This is my(Barb) friend Lisa. Lisa has not only had to battle Chronic Illness with one son, Aiden but her youngest son Mason as well. Through all the turns, turmoil and tragedies she has dealt with each one head one and with a grace that has a beauty of it's own. It is my privilege to have her as a guest blogger on our site today because her and her husband Joey's heart. I hope you enjoy her blog as much as I do. Thanks Lisa for your time and your love. Barb and Kim
Aiden's Radiothon Fundraiser: (If you would like to help Aiden in his mission go to Team Aiden on Facebook and email his Mom Lisa)
When Aiden was born 8 1/2 years ago, I didn't know he would be sick. I didn't know he would need a transplant. I never knew he would struggle for years with complications that couldn't be fixed, and weren't understood. I only knew, I had a baby boy. A new beautiful baby boy that I had hopes for. I had hoped he was kind. I had hoped he had a heart for God and was strong and giving. I never knew the obstacles he would be facing.
This path of chronic illness has carved him, shaped him, and developed him stronger in areas, and weaker in others. It is like a rush of water against a soft shore, taking pieces of it with each crash. I remember him at two, already had been transplanted, and coming off of yet another rejection. He was loud and vivacious, strong and full of toddler fury. He drag his IV poles, crashing through doors, filling the hospital halls with his contagious laughter. I love thinking of him like that. Seemingly so unaffected by it all.
Years have past and the waves crash harder on that soft shoreline. He has lost a close family friend, because her organ didn't come in time. He has seen so many children sick in the next hospital room with out Mommy's and Daddy's to hold them. He calls them "strays" and is confused to why they are always alone. He has been teased by children calling him short or saying he doesn't look old enough to be in 3rd grade. He has sat in doctor's offices while they have discussed terrible side effects, possible outcomes, and risks and benefits as they forget he is there, listening, fearful.
I have prayed that as God has allowed this, that he would apply a grace over him, stronger than anything his father and I could teach him. Allow him to have a strong sense of peace and most of all let this be used for good, for the Glory of God.
A few weeks ago, Aiden received a note in the mail, reminding him of the upcoming Radiothon for his local Children's Hospital. He read the note and immediately came up with a plan. His green eyes lit up, as he read it. He looked up and announced he wanted to raise money, "to help the sick children". It was unprompted, his idea. An idea pure from the heart. My mind immediatly thought back to myself holding him as an infant, praying and hoping he would be kind, giving, and a child of God. What a road this little guy has traveled, but yet the destination is exactly as I had prayed for.
Aiden has worked hard to raise money, a coin drive has started, and now with the help of many friends there are jars and collections happening in so many places. It is such a gift to see Aiden get power of his disease by doing something to help others. My heart is overflowing. Over the years I have been so fearful.
Would he he just be immune to the illness since he sees it all the time?
Would he just turn an apathetic cheek, or would he choose compassion and look on others the way we hope others look on him?
I am so proud to see that he has chose this path. I know that innocent 2 year old HAD to be shaped and molded by the raging waters to turn into this little boy that has grown to be such a warrior for other children.
I never planned this life. Living with an IV pole in my living room. I never imagined we could be still on the frontlines so many years later, yet be so full of Joy. The grace I prayed for to fall upon Aiden, is shinning this very week as he counts to coins, and wraps the pennies. It may not have been how I had hoped.. but Aiden is exactly every bit the child I dreamed he would be the day I first looked in his eyes.
