Quick update

We visited Children’s Hospital again today for Carter’s check-up with Dr. Chaignaud (pronounced “Shay-no”), the surgeon burn specialist. I’m always a little apprehensive about these visits. Part of it is being so afraid that they’re gonna look at him and tell me I’m doing a terrible job of taking care of him. The other part involves wrangling a rambunctious 18-month-old in a waiting area for a long period of time while trying my best to keep him from touching anything that might possibly host a germ of any sort. (An impossible yet admirable goal)

Dr. Chaignaud seemed to be pretty pleased with Carter’s progress today, and she said we should just keep doing what we’ve been doing and to come back to see her in 3 months. I am pleased with his progress, too, and it’s so reassuring to hear from the expert that we’re on the right track.

She said we should call Dr. Ray (the plastic surgeon) tomorrow to set up an appointment with him so he can determine whether it’s time for the scar release surgery that will loosen up those restricting scars that are hampering Carter’s hand function. So I’ll do that first thing in the morning.

Lynn, the super-sweet occupational therapist, also checked in with us to adjust Carter’s splint that he wears every night to stretch his thumb. I knew that he had gained a lot of mobility in his thumb since his last splint was too easy to put on – and that was a good thing. Lynn was also happy with how well he’s able to move and grasp with his “bo-bo” hand.

And once again, the Lord had me walk down the hallways of Children’s Hospital and realize just how blessed I am. Little boys racing down the hall in wheelchairs and bald-headed little girls towing IV poles really have a way of speaking directly to my heart. And what breaks my heart is how happy these children are. So if you ever get to feeling sorry for yourself and need a reality check, I strongly suggest a visit. (Or watch a St. Jude telethon…just make sure you’ve got a box case of Kleenex nearby.)

~0~

“When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed;
when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost.
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.

So, amid the conflict whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.”