The Day is Here

Well, the big day is finally here. Gracen goes to Children's Hospital in the morning to have the VCUG procedure done. This is basically the catheter dye test which will show the doctor exactly what is happening with her urine when it flows between the kidneys and the bladder, and the extent of the problem. We were told at Baptist East that she had a mild case, so that is what my spirit is holding on to.

I spoke to a mom at church last night whose has gone through this with all of her daughters. I cannot imagine. She gave me a lot of comforting words about the quality of the hospital and the doctors that we are going to see. She swears it is the BEST place we could go and that seems to be the consensus about Children's Hospital. She did warn me that the procedure is tough to watch because Gracen will not be numbed or sedated in any way and she will scream and kick her legs during the whole procedure, which could last up to 45 minutes. Gracen will need to urinate on the table once the doctor injects the dye, so please be praying that she goes quickly. She did say that babies usually go quickly, but older children who have been potty-trained are usually a little more stubborn. She has a daughter that has had to go through this procedure every year for the last 5 years. How heart breaking.

This mom and several other moms have reminded me that this is a necessary evil for Gracen's ultimate good. Without the knowledge that the test will provide, Gracen could eventually suffer kidney failure due to a build up of scar tissue. I certainly do not want that. So, I guess I am ready to go and have this done. At least, as ready as I can be.

I have been reading verses throughout the day about God's constant presence. I know He is always there, in the good things and the bad things. I love Joshua 1:9 which says, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." What a comforting truth from God's Word. I may have to write it down and take it with me to not tremble though. I know I will be nervous for my little one. Another great verse is Hebrews 13:5 where God promises that He will never leave me or forsake me. I can already see that this trial has brought me closer to God. I have definitely been in the Word this week and I have prayed more than normal. Trials have a way of either bringing you closer to God or causing you to turn away. I choose, no matter the outcome, to draw closer to God. I trust His Hand and believe in His goodness....even in the hard moments.

We will be leaving our house at 6:00 a.m. We have to be at Children's at 8:00 and her procedure begins at 8:30. We will wait on test results and then meet with the pediatric urologist at 10:30. Please be praying for us....that we get there safely and on time, for a peace to fill our spirits, for Gracen to be calm, if that is possible, for her to "go" quickly, for the doctor to find her problem, and of course for her healing. I so appreciate all the phone calls that we have received over the last couple of days and all the prayers that I know are going up on her behalf. I will let all of you know about the results tomorrow afternoon.

I wanted to leave you with a few adorable pictures so you will have a visual for your prayers.

This first photo is a little off centered because Gracen simply will not be still, but I still think it is adorable. Oh, what a precious face! Maybe the doctors will think she is just too cute to stick...

Here she is walking towards me. She always smiles big and puts those arms out in front of her. Isn't she something?
You know I had to include a picture of Reagan too. This is a sweet shot and they are both actually sitting still.
And here is one of Reagan. She is such a pretty thing too. Women pay big bucks for curls like those!
God has certainly blessed us and we are grateful!

Until tomorrow...