Purple For Zachary

Today we are wearing purple for Zachary, because it is National Epilepsy Awareness Day.  Yesterday was Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day.  I haven't spoken on the blog about Zachary's special needs before, but I wanted to recognize this day as I know that epilepsy is going to change our family.

Zachary has epilepsy.

He also has cerebral palsy.  And a few other more minor special needs.

I don't want Zachary to be defined by his medical diagnoses, but I wanted to shed some light on the magnitude of his situation.

Epilepsy often does not have a cause, but we are fairly sure that Zachary's is related to his cerebral palsy.  Cerebral palsy is a condition that is caused by brain damage, usually due to lack of oxygen at birth, prematurity or some other kind of birth trauma.  As we do not know the circumstances of his birth, we just have to assume that he had some kind of trauma that resulted in brain damage.  He was immediately treated for seizures and diagnosed with epilepsy.  The cerebral palsy diagnoses came much later, even after we had already started praying about adopting him.

There are medications and therapies for both of his diagnoses. But each seizure has the potential to cause further brain damage.  In rare instances they can be fatal.   His orphanage has a doctor on staff that has provided medications that are controlling his seizures fairly well, which is very encouraging.  Unforunately, these same medications are also contributing to his developmental delays.  There are other meds and treatments that doctors in the US have access to that might help Zachary.  In the orphanage he also does not have access to the therapies that may one day promote walking, talking, and developing to his full potential.

But he is sunshine, that is what everyone says.  He doesn't walk or talk well, due to side effects from meds, orphanage delays, CP and epilepsy.  But we do know that he has a smile for everyone.  That his laugh is infectious.  That the doctors and therapists we have talked to who have personally visited him remember him immediately, because of his sweet personality.

So today we wear purple for our little boy in China who through no fault of his own has been forced to walk the road of this terrible condition.  But there is hope for him to live as normal a life as possible, and we are thankful to God for the opportunity to provide that to him.  To get him the best medical care he deserves, and to love him, encourage him and never, ever give up on him.  He can do all things through Christ who gives him strength...even carry the burden of epilepsy and cerebral palsy for the rest of his life.

If Zachary never walks, then we will be his feet and carry him wherever Jesus asks us to go.

If Zachary never talks, then we will be his words and share his story with everyone we know.

If Zachary never mentally matures to adulthood, then we will pray that his heart will be tender like a child to the Word of God.

And if for some reason Zachary defies all expectations and limits place on him, then we will give God all the glory.  Because we know that God is going to use Zachary and his story for His glory, He has a special plan and purpose for our little boy.