Friday, March 25, 2011

Eyes in Training

Today was the day. We got up extra early (well, the littles did anyway!) and hit the road! A friend graciously agreed to watch the little ladies and Samuel and I had the day to ourselves. You may remember me mentioning Samuel's eye and we went to see a Pediatric specialist today.

Last night, I was busy getting everything ready. I had snacks for both the girls to take and for in the car, a movie for Samuel to watch, maps, directions, medical forms and history ~ everything I could think of to prepare.

But, how to prepare my heart ~ I sort of felt at a loss. Not sure where I'm going, not sure what to expect, not sure of the outcome. But, sure of God going before me, with me and being alongside of Samuel and I. Thankful for a day to be with just my little boy. Just to enjoy him. To have him all to myself.

We got to see the sun come up:

Samuel was sooooo good! What a trooper. We found out that he has Accommodative Esotropia and unlike the normally seen variety (farsighted) he is borderline nearsighted. So, he has a prescription for bifocals and eye drops. The drops will blur his good eye (dilate) so that he is forced to use his lazier eye.

It struck me during this process that someone like little Samuel needs his eyes trained so they can see well. It won't be a quick fix, but a process. And, so for me as I strive to see like my Savior!

I won't instantly be looking at the world around me (if ever!) the way He does. It is going to require constant and disciplined training. I guess we'll be learning together in our home! One to see physically and one to see spiritually!

12 comments:

Bonnie said...

He will look so cute in glasses!
I worked for an eye doctor for 7 years, so I thought I would mention a few things, if you haven't already ordered the glasses:
Go for polycarbonate lenses- they are impact resistant.

Plastic frames doesn't mean they are stronger. I found that plastic frames crack, where as metal can be bent back into shape.

If a warranty is offered go for it. Children no matter how careful, will be children!

Children generally hated straps to hold their glasses on.

If they have frames with a cable temple (the end of the leg is flexible and wraps around the ear), and you think he may be taking them off a lot, these will be a little more difficult to remove.

My best children with glasses story is a 4 year old little girl who after putting her first pair of glasses on, looked up at her mom and gasped "Mommy! You're beautiful!"
We passed the tissues around after that, it was so sweet.

He'll do fine, little people adjust to glasses better than you would think!

Bevy @ Treasured Up and Pondered said...

I'll be praying for you and hoping your bout with putting eye drops in your little guy's eye(s) will go better then what we just went through with our Caleb.

It was a rough 7 days for him and us. I'll spare you the story - unless you really want to know.

We'll also be praying for your little guy's healing.

Flannel Jammies Farm said...

So happy to hear a plan is in place for your little guy... and that the Lord so graciously provided a lesson and a journey for the both of you through this! Isn't His sweet patience and guidance a wonder?

Anonymous said...

My #3 has had bifocals since before she was 2yo! She has done well, so very thankful for pediatric specialist who SO know their job :-). Samuel will do wonderfully! They make cool frames now that bend outward as well as inward at the joint. Amazing! Lord bless you as you walk this walk with him and Him. tammyp

Ginger said...

How wonderful the advances in medicine are that can help him so young

asnipofgoodness said...

Such a sweet post Monica,I will pray the Lord will bless you both on your journey to SEE better.

Lisa @ Simply Things Family said...

Thanks for sharing this. We know little ones can be scared, but we adults can, too. Prayers for the little guy and his eyes. You are so smart to take care of this now.

Garilyn S said...

A favorite quote from an evangelist friend is "keep God in your eye."

Mom said...

Dear Monica, what an appropriate description and spiritual application of this journey with Samuel!

We are thankful for the doctor and her knowledge. We are thankful for your dear friend who watched the little ladies so you were free to focus on Samuel. We are thankful for your safe drive to/from the doctor's distant office. We are thankful that Samuel does not have to have surgery. And we are thankful for God's timing in all of this which was confirmed when the doctor told you that Samuel was just the right age to treat this condition!

Love you! Mom
1 Cor. 13:12

crzy4myfam said...

What a beautiful way to look at it! I so enjoy reading your blog and am so inspired!

~Blessings,
Rebecca

angie said...

We will pray for the strengthening of Samuel's eyes.
A trick you may or may not know:
Put the drops on the inside corner of the eyelid with Samuel's eyelids closed. When he opens his eyes, the drops will drop into his eyes effortlessly.

Carmen at Old House Homestead said...

My daughter had glasses with bifocals for the last five years. She's now ten and just a few months ago was able to get a non-bifocal scrip. Yay! It was a long haul, but worth every step. Blessings to you as you care for him.

Carmen
Old House Kitchen