Daddy and Zech playing guitars

At the aquarium.

So good at dentist!

Cutest fireman ever!

Such a monkey!

Looking for Easter eggs.

What Next?!........

Oh those words!!! They drove me CRAZY for months! ALWAYS coming out of my Grandmother's mouth, now they are ringing in my head...all the time.. well, too much anyways! So much to be thankful for! What next could be horrible, and was as I explained that to my Grandma after Zech got his brain abscess (yes,...after the brain abscess story again). Now, believing and knowing he is completely healed, yet still so many doctors appointments. Thankfully all blood work came back good with the exception of his thyroid. Though it has been low on several occasions, this didn't come as a shock. So...What Next? Whatever it is it will have some blessing attached and it is up to God what comes next!

So, having a low thyroid myself, I know what toll it can take on the body. Medicine, he will begin in the morning (did that sound a little Yoda-ish too you?)! Interesting enough, the thyroid produces several hormones, t4 and t3 are two of them. Attached to these hormones are iodine's, thus the reasoning behind iodized salt. Well, did you know that iodine will actually kill the strep bacteria (the bacteria that was in Zech's brain), coincidence? Maybe, but I don't think so. Not saying had his thyroid had been treated earlier he wouldn't have got the brain abscess, but maybe not as bad?

Obsessing am I (Yoda again...lol)? Well that's what I do! I have actually been trying to treat mine naturally. I also worked with Zech some, but one big thing I didn't realize is that broccoli is bad for the thyroid and Zech LOVES it! He was eating it every day! That's one green I am limiting in my diet now. I also talked with the DR about testing mine again. If I don't have it under control soon, I will go on the medicine. It will be a lot easier that way.

On to some Zech moments. We were at the eye doctor yesterday and the dr. was putting different lens in front of Zech's eyes, on eye at a time. Zech kept saying "Arrr" and bringing his fist across the front of his body. He did this several times and was saying something afterwards, I just couldn't figure it out right away (maybe because I though he was mad a cussing the dr...lol) then it dawned on me...He was a pirate!! He kept saying he was a pirate. The Dr and I cracked up!

The best Zech moments today: when we were at the doctors getting his blood results...he hit the doctor. Drew his fist back and slugged her right in the stomach! I was so embarrassed but couldn't help but chuckle to myself ( I use to do that as a child ). Like mother, like son!! Regardless, he was not allowed to play with his Ds today.

It's Thursday!

Zech has been home all week. Sinus infection, then ear infection. Tuesday we were back at DR, Wednesday blood work, today we took Garwee to get his hair cut (Zech was not too happy....look at facebook picture) then later we go for an eye exam. Tomorrow results of blood work...busy week! I find it amazing when Zech is home, I get NOTHING done!! I don't know if it's because he keeps me so busy or if I just like my time with him. Regardless, lots of catch up work to do!

They started our roof today (we are getting a metal roof put on). Excited about that, I think it's going to look great!

Grandma is still in hospital (from her fall Friday). She has a little blood on her brain and is a little crazy 'cause of the pain pills, well the pain pills made her craziness a little more exaggerated....lol!! Mom has been up there the last three nights. It sure takes it's toll on her. Hopefully Grandma will go home soon, or at least somewhere that mom can come home and rest more.

So, what else is new, let me think.....nothing, which is not a bad thing! Life calming down?! No way!! Praise the Lord! I could use some quietness for a while. The pool is pretty clear now. I just need to vacuum it and it's ready to go (once the water is about 20 degrees higher!). Think I'll go work on organizing my bedroom. Ugh! They may take a while.

His Grace is sufficient.....

Quick post here, I was reading a fellow blogger's blog and read the words from 2 Corinthians 12:9, "And He has said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.' Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me."
Those words are so powerful to me this morning!! I look back at the days upon days at the hospital with Zech. I was so weak! So helpless. The words ringing in my ears "It's big Rhonda, really big!"..a mass...Oh dear God, a mass?! What can I do? How can I fix this?! To my knees...'Oh dear Jesus...PLEASE!!' I stand up....then back to my knees. I can't even type the thoughts going through my head. Then the humbled realization....I, Rhonda Dawson, can't do a dang thing! This is too big, it's totally in God's hands.
No longer is my work, ALL my crazy little (some big..lol) projects matter. I DO NOT CARE about any of that...I want my SON!! I want my family..I want LIFE with my son!
Through the GRACE of God. I have that now! So many times throughout the stay I heard "I don't know how you do it, I couldn't". I heard "you are so strong". EVERY TIME I heard something like that I wanted to scream "I'm not strong!!! And do it, do what? I am just helplessly by my son's side! It is CHRIST, ONLY CHRIST, that is doing anything! I am only able to make the motions of life because of him!"
I am still weak, I still only want my family. I want to be a good wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. NOTHING else! And, with that being said, things are Great! The power of Christ is perfected now! The Power of Christ is dwelling in me....Thank you Lord!!!!

...and the verdict is.....

....a sinus infection. Ugh! Zech has not got better in the last couple days. Snotty nose still, fever, and now a slight cough. To the DR we go, and yep, a sinus infection. Ears and throat look fine. Lungs sound good. Antibiotics it is. Not a big promoter of these, but they do have their purpose and today their purpose will be served.

Greek yogurt will be in Zech's diet, I know it should be every day, but he's not a big fan. I try opening capsules and sneaking it in his food, which I will also do. More apples, apple sauce, and whatever other fruits I can get in him. DR said keep him out of school three days. I had always heard not catchy after 24 hrs on a antibiotic, but he said 'No', three or four days. If every parent did that there wouldn't be so many sick kids. I totally agree, so three days it is.

Friday we went and seen my Grandma. She's was doing well, until yesterday. She fell.....AGAIN. Stubborn old thing, she keeps bending over to pick things up off the floor, sometimes there's nothing there, she just thinks there is..lol! Anyways she has a black eye now from where her walker tipped over and the leg hit her in the eye. At 88 yrs old, I don't think she'll learn her lesson.

Saturday. Let's talk about Saturday. Beautiful day. On the agenda was small amount of house work, Tom was to do some outside work, we were to go to a memorial service, then relax and grill out. Now....for what really happened. Rushing around to get ready for the memorial for a dear friends father that passed away. We went, after a stop off when we seen people working on a building to start up a coffee house in our town. I left after talking to him with my blood pressure high, ready to burst after hearing plans that we totally implemented in the same town, for 8 years, with little support from the community. So, I calm down see my friend, my heart breaks for her knowing that someday that will be me in her shoes ( I hope and pray it's many years from now!!) We decide we need a new grill for our cook out later......4 hours later.....we end up with a grill, but not the one we want because of course the one we want is not in stock...UGH!!! To the grocery store now, back home, put the grill together, the lid is not aligned properly due to poor workmanship, do we keep it? A half hour later, yes we'll go ahead a keep it. So by 9pm we are finally eating (wonderful food I might add), no house work done and yes, I left the dishes until today. Not how we planned our day, but tired and bellies full, we go to bed.

Today, beautiful and blessed. My dear husband did his yard work and then left for work. He's exhausted, but accomplished. I know I can go to sleep tonight knowing I will be provided for and then some. Thanks Tom, Love you!

It's Friday.....

.....and I was up all night! Ugh! One of the negatives about public school....your child is around a lot of sick kids! I say negative, but is it one way to build the immune system? I have mixed emotions about it. I wonder how long I will keep using the phrase "since Zech's brain surgery....." I hope I will be able to shrug the fear that lays deep in my heart, mind, and soul. However, in the mean time, since Zech's brain surgery I get so paranoid when he is sick! He acts ok (but he did during the first stages of the brain abscess). Where did it come from...his ears...his teeth....who knows?! I am always checking his ears and teeth, they appear great. Stuffy, snotty nose. Slight fever. Nothing major, I would never have taken the girls to the DR for something like this. What if it's a sinus infection, then goes to the teeth, ears, or ugh....brain?!
Ok, YAWEH, Lord God, I totally surrender my self, and Zech, to you. He is in your hands and I trust you completely and perfectly healed him and you will continue to keep him safe. Thank you for this...AMEN!

Now that I have surrendered that issue, on to a perfect day. The sun is shining so beautifully. Bright enough to warm my bones from the cold air. So very thankful for the things that will be accomplished today, for the memories that will be made.

Nice weekend!

What a nice weekend, could have been longer! Tom's cousin came in, from Louisiana, and his wife and daughter. While they were here Tom's dad and step-mom came over too. We had an awesome dinner...grilled veggies and smoked brisket...Yum!! After everyone left, Glen Miller "Moonlight Serenade" came on. Tom and I danced on the front porch and watched the moon (full) come up....too romantic! I loved it! I sure couldn't do that in Michigan.

Easter we went to Mom and Dad's, ate, and had an Easter egg hunt. Well, the kids did. Tucker, my nephew, found the prize egg!! Zech was a little grumpy, had a fever on and off since his surgery Thursday, so he didn't get into it like I would have liked, but he did hunt for a while. He's doing better now, still gets tired quickly though.

So, I've been walking on the treadmill, kinda but perfect about watching what I eat. I seen a picture of myself from Easter and am soooo disgusted! So, I started Jillian Micheals 30 day shred today. I am also logging what I eat. Anyways, I went to pick Zech up from school and could barely walk to his class my thighs are so weak. Funny, but I don't know how I'll do it tomorrow. I might just have to walk on the treadmill, we'll see. Keep your fingers crossed and send positive thoughts my way ( a little strength and endurance would be nice too)!

Happy Birthday to a spectacular Woman!!

Yesterday was my oldest daughters birthday...25 years old!! Unbelievable! Megan, my sweet, sweet Maggie Mae. Megan and I are rarely apart, well we were rarely apart. She is now living in Michigan, this is the first birthday we've not been together. Now, I'm close to all my kids, but Megan and I spent more time together than most. We worked together too, so we were together quite a bit! Anyways, as with Macey, if you are blessed to know Megan I'm sure you know how spectacular she is. If you don't I will tell you about her. Megan is beautiful, outgoing, sure of herself, creative, tender hearted, smart, giving. selfless(ALWAYS thinking of other people and what she can do for them), funny, a great planner and organizer. The list goes on. I can not put into words what my kids mean to me. I am So very blessed!!! Megan, I hope you had the best day ever! LOVE YOU!!

I've been thinking.....

Okay, before I go into what I've been thinking (I know you all are so curious...lol), I will fill you in about the last few days. Zech has had an interesting week. School for three days, with an Easter party on Wednesday, and then to Vanderbilt today for a scoping surgery to find out why his urine doesn't flow properly. Well, there were no obstructions, no scarring, possibly some narrowing that the scoping could have stretched enough that he won't have any more problems. He goes back in a month for a follow-up. All went well, another successful trip to the hospital. Zech does NOT do well with any medicines that has an impact on his mind. With that being said, he wakes up SO grouchy after having general anesthesia that he can not have the medicine that helps you wake up happier! Telling EVERYONE this, guess what, they gave it to him anyways!! Very frustrating! He's over it know though, thank you Yaweh!!

Megan went to Detroit today. She has been celebrating her Birthday all week (presents every day from herself or her boyfriend..too cute!) Tomorrow is her official birthday. We believe she has a full time job now. She has a meeting with the company in a week, based on what they said over the phone, I think she has the job and the meeting is formalities.

Macey is finishing up her first year of law school. I think she'll be done in a week. I hope year two isn't as stressful.


So, what have I been thinking?! Well, nothing spectacular, or probably nothing that someone else hasn't thought of, but there are so many things that go on with Zech, I wish there was a "place" to go to talk to people. A place to see how other kids with Ds progress, what are their actual days like. How do other kids interact with kids with Ds. I know, there a places to find out basic info., but not details. I'm talking even things that a lot of people might find embarrassing to talk about. Things you might even think but are afraid to say it out loud, you know, maybe it would be politically incorrect (really socially incorrect). What would be the best way to get this going? Well, my thought is just blog about my personal experiences, get into detail about my son, maybe people will start commenting on their experiences. I don't know, just a thought. I'll begin with some things this week (though if I continue, I'll start a different blog for that).

So,I get so confused about Zech's status. Confused, worried, excited, proud, and overwhelmed! All these feelings, at different times of course, but all in the same day!! One minute I'm so impressed by his progress, the next it's like he doesn't understand a thing I'm asking him to do. Is most of it because he has Ds or am I seeing the affects of the brain abscess...I DON"T KNOW!!! I'm in constant worry....'Oh, no...is IT back'???? Then I lay in bed and cry, worried something will happen to him. Well, I'm a Christian, I've given it to Yaweh....then how can I be sad, how can I be worried?! Ugh!! I ask Zech to SAY his ABC's...he starts to sign them...I say ' Use your words'...no response....blank stare.....Does he understand the word 'say', is he saying them in his head, just can't get the words to form.....HELP!!!!! Who do I ask, where do I go? Is there someone who can help?! I have no answers, I feel I have no control (does that make me a control freak?). Well, for today, I will just rest. Rest in the Lord. Know HE is in control (and pray he'll share his thoughts with me soon....lol).