On Friday, June 24th, it will be a year since Samuel {yes, Samuel} was admitted to Children’s Hospital to have an emergency endoscopy to have a sequin star removed. It seems so long ago — so long — especially with all the health crises that developed following that June.
I went back and read my post StarStuck and was brought to my knees. I forgot how close everything was for little Samuel way back then. And I saw and was reminded at just how strong Samuel already was — almost as if he knew back then that he would need to be tough for the year to come.
And, I saw how we was already displaying symptoms of Celiac Disease last June. To think that it took until January for him to get diagnosed. So long. So so so long. I wish he didn’t have to deal with it that long. That part hurts my momma’s heart.
I remember walking into the local hospital {before we were transferred to Childrens} and telling the nurse that either Samuel swallowed something or he has something seriously wrong with his bowels. That would have been the undiagnosed Celiac Disease. That night, he had swallowed something. And that night, he also had Celiac Disease. But, I didn’t know.
What I do know? That the day of June 24, 2010 taught me and prepared me for January 17, 2011 when I walked back into the same Children’s Hospital Emergency Room and into the EXACT room where I sat months prior. It prepped me. I knew what to expect, where to go, to advocate for Samuel, what to expect from an endoscopy and not to take life for granted.
These are some of my words from back then — about a mother’s intuition and trusting one self. I was getting prepared and stronger without even knowing why. I wrote:
The doctors and nurses were amazed that I knew to bring him in. They kept talking about mother’s intuition and how they take it seriously when a parent come in as insistent as I did. They told me that he really didn’t have time to wait for me to just watch. He was in right when he needed to be.
I am so grateful for that little man of mine. So grateful.
And I’m grateful that the Lord gave us mother’s intuition and a fighting spirit.
So on this day, almost one year after, I give glory and thanks to the Lord. Once again, I will sing
Thank you for Samuel. Thank you.
To read Samuel’s StarStuck story please click here.
To read about our journey with Celiac Disease please click here.
13 comments
I read your blog from a year ago in tears. Still am. I had no idea a little star could be so dangerous. I have been in the ER a few nights for possible crushed fingers, dislocated elbows and bleeding mouths, but never anything where I had to worry if my baby was coming back to my arms. I believe God uses things to prepare us for things that are coming, but I also know that the Rachel I remember was always a stong person. Your kids are blessed to have you as their mom!
Mommys definitely know best. HUgs!
I just have to share that I am always so encouraged by your blog and by the way you trust in God no matter what comes your way. I recently discovered a gluten sensitivity along with irritable bowel syndrome and have been so encouraged by your posts about your little one and your journey to cutting out all gluten in your home. It’s tough, but it’s worth it to be feeling better. Also, your little Samuel is SO precious!
My wife would definitey “Amen” the statement of a mother’s intuition. She ALWAYS knew when something else was going on with one of our kids beyond what a doctor would say. She was gratified once to have an old doctor say to another young doctor in our presence, “Always listen to the mother. They always know when something else is going on with their kids.”
Glad your son is doing better. Praying for him to continue growing stronger. wb
I think it’s so neat to look back and see how God truly prepares us. I remember that story about Samuel…I think I had just started reading your blog. Look how God has protected both situations and how much you all have grown from that. He’s amazing. Samuel is too sweet 🙂
Our God is such a gracious healer. It’s so sad that Samuel got so sick and fought such an uphill battle especially with such little legs – such a small stride – but, God! Has stepped in and Samuel is getting healthy again. What joy this brings to my heart! I’ve never been so intrigued and awestruck by God’s healing power as I’ve been this week.
: ) He is THE healer of ALL things!
Hooray for our Lord and that bright smiling little boy has so blessed your lives!
I’m stopping by from the crew to say hi and follow your blog. thank you for your post.
Before I had my boys, I was a nurse, and I worked in Pediatrics and Labor and delivery. Mother’s intuition really is an incredible thing, and a mother’s eyes could often tell me more than any of the tests.
It’s also helped me to be a really proactive mom for my own boys!
I am praising Jesus with you. I am so grateful we have a Father who walks us thru these times of need. Give that sweet baby all the hugs you can muster up, He is a miracle, thank you Lord!
that was a year ago already?! wow. it doesn’t feel like that long. your sam has been through so much this year – God has definitely had His hand on him! how awesome that you can use samuel’s story for God’s glory. {rhyme not intentional, haha}
Am thinkin’ I might need more sleep. Although I knew this update was here from this morning, when I came over here tonight I thought it said “lessons from starbucks.” Of course my daughter works for them so that’s my excuse! Just so very thankful that the Lord’s been with you every step of the way!
Such special verses and what a promise. If these words aren’t true, Jesus would have told us! His promises are sure! Praying in Seattle!
John 14:1-3 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
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Praising God with you! Can’t wait to see what the Lord’s plans are for this little man’s life…they clearly are marvelous ones and they are probably playing out already right now!!!! xoxo
I know I am commenting on an old post but I just have to. I’ve been reading your story of celiac disease and tears just keep coming. I don’t have the same story… but I do remember bringing my 5-week-old to the children’s hospital for an x-ray for unexpected blood in his stool (they made me hold him down on the table as he cried. WORST day of my life), after a doctor wouldn’t believe me that something was wrong, and then visits to the GI doctor and a diagnosis of Milk Soy Protein Intolerance…. and then later reflux… so although I have not gone through so much as you have with Samuel, I am hurting for you (and praising God with you as I’ve read that Samuel is eating and thriving and HAPPY!). Thanks for being vulnerable enough to share your story…