Bryce was officially diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy this morning.
We always knew he was at an extraordinarily high risk for CP because of his brain bleeds, extreme prematurity and exposure to steroids in the NICU. Doesn't make it any easier though.
This morning was Bryce's one year well visit with the pediatrician. I had prepared myself for the shots, for not being on the growth chart for his age, for not meeting any of the usual milestones. I was not prepared for a CP diagnosis and neurology referral.
It seems so silly and I'm ashamed but it took all the strength I could muster not to break down in tears in that tiny little room. Why? Because every parent wants the best and the most for their children. We are no exception.
Despite the signs and symptoms we've been cautiously watching for months, we were both optimistic that not having been diagnosed yet meant that maybe he'd escape this one.
If I had a penny for every time I've thought, "Really, this too? Hasn't he been through enough already, dammit!?" Well I'd be able to pay for the best doctors in the world.
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
I don't know why God chose Bryce, but I do know He amazing plans for him. Bryce started as a tiny little being, so fragile, so small and yet his story grabbed the hearts of hundreds. The doctors may have charts and they may set limitations, but God holds your sweet little boy in his arms. We love you and will be with you every step of the way!
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Jeff, Mary and Adalyn
Bryce,
ReplyDeleteWe love you. We will always be there for you. You are a blessing to all of us.
Aunt Gene
Mary must have read my thoughts, I know God has a very special plan for our precious little Bryce. He truly has touched so many hearts, especially mine. But most of all I know he has touched God's heart. I believe in miracles, prayer can change things. I love you three. MIL
ReplyDeleteTrina, If you need to cry its really ok. I hope you cry alot. Its part of the healing process. Bryce will do great inspite of this dx. He has been such a little trooper. I do not see him being any less. We love you all. They say God does not give you anymore than you can handle. If you need to take a moment and look up and hollar UNCLE thats ok too.
ReplyDeleteWe want you to know that you are all so strong, especially little Bryce, he is such a miracle and a blessing. He is such an inspiration to all of us, and he will always be. We are here for you, sending thoughts and prayers your way!
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Lauren, Jeremy, and Logan
Hang in there sweetheart, God has special plans for that little man, He has already over come so much, I have no doubt he will overcome and adapt to this as well...I will keep you both in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteLove Debbie Reed
Oh, Katrina. My heart aches for you as a Mommy! I know how you feel. When you hear that something is wrong with your child and it is given an "official name" it is so heart-wrenching. Ty is on diagnosis 18 now and yet, it NEVER gets easier, we always want it to be better for them, for us. For them to say "I was wrong and I take the diagnosis back." But, please know that you have the greatest potential for being an AWESOME Mommy, how do I know?....why else would God trust you with such a tremendous amount and with His little miracle! You are a very special and extraordinary Mommy! It is okay to be sad and disappointed and overwhelmed, that is when you know and remember that you cannot do it without God's help!
ReplyDelete2 Corinthians 12:8-10 (New International Version)
"Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Lifting you in prayer for comfort that only He can provide. I love you whole heartedly! Love, Shannon Dahlstrom
I will echo all the thoughts above. It's true, Bryce has shown us all that he is a fighter and a trooper. He's a miracle and his story will and does inspire so many. Can you imagine the impact he has already had on this world? It's simply amazing. We all love little Bryce like he is our own.
ReplyDeleteWe don't always understand why things happen the way that they do and we could spend a lifetime trying to make sense of it, to try and understand it, to try and change it and try to make things go perfectly. We have to trust that the Lord is there with us, carrying us, supporting us and comforting us when we need Him. You know the saying "God only gives us what we can handle." Sometimes though, it's ok to say, "Please don't have so much faith in what I can handle." At the center of it all though, the Lord is there with you, with Caleb, and holding sweet Bryce in his loving arms.
Keep the faith, talk to God often, cry and scream when you need to and cherish your little miracle. We all love you and pray for each and every one of you.
Love, hugs and prayers,
Weslea, Brian and Audrey
Bryce is an amazing kid and will continue to be no matter what his diagnosis. I can only imagine what you and Caleb are feeling now, but please know that we are praying for God's comfort and grace in this situation. He has been walking along side you all over this past year and I know He will continue to do so.
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The McCullough Family