Tuesday, October 21, 2008

My Little Big Guy

I have copied and pasted this from Jason's blog.

Today is the day that Sunny and I have been both anticipating and dreading. For the past year, we've been visiting a pediatric endocrinologist about Joshua's size. He's always been a bit small (he weighed only 2lbs. at birth) but we were still concerned about his lack of growth. It was determined a few months ago that he's growth hormone deficient. Today we start his injections; a nurse will come out to the house and show us how to administer these shots to him. We didn't know this when we began this journey, but we'll need to give him one shot a day, 6 days a week, for approximately the next 12 years or so. Needless to say, Sunny and I aren't excited about having to do this to our son. But we're also thankful that this method has been made available to us and we're hoping this will put Joshua in the best possible position to grow at a normal rate over the next several years.

Every time we sit down to talk with Joshua about what's about to happen, he's such a little trooper. We've been honest about the situation and we've told him that we don't know how much these shots are going to hurt but that they're going to be good for him and sometimes when we're little, we can't understand how something that hurts could be good for us, etc. Last night, I was telling him about all of this again and he looked at me and said, "I won't be afraid, Daddy. I'll be strong and courageous and never afraid, just like we pray every night." I smile because I know he's found strength in the one Bible verse he knows by heart, Joshua 1:9. I look in his eyes and I know he really believes everything we've said about God being with him. I know he believes what we've been telling him. And I know he's going to be OK.

And Mommy and Daddy, even though they're a little apprehensive about this whole thing...they're going to be OK, too.

18 comments:

Stacy said...

I know this is a huge commitment you and Jason are making, and as always it is because you are trying to do what is best for your children. Of all the people I know, you will be the very best person to diligently and faithfully administer Joshua's treatments daily. (I can't even get through a 10-day course of antibiotics without forgetting a dose!!)
I pray the treatments will have the desired effects on his growth, and that God will grant Joshua (and you and Jason) the courage and strength that you faithfully believe He will provide!

kyllie said...

I will be keeping yall in my thoughts and prayers as yall go through this daily journey with Joshua, and for the treatments to work effectively to help his growth. Yall have a brave little boy!

Jamey said...

Stacy said everything I wanted to say very eloquently; so ditto.

Stefanie said...

I will be keeping Joshua and your family in my prayers as you begin this commitment. I can tell you that I have a cousin that has started these shots. The good thing about Joshua is that they caught it early, my cousin was already 10 or 11 before they figured out why he was not growing. But they shots have helped, and he is now growing and gaining weight like every child should. Good Luck Sunny

Tori said...

I imagine this is just as tough on you and Jason as it will be for Joshua. You guys have approached it in such a godly way though and those remarks by Joshua brought tears to my eyes. We will be praying for you guys as you make this adjustment in your daily lives.

Amy said...

I ditto Stacy as well. You will all be in our prayers! Good luck!

James and Dana said...

I will be praying for you guys! I know this has to be so tough! You guys are so wonderful and have such wonderful beautiful children! I pray that James and I can raise our children to be as wonderful and spiritual as yours!

THE MORROW FAMILY said...

That about brought tears to my eyes, Sunny. I was jut thinking about ya'll this morning and wondering when that was all going to begin and thinking that I needed to let you know that you, Jason, and Joshua are all on my mind and in my prayers. I pray that God will get you through this transition time and give you strength in the present and in the future to face what lies ahead. I know that He will. Joshua is blessed to have a mom and dad that love him so much. Love you guys.

Anonymous said...

We are praying for you guys today that everything will go well and that you will be given courage and strength in the days to come as you adjust to this new routine. Joshua is such a brave young man!

Elyse said...

I know that this is not what you would like to do for your child, but it is the best for him. Prayers are coming your way and God will strengthen this situation. Hang in there and be strong.
~Elyse~

Ashley @ pure and lovely said...

bless you and your sweet family. I am so sorry you're going to have to go through this,my prayers are with you and sweet joshua!!!

Jess said...

The love and courage each of you has is so touching! I pray that this just becomes one of those things that are done out of routine and that it becomes "no big deal" as fast as possible for Joshua to go through 6 days a week. We pray for your strength and bravery too!

LB said...

I teared up when I read Joshua's response! May God give you the courage and calmness to take care of him. Praise God that there is an answer and a solution to help him grow! And what a testament to you as parents that Joshua KNOWS that God will watch over him and take care of him!

TARA said...

Our Sunday morning class prays for Joshua every week. In time, this will seem routine, just like getting dressed or brushing teeth. But it is never easy putting a child through pain, even when it is for their own good.

I will never forget all Hope endured with her eye and how we'd hold her down and she would fight and cry. I'll never forget the day she learned to put her prosthetic in all by herself. I bet the day will come when Joshua will be giving himself his own shots.

He's a special one. We love you all!

Sunny said...

Thank you all so much for your kind words, thoughts and prayers! We appreciate the calls, emails, and comments on our blogs. Jason and I feel so blessed to have each and every one of you in our lives and in the lives of our children.

brooke said...

Oh my goodness. I teared up reading this post. Wow, what a sweet little boy to say those things to ya'll. How encouraging. My prayers will be with all of you!

chesley said...

This made me tear up. It's amazing how profound and how strong our little ones can be sometimes! We will definitely be praying for you guys!

Walters Press said...

Wow, what a brave little guy. We will be praying for you!