Von is home from the hospital.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.
He will go in on Monday for some more tests to make sure he is progressing properly, and if so, will get back on the normal chemo and steroids.
When they draw spinal fluid, they don't put him under for safety reasons. We've learned a trick after doing this a few times that has made all the difference in Von's ability to navigate the procedure.
The trick? Eye contact.
I used to sit in a chair or at the foot of his bed and talk during the procedure to let him know we were there for him. He would grunt, and writhe in paint through the laughing gas mask.
Now, using the eye contact trick, I get right near his face, look him deep in the eyes and I talk to him. I tell him stories of my childhood which he asks for every time. I tell him about my pet monkey, trips to the jungle as a missionary kid, and even though the mask covers his face, his narrowed eyes betray a huge smile anytime I tell about the events that lead to a spanking from Opa.
It amazes me with God-quality goosebumps...something as simple as Von being able to look into my eyes helps him gather strength. He quits squirming, grunting and stiffening, and just relaxes.
Think about that...eye contact, not just the passing glance but a deep draw of acceptance, understanding, compassion, affirmation, and care.
It sounds silly, but if you've ever experienced it, you know what I'm talking about.
I'd love to hear about your eye contact story.
Thank you for your prayers and encouragement.
7 comments:
You know, this is just what I needed today. We have some awful tests coming up, that Angela has to be awake for. (all the great facilities we have here in MN, and we still have to go to Boston to get these things done.) She's been through a lot of things in the past, but I think these will be the worst so far. We used to sing. Still, at 13, she requests "Itsy Bitsy Spider" for things like blood draws, other unpleasant things.
I say a prayer for Von, and the rest of your family, every night.
i havn't been where you are,
it's don't sound silly too me!
sounds like a Daddy's love to me!
Hang in there VON the BRAVE!
sending ya a flybyhugging :)
Wow! That's deep! Love you guys!
I was there for the last spinal tap, and I am witness that the eye contact story really works! It was awesome to see you, my son, connect so deeply with your son at this difficult time. It reminded me of how we in life get through tough times looking into our Father's face and receiving strength to go on. There must be a book in the making for these experiences!
Wow....that is a powerful reminder. Bless you for knowing just what your precious son needed!
Is the H1N1 gone? We hope and pray so.
May each of you go "from strength to strength...." as it says in the Psalms...
Grace Merrill
yes, yes, a thousand times yes!
gf
Hey Jason, just browsing the web tonight; from one click to the next ended up on your blog. I am so blessed to read about God's faithfulness to you and your faithfulness to your son and family.
Carol Yoder
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