Are We There Yet?

"For I know the plans I have for you..." (Jeremiah 29:11a). God always has a plan. He is constantly aware of when, where and how each event and circumstance will fall along the path. Sometimes what we think will be, never comes. At other times, the time in which we think it will happen, it does not.

For any parent, you know what it is like to take a vacation. As you travel in the car with your child or children piled in the back, you will undoubtedly hear the infamous words, "Are we there yet?" While I don't have children old enough to badger me with that question, working with middle and high school students helps me to field that question enough. We often grow frustrated with repeatedly having to answer that question. But have you ever considered whether our Heavenly Father feels the same frustration?

I must confess, as I have previously in the blog, that I lack patience and wisdom. Yet God has once again, this very day, reminded me of His perfect timing. So often I've been frustrated, anxious, perplexed and just "tiffed" with the seemingly (in my estimation) delayed timing of God in this situation with Micah. The last word we had received was that Micah's scheduled transplant using part of my liver would occur in October because of the difficulty of organizing all the elements (two operating rooms, two operating teams, adequate PICU and ICU space, etc.).

I struggled with this. Daily I observe the decline in health of my son. Almost weekly I would see blood test scores reflect an even greater decline of health and function of his organ(s). Then came today. At times I had prayed, "Lord, please sustain His health until transplant." Little did I know, my wonderful wife had been praying, "Lord, if Micah needs a transplant now, please change hearts and give those who are making this decision a passion to fight for this."

This morning we received a phone call from the transplant coordinator, Julie, regarding my appointments today. She mentioned to Sarah that we needed to get the screening completed soon. Julie stated that sometimes when you have a month or so, you can take your time. Then she added, "But we don't have a month or two."

The appointments went well today. Micah did not get stuck once (Hallelujah!). I sure hope he remembers that when he's 16 and thinks I'm the arch-enemy. Just kidding. The doctor did not make any change with current medicines, feedings, etc. with Micah. Sarah and I met one of the pediatric transplant surgeons, Dr. Tuttle, who will either perform or assist with the transplant depending on the date. Most importantly, the scheduled date for the living donor transplant is being discussed. There are three dates currently in view: September 7, 10 or 17. We are waiting to learn what can be arranged. As for now, we will return next Thursday so blood can be drawn per the guidelines for patients on the transplant recipient list.

Also today, I was able to complete the EKG, echocardiogram and chest x-ray. These are the last items for screening for me. Assuming all turns out fine with these, I will go for pre-op screening next Thursday. The surgery could literally be two weeks from tomorrow.

God answered Sarah's prayer. For that matter, I believe he answered mine. Micah is not in the health he did have, but he is still somewhat strong at this point. While I was questioning whether the doctors were waiting too long for the transplant, God was in full control. He knows the plan He has for us. He brings all things together in their perfect time and season. Praise God that when I struggle with the timing of it all, He's got both hands on it and is in full control.

We ask you pray for us as the date is confirmed and the doctors seek to work out the logistics for the surgery. Pray for our family as we move forward toward transplant. Again, we seek the glory of our Lord and Savior in all things.