Christmas and New Year Blessings

                                          

 Happy 2025, everyone! The Lord continues to care for and provide for our family. It has been from sources I wouldn’t have expected. Before I get into all of that, I’ll give an update on what’s going on with Ellie. On December 20th, which was my first night of Christmas break, we sat in the ER all night with a clogged tube only to find out there was nothing they could do to help us. They told us to go to Hamot Monday morning and they would for  sure would replace the tube. They scheduled us for an 8 AM appt. Because I know things never work out that easily in the medical field, I decided to call first before heading down. They said they wouldn’t try to replace it since Ellie is under 18. Ellie will actually be 18  4 months from today! So, we had to call Pittsburgh. They told us they could get her in that day if we left right away.

 I stood there and sobbed for a couple minutes. I still had gifts to wrap, and so much stuff to do ,and I hate driving. I was feeling sorry for myself. I didn’t think I had it in me. But God gave me the strength to do it again. I remembered I had a gas card someone blessed us with so we didn’t have that expense. We went and got gas and immediately headed down. As soon as we pulled in the parking garage at  Children’s, I placed a Starbucks order with another gift card someone blessed us with, and picked up my drink before we even checked her in. Those are the small things that help us through. 

I am not one who enjoys driving and up to this point, I’ve been very spoiled by Mike always chauffeuring us around everywhere. I am a true passenger princess. God has shown me that I am able to do things on my own. I hate being taught that because I love being doted on 🤣. I really do have the best husband. 

Ellie had a successful tube replacement and we got home around 9 PM December 23. Ever since then , I’ve been trying to get her tube formula changed. We still don’t have a new order. We were scared that her most recent formula would clog her tube again so we asked for something new. This would be her third formula. The first one was bothering her digestive system. Anyways, because of the holidays and messaging our doctor, and then the medical company dragging their feet, Ellie would’ve had to not run a feed at all this entire time. So she decided  to try the first formula again,  since we still have a lot left. By the time the third prescription went through, Ellie had been on the old formula for several days and just decided to stick with it as to not change it up again. I communicated that to the doctor and the medical company. Now we have to get a whole new order for the original formula. I finally spoke to someone this afternoon, and they said they  got the order and will check it and call me back. 

Unfortunately, our deductible started over again Jan 1 and I was hoping to get this settled by December 31. It just didn’t work out that way. Hopefully this will be taken care of by the end of the day tomorrow because then it will be the weekend, which means more waiting. 

It is so frustrating because this is Ellie’s main source of nutrition. Do they just expect her to not eat for weeks? There needs to be a better way. 

Christmas vacation was very nice with all of us here at home together. We spent a lot of time watching TV and movies, exchanging gifts and playing board games. I am not going to lie, I also did some bed rotting.  Ellie seems to do so much better overall when we are all home. I hate that she is so isolated during the week when we are all at work and school.

 

Today, we got Ellie’s handicapped placard for the car. This will be very helpful on our outings so she doesn’t have to walk as far. We tried it out when we went to Dollar General this afternoon. 

One thing that has been holding us up is the kind words, prayers and kindness of those around us. God will use people when you don’t expect it. Today, one of my sorority sisters from college sent me a message. She told me that she had sent a message via FB messenger to several of our sorority sisters. She had  asked for donations so that they could send us a financial gift. She told me how much they raised and my heart almost stopped. I wanted to get addresses to send cards but they insisted I don’t. 

So here is my thank you : 

Sisters of Alpha Sigma Tau-

It’s been over 20 years since I have seen or  spoken to most of you. We have left behind the carefree days of our  youth, and we’ve grown up to be mothers and aunts, caregivers to parents, wives, and professionals. We have all experienced trials in our lives over these many years, which God has used to make us even stronger and draw us closer to Him. Most of you don’t even know adult Jen, other than on social media.  But you still showed up, sending me messages and well wishes, and contributing a financial gift to help ease the burden of our mounting medical expenses and travel.

  It is no coincidence that our deductible for the year started over yesterday,  and today I received the message of your financial gift. That can only be God. Using people from 20+ years ago, right after a new year,  to reach out and love my family in such  a way that I can’t even find words to properly say thank you. Only God could do that.  Since I can’t ever properly repay you all, I  will simply say thank you. Your gesture means so much. I told Janice that had she asked my permission, I would have said no. So I thank you for just doing it. Love, Jen

That is one thing I’ve learned through everything. When someone needs encouragement or a blessing, don’t ask. Just do.  Don’t assume they don’t need anything. Most people will not admit that they need help and many don’t even know they need it. It is always nice to receive a blessing of a kind word , a prayer, a gift or a meal. 

I also received a Christmas card today from the grandparents of one of my students. They told me how thankful they were for me and told me they had been praying for a teacher like me for their grandson. They enclosed a gift. I was blown away. God keeps wrapping his arms around our family and giving blessing after blessing. It’s what keeps us going. 

I truly believe God is using Ellie for His glory. To share the hope of Jesus with those we encounter. To show others that we can be faithful and lean on God during these very uncertain times. To show God that when we trust in Him, He is always faithful. 

I remember once that our pastor told a group of us at our small group Bible study that sharing Jesus- whether it’s by how we care for others or our words - should feel urgent. That has always stuck with me. So I will continue to share how Jesus is present and cares for us during trials and otherwise  if we follow him, trust, and believe.