Prayer

So, my oldest, Slick, has been sick with pneumonia for about a month.  (In this whole ‘Perspective is a beautiful thing’ focus I completely understand that this illness is just a blink in our lives.  In 5 years it probably will hard to remember the details.)  So, that being said let’s get back to the story.

He has been poked with needles lately.  It all started with one giant shot in his *ahem* back side.  This was a monster.  After he got it he just laid on the table with the quiet sobs. (I have already written about the quiet sobs, they go straight into a Mom’s heart).  And now for the past 3 weeks we have needed to go back and get blood work and chest x-rays to make sure his insides are healing up. 

Let me paint the picture for you:

Me: “Hey Slick and Mr. Determined we are going to run to the doctor after school today.”

Them: Ok. 

(Now at doctor)

Doctor:  “Ok, I am going to send in the nurse for blood work and flu shots.”

Me: “Great, let’s get this done.”

Them: ***LOOSING THEIR MINDS****   Mr. Determined just sits with all his power, “I WILL NOT get a shot.”  Slick puts his arms inside his shirt.  “They cannot take my blood.”

Me: *freeze time*

  Ok, I totally should have had some candy or money in my purse.  I had nothing.     Crap,crap, crap... I take a deep breath so that I don’t start at their level of anxiety.

Me: “Ok, here is the deal.  It all has to happen.  So let’s just calm down.”

The nurse then walked in with the tub of needles.  That did not help.

Mr. D: “You will NOT give me a shot.”

Slick: curled in the fetal position on the table.

I’ll end this with; MR. D got the nasal spray.  Slick finally gave blood.  I got a flu shot.  By the end of this appointment I was sweating and needed a nap.  I made an appointment for Slick and Daddy to get flu shots together later that weekend with the thought process that he is calmer around his Dad.

*I will let you know that flu shot with Daddy was pretty much the same story, just on a Saturday morning.*

So, yesterday was *hopefully* our final appointment for lab work.  I was NOT looking forward to 3:45 at all.  

 I prayed every day this week for Slick.

 I prayed that his anxiety would be less, that his new fear of doctors would be less, and that I would not leave the doctor’s office sweating. 

 Prayer helps me so much in situations that I cannot ‘save’ my kids from.  I could not just give my blood instead.  I could not take the shot for him.  I CAN stand and hold his hand. 

You see this is how I view my prayer life.  Sometimes you have to ‘buck up’ and do something that is difficult.  I always feel better when someone is holding my hand.  I love the peace that comes with prayer.  When I feel like I have no control prayer allows me to put it all in His perspective.  It reminds me to let go and allow God fully back into my life.  It is a gift.  I do not always have eloquent prayers.  But they are mine.  They are real. 

So, we went to get blood work.  I was prepared.  Ice-cream bribes, fun music to focus on AND constant prayers.

He did it with no tears.  When he became overwhelmed he closed his eyes and breathed (thank you to an amazing school counselor).  The first vein was not giving any blood.  He had to be pricked two times.  He was good.

I was stronger, he was stronger.  It was a proud moment. 

The Perspective:  When you are in icky situations.  Always come prepared:  bribes, candy, silly music, and prayer.  It is always better when someone is holding your hand.  

P.S.-I just got this devotion book, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young.  She has an adult and a kid devotion book.  I love it.  Now if I would just read it every day.....