Thank you

The words fail me to adequately express my gratitude, comfort, and encouragement 

that your replies, comments, texts, and emails over the last few days 

have given to me - and our family.  

But I'll say it anyway - thank you.

-----------------

Brothers and Sisters, 

Please keep praying.
It's working. 
They're really, really, really working.

Grace has started some medicine, that is theoretically too soon to be working...

...however, she's eaten more today than she has in days

AND

she's drinking.  

Like actual liquid.

without much complaint.

She drank most of a  6 ounce juice box earlier today.  

six ounces!!!!!! 

(although at the end she said it was "bad for her throat" and "hurt her chest")

and just now she poured herself some orange pop, and drank a couple ounces.

(did you read that - she GOT herself a drink! 

and, yes, at the moment, all rules on appropriate food and drink are gone.  

She thinks she can swallow orange pop, she can try!)

We should hear esophageal biopsy results by the end of the week.  

We're holding out for a plan forward (read: hopefully treatment) until then.  

my momma's heart is desperate to see my sweet 8-year-old eat and drink normally.  

She just told me she dislikes going to school because she sees all the yummy food the other kids are eating and she wants to eat it.

and I cried a little bit more inside.

But, my momma's heart is also encouraged to see her 

running around and playing cheerfully today,

helping give the puppy a bath,

terrorize the puppy with bows after said bath,

and even eat a decent amount of pancakes.

Pray with us for complete healing of whatever Grace is dealing with,

and pray with us for the strength and grace to wait and trust in the meantime.

And pray this sweet little girl's heart will lean into Jesus all the more,

lean into the God that never sleeps nor slumbers,

who's ever-present with us even though we feel the earth give way.

and, at the moment, the earth feels like it's giving way.

but we will.not.fear, for He is With us.

and that is enough for today.amen.