Celiac Disease has been in our home for almost one year.
Today, this week before the anniversary, I took time to watch Samuel
and to look for joy in the midst of living with Celiac.
I was humbled by what I observed.
Those observations are this week’s favorite things.
Health.
Look at this face.
Look at how healthy
how happy
how joyful
Samuel is today.
I do NOT take those smiles for granted.
Awareness.
Samuel’s story has helped other babes
it has brought awareness.
Mothers have printed his story
and walked into clinics asking doctors to read it.
and walked into clinics asking doctors to read it.
That knowledge humbles me.
Hope.
There are days where I am weary
where my heart hurts for Samuel
where I wish it would be different.
Then I look at his content face
and how he never complains
about not being able to eat gluten.
He is content with what he can have
and moves forward
running and embracing his life.
running and embracing his life.
Family.
Throughout this year the bonds of family
have grown stronger.
We’re all in this together.
For him. Our Samuel.
For him. Our Samuel.
Options.
So often we think a door has closed
and everything will never be the same.
Many times, even though the door has closed, there are new things in store.
New cookies to eat, new foods to try, new memories.
Instead of clinging with sadness to the past
we try to embrace the new.
The future. The good.
The future. The good.
Balance.
I used to tell myself
I can’t juggle one more thing.
And then Samuel was diagnosed with Celiac Disease
and I was able to balance it in our lives.
Is it easy? Not all the time.
But, the Lord gives strength in all things.
Not some, but all. All things.
Not some, but all. All things.
Growth.
Samuel has grown
{look at those too-short pants}.
He’s in the 34%ile for weight
when a year ago he was dropping off the chart.
He’s also grown 2 inches since May.
That is victory!
Celiac Disease
I’m not afraid of it.
It may have stolen gluten from my boy
but that doesn’t determine happiness.
And this week as I begin to remember one year ago
I rejoice over Samuel’s health with each passing day.
And that face below is exactly why.
And that face below is exactly why.
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20 comments
YEAH for families like you who work hard…so hard to find a diagnosis and then provide a good home and everything this sweet little Samuel needs. Rachel, our sweet girl had to have the tests for celiac diseas…she fell off the charts…and we were so happy when the results came back negative. It was a long year of dr’s trying to figure out….that it was because she comes from a line of short people….but, my heart goes out to you..and i can’t wait to meet you and am so thankful for the way you share this with others and encourage them to keep pushing forward!
What a wonderful story! Being an advocate is so hard but look at the rewards. I’m so pleased to hear how well he’s doing and thank you for being a continued source of inspiration. This is my first comment but I have popped on here before and I love the news. 🙂
It is always amazing what a difference a year makes. What seemed a mountain insurmountable last year is now a new journey that you get to walk with the father in a new way. I pray that healing will come…Sweet Rachel, you are a blessing…:)
Beautiful post!
Hi there! I found your blog from lowercase letters and after reading your beautiful post about celiac and your son, I thought my post about my husband’s favorite dessert (Gluten Free Apple Crisp) fit with your Friday Favorite Links. My blog is new, but all of the recipes I have posted so far are gluten free 🙂 Thanks for sharing and you all will be in my prayers.
I love what you said about the past and present. So true. This has been such a journey for your family, but I can even see how close it’s drawn you together. All united to help precious Samuel. And wow! He went from surviving to thriving. Thank you, Jesus!
That is awesome that he is doing so well …that all of you are doing so well. Some of us dont handle change well, you rode the wave and are much blessed!
:0)
Our circumstances don’t determine true joy – thank you for the beautiful example you are in this, Rachel!
It’s been a blessing to me to see your family work through this together & see your little guy get better. Thank you for sharing your story!
This so reminds me of our family when our son was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes at the age of 7. Our family embraced it, went forth, did what was necessary and he is still enjoying good health 28 years later. I know that Samuel will do the same because of the support he will have had all his life.
Blessings Rachel, it’s always a joy to stop by!
what a wonderful success story! love every piece of it! thanks for sharing your celebration with us!
can i just say that samuel has the cutest nose ever? well, he does.
loved this. so encouraging to everyone out there. i know it encouraged me. praying for you and your family. happy friday :))
-jocee <3
So blessed to be witness to your Samuel’s story. Thank you for allowing us to walk (in some small way) this journey with you. It is so amazing to see what God has done- to see the way He has taken the sickness and sorrow and brought joy and gladness!
I so LOVE this post!! 🙂 Yeah for Samuel and YEAH for YOU choosing to find the JOY in the midst of the challenge!!
so happy for you guys, Rachel! rejoicing with you!
Rejoicing with you! Yay for healthy!! Samuel is fortunate to have such a persistent mom and he sure is a cutie pie!
Praise God for working all things together for good! You and your family are an inspiration of faith, courage, and God’s grace.
Love in Him,
Laurie
What a beautiful post of favorite things and blessings. Praising God along side you. Thanks for your beautiful heart that you show here in bloggy land. Blessings.
Great post! Such a cutie!!! Thanks for sharing!
It’s only a few words but they’re sincerely meant – WELL DONE. Truly, well done.