Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Back to the Fields

“Spencer,” I called to my son to see if he would answer. It is a ritual at my house. About every 10 minutes I call out and he answers. Usually he replies “Yeah.” I always reply “just checking.” I know if he answers, everything is OK.

“Spencer,” I called again. No answer. Panic rose in my throat. Sometimes when he doesn’t answer, it is because he is too engrossed in whatever TV program he is watching or whatever book he is reading. Maybe that’s why he isn’t answering, I thought.

When I checked on him earlier, he was sitting in a chair in the living room watching TV, but now he wasn’t there. I was working on the computer, not completely aware of how much time had actually passed. The office in our home is located near the front door, so I knew he couldn’t have passed by to go outside without my noticing. I knew if he wasn’t outside and he wasn’t answering, something was wrong. I was afraid to walk over beyond the couch to my blind spot for fear I would find him lying there.

“Spencer,” I called a third time, a little louder with more fear and urgency in my voice. I heard stumbling around upstairs. I made my way to the bottom of the stairs and saw him standing at the top. He was trying to speak but was unable to make any noise come out.

He started to take a step towards me and I rushed up the stairs, unsure of how my feet were moving so fast. I caught him just as he began to stumble, which would have surely led to a fall. A surge of adrenaline helped me to carry him to the bottom of the stairs where I laid him on the floor.

He was seizing. The right side of his face and right arm were jerking. He could not respond when I talked to him. I knew he had probably somehow made it up the stairs looking for me since he could not call out for help, a fact he later confirmed. Mary Lyndsey quickly said, “I can help Mommy. I’ll get a pillow and a cloth.” And she raced off. She’s been through this many times and is old enough now to respond by offering help.

I wasn’t sure how long he had been seizing prior to me finding him, so I grabbed my phone and started the timer. At the four and a half minute mark, I grabbed the rescue medication and prepared to use it.

I began to pray out loud. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying a picture is worth a thousand words. Well, a thousand words went through my mind in the time it would take to snap a picture. Those few minutes seemed like an eternity. I wondered, should I use this rescue medication? Is my faith not strong enough? Will the seizure stop? Surely God would not allow anything to happen to hurt my child in a test of my faith? Then I remembered Abraham and Isaac. I was so confused. Then the incontinence happened. I cleaned up as best I could and administered the medication.

Normally a seizure will stop within a couple of minutes after giving the medication. As the timer kept running approaching 12 minutes, his breathing became a little labored. The seizure was not stopping. I picked up the phone and called emergency services for the second time in about a week. We just experienced a 17 minute seizure not many days ago.

Finally the seizure stopped. Normally he is responsive for at least a few moments before the medication takes full effect and he goes to sleep. This time he was not.

As EMS arrived, my neighbor came over and offered to take Mary Lyndsey. I climbed into the back of the ambulance with my son and headed to the hospital. He finally began to try to talk, but his speech was so slurred the emergency worker asked if he was deaf.

We arrived at the hospital where we spent the entire day waiting for the medication to wear off so we could make sure everything was OK. He’s fine now, just very tired from the seizure, the rescue medication, and an increase in dosage of his regular meds.

What a welcome home from She Speaks. I have often heard it said that our enemy comes at us the hardest when we finally figure out what God is calling us to do. And usually he strikes at our greatest point of weakness.

I must tell you this past weekend at the conference was huge for me. I experienced a fresh word from God, a clear direction. A path I feel includes not only me, but my son. Clearly, we are under attack.

At the conference this past weekend, Lysa shared from stage about how after David was anointed as King by Samuel, he didn't immediately go to the throne. He first had to go back to the fields to prepare for what God was calling him to do. Carol posted today on what Lysa shared from stage. I can't help but feel like God is preparing us.

Last year, 3 days after returning from She Speaks, Spencer had a 4 hour status seizure. We were airlifted from one hospital to another and spent 4 days in the Intensive Care Unit. I lost focus and became distracted.

This year, I am resolved to move forward, even more so after a conversation with Spencer on the way home from the hospital. A conversation I will share tomorrow.

Please continue to be in prayer for Spencer and for our entire family. And thanks to those of you who have already emailed me and prayed.

Blessings to you,
Amy

19 comments:

Chaotic Joy said...

Oh honey. This brought tears to my eyes. How awful it must be to watch your child suffer so. I am praying for Spencer and all of you.

Jenifer said...

Oh Amy. As I type through my tears my heart goes out to you. I feel your pain. When our oldest daughter went through her years having seizures, there was not one that lasted less than 12 minutes. As those minutes pass by if feels as if time really does stand still.

The Lord brings to my mind very often Spencer and your family. Know that you are being prayed for. Take hope in the plan God has set before you. His plan will prevail! Stay focused on Him for He who began a good work in you IS going to complete it and I can't wait to see the outcome.

Blessings and much love,
Jenifer

Wifeof1Momof4 said...

Just cried, just prayed and I won't stop.

Kyla said...

How terrifying and difficult this must be. My kiddo has strange undiagnosed neurological episodes that are kind of like migraine-induced seizure activity, but not exactly. They've gotten longer and longer as time has passed and now they are up to 11 hours. They aren't exactly what your son experiences, but I know that anguish and worry that comes along with wondering if he'll come out of it and be okay. It is so hard.

My prayers are with you guys.

Amy Wyatt said...

Thank you all for the prayers and encouragement. I feel a little like George Bailey in "It's A Wonderful Life" when all the prayers are being lifted up for him :) We all know prayer works. Thank you for taking time to pray.

ocean mommy said...

I really believe that God has something very special planned for Spencer. Anyone who knows that little guy sees that.


Praying for you all this week...

Lelia Chealey said...

Hi Amy,
This is Lelia from Nebraska. I am crying and praying for you sister. I agree this is an attack to distract you. Kelley from Kansas & I are both dealing with teenage stuff and you are so right the enemy just wants to get us off track. I think he gets mighty fearful when one of God's children are getting ready to live out the Holy blue prints for our life. Although our attacks don't even come close to eachother as ours are not with health I stand with you sister in keeping focused on the plans God has for our lives.
Please e-mail me if you need anything Amy. I know I'm in Nebraska, but I will do whatever you need sister!
Many Blessings,
Lelia

Faith said...

Oh my. This brought tears to my eyes. I will pray for you. I will let my 2 good Christian friends know and we will lift you and your family up in prayer.

Lynn Stallworth said...

How completely horrifying! Working as a nurse, it was scary seeing patients seize. I can't even begin to imagine the panick I would feel if it was one of my kids. I'm sure you feel so drained. Hopefully all the prayers for you and your family will lift you right back up!

Melanie said...

Amy, Your post brought tears to my eyes for both you and your son. I cannot even begin to imagine!

My prayers are with you both along with the rest of your family. Praying God's grace on you all, healing for Spencer and the courage and strength to move forward in the way in which the Lord is leading.

Janet Roller said...

You know I'm praying, girl. Even though I knew the story already - it was hard to read again. God is bigger than epilepsy. He is holding you and your family in His hand.
-Janet

DeAnna said...

Oh, girl. Tears are flowing as I am running the video in my mind. You and I know that this was definitely an attack from the pit - the place where Satan knows that he can hit and hit hard. You and Spencer - as well as the rest of your crew have been on my heart and mind. Keep pressing toward the mark!!! God has an awesome prize waiting!

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

I just cry out to God for you. I've never been in any circumstance like this, and it breaks my heart. Love you, Amy.

Kelley said...

Amy,
What a frightening experience. I felt frightened just reading it, I can't imagine living it! I have felt the enemy attacking my family since I got home as well. In our case it has been through teenage rebellion. It makes me SO mad! It's one thing for him to mess with me, but messing with my babies sends me over the edge!
I will be praying for your family, and specifically for Spencer's health. You must be on to something big to be facing this kind of attack. Keep the faith and take courage, we serve an awesome God!!

Love and Prayers,
Kelley

Carol said...

Excellent post. Heart stopping. I am praying.

A Stone Gatherer said...

Praise God that your little man is O.K. and that your recognize what satan is trying to do and are guarding against it!

Andrea @ Mommy Snacks.net said...

Amy, I can't even imagine what that felt like! And, to think that you were praying in the midst of it. You are truly an inspiration, momma!

Thanks so much for sharing, this got me cryin' and wanting to praise God for the health of our family - nothing can be taken for granted :-)

Greg or Amy Wyatt said...

Spencer is still doing great. Thanks for all the prayers.

God Bless!

Jennifer @ Conversion Diary said...

Amy,

First of all, I am so sorry to hear what you and your son went through. You will both be in my prayers.

But, secondly, I had to tell you how much this post blessed me. I've been struggling with some unusual darkness that just came out of the blue and has really tested me...yet I have also recently discerned a very big, clear calling from God. After reading your post, I just realized that I don't think those two events are a coincidence. Thank you so much for sharing.