Sarah-Hope was knocked flat again
at the end of June. We assumed her gut had flared up as every time she has been
so flat diarrhea has followed. Thankfully it was only the Adeno virus and even
though she spent three days (not nights) in hospital receiving IV fluids to
give her gut a break, she went back on the infant formula Neocate for nutritional
support and slowly regained strength. It was interesting being back in hospital
with a 3.5 year old. For the first time, Sarah-Hope said ‘I have a sore tummy’.
Last December she would just ask to be picked up but this time she could talk
more about what was happening with her which was great.
But it still took two months to
recover. One month for her to stand up, and another before she would
voluntarily walk during play. Knowing more of what to expect, it wasn’t as
difficult as before, but these periods of ill health are so humbling. How I
love to plan my future – but when health is fragile, the fulfilment experienced
through executing my plans for my life is a luxury I don’t presume upon.
However, a couple of months later
the gastroenterologist followed up with us. Since Sarah-Hope was experiencing
significant periods of health inbetween her episodes, he felt less inclined to say
that she had a chronic illness. I am encouraged by that assessment at this
point of time. But I don’t think I will believe it entirely for a while! As the
paediatrician said to me a year ago, sometimes only time provides the answer. But
suspicions aside, I do have much to be grateful for! When I think of how
overwhelmed I was a year ago, I really do need to acknowledge the kindness and
mercy of God in Sarah-Hope’s current health.
The reality of a healthy child for
the last few months, though, has meant that I no longer am waiting for her to
get sick again. I actually expect her to be healthy – amazing! And so for the
first time we are considering signing the girls up for a couple of days of
preschool per week in 2016. It feels like a good next step. I adore spending
time with the girls but I feel that their regular exposure to older, more
independent kids would provide some good stimulation for them which I can’t provide.
Sarah-Hope, now four years old,
has been accepted and cherished in our home. An interesting journey is now beginning –
how to help her adapt so that she can be included and contribute to the
community in line with her potential. This will require some real thought –
because we have not actively adapted the home environment to promote independence yet. But it's coming.
