Here we are 3 months later. We reached out to our agency and to no surprise here is what they said.
1. Your book looks great. No suggestions.
2. Here is paperwork to complete for your home study renewal (This happens annually until we adopt.)
Nothing else. No additional information, or hope. I think this may be the hardest part of this whole process: the wait. At this time we are thankful for this waiting period for many reasons. Some of which include us spending time together as just the two of us because when a child enters our lives, it will not only be Tommy & Ashley, but our Family. We are thankful to get additional time with family and friends and being able to have the freedom to do what we want when we want to. However, we cannot wait to welcome this child into our lives. We are excited to have a child rely on, love and be with us every single day. We continue to pray and hope in God’s timing.
Speaking of God’s Timing – We had mentioned in a previous update about some changes and challenges coming our way and are now prepared to share. Over the last 2 years, Tommy has experienced some health complications. These began as minor issues and ones that seemed to tie back to an existing condition from when he was born. However, in the last 6 months (and really in the last 4), he has been going to specialists in order to figure out what is going on. After many appointments, juggling from one doctor to the next because of their expertise and finally getting some answers, we have reached a point in which we know what is going on and the next steps.
Tommy has Tethered Cord Syndrome. This is where the spinal cord has become abnormally attached to surrounding areas resulting in negative changes in the body. One of these changes has been Tommy’s inability to maintain muscle mass in his legs. There are many other changes that have occurred with him as well and it has caused him extreme amounts of pain. What was once thought to just be the status quo for him has actually been proven to have a name and ultimately a solution to the problem. While there is no guarantee that this Tethered Cord Syndrome will be “cured forever”, we are hopeful that the Spinal Surgery that is scheduled for the middle of this month will provide relief in his pain, hope for the future and help in some of his physical ailments.
What do we need? Prayers, kind words and lots of hugs from our closest family and friends. Ashley is anxious as the surgery grows nearer and Tommy is worried for many reasons.
Some good that is coming from this adventure includes us decorating for Christmas WAY early this year and more time to enjoy our decorations, being forced to slow down in the season of holidays, get togethers and the bustle of the world, and finally being together. Tommy’s recovery is going to take 6 weeks and we will be able to spend a lot of time together.
We look forward to the day that we welcome a child into our home, but for now we are Trusting in God’s Timing.