I haven't posted this yet, due to being completely overwhelmed, but we need your prayers. I'll explain more later, when and if I get the time, but our kids have lead poisoning. I asked our pediatrician to run a lead test on them at Clara's 18 month check up and all three tested positive. Clara has tested positive before for low amounts (not dangerous) and her levels haven't changed. However, Janie (who has never been tested) had such high levels that the nurse who ran the test ran it twice. Dana's lead levels were much higher, so high that his numbers were off of the scale they were measuring by. Our pediatrician tested me too and my levels are ever so slightly in the danger zone, much less than Dana and Jane. Dr. Spraggins sent us to T.C. Thompson's to have blood drawn and to get a more accurate look at the amounts of lead. Immediately after the trip to the hospital, I packed up our stuff at home and my mom and I took the kids to stay with my parents in Atlanta. We can't stay in our house until we know it's clear of lead, which may be a difficult thing. We need to get the last 10% of paint off of the house, put a coat of primer on, clean up the yard, filter the water, and wash the inside of the house and probably all of the linens and laundry too. Right now I am very impatiently waiting for the results of our blood tests, hoping that Matt's levels are low so he can continue to finish the house. The kids may be treated this next week, but more on that later. I am too emotionally exhausted to explain it all and I don't know how to spell most of it yet. So many of our friends and family have taken care of us and offered places for us to stay and we are so very thankful for your service to us and our Heavenly Father. What we need most are your prayers for our family. We know that in our weakness, He shows His strength and we learn to let Him lead and comfort us.
Please pray that God would give me strength to be a single mom while Matt and I are separated, that I would be patient and loving, despite being emotionally spent, that Matt would be able to do all of the work before him, that the inspection of our home would go well, that God would protect my children from the lead in their bodies, that God would heal them and help their bodies to filter this out, that I would get good sleep and preach the Gospel to myself instead of blaming the whole thing on me, and that above all else, we would praise our Heavenly Father and He would be glorified in all of this.
I will post more later. I'm sorry this isn't very lovely or well-spoken. Please pray.
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7 comments:
we will be praying in lakeland, fl!
Oh, Karen, I can only imagine how emotionally spent you are. I'm sure you are feeling extremely anxious. I will pray for peace, protection, healing and a quick and smooth solution to the problem with your house.
Karen, as soon as you called me from the hospital I wanted to rush right over to be by your side. I just hate the fear and stress I know you are dealing with right now. But I know our God is by your side and will carry you through this. This situation has brought out my own fear as I think about all the projects we've done on our 107 year old house. I really understand how worried you must feel. I just want you to know that you have been in my heart and prayers constantly and many others as well. I know that God will hold Dana, Jane and Clara. They are so, so lucky to have such a wonderful mama. We will get through this, you know I am here for anything you guys need. Love you!
Karen - I just called the doctor I work for. (No answer-she'll have to call me back) I wanted to know more about lead poisoning. You know I'm all alone in this big house and would love to have you guys stay here. I hope you know that I would consider it an honor. Call me on your cell anytime as we both have verizon. I'm a little busy until tomorrow evening as I'm having a going away party for some friends Sunday evening. I will be praying. I love you guys. Darla PS. I had called your house yesterday to see if you needed a babysitter for your anniversary. The offer still holds if you want to come up - even for the day - the kids could stay here. I'm off on Wed.
Karen...
Our thoughts and prayers have been with you guys ever since we were told of the house situation. I know that God will provide and heal your little family. In the meantime... you guys are always welcome to stay at the green/kring home out here in chicky town.... we have 3 xtra bedrooms and would love to have any or all of ya for as long as you need. Also, I know little Laughfer would be delighted to have a playmate (or 3 ) around... Just let me know. love you!
praying at least every time I pass by.
Your sister Katie F. is a member of our church in KY; our daughter must live not too far from you in Chattanooga. We live in a family house with lead paint flaking off all over the place; your sister Katie has been here, and you can see some indirect shots at our website (http://www.10thGen.org/) or blog. This is scary! We have never stripped or painted because we don't own the home (just keep for our relatives) and we don't have the $, but you still wonder. God is sovereign over lead; He can save your children... will pray.
Sincerely, Ted (for our family)
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