Emotions on HIGH alert!

NEVER did David and I discuss one time when we dated or were engaged how hard parenting would be. I just couldn't even imagine how emotionally draining (because of joy and difficulties!) marriage and parenting would be as a teen/young adult! If I had one dollar for how many emotions I've had or how many times I've ridden the roller coaster of emotions in almost 20 years of marriage and 17 years of parenting, I'D BE A VERY RICH WOMAN!

My next post will be more about my thoughts on Abigail graduating, but let me fill you in with Audrey An and Chan news. AA tried out for soccer this season, and she absolutely loved it!  TBH I had serious doubts she'd like it at all, but being the good parent I am (ahem!!) I gave her facts before try outs...not a lot of encouragement (I know, I know...terrible!). Fact #1: soccer season is outside during rainy and cold weather. Fact #2:  AA hates cold and wet.  She says she's cold in 75 degree weather. Fact #3: AA doesn't like to run.  Fact #4: Although she's becoming quite the little athlete, AA is a girly girl (aka sweating and playing in the mud has never appealed to her!).  Fact #5: Mom was tired from volleyball season. Fact #6: Mom hates cold and rainy weather. Did I mention mom hates cold and rainy weather?  Fact #7: I really did want her to try something new...I just preferred it be inside! Fact#8: AA gives everything her all, and she did great as a first time soccer player!  They made it to the first round of play offs!

She sacrificed her face for the sake of the team...way to go Audrey An!  

Proud soccer mom moment.

Chan has been busy as a beaver with robotics club, tech team at church and winning team chess tournaments.  He was undefeated in his first tournament! 

In February, David and I took Chan to Delaware to see some specialists I'd learned about through various facebook adoption and special medical need groups.  This particular set of doctors names kept popping up so I decided to give them a call, send his file, and waited several months for an appointment.  Honestly, it was one of those times we had no idea what to expect.  We hoped to learn maybe something new or different but didn't really think we would.  WOW, was I wrong! David and I were so incredibly thankful for God leading us to this team.  They were fabulous.  They spent lots of time with us over a two day period, and they included Chan in the discussion- as they should! We even got to stay at the Ronald McDonald House.  That was another unexpected blessing. Long story short, our boy is going to need another surgery.  This time on his back.  IT's not a matter of IF but WHEN. It's going to be pretty intense, but we are so grateful to God for the new information we gained in Delaware.  We've been in contact with his orthopedic here so he's in the loop and putting another set of eyes on this latest MRI.  We will see him soon.

SO.  MANY. EMOTIONS- grateful, sad, grateful, overwhelmed, grateful, peaceful, frustrated, grateful...and over again.

SO...maybe my stress levels can be explained a tad (and a flare up of my dermatomyositis to go along with it!)- first born graduating and moving away along with facing another surgery and recovery with my favorite boy plus being single mom many many days because my man is flying ALOT lately.  I've had to really scale back on my "extracurriculars" right now since the prom organizing is now over.  I'm praying for God's strength to sustain us all during yet another crazy year.  It's all exciting and daunting at the same time.  God has seen me through so many seasons like this.  I do trust He will again!  "Thy will keep in perfect peace; him whose mind is stayed on Thee." Isaiah 26:3 The Lord is my strength and my song.  A strong deliverer in times of trouble.