In an effort to make sure every detail of this ordeal is documented, I’ve decided to copy and paste all of my Facebook status updates regarding Ryder’s health onto my blog in small chunks.  Click on the links to catch up on Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, and Part 5.
01/01/15 – 9:17am:
Ryder was in pretty good spirits yesterday. We had a quick follow-up with his pediatrician (probably more for the doc’s peace of mind and curiosity than anything else), and spent the rest of the day quietly at home. My parents came over for dinner (generously provided by my sorority sister Megan Foulger… Thank you!!!) and stayed to play games.
We tucked the boys in at 7 (party animals, I know) and assumed we would have another quiet, restful night. But you know what happens when you assume!
Around 9pm, Ryder awoke, screaming. His hamstrings are SO tight, he cannot straighten his legs without excruciating pain. We stretched, massaged, applied essential oils, took an epsom salt bath, wash/rinse/repeat for nearly three hours. He also complained of tingling in his arm. Finally he relaxed enough to sleep till 6. He had breakfast and watched a movie, and then the pain began again.
So this process will clearly involve more than just concentrating on regaining strength and function in his arm… it’s a whole-body battle and we are all weary soldiers.
It’s so easy to be angry, but there’s no one to be angry at. It’s so easy to lose hope, but we know that God uses everything for the good of those who believe. And we believe (even when it’s hard) so we march on. We will win this war.
Please pray for pain relief for Ryder, wisdom for us and those who are so selflessly helping us work through this, and for complete & miraculous healing.
01/02/15 – 6:21pm:Â
After a long night of vivid dreams (not night terrors, but he talks a lot in his sleep), we had a rather tough morning. The pain is evident when Ryder tries to walk, and it’s very difficult for him to bear weight on his legs. He walks a bit like a bird, picking his knees up high with each step and walking on his toes.
We believe he still has full muscle function, and when laying down, his range of motion is usually ok. It must be partially psychological and partly somethingto do with his body weight making his muscles tense too much.
After making him a custom Batman sling, his spirits skyrocketed. He spent the afternoon playing No-Stress Chess and we even went to see Big Hero 6 (something my dad promised to do with him once he got out of hospital). He’s tired now, and seems a bit stiff, but he’s more willing to attempt to walk around without tears and drama.
Praying that this is a turning point… If we can get him confidently mobile, life will be easier in general. No change in his arm in the last couple of days, so we’re still praying for complete, miraculous healing.
01/03/15 – 7:09pm:
This journey is definitely more like a roller coaster than a meandering path. The last couple of days I have felt doubt and fear creep in to my thoughts. But then there’s a glimpse of God’s faithfulness and it spurs me on again. Today was just ok… No major drama (other than the boys’ constant fighting), but there weren’t any major improvements either.
Ryder’s gait has been VERY unstable. He’s been walking on his tippy toes with the right foot, seemingly unable to straighten his legs when bearing any weight. He trembles and marches in place to relieve the pain. But all of a sudden after dinner (thanks to Brittany Thayer), he stood up and said, “look Mama, I can walk!”
And just like that… HE DID!
He’s still a bit like a newborn deer, but this is a HUGE step in the right direction (literally). It means more confidence to tackle the next big thing, and more freedom for all of us. Right after I stopped filming, he fell into my arms and said “God’s healing me!”
Yes, buddy… God IS healing you. His love never fails, it never gives up, it never runs out. And you, Mighty Warrior, are a WALKING miracle.
Please don’t stop praying… God’s up to something big!
01/04/15 – 3:44pm:
So, we made it to church today! I’m not gonna lie, it was hard. The exhaustion weighs heavy, and the emotional wounds are still new.
We pulled into the parking lot, and I had to take a few deep breaths. I’m so grateful for an amazing church family… those who didn’t even have to ask “How are you?”… who wrapped me in hugs and let me ugly-cry. And I’m grateful the music was loud and the room was dark so I could pour my heart (and my tears) out to God without reservation. It was hard, but it was therapeutic. And it was a huge step in the healing process.
I think Ryder was a little overwhelmed by all the attention from his teachers and friends in Sunday School. But he put on a brave face, just like he always does, and went about his morning. He was bummed to not be able to run or play on the playground freely like he used to, but I know he was glad to be out of the house and back to something normal. He fell once, but seemed fine otherwise. And he’s currently playing with the neighbors… another “normal” activity.
We are humbled by all the prayers and meals and cards, and ask that you continue to petition the Great Healer for complete restoration of Ryder’s body. This morning was good… and it was hard. And we know there will be a lot of good, hard days ahead. But God is good too, and we will fight hard… because nothing is impossible with the Lord.
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