Our own little world

   Through this experience I have definitely learned to think on situations a lot differently. You can NEVER know what other people are going through. We are so easily caught up in our own day to day life that we often don't see or take the time to see what is going on in front of us.  I think often we are so quick to judge about how people may act or react but until you have been in someone else's shoes you just don't know what they may be going through. People may look fine on the outside but they might be hurting on the inside. I have encountered people that are going through hard situations and may or may not have family support. I can not imagine going through this alone but I see people everyday that are. It just really makes me stop and think about how blessed we are because we are surrounded by  family and friends that are so supportive. We are so thankful for all the people that have reached out to us for prayer, offer for help, and words of encouragement.

 Mason is improving today. His hemoglobin was around 7 this morning so they did another transfusion and 2 more albumin transfusions. He also got lasix today and had an all time record high diaper of 218 cc. Normally he is around 8-12 cc. His blood pressure is more stable but they did leave him on dopamine just to help draw off some of the fluid because he is still REALLY swollen.  He also had a cranial ultrasound and we got good news that the size of his ventricles have decreased which means that there is less fluid. An answer to prayer. Neuro came and drew off 10 cc this afternoon out of the reservoir (that is their daily plan) and the fluid looked a lot more normal (didn't mention but yesterday it was dark colored probably due to surgery). Also, he had an eye exam today and the dr. said his eyes looked great and he will recheck them in 2 weeks. Feeds can start back up once he poops but there has been so much other stuff going on that we haven't been concerned with that yet. All in good time. He is more alert and his color looks so much better. His last blood gas this evening looked great and he is starting to breath more over the vent which is a good thing. So we are getting there. Just got to keep getting all this fluid off of him so he can look more like himself and be healthier. Thank you God for keeping Mason safe in your hands.

 Just remember as you are walking day to day that those you pass by may be going through so much and you never know what their story might be. Sometimes even a smile may be enough to encourage them throughout their day. I love this song by Matthew West and it really puts this all into perspective. Sometimes we get so caught up in our day to day life that we really lose sight of the big picture. Take the time to love all those around you and hold your family and friends close. Live every day thankfully because we have so much to be thankful for and don't take life for granted. Help out your neighbors, even in the simplest fashion. For this is what God calls us to do.

Father break my heart for what breaks Yours

Give me open hands and open doors

Put your light in my eyes and let me see

That my own little world is not about me.