You, our loved ones and partners in prayer, have been on my mind very much the last 2 months. Much has happened and much has continued the same.
We completed a very big part of mold remediation -the new duct work and air conditioning units. Therefore we are much closer to having Kathryn in a mold remediated environment, all because of amazing support and love sent our way (Rhonda and Andy and many others, you know who you are) and it’s with full and humble hearts that we remember you with great thanks!
Kathryn’s pain has been very high this spring, we usually aren’t sure why. Could be high pollen, could be her living at home while we’re pulling up carpet etc. She has needed several Ketamine treatments but delays due to insurance and graduation were necessary.
Yes, she is a high school graduate, complete and finished! Amazing administrators and teachers decided to call her finished early because of her health and her good grades…. Thank you so much to her administrators and her awesome teachers this year, you blew us away with your care and support!!
First Day of School
Graduation!
Seven years ago, when Kathryn first became ill, a very dear and wise friend began guiding Kathryn and I by the hand through the challenging maze of learning to advocate for Kathryn at school. I felt alone, very lost and fearful; how were we going to achieve an education for Kathryn through nightmarish pain and monstrous medication, especially when that pain was so often invisible to others? With this friend’s wise guidance, the love and support of so many of you, and with God’s constant help we have learned to educate the educators about CRPS, to puzzle-solve creatively, to communicate simply and clearly with teachers and administrators, and most important: we have learned to LOVE every face along the way, by God’s grace.
That wise friend has chronic pain herself and knows well the mental fatigue associated with communicating about her illness. So she wrote the following as one more dear favor to me:
By Francine- In scripture the number seven represents completion. Kathryn has struggled with pain for seven years and our hope is for this journey of pain to be over. Kathryn has been accepted into a study for a medication successfully used in Italy. Evidence looks very promising for this medication’s ability to turn down CRPS pain. Rejoice with us about this research and ask for God’s will to be done.
As in many medical trials some patience’s will receive the drug while others will be given a placebo. In the random selection of placebo verses the actual drug, please pray that Kathryn will receive the medication.
The trial will require 4 days of treatment, and multiple trips to North Carolina. Riding is a trigger for pain, as the miles click upward so does the pain. The pain then acts like a sponge soaking up her strength and stamina. An obvious question would be why not stay at the Ronald McDonald House and eliminate the travel. The issue then becomes creature comforts. Her room, her own bed offers controlled relief as they fit her like a well-worn shoe verses her body striving to adjust to different surroundings. Please pray for wisdom in knowing if we should travel or remain in North Carolina. Ask that she be given stamina to endure the length of the trial and for complete healing.
CS Lewis said, “God whispers to us in our pleasures; he speaks to us in our work, he shouts at us in our pain.” Over these seven years we have heard God’s voice over the pain. His words are always ones of love and encouragement often echoed by many of you.
Today we give thanks for Kathryn’s teachers and the administration at Manchester High School. Kathryn has completed her class requirements and will graduate on June 5th. In scripture the number five represents grace. Indeed we have been the benefactors of much grace. Kathryn never gave up, pushing through pain whenever possible; at a young age she has come to care for learning as much as good grades. This is not pride with which this is written, but with thanks to God who has given her the ability to do all things well and to all those who have helped her accomplish this major feat.
Kathryn’s pain is currently unmanageable and much of her time is spent in bed. Kathryn and her mom are presently in NC for a two day treatment planned to address her pain level. Pray with us that she will receive sufficient pain relief to be able to attend graduation. Her success is not just what she has achieved, but what she has overcome. Even the riches chords require some black notes. Kathryn has kept the melody of hope trusting in His timing. Join us in giving thanks for her completing high school and as this day of celebration arrives for her to be able to walk across the stage with her class.
Could you ever know the depths of our gratitude for coming along side of us over these past seven years? As we face the upcoming days, knowing you are on this journey with us is a great source of strength and encouragement. Thank you for your love and the many acts of kindness you have shown our family. You have helped us to see the sun through the thickest clouds.
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