I thought it was dirt. Seriously, they are SMALL. When I couldn't just sweep it out I realized it wasn't dirt. Grabbed it with my nails and tugged. Looked closely - A TICK! What! Ticks don't come that small in North Carolina! A second later I realized I was indeed holding a blood-sucking insect in my hand so I should probably get it away from my delicious blood. I stuck it in a plastic baggy and called my husband (trying not to panic). He was very calm and so I became calm too.
I was pretty proud of myself for staying so calm. Then, Sunday evening while we were dressing her for bed, I noticed a small spot on her back. Thinking it to be a scab from Jake biting her (yes, that has happened) I called her over, just to make sure. Looked closely again - ANOTHER TICK! You have to be kidding me!! This one was embedded and required tweezers - Chloe was NOT a fan. After I freaked her out and removed the tick, I placed that one in the same plastic bag. Now, I had taped the baggy to the inside of my cabinet door for fear that I would grab that seemingly empty bag and put something in it. So, I now had a collection of ticks inside my cabinet. That is a strange feeling. Also, I was less calm now.
Talked to hubby again. Now he is up for calling the Dr. So, Monday morning we head out for our family day, and I bring along our pet ticks - just in case. Called Doctor. He said to bring them in and they would send them to the lab for testing. Cool.
Sit in waiting room.
With ticks.
So strange.
Monday night, Chloe got a fever in the night and woke up hysterical. She dreamed that spiders were in her bed and she was terrified. It was a very sad experience. Kevin and I were both up with her for an hour trying to get her to calm down. She finally did. Back to bed. Agreed to call the doctor again tomorrow.
Tuesday we called doctor again. Bring her in.
Loaded up and took her in. After much consideration (and, I believe, prayer) Doctor recommended starting a 28 day cycle of Amoxicillin. We did not have the results back on the ticks so I wondered out loud if we could wait. No. Even one week would be too long. So, with great faith in God and respect for the doctor we began the treatment.
Thursday we got the call that one tick tested positive for the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease. I was a mess that day. I was fearful. I cried off and on until I got away to pray. I don't know much about Lyme Disease, but I know it can be devastating. I also know that we caught it very, very early and began treatment very, very early. She will likely be completely cured. It was still very hard news to take, even though I already knew in my heart it would come back positive.
That evening, Kevin came home just to allow me to pray. During that time, my dear friend, Julie Purswell, called me. She just prayed with me. She carried me before the Father and pleaded on my behalf. She prayed for Chloe. She prayed for Jake and Owen, too (they were sick with...well, let's just say they were sick and it was really gross!). She prayed over my soul - "Peace, be still." She asked God to bring peace to me.
And he did.
Peace that passes understanding.
So, today is day 21 of her treatment. She has not had antibiotics before this. She doesn't even take Tylenol. I wasn't sure what to expect. Praise God, her body seems to be handling it very well.
I can share that with a bit of humor now, but it was difficult at first. I was taught that I cannot protect my children completely. They are God's. HE looks after them and HE is able to protect them. He is interested in our good - not our comfort - our good: making us more like Christ. So, I am learning to trust him with Chloe (and Jake and Owen) and her physical well-being. I also learned that I have nothing to fear. Romans 8:28 is true: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who have been called according to his purpose.
Won't you please pray with me for Chloe? We are asking that this medicine will work and that she will be completely healed. Will you also pray for her Doctor? Dr. Niu. He is incredible. He is wise and caring and I trust him. He is caring for many children with many ailments and much worse than this. Pray that he will have much wisdom in his job as he cares for Chloe (and the other children in his practice).
I am full of faith, due in no small part to this woman and her breathtaking faith. Why should I tremble in light of all He has done?
Well, I don't know when I'll be able to post again. But I thought I would take at least a moment to tell you about Chloe.
Thank you for praying with us!
