Beautiful Feet

For some time, we have been concerned about Elijah's feet - and the way they are turned out. He doesn't walk without holding onto things (the coffee table or couch or even the wall) because he has trouble balancing himself to stand alone. We've asked the pediatrician at the 9 mo. and then 12 mo. check ups but we were usually dismissed, being told to "wait and see"...

It's not that we feel we know more but sometimes you have to trust your intuition. We went to the doctor yesterday for a suspicious rash that was spreading all over his face (determined to be a virus that has to run its course or an allergy that we have yet to identify) and while there, I happened to ask if she would look at his feet. We've never seen this pediatrician before so I figured it was worth a shot. I was impressed that, for the first time, she actually did some exercises and testing of his muscles and the tendons and movement in his hips, knees, ankles and feet.

Her diagnosis: to be determined...by a referral to the pediatric orthopedics at UVA. She wasn't overly "concerned" but agreed that it wasn't perfectly normal. She felt it was more his hips turned out than anything and thought if anything they might refer him to physical therapy. We're still regularly seeing the chiropractor but I have to admit that having the referral to the orthopedic, while at first scared me, now reassures me that we can at least get some answers - even if it's just for peace of mind to have them say "nothing's wrong."

This isn't a set back but yet again another challenge of my faith. I tend to worry but God reassured me with John 14:1, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God..."

I'm also claiming two other scriptures:

"He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand." Psalm 40:2

I am praying for healing and wisdom as we head to UVA for our appointment June 29. I'm asking for restoration without surgery or anything invasive. I'm praying for God to allow Elijah's feet to be firmly planted so he can literally stand. I also pray this for his life, that he'll firmly stand on Christ the solid Rock.

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" Romans 10:15

I'm praying that whatever the diagnosis, outcome, and journey we may face with Elijah's feet that all of this would still be a way to glorify God. Just as we prayed for a child and God answered our prayers with this little boy, in His perfect timing and perfect will, I'm praying for God's perfect will to be done with our son.

Standing (left) and sitting (right). He rarely sits any other way.

In spite of it all, we are so blessed to have a happy, healthy, radiant little boy that continues to bless our lives each day.

Please join in prayer with us as we prepare for this appointment.