on the DL

This time last week the kids and I were planning a week of swimming, playdates, games, cousin visits, and more while Will was on mission trip with his youth group. On Monday, after a fun swim with our friends, we were playing in their backyard, and Jack slipped and took a hard fall, breaking his left arm. He doesn't complain much about pain, so when he just wanted to lay down, I knew it wasn't good. After two nights at Children's Dallas, ortho surgery, three doses of his iv factor medication, tons of doctors and nurses, a cast, hospital visitors, and lots of prayers, we came home where my amazing Mom was taking care of the other three kids. Wow.
We have had some people (aka idiots) ask Jack, "well, what are you going to do all summer with a broken arm?" We choose to focus on the positive, and all the things he CAN do. See, if you know Jack, you know he loves baseball. And swimming. And running. And jumping. And catching, throwing, sliding and climbing. He can't do many of things he loves for a few months. But he can go to Rangers games, do Math problems (he is now doing multiplication, division, and word problems) go see movies, and read books! He can help me with chores. He can help me cook and entertain his brother and sisters. He has already named his right arm/hand the "magic hand" because he has learned to dress, go to the restroom and wash his hands with it! It's almost impossible for me to be sad and discouraged as I look at my brave, optimistic son. Thank you Lord for this boy!
To bring his awesome attitude to light, I have to share this story. He was watching the Rangers play the other night on tv, and they were talking about a player who just came off the DL. (disabled list) Jack excitedly said, "hey, I'm on the DL!"
Thanks for your prayers for our precious boy. He is already looking forward to what he can do once he is off the DL. For now, though, we thank God for his provision and care during this small trial in Jack's life.