Nothing Like A Hospital Robe

Well, we had our first visit to the emergency room on Sunday morning. Jack was having lots of trouble breathing and was sounding like a barking seal when he coughed. He was running a fever and the wincing on his face made it clear to us that this was a serious and painful situation for him. We called Dr. Bogel, who directed us to the ER. We headed to Woodwinds. We watched the fish while we waited for the Triage nurse. She took some vitals and then brought us back to a room. Jack was visited by the doctor who ordered a nebulizer treatment and a chest x-ray. Jack didn't like the nebulizer right away, but as we sang some songs to him he relaxed and started to breath in the mist. While we waited for the x-ray Jack took a nap on the big hospital bed. X-rays were a challenge because Jack had to be strapped down. It was very hard to watch the tears well up in his precious little eyes as the technician rushed to take the three pictures that she needed. The doctor determined that Jack had croup. He was given a special medication to help his throat and we were sent home.

Jack is doing well this morning and we are thankful that it was only croup. This last week put good health in perspective. We heard that Jeremy's Grandpa Al was diagnosed with bladder cancer and Great Rose was given the news that she has lung cancer. Bad news like this is always hard to hear. It is frustrating and defeating to hear that people you love so much are going through tough situations. As hard as it is we know that Al and Rose are fighters and that they will get through this. Jeremy and I find reassurance in God's Word. It says in Romans 5:3-5 that "We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."