I have written in awhile for good reason(s). 1. It took me a lot longer to recover from my allergic reaction than I expected. (Life tip: throw out your pill holder if you used to keep a very potent allergen in crushed form in it. Duh.) 2. I chose to focus on the one negative comment I received recently instead of the many supportive ones. (Response: I clammed up.) 3. My brain fog has progressed significantly, so that reading has become a real challenge. Turns out, writing isn’t as difficult, so here we go!
This year has only just begun, and I may have already gotten the best news of the year: I’m getting a medical alert dog! Let me back up a bit. I knew I needed one before I became allergic to a key medicine I needed to prevent more muscle damage. Needless to say, the urgency really ramped up afterward. But after hearing “no”a dozen times, it was hard to keep going. My energy was limited, and I was starting to feel hopeless.
Enter Ella Marie Glass. My little girl starting going door to door to our neighbors, asking for $5 jobs so we could earn money for a service dog. In 40 degrees on a Saturday morning, she washed windows, picked up trash or did whatever else was asked of her. How could I give up? I sent emails. I made phone calls. I messaged on Facebook. Multiple times to the same trainer or organization if necessary to get a response. I followed every lead until after scores of times hearing “no,” I heard, “yes!”
A couple weeks ago, I turned in my application and was accepted into a program called Paws for Life. It’s going to take a lot of time and energy and a hefty sum of money, but I can’t put into words how much this dog is going to change all of our lives. The dog will be trained to alert before an attack of weakness occurs, detecting a shift of potassium by scent. By taking potassium, I can prevent or greatly reduce the severity of an attack, giving me the best chance at a better quality of life now and in the future.
We meet two goldendoodle sisters this coming Saturday. If the bond is there, one of these 5-month old puppies will come home with us. Just in time. Last week I made an appointment to be fitted for a wheelchair. It’s a reality I didn’t want to face, but it’s time. I can’t go for walks around the block anymore. Driving is scary because I can forget how to go to a place I’ve been a million times before.
It’s going to be hard. Every Saturday for the next two months, Todd will have to drive me 5 hours round trip to Georgia for training sessions while someone watches the kids. Every extra ounce of energy is going to go to selling anything I can to raise the money ($2,500 initially and then another $14,500 just for the training portion). It’ll be worth it. How much would you pay for a chance to get your life back? And maybe even save it.
If you’re a praying person, please pray. Local friends have been so kind, creating a freezer meal sign-up and even starting a Facebook group for those who want to share babysitting duties. (I have at least three medical appointments every week, and I’ve been taking my poor kids with me for most of them.) Learning to accept help has been one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. It’s just so humbling for this fiercely independent woman.
Today I bought a dog bed, and I can’t stop smiling. It wasn’t easy. I’m afraid to hope. I’m afraid something will happen and nothing will work out the way I hope and pray it does. But at least I can say that I tried. I did my best with the circumstances I’m in, and I didn’t give up. Ella taught me better.
It breaks my heart to hear all that you’re going through. Laura, all I know to do is to pray and fully trust that God will keep you and the children safe until you can get your dog. God has His loving arms around you, the kids and Todd. Love you guys and know I will be praying.
Thank you, Ina! That is so sweet. We love you too!
I am so encouraged by your boldness to be vulnerable. Our God hears your cries for prayer & healing. I am believing the very best is just around the corner!!
Thank you so much for that! He hears and he cares and He’s able. A good reminder.
Yes!! I am so happy that you finally got a “yes”!! I pray that you bond well with one of the dogs on Saturday and that God will supernaturally supply your needs for funding and great child care for your kiddos. Golden doodles are such beautiful and wonderful family dogs. It seems that they would make fabulous service dogs!!
Thank you so much, Heather! We think so too. Seems like it’ll be the perfect fit.
I am THRILLED to hear our prayers have been answered in getting you a medical dog!!!! I so wish I were there to help watch the kids & be by your side. You are right…accepting help is very humbling & hard when we want to be independent. I’m sorry that you guys are facing this battle but so happy to see you are not giving up & are trusting God’s plan. My sister read a book called The Life We Never Expected that was quite encouraging to her in some challenges she has faced. It’s still on my reading list. Since reading is difficult could I send you an Audible copy?
That is so sweet, Melissa. I’ve been thinking audible books would be a good source of encouragement. I know your sister has been through a lot too, so having her endorsement must mean it’s a good book.
What an answer to prayer, Laura! I’m hopefully for an instant bond between you and the Goldendoodle! ❤️
Me too! I never thought I’d be so nervous to meet a dog. Ha! Praying one of these girls is the one for me.
Thank you for your transparency Laura. It’s hard to imagine how difficult this is for you and your family. But God is so good, I’m sure He will provide for you and your lovely family. If writing helps you through this, please keep it up and try to disregard any negativity. You are so loved!
Aw, that means so much, Terri. Thank you for those kind words!
I am so thankful the Lord answered our prayer for a service dog. Laura you know that I am praying for you and Todd, Ella and Evan. I am praying for healing and for protection for you and the kids. Wish You all lived closer so I could help more. Love you all so much!! But remember Jesus loves you more then we do and He is right there beside you and will never leave you, Todd, Ella and Evan. Thankful for your sweet kind friends.
Dad just can not accept this new thought of our daughter in a wheelchair now with a puppy service dog to train This could be a great turn in your health for the better as you love pets. We hope for the best and believe a great God who can completely heal your body