This Too Shall Pass

The sky turns a shade of dark grey, the wind begins to blow. I can hear the deep sounds of thunder rolling in the distance. The large drops of rain start slowly and a bolt of lightning flashes in the sky. Boom…the thunder is now on top of me and by now the rain is pouring, dime size hail is pounding while leaves and debris swirl in the air.

Photo courtesy playbizz.com

Photo courtesy playbizz.com

After a short time, the rain stops and the clouds open to a beautiful sun which leads to a perfect rainbow.

We often refer to Katie’s “tough” days as mini storms. One minute all is well with the world and the next, not so much. Days when she cries uncontrollably all day and we have no idea why, or when she absolutely refuses to take one step, when her stomach is just too unsettled to keep anything down, or when she goes weeks without eating a bite of food by mouth. You see, the problem is she can’t tell me what is wrong, it is a complete guessing game. These days overwhelm me, because she is enduring pain and I don’t know how to fix it, it is my job to fix it…these days make me want to crawl into a storm shelter. But the thought that gets me through is…This Too Shall Pass.

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” Psalm 18:2

If you hide your problems, viagra shop usa that can affect your confidence and make you feel stressed. It also repairs the damaged nerves and tissues purchase generic levitra http://www.unica-web.com/result2007.pdf in the reproductive organs. If you feel you are overdose with the medicine of erectile dysfunction which is buy viagra without . However, in some men, what cheap viagra browse around description now appears to an underlying health trouble. Just as those summer storms come and go her bad days always end. IMG_6090I know they are only temporary because for 11 ½ years we have endured every storm and on the other side is always a rainbow. When the problem she has been enduring ends I literally feel the weight lifted off my shoulders. The relief is so intense and the thanksgiving to God is abundant.

This past weekend we decided to take the kids to a nearby waterpark. I instantly started worrying about how Katie would do for an entire day out in the sun. Would she get too hot? Would she be able to go down a waterslide? How will her tube feedings go? I decided it would all work out just fine, but then my precious mother offered to watch Katie and after thinking it through we decided to leave her with Nonna. Then I felt guilty going on a fun family day without her. I felt sad that she has to miss so many fun things in life. But then I realized…This Life Too Shall Pass.

This life is only temporary and it pales in comparison to the next. The most amazing, most incredible day we can imagine here on earth is nothing like the Glory of God in heaven. So what if she misses a day at the waterpark! One day she will have so much more than all the waterparks in the world. I was brought to tears picturing the day I will see her in heaven. She will be dancing with two perfect legs to her favorite song Tooty Ta, using her beautiful voice to sing at the top of her lungs and when she sees me she will stop, smile ear to ear and run to me with open arms and she will say “I love you Mommy”. I absolutely cannot wait for that moment.

image (12)“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

In the storms of life we have to stay focused on the light at the end of the tunnel, the light that is God. If we rely on Him and Him alone He will be our storm shelter.

8 thoughts on “This Too Shall Pass

  1. Lynn Jordan Moseley

    I am high school friends of your parents that have reconnected recently. They are so proud of you and the things you have accomplished. They have shared with me your blog and I want you to know how much I have enjoyed reading it. You have been “raised right” (as we say in the South) by two loving and great parents. Will continue to pray for you and your family.

    Reply
  2. Brenda LaRussa

    Cindy and Andy, I have prayed for Katie ever since she was born. God knew what He was doing when He gave Katie to you and Andy. He knew that she would get all the love she needed from the two of you. God doesn’t give us anymore than we can bear.

    May God bless and strengthen you both with His love and grace each day.

    God bless you both always,
    Brenda LaRussa

    Reply
  3. Joan Page

    Yes, Cindy HE is and will always be our storm shelter…I simply love your family’s example of loving Katie so well despite her many limitations. Even though she may not be able to express her gratitude to you all very well , I am quite sure her heart overflows with thanksgiving for the unconditional love that is poured over her each day. LOVING WELL is the topic I have covered in my latest pages: joanwpage.com
    I love the picture of Katie in heaven, too…completely whole and running to you with open arms and a wide smile cheering “I love you, Mommy!!!” Be blessed as you go through this day, knowing she is LOVED so well.

    Reply
  4. Diana Antunes

    I’m a medical geneticist, i’m sorry if i’m intruding but your daughter reminds me so much of a patient of ours with Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome. Did she was tested for TCF4 gene already? Kind regards. Diana

    Reply
    1. Cindy Crook Post author

      No intrusion at all we are always searching for a diagnosis. She has had two whole xomes and I haven’t heard of that…would it come up in that test?

      Reply
  5. Jen oconnor

    I read Dianas post wrong. I thought she was a Geneticixs & A Pths Mom. I am just a mom, who lived this long journey, & immedoately I thought also Pitt-Hopkins Syndrome. Amd too remember you have a patient with Pths says alot to Dr Diana Antunes!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *