That we may be comforters

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 2 Cor 1:3-4

This verse has been our prayer as we have walked through various trials, particularly with Marit's hips. We figured that since we are in healthcare, we would be able to understand the pain of having a child or family member who is not well. However, today God answered that prayer very specifically. We went for Marit's x-ray and ortho appointment today and we were expecting bad news because until today she has not shown much improvement. We were expecting to be faced with the decision of surgery, which we are trying to avoid at all costs! After her x-ray, we waited in the waiting room full of pediatric ortho patients. I have never seen anyone else at the clinic with hip dysplasia until today (and we have been to a BUNCH of appointments there). There was a young mother with an adorable chubby 7 month old in a brace just like Marit's. Thinking I would distract myself until we knew what the x-ray showed, I sat near her and struck up a conversation with her. Originally from Jordan, they had recently moved from Florida to our city and had just found out their beautiful daughter had hip dysplasia. She had been in the brace for two days. Remembering how stressful, emotionally trying, and physically exhausting (they don't sleep well with a new brace for a few days) it was immediately after diagnosis, I was distracted from my own worry to offer this sweet mom some encouragement. we talked about what car-seats, high chairs, clothes, bouncy seats, sleep sacks etc work well with the brace. I was able to tell her that they adjust quickly and how resilient marit had been after just a few days. we exchanged numbers and were both called back to the exam rooms.

It turns out that Marit's hips have greatly improved! Praise God that they are now moving in the right direction and our diligence about brace-time has paid off. Dr B says that we have "turned a corner." She can now just wear the brace while sleeping (which she doesn't mind a bit)...what a blessing as we have until now been planning our days around brace-time...going on lots of walks and outings to distract her, since she really wants to run around all the time. Surgery wasn't even mentioned today as it most likely won't be necessary! Furthermore, Graham shows no signs of problems and will be x-rayed at 4months to be sure. We are thrilled and know that this is God's grace and mercy toward us.

After our appointment, I was able to call my new friend and offer her our specialty carseat that we purchased a while back because there was a time when Marit's legs stuck straight out to the side and she would not fit in a traditional carseat. It was $600 and sitting in our basement, but since Marit is unlikely to have surgery, we shouldn't need it again. My friend was so thankful and they came to get it right away. I think we will keep in touch and I am so thankful for this new relationship that has landed in my lap!

We are obviously so happy with the news we received today, but I must say that I feel even more encouraged that we were given the opportunity to be merciful as we have been shown so much mercy. Seriously, our hearts are overflowing with joy. Rejoice with us!