Range of emotions (and giveaway winner!)

First... it's time to announce the winner of my first-ever blog giveaway.

As you may remember, one week ago today I offered an opportunity to win a beautiful handwoven scarf or basket, made in Ethiopia, by women who used to do the back-breaking job of carrying fuel wood to earn a very small wage to support their families. These women are now paid a predictable, fair trade income for the products, which are marketed online and here in the U.S. by the amazing Connected in Hope Foundation. All profits are re-invested to support the women and their families.

So if you haven't already, head over to Connected in Hope's website to make a purchase (they make great gifts!) and help out these women and children. Oh, and a very cool fact I learned today - each of the products are signed by the woman who made them. When you receive your purchase, you can find her name on the website, and even leave a message of thanks for her! I just thought that was really neat.

So without further ado.... the winner is....

Deborah, from What A Team

Deborah, please email Ryane at ryane@connectedinhope.org to receive your prize

Thanks to all who entered!


*********

So the best way to describe my emotions since finding out about Luke's diagnosis: erratic.

I've been calm, then a ball of nerves, then joking about it, then suddenly full of anxiety.

One minute I'm scared that my son has a disease with an actual name, the next minute I'm laughing about how researchers believe Tiny Tim probably suffered from the same problem (um, he's fictional!).

One minute I'm thankful Luke doesn't have anything more serious, the next minute I'm worried he'll be among those who don't outgrow it.

The biggest thing for me is that I feel a little bit in the dark. I wasn't told all that much about it by his pediatrician (who I still need to call back and ask a list of questions). Thankfully, there are a couple websites that I have found that have good information (not random websites, but ones like the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, and the National Kidney Foundation), but I still would like to have a better handle on it. Like... does he need to see a specialist? Are there foods he shouldn't eat? What are the chances he won't outgrow it? Will we check his blood periodically to see if his levels are normal? What caused it?

I don't believe I've even said what it's called. It's Renal Tubular Acidosis. NOT the adult kind, which can be much scarier. So if you happen to google it, don't pay attention to that. The kind babies have slows growth and is normally outgrown. No kidney failure. I'm getting a nervous stomach just typing that.

Has anyone ever heard of it? Had a child diagnosed with it?

I don't expect anyone to be familiar with it. After all, my mom is a school nurse and says she's never once had a child in school with it. I hope that means that children outgrow it and it's not an issue once they are school age.

I just read an article about it and now I'm nervous again. I told you my emotions are erratic. Ugh. I need to talk to his doctor. And pray about it.

Jesus, I trust in you!