A Hard Week

This week Caitlin was formally diagnosed with Scoliosis. She was fitted for what will be an extremely restrictive and uncomfortable brace which will need to be worn for 23 hours a day.

The fitting process itself was very hard on her modesty and the realization of eighteen months of observation and restriction with no guarantee of preventing a corrective surgery was about all she could take. Many tears have been shed.

The type of curve she has is considered borderline. This means the brace will keep the curve from progressing during her adolescent growth, but may not be enough to prevent her from having to undergo surgery--which her doctor seems to be leaning towards. It is unknown now just how much of a genetic dose she has of scoliosis and the unknown is making our imaginations run wild as we try to grasp for some sense of control over this. I feel like Santiago in Hemmingway’s Old Man and the Sea…the first shark has bitten my perfect prize. But like Santiago, I hope to endure with grace under pressure.

Trying to set aside my need, or rather, my illusion of control, I am attempting to draw on the richest places that have been mined by the trials I’ve passed through. My "mother" prayers go to One who holds it all in his hands despite my symptoms of fear, anger, sadness and lack of faith. I ask him for healing and acceptance of whatever form he chooses to deliver it.

As Caitlin’s community, will you pray for her however you are led? My specific requests are that she will not require surgery; that she will have strength and courage to deal with what seems to be way beyond the scope of a young girl and for her self-image to develop in a healthy and whole way. I also ask that you pray our family grows closer and each of us deepens in the love of our Father during this stressful time.