Sometimes God's goodness overwhelms me, and today I am feeling His awesome power. We trekked to Washington University Center for Advanced Medicine for a recheck with Dr. Bridwell on the scoliosis. A year ago her curvature had progressed from 22 degrees to 25 degrees, and the doctor discussed treatment options: bracing and surgery. He also explained the progressive nature of this condition and told us that typically children diagnosed at such an early age progress fairly quickly. The idea of inserting an expandable rod by her spine broke my heart. Grace is such an active, spunky girl that I hoped we could find another option. I even asked about exercise, which has not been proven effective. But, we forgot that the doctor wasn't really the one in charge here.
The minute we entered the exam room, we were anticipating a good report...even our untrained eyes could tell. We even photographed the films because we anticipated a good report. Sure enough, the curve has improved by 8 degrees in one year, and Grace has grown an inch since August! When the intern talked to us, I asked about the improvement and he said, "Well, it is unusual." Dr. Bridwell came in with his entourage, looked at the X-rays, and said, "She is bracing, right?" When we told him she was not, he checked her posture and told us her muscles were obviously supporting her trunk better, since the curve improved, and put us on a yearly recheck schedule, up from the 6-month schedule we have been following. Yes, we witnessed another miracle.
But, that is not new. Every day she reminds me that my Heavenly Father has given me more than I ever could have hoped for or imagined. Grace is just that...evidence of God's grace and mercy. Here we have a .75 kg infant, born to poverty in a foreign country, who spent 10 months in a hospital without any parents advocating for her. Even with the best medical care, her prognosis must have been grim. So as she reads her Clifford the Big Red Dog book in the car during the trip, squeals while playing "swords" with the boys in the bounce house at Magic House, and hugs her Molly American Girl Doll, I can't help but feel awe and wonder over this blessing. Why God chose us to witness these miracles, I may never know, but I am so thankful that He did.
