Today's update:
Sawyer has been slow moving today. He fell asleep for the night in his mother's arms at 7PM. We miss our hard charging boy.
He has been walking with a pronounced limp for several weeks. Of course, it looks even worse after he's been running around.
The limp is probably related to the issue with his bones. The extra phosphate in people with kidney failure pulls calcium from their bones. He is on a prescription to help remedy this problem. Time will tell if it works.
Caught Off Guard:
Saturday I took the boys to the ODU football game. We usually make it to one game a year and it is a big event for us. Sawyer usually goes, but he was not up to it.
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| Ben and Will enjoying ODU Football! |
After the game, the boys and I had dinner at our favorite steak house. After we finished our first basket of rolls, I asked them to share their thoughts about Sawyer. I expected a bit of a gripe-fest because Sawyer has been unbearable and especially mean to them ever since he started taking steroids .
I was blown away by their answers. As soon as I asked and without hesitation, Will said, "He's incredible" and Ben said "He's amazing, so strong".
Because their answers caught me off guard, I hesitated and then pressed them by saying, "guys, he's been so mean to you. I'm surprised by your answers." Then I gave them another chance to gripe by saying, "It's o.k. to share your frustrations". Ben responded, "Dad, he's been through so much... we understand." Will nodded quickly and definitively in agreement.
It was a proud moment for this dad.
11 comments:
You've raised some amazing kids Toby and Karen! :) Keep up the GREAT work! :)
Don't be surprised when you model Jesus, and then see Jesus! Toby, you are raising up your children in the way they should go. You gave them an opportunity to depart from it and they didn't. You're steady connection to the Vine is producing much fruit! Love you man and we continue to lift Sawyer and your family up in prayer! - Kole Helvie
All your kids are amazing! A great reflection of Christ in your lives. You and Karen have done a wonderful job because you have allowed Christ to be the Head of your home...see, simply...follow instructions and it all works, right?
All your kids are amazing! A great reflection of Christ in your lives. You and Karen have done a wonderful job because you have allowed Christ to be the Head of your home...see, simply...follow instructions and it all works, right?
What a great support system Sawyer has! We talk and pray for you all daily! Thanks for the update! Devin & Kaylee check your blog daily:)
Kelly, Kaylee & Devin
Thank you LORD that you allow childrens hearts to be so beautiful and accepting. may we learn from them!!
Glory! You have reason to be "proud" in your sons. Could anything tender a parent's heart more than to see their children's heart reflect unconditional love for their brother?
Your children's response brings glory to the name of Jesus! You and Karen are beautiful examples of godly parents who live and teach the love of Jesus as Lord.
Wow, you have a way of making my cry, Toby! What amazing insights your boys have...and what empathy!
When my uncle was on dialysis, BTW, cOq10 was the most effective supplement my aunt gave to him to restore his energy. You might want to check into this with the doctors to see if this has a possibility for helping Sawyer, too.
I agree with the comment from anonymous.....so true. Kids will be kids, but when they are raised to a higher standard which is the model they see at home and which you are setting...it always comes back around full circle at some point......this is truly a moment of pride and gratefulness as a dad I'm sure...... Just saw the movie " Courageous " and here you are spending time with your boys and not allowing anything to hinder or thwart that time with them, even though you and Karen are probably just mentally exhausted .....Your family is a tremendous witness and you are being made stronger every day as a result......continuing to pray for the entire Sawyer family.
Amazing Grace!
Tears. This one made me cry. I am so thankful that God is blessing you with such sweet, dear little children that are so kind and wise beyond their years. I know you are thankful for His goodness in these sweet moments while He sustains you in the tough ones.
Love and prayers,
Courtney and Matt Stevens
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