On 6/8/2021 after three different ER visits our son Asher was finally admitted into the hospital. After numerous tests were run we received the devastating news that our 13 yr old son had Multiple Sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the central nervous system. Because the severity of his condition was considered critical, Asher, received treatment in the hospital for 12 days. In the beginning he lost his ability to speak, swallow food or water, his whole left side was numb, and he had lost mobility due to his nervous system being attacked. To not hear our son be able to say "I love you " was so terrifying and heartbreaking to our very core.

After heavy doses of steroids and five plasma exchange treatments we finally started to see improvements.

 

After being discharged from the hospital Asher started outpatient physical and occupational therapy so he could improve his speech, mobility in his legs, and hands. I'm happy to report he is doing so much better!! He still has a slight loss of sensation on the left side of his body.

 

As a parent more than anything you don't want this for your child, to see them suffer is beyond anything imaginable that I can express from an emotional, physical, and spiritual level. It's beyond what a parent can bear, but by God's grace he has sustained us all through our sorrow, pain, fears, and has replaced it with peace, complete dependence, and a better understanding of the Lord's sovereignty. HIS mercies are truly new every morning!!

 

 

Unfortunately this is considered a lifelong disease diagnoses, (although we know with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE). Asher has a long journey ahead of him and although he is young, he has done well adjusting to the lifestyle changes and we are thankful he is understanding how important these changes are to him now and for the future. We thank God everyday that Asher has complete dependence on the Lord whom he finds his hope and peace in the midst of these trials and afflictions.

 

As we were in the hospital, I meditated on these verses and still do:

 

"But they who seek the LORD will not lack any good thing."

 

"Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken."

 

"Oh taste and see that the Lord is good and that he loves my son and HE withholds no good thing." Those were comforting words for me. They still are.

 

 

While Asher was lying in the hospital bed, I would pray many nights over my son as he grieved with pain, sorrow, and confused why he was there, "Oh Lord please sustain him, comfort him, and give him peace that surpasses all understanding." The Lord was gracious to answer those prayers, the Lord HAD to do this and I trusted HE would as my heart and soul felt like it was being ripped apart.

 

I sought the Lord and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. The Lord heard our cries those many nights.

 

Our son has come a long way in such a short period of time in every aspect of this terrible disease and we give Christ our Lord all the glory.

 

Our lives have not only been impacted emotionally and physically by this disease Asher has, but has impacted us financially due to all the hospital bills, frequent doctors visits, dietary changes for Ashers health, unpaid time off from work to take Asher to and from doctors/therapy visits, and his home schooling needs.

 

Thank you to all who have prayed and who have outpoured so much love and support for our family. We love you all. Asher loves you all.

 

Please prayerfully consider the amount you donate and please remember no amount is ever too small. Please also consider sharing this post.

 

InHisLove,

Kim