We walk by faith and not by sight we know it’s true
We say it and sing it and love the way it sounds
But none of us can even begin to truly understand
What it really means ‘til all the lights go out
And there we are nothing to hold on to
But the promises God’s made to me and you
Take another step, take another step
When the road ahead is dark
And you don’t know where to go
Take another step, take another step
Trust God and take another step
If there’s an ocean in front of you
You know what you’ve gotta do
Take another step and another step
Maybe He’ll turn the water into land
And maybe He’ll take your hand and say
Let’s take a walk on the waves
Will you trust Me either way
And take another step
Take another step
Lyrics by Steven Curtis Chapman "Take Another Step"
(from "The Glorious Unfolding")
This week (even just these first two days) have seemed a little overwhelming---just schedule-wise. We have so much going on, two appointments last week were cancelled because of the Thursday's snowstorm--still to be rescheduled. No time to fit them in this week.
Anna has several issues currently "on the table." Her eyes at her last ophthalmologist visit were a little better but still have a ways to go before they are clear of inflammation. She continues with Pred Forte drops (one drop to the left eye four times daily), and a dilating drop at night. Her pediatric rheumatologist found that the measurements he takes for her TMJs were less than they have been at the last few appointments. So he sent a disposable measuring device home with me, so that I can measure again in another week or two, to see what kind of numbers I get. Her left elbow has continued to be a problem. The problems have increased over the last three months. While she doesn't complain of pain (just some morning stiffness), she has lost full range of motion in that elbow, and it's affecting her ability to do some daily tasks (like brushing her teeth and brushing her hair and getting dressed). She can still do these things, but in a modified way, since her elbow cannot extend fully.
We'll have to wait and see on the eyes. It may take a few weeks for the changes in medications (we changed the dose on the Humira and changed the Methotrexate from oral to injectible) to take affect. We go back to the ophthalmologist next week. The TMJs---I don't really know. More injections are probably not an option. For right now, if the measurements continue to be a concern, an MRI may be in order, even though Anna's new braces may affect the reading of an MRI. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.
As for the elbow, Anna's ped. rheumatologist decided that he would inject that joint today. That went fine (as fine as injections can go!). Anna's pretty calm and easy-going, not excitable or prone to drama, which is helpful.
So Anna went back to school today with teeth that hurt (from getting braces on yesterday at the Lancaster Cleft Palate Clinic---continue to LOVE that place and the people there!), and a sore elbow. (She has a doctor's excuse for gym and band for a few days, until her elbow absorbs all of that medication.)
I've been thinking that life has been very full lately, with many things (mostly health-related, with both Anna and me) that are beyond our control. I've also thought that this full, sometimes overwhelming season of life CAN have a good side---no time to sit and think about all of the ins and outs of what's going on, no time to sit and worry about what may happen if things get a little worse rather than better. Really, just getting through these moments and days and weeks by taking another step, and another step---walking by faith and not by sight, and trusting God no matter what.
