World Turned Upside Down, Part II

Friends and Family,

I know it has been a while since the previous update.  Kacee and I have spent the last few days processing all the new information regarding Landry.  Today's update comes from the depths of our heavy hearts.  Although I may fail in my attempt to find the words that express all our thoughts and emotions, I'll do my best to deliver an accurate synopsis of our most recent events.  I'll give you first the facts, then the feelings.

Facts:   

You may remember that two weeks ago, Kacee underwent an amniocentesis to help us (and our doctors) gather information about Landry.  The purpose was to identify any/all chromosomal issues.  Well, our specialist received the results, and delivered them to us late Wednesday evening.  

Landry has a rare condition called DiGeorge Syndrome.  I doubt many of you have heard of it, judging by the fact that not one of our nurses has ever heard of it.  It occurs in 1 out of every 3000-4000 babies.  There are over 100 symptoms associated with this syndrome.  For us, it is nearly impossible to determine which symptoms Landry may have.  We must wait until she's born before we have conclusive evidence.  Even still, she may have symptoms that won't surface until later on down the road.

As is the case with any syndrome linked to a chromosomal defect, there is a very large spectrum to which her symptoms will be evaluated.  In other words, her symptoms could fall anywhere between very mild and very severe.  DiGeorge's is most commonly associated with heart defects (which we already know is the case with Landry), a calcium deficiency, poor immune system, learning disabilities, and a cleft palate.  There are many other possible symptoms (again, over 100), but these are the most common.

Cause? In over 90% of the cases, the disorder occurs randomly in the father's sperm or mother's egg.  Occasionally, the disorder derives from one of the parents being a carrier.  To the best of our knowledge, Kacee and I are not carriers.  BUT, in order to find out, we had our blood drawn and sent off to the lab.  It is important for us to know, because if one of us is in fact a carrier, then every future child will have a 50% chance of having DiGeorge Syndrome. 

........(deep breath, sigh).......

Feelings:

Overwhelmed, sad, worried, scared, angry, confused, upset, weak, shocked, guilty, bitter, devastated, and helpless.

Our world was once again turned upside down.  There we were, just shy of two weeks from our very first dose of bad news.  Two weeks in which we had stayed strong, took it in stride, lifted our prayers, and found peace with our circumstances.  And suddenly, our strength was gone.  We somehow were able to hold it together in front of the doctor.  We soon finished our sonogram, and retreated to our room.  

It didn't take long for the tears to arrive.  We cancelled all our plans, and just spent time together.  We verbally shared our emotions with each other.  It was tough to pour out, but necessary.  

What would I do without Kacee?  My best friend. My soul mate. Some of you may have heard me say this before, and I will continue to say it until my time on this Earth is over...my wife is God's second greatest gift to me.  Second only to my salvation. With her, I am ready to take on life's journey.  

We pray together. Praying with your spouse opens each of your souls to one another, in the presence of the Lord Almighty.  If you haven't prayed with your spouse, you are missing out on happiness, peace, and abundant life.  God delights in marriages that seek Him.  Try it and see for yourself.  

Through tears we finished our lengthy prayer and immediately felt better.  Perhaps not completely regenerated, but definitely better.  My hardened heart was once again soft.                    

Now, we feel more peace with each passing day; with each prayer. Yes, we are still battling our emotions, but our attitudes are good and positive, and spirits are climbing.  

I would like to close with a passage from a book called 'Battlefield of the Mind' by Joyce Meyer :

"Enough can never be said about the power of being positive. God is positive, and if you and I want to flow with Him, we must get on the same wave length and begin to think positively.  I am not talking about exercising mind control, but simply about being an all-around, positive person.

Have a positive outlook and attitude.  Maintain positive thoughts and expectations. Engage in positive conversation.  

Jesus certainly displayed a positive outlook and attitude.  He endured many difficulties including personal attacks--being lied about, being deserted by His disciples when He needed them most, being made fun of, being lonely, misunderstood, and a host of other discouraging things.  Yet in the midst of all these negatives He remained positive.  He always had an uplifting comment, and encouraging word; He always gave hope to all those He came near.

The mind of Christ in us is positive; therefore, any time we get negative, we are not operating with the mind of Christ."

   

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10

Thank you all for keeping up with our updates.  All the prayers, texts, emails, meals, etc, lift our hearts and make us feel so loved.  God has blessed us with each of you in our lives.