From Hospital to Apartment Dweller

Ben had a fabulous weekend at home celebrating his birthday. His eyes were saucers when he entered our home on Thursday...fresh from a hospital breakout to his 13th birthday party. Grandma Warkentin was on hand and with Alyson, decorated the home to welcome his return and celebrate his big day. Ben had pre-ordered a steak dinner with potatoes and caesar salad and a large flat chocolate cake from Costco. He ate until he was a stuffed little turkey... although, after the initial gushing and oohing and aahing over the chocolate cake...he had absolutely no interest in eating it!!! Not even a bite! What a little turkey!

The weekend went very well. His OCD tendencies and anxieties seem to improve with each weekend home and we were all very pleased with how well things had gone. He woke up Sunday with a smile, ran down to church and manned the A/V booth. After the service, he called down to me...in smiles...and waved. Happy to be back at home. He did, however, get 'stuck' in the booth and could not exit the room without encouragement and prompting from mom.

To his credit, Ben also made a huge step on Sunday. For weeks he had watched another little boy on his ward go home for the evening and return the next morning for day treatment. He occasionally would bring this concern up to me..."why can't I do that? Mom, I would sleep SO much better if I could stay with you at the apartment." I just assumed this was an appropriate measure taken by the hospital staff for this little boy's particular condition. Well on Sunday...before leaving for the airport to return to Honolulu, Ben resolved himself to ask the doctors if this would be an option for him. To his joy (and his parent's surprise), they agreed with him that it would be an appropriate thing for him as well. So as of Sunday, Ben has been sleeping with his dad at the apartment and returning in the early morning for his daily treatment. When asked how he slept that night...he said, "Oh Mom, it was amazing. I had the best sleep ever!"

Friday, on my way home from a team meeting at Ben's school, I realized just how truly blessed we are. The road's been tough, but the journey amazing. We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received, by the number of people all over the world that have heard our story and have told us that they are praying for our family. And by God's people and their willingness to donate financially so that we don't have to struggle, while we struggle! I am once again reminded that God is a BIG God and has BIG plans for everyone of us. I know, in my heart, that this experience will not only shape us as a family, but is a crucial part of Ben's development as a young teen and as a child of God.

Thanks for coming along on the ride with us. I think you can loosen your crash helmet!! (At least I hope so...please.... God?)