Some of you may know that on May 29th Joshua had an MRI. The reason for doing the MRI was because he has a genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis (NF1). This is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord and can cause benign tumors in those areas. So, we had an MRI done to check to see if any tumors were present. We are happy to say that there were not any tumors present and his MRI is normal for a child with NF1. Children with NF1 brains look a little different from a “normal” child’s brain, but there were no abnormalities. So we are thankful for that!

NF1 can be a scary disease. It is usually not that big of a deal and only a very small percentage of people with NF1 ever develop tumors. Still just the idea of it can make a parent nervous. NF1 is a complicated disorder. It has so many potential manifestations that I can’t even go into all of them. So far, for Joshua, we are seeing cafe o liet spots on his skin and some developmental delays. We are hopeful that this is all that will come about. God made Joshua and He alone knows His plan for Joshua. We have to trust that whatever may come out of this disorder that it is in God’s plan. We take things one day at a time and are very grateful for the support and prayers of friends and family.

Joshua’s disorder is what has led us to pursue adopting a little girl with special needs. Special needs are nothing to be afraid of. Joshua is the same as any other little boy his age, he just has some slight differences. Before we adopted Joshua I was scared of the idea of parenting a child with special needs, as I am sure all parents are. But what I have discovered is how much richer it makes life. I celebrate every milestone and every normal MRI! It’s a different perspective than you have when parenting “normal” children. I am not saying it is not challenging at times, it is. The fact the he is over 2 and still not really talking much at all is really frustrating for him and me. It leads to tantrums, for both of us. 🙂 But when he does learn something new, we rejoice all the more and we thank God for the opportunity to be his parents. God made Joshua special and even though his birth was not planned of man, it was planned by God. Us adopted kids are special and we have to stick together.

Thank you for all of you who have prayed for us as we went through this MRI with Joshua. We are thankful!