Gold Metals and a Tiny Blue Bracelet

Look closely at this picture of Savannah running. What do you see??? You may notice her legs are moving in a very slow running position. You may notice the girl beside her (Hope) walking and pointing. You may even see a tiny blue bracelet on Savannah’s right arm. Now, the story behind the photo... The picture is of Savannah and her good friend Hope. A 5K race was being ran that morning in honor of the local elementary school. Myself, my husband, and Hope’s siblings ran the 5K while Savannah stayed behind and gave out water bottles as the runners finished. Then, something amazing happened. Savannah decided to try to run the 1 mile fun run after the 5K was completed. I thought silently, “no way will she make it with those arthritic feet and ankles.” I decided to run with her, so to pick Savannah up when she could go no more. Now, here is the rest of the story..... Savannah ran the whole mile! Did she hurt...yes. Did she “feel” like quitting...yes. Yet, she kept putting one foot in front of the other, saying, “I must run this entire race and finish!” The last 100 yards, I fell back and let Savannah’s friend Hope walk beside her and encourage her to finish the race....and Savannah’s feet keep “running”. We all were given gold medals at the end of the race. Hope’s metal was for her winning the 5K in her age group (way to go, girl!). Savannah and my metals were smaller and plastic, but it showed we finished the 1 mile race....YES, Savannah finished the race! And, as for the small blue wristband...it was given to Savannah the day before the race, from Savannah’s gymnastic’s coach, for giving the most effort in her gymnastics group! Now, who says you have to come in first place to be a winner! Savannah, you continue to amaze me and be my hero! (You go girl!)

Cute swimsuits and more t.v. interviews!

Well, Savannah and I got our new swimsuits for the season yesterday.  We just love them.  We try to dress in ways that would glorify God...and this does not stop with our swimwear.  We have found this awesome site:  modestlyyoursswimwear.com  

This is our third year to buy from this site.  Her suits are wonderful!

We had more t.v. interviews this morning with our local news station.  The t.v. station also shadowed Savannah at school and filmed her doing cartwheels!  She could not do cartwheels just over three months ago (caused too much pain).  So, praise God... the medicine is helping!  The first class of gymnastics is today.  I will let you know how it goes!

Let's Try Gymnatsics!

This is a big week!  Savannah starts gymnastics class this Friday!  It is a one day a week class, for one hour, for four weeks.  It is a start.  You know, it may not be a huge commitment, but it is a commitment.  Sometimes, you have to take small steps, and that is okay.

Savannah continues to improve.  Some days are better than others.  This morning, her back was killing her, so she took an extra long hot shower before school.  Today, Savannah told me she had an idea of why she kicked so much when I was pregnant with her.  She said it was probably because her legs were stiff from being in such a tight position!  This is coming fro a girl who is in the process of taking S.A.T. tests at school.  I knew the testing would be a challenge for Savannah.  However, I was wrong at why.  I thought it would hurt her hand to fill in all the answer circles.  While it is hard on her hand, it is sitting still for so long that hurts her most.  Her whole body becomes stiff, but the children are not suppose to move after testing is completed (so as to not to disturb others).  If someone with arthritis sits still too long, they stiffen up.  If they do too much (like coloring in lots of little circles on S.A.T. test answer sheets), they hurt.  It is a double edged sword.

However, Savannah continues to rise to the occasion!

I dedicate this entry to Savannah’s long time friend, Mary Clara, who has agreed to take gymnastics with Savannah.  Savannah will push through much more if she has a friend encouraging her!  Isn’t that true of all of us?! Thank God for friends.

I ran through the flowers for you today.

My daughter Savannah-

I ran through the flowers today in honor of you and all the children who have pain when they run due to Juvenile Arthritis.  When you can no longer run, I will carry you.

Love,
Your mom

Beauty Queens and Back Bends

Savannah had quite a treat last week!  She was interviewed by former Miss Alabama 2007 for Channel 8 News, Montgomery.  The news station is doing a story on Savannah since she is the Junior Honoree for the Arthritis Foundation, Montgomery, this year.  Savannah answered all of their questions and didn’t seem scared at all!  Her dad and I were very proud of her.  They asked her what she didn’t like most about the disease.  She answered, “The pain.”  I caught a tear dripping from my husband’s eye on that answer.

Some things I still don’t realize after all these months...like how Savannah’s hand hurts when she holds a fork.  I noticed her stretching her fingers during dinner last night (something she does during most meals).  I said, “Savannah, why do you stretch your fingers against the edge of the table.”  She said, “Mama, my fingers hurt to hold a fork or spoon, like they hurt to hold a pencil.”  Why did I not realize this before now.

Simple tasks, that I take for granted...like holding a fork...are painful for Savannah.  Savannah got up twice in church yesterday because her back got so stiff.  She said she had to find a private room to do a “back bend” so she could loosen her back.  Whatever works.

Savannah does continue to see some improvements.  She is turning in her school work without getting too far behind.  Yea!  She was able to participate in “JUMP ROPE FOR HEART” at her school a week ago.   Though, she did have a noticeable limp the rest of the day, she still was able to jump!  We are thankful for any and all improvements, and we are thankful for your continued prayers.

Keep praying!