It has only been four months since we set off for Florida to have MacKale's leg amputated, but we have traveled so far in those four months. They haven't been big steps that have gotten Mac and our little family to where we are today. No giant leaps . . . just very well calculated . . . unwavering baby steps. Baby steps that keep us moving forward.
I often have people ask me how Mac is feeling about the whole amputation thing. Does he regret anything? Is he self-conscious or embarrassed? Does he get frustrated or angry? I am happy and somewhat amazed to say . . . 'no, he is at peace with it.' In fact last week he told me, 'having my leg amputated was the best decision I ever made.' And we think so, too.
At no point in the last 4 months has he ever said, 'why me.' Or 'I wish I had my leg.' And believe me, as a mom, I worried about how this would all play out and if he would be able to handle it, but I believe that God truly led us to the place and to the people that he needed to meet to make this the best decision he could make. They helped him find peace! They helped all of us find peace and have made this whole process seem like the most logical, natural course of action. God had a plan, and everything is as it should be.
Mac has quickly healed from his amputation and after less than two months with his prosthetic, he is walking comfortably without his crutches. Woohoo and Amen! He has lots of big goals . . . but we are very good at reminding him . . . baby steps! First, you need to walk, before you can run. So PT is still in full swing. He's doing the work and getting stronger everyday.
He is determined to get his golf game back and since school ended last Tuesday, he has played six 18-hole rounds of golf. I can't keep him off the course. (If you're looking for me, I'll happily be hauling kids to and from the golf course all summer.) It's a good problem to have, and I'll happily take it.
Our home is noisy with laughter, activity and utter chaos almost all of the time, and it's fabulous.
Things are delightfully normal, and we couldn't be happier.
It may not have been the straightest path or the quickest path, but baby steps keep moving us forward and have gotten us to a very good place. We are truly blessed.
So as we head down to DeVos tomorrow for MacKale's 6-month scans, please keep us in your prayers. Our greatest desire is to continue to keep MacKale with a status of NED (no evidence of disease.)
Happy Summer Everyone.
