My Sister

I just want to share something going on in our family right now and talk about my little sister for a minute.  Ali is 2 years younger than me, and was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease in her early 20s.  Most people probably don't know what this is, but it is an autoimmune disease that affects your digestive system.  Basically, your intestines get very swollen and it causes lots of pain, among other issues.  She has been dealing with this for years, and about 6 years ago it got so bad that she had to have a colon resection.  They removed the diseased part of her colon because there wasn't much else they could do at that point.  She has been doing relatively well for the past several years, but things are starting to get worse again.  I can only imagine how difficult it is to take care of two tiny children, while feeling the way she does, day in and day out.  She was recently started on a new med where she has to give herself a shot 2 times per month, but this is not seeming to help.  She is scheduled for a scope in 2 weeks to really see what is going on.  Based off of what that says, she may have to switch to a new med that involves going to the hospital once a month for an infusion, or it may be apparent that she needs another surgery.

Right now we are just praying for answers, and that her doctor can make the best decision possible for her and that we can get her feeling better.  Her doctor is one of the top ones in Dallas, so we know she is in great hands. This is a lifelong process that Ali will always be dealing with.  That is so daunting for me to think about, and I am not even the one experiencing the pain.  God is the ultimate healer and nothing is impossible with Him.  Right now I am asking for prayers for complete healing for Ali, and for her to have energy to be the best mom she can be.  Any and all prayers are more than appreciated and I know God hears us, especially when we come together.  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them -Matthew 18:20  

It would be really easy for Ali to be full of self pity and kind of shut down, but this is not the case.  Ali really has a great attitude about everything and is such an amazing mom.  She really puts on a brave face, and most people don't even know the struggles she has had to face.  She is definitely an inspiration, and through her faith she is proof that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. -Philippians 4:13.