One year...

Today marks one year to the day that Carter had the first stage of his "big" surgery at Johns Hopkins.  Little did we know the journey we were about to encounter.  I figured I would write this post the way I intend to tell Carter one day.

To my sweet Carter,

Today is a BIG day for you.  Today marks one year since your “big” surgery at Johns Hopkins.  You have had lots and lots of surgeries, but this was the biggest one yet.  This is the surgery that your pelvis was broken and your bladder put back inside your body.  You had to lay flat on you back and not move anything below your waist for 8 weeks.  You then were put into a cast that went from you toes to your hips. You ended up having two cast like this and had them on the entire summer. You went through 3 very long and intense surgeries. You spent months in the hospital.  You went through so much.  There was a point your Daddy and I were not sure whether you were going to be coming home with us or going home with Jesus.  We hated having to watch you in so much pain.  I promise you that we would not have put you through any of it if we did not know that it would save your life.  Your life here on earth that is.  Carter you were so strong and brave.  I know that both your Daddy and I ask God daily to give us your pain.  We asked Him to take the burden from you and to give it to us.  We would give anything, Carter, to take all of this from you, but God has a bigger plan.  He knows exactly what he is doing.  God made you so strong, stronger than anyone I know. 

 As I look at you today, I am reminded of the day in the hospital last year that I prayed for God to give me a glimpse of what things would look like in a year.  We were so uncertain of so many things.  I just wanted a small glimpse.  God did not grant me that glimpse, but he did tell me things would be ok.  He calmed all of our fears and pulled us closer to Him than we have ever been.  The days that your pain was so unbearable you would shake uncontrollably, God was there.  He was there watching over you.  He knew how strong He made your body and how much pain you could stand.  He was the only one that knew you would be running and jumping today. 

Carter, you are doing absolutely wonderful right now.  You are healthier than you have ever been.  You are so happy and you love life.  Most people that see you today have no clue of what you have been through.  You have more battle wounds and scars than anyone I know and yet, you wake up each morning with a smile on your face.  God has truly blessed you, Carter.  There is nothing in this world that can hold you back.   You did it sweet boy!  You made it through one of the toughest surgeries here on earth!  He did it!  To God be the Glory!!!

A glimpse back this time last year...

 

 

Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress.  He made the storm be still, and the waves of the sea were hushed.  Then they were glad that the waters were quiet, and he brought them to their desired haven.  Psalm 107:28-30

 The past few months...

 

 

To GOD be the glory!!!

Making History at Johns Hopkins Hospital

 

Sweet Carter will now be part of history at Johns Hopkins Childrens Hospital. Born with one of the most severe birth defects still compatible with life he was the 100th Cloacal Exstrophy closure at Johns Hopkins Childrens Hospital. Isn't our God awesome?! To Him be the Glory!!!

To view the article/video visit www.HopkinsChildrens.org or from a cell phone http://hopkinschildrens.org/a-milestone-in-pediatric-urology-cloacal-exstrophy/

Carter's Story...

This past year, during the mist of all of Carter's surgeries, we had the honor to share Carter's story with Johns Hopkins Hospital.  Although this is Carter's story, we want it to be about something bigger.  We did not share it for Carter.  We shared it to bring more awareness to children with Carter's condition.  In hopes to bring more research and a better quality of life to children like Carter.  With Carter's condition being one of the most severe birth defects still compatible with life, it is a miracle that he is even here.  God has truly blessed Carter.  We hope this video helps you better understand Cloacal Exstrophy.  As always... To God be the Glory!!!

 

Carter's First Week at The Little Light House...

There are times in life when you just know you are doing something right.  Carter going to the Little Light House is one of those things.  It is the right place for him.  Mississippi is absolutely blessed to have such a wonderful school.  We are blessed Carter is allowed to attend The Little Light House.  He started this past Monday.   He will usually attend 8:30-1:15 Monday - Thursday.  Due to illness he only attended Monday through Wednesday.  Poor Carter was diagnosed with the flu today.  The few days that Carter was able to attend he seemed to do ok.  The first day was a little tough for all of us, but in the end I think he had a great time.  Hopefully, Carter will be well enough to start back next Monday. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and continued prayers for our sweet Carter.  Without them I do not think I would be writing a post about his first day of school!  As always... To God be the Glory!!!

 

Our sweet boy on his first day of school...

 

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

Our Family 2013

This has not been an easy year, but it has been a year full of blessings.  We wanted to thank everyone for praying for us and supporting us this year.  Enjoy this video of Carter and our family from this past year.  We pray you have a blessed New Year! To God be the Glory!