Special Time with Micah

Our daughters are away tonight, busy with their friends and lives, a welcome distraction for them from the grief and struggle of this week. Steve and I have stumbled around, dazed, in a haze since we got "the news", so we were anxious to spend some precious time alone with our son. He and Daddy wrestled, then we all snuggled on the couch and watched a movie.

Micah's favorite outing is hanging out at the Bass Pro Shop, a cross between a monstrous retail store and a wildlife museum, so when we asked him what he wanted to do tonight, we figured it was a no-brainer. But, he surprised us and asked if we would take him to eat Chinese food at one of our favorite haunts. We looked at his sweet, round face and nodded our heads. He jumped up and down, wrapped his arms around Daddy's neck and said, "Let's go, guys!" We started with cashew chicken and vegetable fried rice at Canton Inn, a quaint, cozy family-owned restaurant. Then we headed to Bass Pro, where we gawked at the snakes, turtles, ducks and fish; "toured" pontoon boats on the showroom floor and relaxed in rocking chairs in front of the massive stone fireplace before leaving for home. Micah seemed so content and complete that I almost forgot his little body is broken.

Each day seems a little better, but the nights are difficult, filled with bizarre dreams and broken sleep. My optimism seems to set with the sun each night, and I know Steve struggles too. He holds me while I cry and reminds me of how far we've come. But the weight of illness, especially my child's illness, feels like more than I can bear. Too exhausted to read but desperately wanting guidance, I flipped open my Bible, which fell to Psalm 34, and the word I so desperately needed to hear. "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." (v. 18). Thank you, Lord, for pointing out that promise to my tired eyes and heavy heart.