Sheriff Sarah

Sheriff Sarah

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Possible Cause of Biliary Atresia Discovered?

I found this interesting article relating to the possible cause of BA. It's a bit different from another suspected cause that relates to genes. It's good to see there is some thorough research going on in this area. We don't know how this would translate into discovering a cure, of course.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-10/uocd-biu102610.php

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

A Good Holding Pattern

We're into the second full week of no labs or clinic visits for Sarah. Based on her last clinic visit on the 14th, unless something comes up, she will be on the routine of one lab visit per month and clinic visits every THREE months. Suffice it to say, this a huge step for all of us in the right direction. Less is more when it comes to visiting the fine folks at Children's.

One caveat: if Sarah continues to exhibit any flu-like symptoms or other signs of illness, we would have to take her in for labs which could result in a clinic visit and/or biopsy. We are really praying she can go the entire three months with no problems. I don't know what we'll do with ourselves if that happens.

Your continued prayers and support are appreciated. It will be tough to avoid illness as flu season begins but we're hopeful.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Priorities

Sorry for the long absence. I miss you, my blog peeps! I've been focusing on, well, priorities. I'm working to get my life better aligned with my priorities, or things that SHOULD be priorities. This includes no brainers like quality time with my wife and kids, as a family, and one-on-one time. It includes placing God above all things since He is the one who makes everything else possible and who has granted me the blessing to have such beautiful people in my life (including all of you.)

One of my priorities, that I have long neglected, because it wasn't practical to include in my life is writing. I first started writing in 3rd grade and wrote pretty regularly - and almost exclusively for myself! - for 20+ years. When I married Patty and started a family, I gave up my writing and packed it away in a box. Yes, even in a nice little box in my brain. I just thought that wasn't going to be a part of my life.

When I started school in September 2006 and began writing for my classes, a little light went off in my brain. it wasn't until June 2008 that I started to recognize it was God telling me I should pick up my writing again. So, I figured, what the heck? If it's really meant to be, I'll be motivated and see progress in the quality of writing. It's not a matter of being published, although, I won't lie, that would be outstanding. It's a matter of being true to my dream and following what the Lord told me. As a kid I imagined myself writing for a living. Somewhere along the line - it's called "life" - I lost sight of that dream.

So in the last two years, I joined a number of writing groups both locally and nationally; I've attended several writing conferences; braved the waters of having my work critiqued; worked on making writing a habit, just like brushing my teeth; and sharing my dream with others. I'm not the most naturally extroverted person but I'm learning it's necessary in the world of writing. If for nothing else, to make friends with other writers for encouragement.

So why am I talking about writing? Because it's one of the priorities in my life I've neglected. But I've made a change and am working to have my life truly reflect my values. I want to spend more time with my kids, instructing them and being there for them. One of the ways I do that is to sit down at our kitchen table with them while they're doing homework. This way I'm readily available to help and encourage them. Sure, I can get some of my own writing done, but I don't make that a priority of the moment. I want them to know my desire is to be intimately involved in their lives. I'm looking for ways my son, Caleb, and I can have more substantial guy time. I want to establish an absolutely mandatory weekly date night with my wife. These are all win-win situations. They'll make me a better dad and husband and my kids and wife will know I truly treasure them.

What are some of the priorities you have left hidden or set aside during stressful times? Or even in your busy daily life?