In the big picture, we are still in the infantile stages of our journey.  Even when the cast comes off (hopefully in less than 6 weeks), Cole will still have a long road ahead as he will go through physical therapy to retrain and strengthen his muscles and figure out how to walk again – prayerfully without his infamous limp!  All the while, perthes will still be in process.  Our prayer is that in the final phase of perthes, his femoral head will respond to the surgery and grow back healthy and the proper shape.

We haven’t found a miracle drug to ease the pain, speed the healing or get that cast off faster.  But we have found a medicine that seems to be working amazingly well… community.  Children’s was a great place with great facilities and a great team that cared for us.  And while we have caused a bit of havoc on Nana and Papa’s house and everyone residing in it currently (including the cat) that are having to make adjustments – there is something cathartic about community in Cole’s life.

At any given point in the day, he usually has a guest sharing the bed with him, helping him to pass the time.  I can’t imagine what it feels like to be trapped in his body cast and stuck on his back – all day and all night long.  But God has most certainly prepared Cole – giving him the daily strength and patience he needs for the day.  Now, he most certainly has his moments, but for the most part, he has been a champ in this recovery process.  He is my tough guy!  And not to diminish was God is giving him and how Cole is responding, but I know community has been playing a large role in the recovery… family, relatives and friends who have been so encouraging through prayer, texts, emails, phone calls, meals, visits and gifts.

We are grateful for medicine… the prescription stuff appears to be working as Cole’s pain doesn’t seem to be bothering him.  But I’m even more grateful for the medicine of community – the family and friends that have walked alongside Cole in this journey.  His brothers can usually be found sharing the bed, watching movies or simply passing the time.  Angel, our dog, will sneak onto the bed to curl up beside him and has found a new home under his wheelchair anytime he is parked in it.

And I couldn’t neglect Nana and Papa who have been the most gracious hosts.  Then there’s Brooke – a superwoman – half nurse, half mom, all love.  And of course, I’m glad to be around too and so thankful for my team back at Wildwood keeping the ministry running so that I can be here.

The more I think about it – community as a source of medicine was God’s plan from the beginning.  We know our God is a God that exists in relationship – Father, Son and Holy Spirit in perfect community.  And then He creates us, not out of necessity or need, but out of love and a desire to invite us in to that community.  The Bible paints this picture of community – whether God’s chosen people, the Israelities in the Old Testament, to the Jesus and the disciples or the early church forming together in the book of Acts in the New Testament.  God desires that His people live in community.  “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!“(Psalm 133:1).

Community paints the picture of what the Gospel is all about.  A people joined together by a common love, with renewed hearts, minds and natures that can look to the needs of others even beyond themselves.  Romans 12:10 reminds us to, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. “

We are so grateful and humble to be a part of this kind of community.  And to be the recipients of such lavish grace.  I think we are starting to get a glimpse of just what kind of a powerful medicine community is.  So thank you, for being a part of Cole’s healing medicine.  We love and appreciate each and every one of you!