Dear Santa

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Santa made a surprise visit to our house today to see Grayson!  You'll see from the pictures that he is very serious when he talks with Santa.  We aren't sure what he has asked for, but I'm sure Santa will bring just the right thing.

Grayson has had a bout with a sinus and ear infection, but continues to be his energetic self through it all. 

Pray that Grayson can stay healthy through this flu season.  Hugs to you all!

A Year for Thanksgiving

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Wow!  It's hard to believe that it is already Thanksgiving!
We have so very much to be thankful for today.  Around my dining room table sits my precious husband, my two happy children and their spouses, my wonderful brother and his charming, precious son and my Mom & Dad.  And last, but not in any way the least, our Grayson. Of all of these, we all are healthy, happy, and through this economy have maintained our jobs and businesses.  We all have warm homes, clothes on our backs and plenty of food.  Thank you Jesus.........

Grayson is doing very well and for this and so much more we are thankful.  He is responding well to his treatments and is doing well in kindergarten. 

On this day, I am also thankful for each of you reading this.  In some way, you are touching our lives with your thoughts and prayers for Grayson.

Greeting to all!  It's been a while since I've posted anything and that's good~ means things are normal for our Grayson.  Yesterday he had his 3 month check-up with his Cystic Fibrosis doctor and for the most part Dr. Black was pleased.  There is a little concern that he hasn't put on any weight since his last visit, 3 months ago, so his enzymes may be increased so that he is able to absorb a little more fat on his next visit in December if unchanged.

We got the results of his genetic testing and he does have a mutated CF gene with numbers and letters.  To us it really meant nothing, but Dr. Black said that this number will be important for future discoveries of treatments.  Grayson's CF gene is in the "middle of the road", as Dr. Black put it, meaning his CF isn't more pancreatic than lung or vica versa, which is good per Dr. Black.

Dr. Black was concerned also with Grayson's cough, so a sputum culture was done and we should have the results of that in a few days.  The results of this may promote another round of antibiotics to get him cleared up.  With CF, it is very important to treat any potential problems as soon as possible to avoid  it turning into something serious.

Grayson is doing very well in Kindergarten and seems to have adjusted nicely with his new routine.  Everyone at the school is so helpful with keeping an extra eye on him and seeing that he gets his med's on time.

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers for us all!

Dancing Shoes

We are rejoicing today!  Grayson needed new shoes.....his feet are growing!  We praise God for the little things now....
 
Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name. (Chronicles 29:13)

Grayson's begins Kindergarden

August 24, 2012

This afternoon was Grayson's Kindergarden Orientation at his new school!  He was so excited to have his Mom, Dad, Noni, Pop and Lollie with him.  His school is only a year old and it is beautiful!  He met his teacher and got to see the room that he will be learning and having fun in.  We also met the school nurse that will be giving Grayson his CF medication.

We all are still amazed at how God has been planning for this time and we look back and see all the pieces now being put together.  Grayson has another special Angel that will be watching over him while he is at school, his Great Aunt Patricia.  She is the school treasurer and her office is only feet away from the nurses office and Grayson's room. So not only does he have teachers and a nurse to care for him, he has family only seconds away during his school day.  Is that a God thing or what?

Pray for us all as we give our Grayson wings........................

Day #2 of FUN!

August 22, 2012

Today Grayson and I went to the Lazy 5 Ranch.  What a great place this is......be sure to wear old shoes though, it's dusty!  We had reservations to ride a horse drawn wagon through the ranch with a guide to tell us all about the animals.  They gave us buckets of feed for the animals and what a treat it was to have them come right up and either eat from our bucket or our hands!  We saw a 5000 lbs rino, beautiful giraffes, prarie dogs, zebras and lots of other cool creatures. Our very favorite animal was the 6 week old Giraffe, who we got to watch drinking from a bottle. Once our wagon ride was over, we had a picnic and played on the big wooden ship there at the play ground.  We were pooped when we left. 

Day #1 of FUN!

August 21, 2012

Today, Pop and I took Grayson to the Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC.  What a great time we had!!!! It rained most of the way there, but about 5 miles from the zoo, the skies cleared and the sun began to shine through brightly and the weather was perfect the rest of the day.  Grayson loved all of the animal, although he seems more partial to the bugs and sea creatures.  Lunch at the Kenya Grill was very good and he was thrilled to see that they had one of his favorites....PB&J Uncrustables.  After showers, his treatment and dinner, we went to another of Grayson's favorite places....Krispy Kreme.  Pop & I love it when he requests this special treat.

 This is a photo of Grayson and a sleeping baby Kangaroo.  Shhhhh........

Doctor Visit Update

August 20, 2012

Grayson had a follow up visit with his Cystic Fibrosis doctor and dietician today.  Dr. Black was pleased with his pulmonary function results and Grayson has even gained a little weight!  Yay!  Noni and I were a little worried that Grayson doesn't eat as well when he is with us, so the dietician has suggested a few suppliments for us to try.  I honestly think he gets so excited to be with us, that he just doesn't want to stop to eat.  Graysons chest also sounds a little concerning, so he's back on an oral antibiotic for 10 days and a culture was taken to see what monster might by looming inside his little lungs.  We should hear from that in a few days. 

Dr. Black has stressed to us that Graysons prognisis will be soley based on keeping him healthy, daily treatments and exercise.  We also believe it's the prayers from so many that not only keep Grayson before the throne of God, but us all.  Thank you......

Fun in the Sun!

August 18, 2012

Grayson just got home from a week at Edisto Island with Beth's family.  Each year Beth's Mom & Dad, (Grayson's Noni & GP) take all of their children and grandchildren for a week of fellowship and fun.  Just hearing Grayson talk about all they did is so precious.  This year, he has told me twice about GP catching a stingray!  When I asked what GP did with it he, he rolls his eyes at me and says, "Lollie, he threw it back!"

Grayson looks forward to this special week each year.  His Mommy has to put count down numbers on the calendar or he would drive them crazy asking "is it today?" 

Growing up so fast...

“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things” ~Brault     

Grayson seems to be on a routine now as far as his treatments.  He attended children’s camp at HGBC and had a wonderful time.  Thank you to those that helped by administering his enzymes.

This week, we went school supply shopping.  Yes, he begins Kindergarten in a few weeks.  We are so grateful that Grayson can attend a regular school and treasure those that will fill in the gap while he is away from Mommy and Daddy, his regular care givers.  You all know that Kindergarten is a huge step even for the most normal of children.  Please pray that God will continue to place compassionate and caring people in Grayson’s path to help him along the way.  Pray for Mommy too…..she’s having to give Grayson wings…..

Grayson's love for the mountains

July 28^th

Grayson is blessed to have his Noni and GP who love the beach and his Lollie and Pop who love the mountains.   He gets the full array of North Carolina!

He and his Mom and Dad have joined us in the mountains today.  In the distance we can hear Tweetise toot her whistle.  Grayson LOVES trains!  Pop and I came earlier in the week to prepare for Grayson’s arrival and we are so excited to have our whole family here together.  It’s a much needed time to relax and soak in God’s creation here in the mountains. 

The cabin we are in has an air hockey table, so I’m sure we all will be professional hockey players if Grayson has it his way.  We went canoeing down the New River.  Pop and I took him to Grandfather and we all walked across the swinging bridge.

A fun day of normal for us all!!

June 24, 2012

Grayson comes from a long line of Brooks racers.  We’ve raced go carts, raced cars on dirt and asphalt all over NC, SC and VA.  A few even have ventured as far as Daytona.  So, it only stands to reason that the lineage would be carried on.  Grayson has 4 cousins who have made a go-cart track in their Grandparents yard and they graciously invited us over so that Grayson could make his debut in go-cart driving.  Grayson’s Uncle Terry had repaired a go-cart that our boys had learned in 25 years ago.  You will get a real laugh when you see it….it’s the General Lee.  Bless Grayson’s great grandfather for buying such a memory maker so long ago.  Who knew at the time what fun so many would have with it.

I , along with his Mom, was very worried that he would be afraid of this adventure or even if he attempted to drive the go-cart, would wind up wrapped around a tree.  Much to our surprise, he jumped in that thing and was anxious to go.  A true Brooks to the core!  You all can probably guess what Pop will be buying Grayson for Christmas!    

In all the fun, everyone forgot to tell Grayson where the brake pedal was!

Thank you Terry and Trish for this precious time of laughter and normal!

Preparation for the battle

God has been so good and prayers have been answered.  Grayson has a team of medical professionals that will journey with us throughout his life to see that he gets the very best and latest care.  Just to name a few-Dr. Black, who is on the board for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a CF nurse who is available 24/7, a dietitian, a lung therapist, and a social worker who is an advocate for Grayson in so many areas.

We are encouraged just knowing that so much is being done to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.  So many of you are asking about fund raisers and I’ll do my best to keep you posted on those.  I do know that May is Cystic Fibrosis month and during that time, there is a walk for the cure in Charlotte.  I’ll be there with my walking shoes on and I would love for you to join me!  We appreciate so much your support and prayers.

Cystic Fibrosis has come so far over the years.  It appears that Grayson has more of the digestive part of CF versus the lung involvement.  They will begin treating his lungs though just to assure prolonged good health.  Grayson’s body doesn’t absorb fat like yours and mine.  He has to take enzymes before each meal that will aid in the digestion of his food.  We can already see that he is less hungry than he was before the medication was started.  What an answer to prayer just seeing him feel satisfied.  I can’t imagine the hunger feeling he has felt for 5 years.

Along with the enzymes, he is using a bronchial dilator.  This opens up his bronchial tubes so that the salt water nebulizer that he uses will penetrate his little body.  Having CF, your body expels any salt that it takes in.  When I kiss him…he has a precious salty taste.  I think of him as my beach bum.  You know how we all taste and feel after being on the beach for a while…that’s my Grayson!

He also has a “shaking vest”.  What a God send this thing is!  Before, twice daily, he had to be manually whopped on his back, down his sides and on his front side for 30 minutes  to keep any mucous that might build up in his lungs to break loose and move on through his body.  CF children have thickening of mucous and the very worse thing to have happen is for this mucous to build up, which can lead to pneumonia and other complications.  Now, this wonderful little vest inflates and strategically shakes his chest, sides and back for us, again 2 times a day for 30 minutes.

Grayson sees his team of professionals every 3 months for evaluation.  So far, he has handled it like a champ!  He understands that God made his body a little different than most others and some of his body parts just do not work.

Thank you for all of your encouragement and prayers.  It’s going to take a village to raise this little guy!

Looking forward

Over the past weeks, for the first time, I've been the recipient of angel touches. So many have sent us cards, called, sent us messages through Facebook and lifted up prayers on our behalf. I felt each and every touch and thank God for each of you. You all prayed during tests, prayed over us in Sunday School, and got up during your sleep because you felt we needed prayer.

God has put so many Angels in our path. I look back now and see Gods hand at work for many years for just this time. My sweet neighbor of 10 years, Carolyn, who is a pediatric nurse-since Grayson's birth I called with so many questions. How precious you are, you've suspected CF for some time, but quietly petitioned God before we knew of the diagnosis, for a miracle. You yourself have lived this CF journey not

once, but 3 times with your children. How I admire your strength and courage and pray that I can follow in your shadow.

Another Angel too God created- Grayson's Mommy, Beth. Beth is a graduate of UNCC with a degree in teaching Special Needs Children. I have never seen or known of anyone that has more passion for these children than Beth does. Her patience, love, understanding and abilities are God given and God driven. More than meeting the physical needs of these children, Beth desires to minister to their spiritual needs. She knows how to relate to these children in a way that only God can give to someone, it's what we call a spiritual gift. There's no better person on this earth that we could have possibly chosen to be Grayson's mommy, than Beth. What a blessed child he is and what better people we are to have her in our lives. I love you sweet daughter.

God has been so good and prayers have been answered. Grayson has a team of medical professionals that will journey with us throughout his life to see that he gets the very best care. Just to name a few-Dr. Black, who is on the board for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a CF nurse who is available 24/7, a dietician, a lung therapist, and a social worker who is an advocate for Grayson is so many areas.

We are encouraged knowing that so much us being done to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.

Jeremiah 29:11~"For I know the plan I have for you, "declares the Lord," plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.

Standing firm in the storms of life (continued)

It had been a difficult day-for many reasons.  I have to be honest and tell you that I was asking God over and over "why is this happening?"

I sat in my car in a grocery store parking lot and as I closed my eyes, I was reminded of words that my previous pastor, Dr. Joe Brown, had told our congregation many times.  "Prepare yourselves, if you aren't in a storm now, you will be one day.  This world is not our eternal home, and these troubles and trials are only temporary." Gods word tells us-"Do not let your hearts be troubled. TRUST in God; trust also in me.  in my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:1-3)

You see, for me to question God,  was showing doubt that His plan is what was best for Grayson.  I wanted to fix something that couldn't be fixed in any other way than by a miracle from God.

Each morning and night, I ask God to please heal Grayson.  AND He will.  It may or may not be here on this Earth, but I know in my Father's house that He is preparing for Grayson and I, Grayson will be healed.

I'll close with another verse that I often give to those that are hurting.  This day, I lean on its truths -The Lord is close to those whose hearts are breaking. (Psalm 34:18)

Standing firm in the storms of life

Grayson is 5 now.  To look at him, we saw a very normal, smart and energetic little boy.  From birth, he had trouble gaining weight, but with his energy, we thought it was to be expected.  He's had some other digestive issues that the doctors felt he would out grow.  But now at 5, answers were needed-we had to many why's.

Grayson's pediatrician runs some tests and sees some irregularity that he felt needed the attention of a specialist, so off to the Gastroenterologist we go, then more tests.  The first test, which is the simplest to do is a sweat test.  I had heard this routine before and knew what the doctor suspected.  No Lord no I beg,  not this.

On June 11th, the words none of us wanted to hear came from the doctors mouth.  Yes, it is Cystic Fibrosis.  I thought I had prepared myself, after all, I had to be strong for Grayson, for my son, our daughter in law and for our entire family.  I left the doctors office stunned, numb and feeling all alone.

Life with Grayson

Grayson is a very energetic child.  He's by far the most intelligent child I have ever seen.  When he comes to visit or spend the night with Pop and I, we need several days to recoup after he leaves.  We laugh at how we wish we could bottle his energy.

He loves the outside like most children.  An afternoon would consist of playing in the sprinkler, throwing the ball for Caesar our dog and riding on Pop's tractor.  Grayson loves to eat and it seems that he has an endless appetite.  Oh, but what grandma doesn't love to see the little ones enjoying food.  He's a very picky eater, but as long as you have chicken nuggets, fish sticks or PB&J, you are in good shape.

Grayson sleeps well also.  His bedroom is upstairs, so Pop and I have an audio monitor so that we can hear him should he need us during the night.  I love to turn the monitor up so I can listen to him breathing.  Isn't life such a miracle?  How can anyone look at a child and defy that they were created by anything or anyone but God?  Isn't it awesome that God knows how many hairs on Grayson's head?

Each night before I close my eyes, I talk to God.  Every night now, I thank God for my grandson.  God has a wonderful plan for his life and I anxiously await to see how God is going to use him.

Just like every other newborn

April, 2007

Grayson is a usual newborn.  Eat, sleep, poop, eat, sleep, poop.

He has a slight red tint to his hair, lots and lots of cow licks and

his Noni (his other Grandmother) and I of course sit and marvel at how

he looks like this person or that person.  He's a very healthy, well

adjusted and happy baby and for that we thank his creator.

A new chapter in our "Family Book of Life"

March 15, 2007

Our phone rang earlier than usual on this Friday morning.  The voice on the other end was our son, Tim, saying that our grandson was about to make his entrance into our world.   Shortly after noon, our first grandchild, Grayson Ray Brooks, appeared and was the most beautiful and precious baby we had ever seen.  

And just like all other Grandparents had told us, holding that baby was unlike it was with our own children.  It's a different kind of love that you feel.  You quickly realize that the mistakes  you made as a parent with your own children, can be rectified through this child.  You want to change the world, make it a better place. After all, when our children were small, we didn't have time to make a difference.  Holding Grayson, I felt my body squeezing out of my clothes like that of the hulk, my Super Grandma cape emerged, and I was ready to leap the tallest building and stop a speeding bullet for Grayson.

Psalm 139:16~You saw me before I was born and scheduled each day of my life before I began to breathe.  Every day was recorded in your book.

What will my "grandma name" be?

From the moment I found out that we were going to be blessed with a

grandchild, I pondered the question of 'what will he call me?'  I probably gave this more thought than naming my own children.  After all, I had gone from a daughter name, to a wife name, to a mommy name and now the name I would finish this life with.  This name is a permanent name, one that would be listed on my grave marker, the name that would set me apart in the eyes of my grandchild.

While in the bank one day, there sits a bucket of suckers.  A sign that reads "Lollie Pops for the Children".  Hey!  Children.....Lollie Pops!  That's fun!  I have it!  I'll name myself Lollie and Tim will be called Pop.  The thought never entered my mine again as to if I had made the right choice.  So, from here on out, I'm Lollie.  That precious name I love to hear my Grayson say.