It's 5 am and we're on the road again. Just one week ago we left Florida to drive back to Ohio. We've basically just started to feel settled at home. This time it's not the whole family traveling, it's just Emma and I. This time were riding, not driving. This time we're not leaving for two months, we're just making a long trip in one day.
We're headed to the Shriners hospital in Chicago. I know, another hospital visit when we've just been through so much with Elsie. Today Emma has an appointment to see an orthopedic specialist. It's our initial appointment so, I don't know much about this hospital yet. I've just been told, "they take care of everything." Including transportation and money for lunch in the hospital cafeteria.
You'd never know it from looking at her and watching her run and jump around, but our little lady has spina bifida, congenital abnormalities in her spine and spinal cord. Last year we tackled the issue of her spinal cord...neurosurgery. Today we begin to understand more of the issues with the bone structure of her spine...orthopedics. She briefly saw an orthopedic surgeon while in the hospital last year. He explained that the curvature of her spine needs to be monitored. If it's too severe, her rib cage won't have enough capacity for the growth of her lungs. Growth at her age is a slow and steady rate, so it hasn't been an ugent issue. But it's also time to find out more.
Again, please pray. Pray that whatever the doctors have to tell us today, we would walk in faith and trust that God is good and providing for us. Pray that her spine is growing straight enough and no major surgery is necessary. Pray that even though this is another hospital and another big appointment, that we'd still be able to rest and enjoy this day. And pray for Mark as he's home with Elsie all day!
