The Power of a Vision

I have a passion for photography! My first camera that I can remember owning was a Kodak 110. I don’t remember how old I was but I think I was around 13 or 14. In those days there were no digital cameras or for that matter not even a computer. I had the camera at Disney World in my shirt pocket. It was about an inch thick by about 4 inches long. I was jumping up and down on the rope bridge at Tom Sawyers Island and out came the camera just out of grasps reach and bubbled all the way to bottom of the pond. It may still be there some twenty five years later.

Cameras were a passion of my fathers. Some where from the early 1900’s and some were modern day. I am privileged now to have the collection since his passing. He even had a dark room at one point and developed some of his own pictures.

I find Photography fascinating and visually intriguing. You can never take two pictures just alike. Even of the same subject. You may have intended for one thing and something else shows up in the picture oblivious to you when you snapped the lens. It’s not always easy to explain or describe something you have seen. You may have seen a mountain with a beautiful white snow capped top and a small stream at the bottom and a deer standing in front of this magnificent scene. I gave you a visual description but there is no way I could ever do it justice like a picture could.

Jesus said without a vision my people parish. We must have God driven vision in our daily lives. We must continually be looking through the eyes of Christ.

As I become older my vision is not as good as it was in my teenage years. I now have glasses because of stigmatism. I don’t see as good at night as I did 20 years ago.

What God sees in people is exactly how photography works. The person or thing being photographed does not know what is being viewed from the lens. Only the photographer knows. Only God knows what he sees in us. You and I may see a person and say that would not make a good picture but God looks at the individual and snaps the lens of hope on that person. The next time you see a homeless person, a drunk, a drug addict or someone that doesn’t look like good subject matter remember God has the view through his lens.

Laceys Home

Lacey and my family made it home safely on Tuesday night. She is doing good. Her incisions look good. She has rested up for the past couple of days and has enjoyed being back home.

I can't wait until the weekend. It's been a long week and I am ready to chill out and rest.

Take Care,

Tim

Lacey is Coming Home

Lacey was released from the hosptial on Saturday afternoon. She is recovering at the hotel and they will be flying home tonight. She is feeling much better than the two days after surgery. Each surgery is always different as far as the recovery goes. As I said in the prior post it is amazing what the VEPTR has done for her.

I got home on Sunday and was very jet lagged. There is no place like home and sleeping in your own bed.

Thank you for all of your prayers!

Take Care,

Tim

Lacey's Surgery

Well it's that time again and Lacey had surgery on her back this past Wed. in San Antonio, Tx.

The surgery went well. They had to do a little more than expected so her recovery has been slower than normal. Lacey has great doctors and nurses here that take very good care of her.

She has not been out of bed for the past two days. Usually after day two she is a lot better. We are hoping tomorrow is her turn around day and she gets out by Sunday.

I am amazed after 24 surgeries of what accomplishments have been made in her life. She is such a strong child but this time she was really emotional about it. I guess because she is almost 10 and it seems to her that it will never end. I would gladly take her place as almost any parent would do.

You would not believe how she is walking since surgery on her knees. She uses a walker but in a store or at home she is taking off walking without it. We would never have dreamed of the success on her knees. You have to remember this a girl who never walked until she was eight.

She told her mother and I Sunday that we were the two best parents in the world to take off work and be with her during her surgeries.

We are a blessed family!

Tim

It's been a while

It's been well over a year since I posted anything on my blog.

I didn't run away and yes my Internet and computer were working. I will say it was a lack of commitment.

I have been thinking lately of two cousins that have been a big inspiration to me. I don't get to talk to them very often but this past weekend I left a voice mail for one of them to call me in hopes to meet up with him while he was in our state.

Today at lunch (now yesterday) my phone rang and it was him.
We talked a good 30 minutes about our kids, our jobs, church work and a host of other things.

I realized that if you and I are not careful we will let the busyness and lack of commitment rob us of a lot of great things and friendships in our lives.

For those of you who have checked my blog over and over to find nothing new. I commit to you something new.

PS

Lacey is doing amazing! Her surgery on her knees worked! She is walking with a walker and walking about 10 feet without it. There will more to come on her progress.

Thank you Dr. Kit Song and Seattle Children's Hospital. We will forever be grateful for what you did for her.

Until the next blog

Tim

Lacey's going back to Seattle

Lacey, her mom, and her nanny(Tammy's mom) are headed back to Seattle tomorrow until Dec 16th. She will be getting her cast off, her braces put on, water and physical therapy everyday except Sundays while in Seattle. We are excited and they are going to try to get her to stand.

It is supposed to snow tomorrow and Sunday in Seattle. They are excited about that since it has not snowed here in our town since 1977.

Please keep them in your prayers so they have a safe flight.

Friendships

This past weekend my wife and I ran into some friends at the mall who have been friends of ours for over 18 years. They have all moved away and we were shocked to run into them. They were in town for the Thanksgiving holidays to spend time with family. We were so thrilled to see them and their children and to see how they had grown. We reminisced about old times and talked about the latest news in all of our lives. It was such a wonderful time. I told my wife when we left how much I missed them after just spending a little bit of time there in the store with them.

That night I began to think about the friendships in my life and felt compelled to write the following about friendships from my prospective.

There are two types of friendships

Friendships for life

This is a friend that you will be connected to in some way all of your life. You may only see them or talk to them occasionally or everyday. They can be family members, a co-worker, a church friend, a high school friend or etc.

These types of friendships play an important role. They will always have some influence in our lives. When we see them it will be just as I described about seeing our friends over the weekend.


Friendships for a season

These are friends who been in your life at one time or another. It could have been a teacher, a coach, a peer, a person in a town you lived in and has since moved away.

Although you will probably never talk to them again or see them they played a valuable role as a friend at a certain time of your life. Their friendship meant a lot and when you think about not seeing them it makes you feel sad.

Both of these types of friendships have a place in your life.



What are the characteristics of friendships?

1. Memories : They contribute to a lot of memories. You have fun together. You cry together. You laugh together. You hurt together.



2. Honesty: You are honest with each other even if it hurts.



3. Confide: You can share your deepest secrets without the fear of it being told.



4. Unconditional: Friends give of their time and listen without expecting anything in return.



5. Disagreements: You can disagree in friendships and still have a relationship.



6. Forgiveness: There is forgiveness in friendships when things are done or said.



7. Others first: In friendships you will put your needs aside and your friends first.



8. Caring: Friends care about each other and are concerned about the welfare of them and their families.
   
   
9. Supportive: Friendships will be supportive and help you in difficult decisions.



10. Encouragement: Friendships will encourage you and help you in times of need.

As I was writing these thoughts I began to think of the many friendships in my life and to all THANK YOU for being a friend!

There have been so many that I could not list all of the people who have helped me in one of the 10 areas above.

I encourage each and every one of you to cultivate the friendships in your lives. As I reach the middle of my life I see even more the need for friendships.

Lacey's home

Lacey and Tammy got home yesterday afternoon. They were really tired and have rested a little today. Lacey was very glad to be home. She said I really don't like the city of Seattle.

Thanks Again for all of your prayers

Laceys coming home!

Just a quick note to let everyone know Lacey is coming home tomorrow. They leave tonight on the red eye and get home at noon.

She went to the doctor today and he is very pleased with her progress. We can't wait to see them. I will post more pictures when she gets home.

Update on Lacey Sunday 11-11

Lacey give Tammy a little bit of a scare yesterday. Her right knee started popping Friday night and yesterday morning. At first they thought her plate may have come loose. They took her to the hospital yesterday. They checked her out and everything seems to be ok. Not sure what the popping is about. She will see the doctor on Tuesday for follow up. They are scheduled to fly home on Tuesday night so please keep her in your prayers.

Don't fall asleep on me

I have done the night shift at the hospital for a while now when Lacey has her surgeries. Last year in the fall she had one of her rib expansions and did great. I was very tired and exhausted. The Christus Santa Rosa Hospital in S.A. Texas has day beds in the PICU units.

The night after this particular surgery I fell fast asleep. When I would hear the nurse or RT come in I would lay there and not get up as I usually do. When they would leave I would fall right back to sleep. The next morning she was talking and I called her PaPa to let her say hi. With her witty humor the first thing she told him was my dad didn't do anything last night but sleep. I started laughing. Needless to say I have never lived it down and now I make sure she sees me in the middle of the night.

That leads me to this story. The morning of this surgery in Seattle while Lacey was in the pre-op area waiting without prompting she looks at me and said hey Bud don't fall asleep on me this is a serious surgery so I asked her to repeat herself and videoed it. She's picked up the word bud and that made it even funnier.

I am so amazed at how she always tries to have a sense of humor even in times like these.

Update on Lacey Tues. 11-06 8:43 PM ET

Lacey was discharged this afternoon from the hospital and back at RMH. Her mom said it was like turning on a light switch when she left. She was so happy to get out after just a day. We are counting down the days now for her arrival home.

Update on Lacey's Surgery Today 11-05 7:39ET

Balloons from Special Friends!

Garden at Seattle Childrens Hospital!

Lacey had her cast removed today and her knees stretched some more and a new cast. She now has a bar at the feet and the knees. They also made molds for her legs for her braces. The doctor got another 5 to 7% correction on both knees. They both were 90% and now the left leg is around 13% and the right leg is around 23%. They will improve even more with therapy. Her vitals were a little rocky this afternoon but has improved. She will stay the night in PICU. As expected she is in a lot of pain again.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers.

Update on Lacey Sunday 11-04 10:40PM ET

Lacey had a better day today and a better night last night. So far today she has not thrown up. She will go to the hospital in the morning at 7:15 PT for her new cast,stretching her legs some more and fitted for braces. She will have an overnight stay in the hospital.

I picked my oldest daughter up tonight from the airport. She was so sad to have to leave her mom. I feel really bad for her. There is nothing like a mothers love. Her aunt tried to comfort her and that helped a little.

She took a few pictures of Lacey and Seattle while she was there so we looked at them before she fell alsleep.

The pictures above are some that she took.

Take care and thanks for your prayers!

Update on Lacey 11-02 8:54PM Eastern Time

Lacey has still been in a lot of pain for the past two nights. She was throwing up again last night. Her sister and aunt got there yesterday and that lifted her spirits a little.

She will be going into surgery again on Monday 11-05 at 7:15AM. They are going to remove this cast and stretch her legs some more and recast her. The doctor did not want to put too much stress on her knees, tendons and etc in the initial surgery. They will also fit her for her braces.

Please keep Tammy and her mom in your prayers they have gotten little sleep and still have a long way to go.

The picture is one of Lacey's happy moments the night before surgery.

Thanks again for all of your e-mails, calls, gifts and prayers!

Update on Lacey Wed 11:40PM Eastern Time

Lacey had a restless night last night and threw up this morning but seems to be doing better tonight. They had a little party at the RMH and she felt like going down for it. Tammy said it helped get her mind off of the pain.

My oldest is flying out with her aunt in the morning to see her mom until Sunday. I will miss them all. She is very excited.

Take Care and thanks for the prayers.

Update on Lacey Tuesday 9:53PM Eastern Time

Lacey is doing better. She is still in some pain. She was discharged today and is at the Ronald McDonald House where she will recoup until November 14th. She is making progress.

I made it home this morning and went to work today. It's 10:00 oclock and I think I have already taken about three naps since I have been home from work. That's the first time I have taken a red eye flight and I managed to sleep about three hours.

I was so glad to see my other daughter today!

It has been raining all night due to the tropical storm Noel. We have just been hanging out at the house tonight.

Thanks for your continued prayers!

Update on Lacey Monday 10-29 6:36PM Pacific Time

It's not been a good day for Lacey today. She was throwing up again in the night last night and this morning. She had trouble using the bathroom and they finally got that resolved this afternoon.

Her hemoglobin is low and they talked about a transfusion but the doctor wants to wait. He will check her on Monday. Se will be put to sleep on Monday to change her cast and fit her for her braces. She will be in the hospital overnight.

I am flying home tonight leaving here at 11:15PM and getting to Orlando in the morning at 9:30 via Cincinnati. I am going to work around noon. I will try to post more pictures later on in the week.

Please continue to keep Lacey in your prayers and thanks for the phone calls and e-mails.

Update on Lacey Sunday 9:00PM Pacific Time

Lacey is still very miserable today. When she woke up this morning it actually looked like today was the turn around day but she threw up twice and slept most of the afternoon and tonight. The casts are so uncomfortable and she cannot move by herself. I am hoping and praying before I leave she will get much better. It's not a pleasant thought to be across the country from your sick child. We are just going to trust that tomorrow is going to be a brighter day.

They came around earlier today with a pet Therapy Dog. That brought a little cheer to her.

This was the beautiful sunset tonight outside of Lacey's window.

Thanks for your continued prayers!

Update on Lacey Saturday 8:00PM Pacific Time

Lacey has still been in a lot of pain. It is very hard for her to get comfortable with the cast and the bar inbetween it. She was restless all night last night and today. Everytime I would fall asleep she would call my name to try and adust her position in bed. They are weaning her off of iv meds and going to oral.

Tammy and I got out of the hospital for a little while this afternoon. It is so beautiful here right now. Pictures can't even do it justice.

I am back on the night shift again tonight and I am not looking forward to leaving to come home on monday. I am looking forward to seeing my other daughter. I miss her dearly.

I have shared this story with some about a vision I had when Lacey was about three. It was on a Sunday night and I was on the platform with my eyes closed praying. It was one of those awesome services where God's presence was so strong. I remember it so well that I can still see it in my head. I saw her STANDING by the baby grand piano and she was eight with long red hair and she had a mike in her hand singing a song.

Here is the cool part! She was scheduled for surgery on her knees two times in Orlando when she was five and six. Both times it did not work out so we decided we would wait for a while. We have always went on pray and our parenting gut feeling about what to do for Lacey's care.

In the summer of 2006 her Doctor in San Antonio, Tx that does her titanium ribs told us about Doctor Kit Song here in Seattle. My wife made an appointment in May and flew here with Lacey for clinic. Keep in mind Lacey was now seven. So after her surgery this past September on her rib expansion my wife contacted Seattle and we set up a date. I was praying and trying to get an answer as well as my wife about this surgery because our parenting gut feeling was not working this time. On Friday morning Oct 5th I was in a meeting and my vision hit me. I got chills and knew this was right.

Then this morning I was laying here thinking about her surgery and her standing by the piano. In that vision 5 years ago I did not see her healed just that she was standing. This was my thought this morning. Could it have been that her singing the song was actually Dr Kit SONG who would operate on her knees when she was EIGHT years old? We are convinced that the other two times did not work out for this reason. If God ever gives you a vision in due season it will come to pass.

Thanks Again for your continued prayers!