Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was a little different this year. We travel about three hours to go see Bob's folks and after about an hour into the trip I decided it just wasn't going to work for Payton this year. For some reason for about six months or so Payton has been terrified of getting lost if we leave Lamar. It seems strange to me that even though she's with Bob and I (and we've never been lost before) that she doesn't trust we will get her there and know how to get back home. She was terrified - had cried and screamed for an hour and was just shaking. She and Koen were sitting in the back seat in their car seats and Koen had reached his hand across that back seat and held her hand for probably around 15 minutes. It's so amazing how he tries to take care of her.

Who knows if Bob and I did the right thing by turning around and meeting my mom to take her back home, but neither of us could stand seeing her terrified for two more hours of driving. My mom said after she got in the truck with her, Payton had her hold her hand all the way back home. It was dark and when the billboard signs would come up on the side of the road Payton would get scared and jump. Then, when they reached Lamar, Payton said "ahhh, Lamar.....did you hear that?" My mom told her she didn't hear anything and Payton said "they all said hi to me." Just from that short conversation Payton had with my mom it's very apparent to me that Payton was relieved to be back in her familiar surroundings, which makes me feel better about the whole situation. I have a call in to her developmental pediatrician to see if there's something he can give her for traveling. Christmas is coming up and ofcourse we don't want her to miss that trip! And, we were really hoping to take the kids to Disneyworld over Payton's spring break this year. However, this may have changed our minds ;) Although, Thanksgiving simply was not the same without her, there are so many things I'm thankful for:

I'm so incredibly thankful we can go to God in prayer for strength and peace that only He can give us and more than anything, I'm thankful for His grace and mercy that I do not deserve.

I'm thankful my children were healthy over Thanksgiving. The WS family has been hit so hard lately with the loss of two beautiful children and several hospitalized. They were all in my thoughts this past weekend.

I'm thankful my parents were willing to watch Payton while we made the trip to see Bob's family. My mom had a big meal to prepare for Friday and it meant a lot to us that she and my dad were willing without hesitation to keep Payton.

I'm thankful for my husband who, no matter what the situation, encourages and supports me.

I'm thankful Koen is so loving to his sister. He really does care about her and may even be more patient with her than Bob and I! :)

And last but not least, I'm thankful for modern medicine. It's amazing how much better Payton feels (and looks!) when her blood pressure is under control. She just glows and has the best belly laughs when she feels good!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and have a very Merry Christmas!