prayer!

God is good. All the time!