Unchartered Territory

My firstborn is in the hospital. Much like all young children, he has been on and off again sick for about a month with the various viruses of the winter. The last few days he has had some disturbing symptoms, and I have been back and forth to the doctor with him. Today, when I asked him to stand up for me, he stumbled and collapsed and was slurring his speech. I scooped him up and walked him straight to the car and buckled him in. Then I frantically called Matt (he couldn't understand a word I was saying but he knew enough to leave work and start driving to the doctor). I proceeded to grab the other two and get them buckled, grab a pack of diapers, coats, etc. and rush out the door. I started driving to realize we had no gas and literally coasted into the nearest gas station. I called our pediatrician and he told us to go to the his office first (quick note: always do that if possible because when we did go to the ER it was smooth sailing with no lines because the doc. called ahead). Our doctor looked him over and agreed that we needed to go over to Vanderbilt Children's hospital. They started an IV, X-rayed his chest and back, and drew blood. We aren't really sure what he has, but have been told that his blood work is pretty normal (a few elevations that are probably due to the cold he has been fighting the past week). They are suspecting something called discitis, and he will have an MRI tomorrow to hopefully get some more answers. Micah was miserable today and in a lot of pain, but after I left tonight, the pain meds had kicked in and he played with Matt and had a snack. I will update as I can. It is so hard to have a nursing infant, a lonely and needy middle child, and a super sick big boy in the hospital. I am so torn as to where to be. Matt is with Micah overnight. Margot and I will head over first thing in the morning, and my mom is here to give Owen some TLC. We are praying for a speedy recovery, comfort for Micah, and wisdom for these doctors.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

-Psalm 18:2