On our Way Back to Philadelphia

We spent a relaxing weekend in New Jersey with Tom's family. Saturday Lilly and I joined Auntie Em and cousin Peter for "An Introduction to the Symphony for Kids.". It was a concert featuring several amazingly talented teen musicians, accompanied by the Hunterdon County Symphony Orchestra. Lilly found it quite relaxing and took a nice snooze. We enjoyed dinner at Uncle Doug and Aunt Judi and cousin Tanya's house. On Sunday, we worshipped with them and then spent a very quiet day at Grsmmy's house until everyone arrived for Sunday dinner and Superbowl viewing (good try, Steelers).

While it was fun to see everyone, the reason for our visit has been hanging over me...and, I suspect, over Lilly as well. As we say goodbye to each family member, extra tight squeezes and promises of prayer are both comforting and indicative of the seriousness of the next few days.

As we are now driving back to Philly to see Dr. Campbell--who will make the final call as to whether to proceed despite Lilly's cough--and undergo some new x-rays, Lilly is contemplative. We have used very basic terminology to explain why we are here: "your back is shaped like an "S", and it needs to be shaped like an "I." That has tended to satisfy her. But moments ago she asked "why does my S need to be an I?" Good question. So we tried to explain how it will allow her lungs and heart to work better as she grows. To which she replied, after some thought, "I wish I was born with an I."

I, too, wish she didn't have to go through this. This is really what it boils down to. How differently everything might be had Lilly been born with a straight spine. She might not even be ours, had that been the case. But God, in His sovereignty, has allowed all of these things---a crooked spine, an abandoned baby, an adoptive family, an amazing doctor, supportive family and friends--to work together for our good and His glory. May He get much glory from the things that are to take place in the days ahead.