We have good news to share. Chip received his official orders, and we are moving to Okinawa, Japan June 2010 for a 3 year tour. We are so excited and ready for this new adventure. The children are torn about moving. They really like it here in Virginia, but they are excited for the chance to live abroad. I've promised them lots of traveling and sightseeing - something I want for all of us.
There is some other news that I'd like to share. We received the results from Tate's MRI and there was a mild abnormality found. She has been diagnosed with cortical dysplasia. The good news, Tate's dysplasia is very mild and she has not had any more seizures. With the one seizure and the diagnosis, the doctor says that she has a 50% chance of having future seizures. If in fact she has more seizures, then she will be prescribed medication to prohibit the seizures. So, we are waiting basically.
A medical definition found online...
Cortical dysplasia (CD) is a congenital abnormality where the neurons in an area of the brain failed to migrate in the proper formation in utero. It is commonly found near the cerebral cortex and is associated with seizures and may be associated with some level of developmental delay(s). Focal cortical dysplasia is a common cause of intractable pediatric epilepsy in children and is a frequent cause of epilepsy in adults. Cortical dysplasia can occur in small, discrete parts of the cortex or can involve large areas of the brain.
We have a follow-up appointment with Tate's pediatric neurologist on January 25th. We'll learn more then and have the opportunity to ask more questions.
With the diagnosis in place, we'll go through medical screening to ensure that Okinawa will have the facilities and doctors needed to treat Tate. With that being said, there is a small chance that we (the children and I) will remain behind and Chip will deploy forward for a year.
That brings me to Word of the Year. For the last few years on her blog, Ali Edwards has prompted her followers to choose One Little Word to focus on throughout the course of the year. Well, this is my first year to choose a word. Something about this idea of focusing on one word to guide me through the year sounds attractive.
There is a lot of unknown hanging out there in front of us as a family, and I have to tell you the honest truth... I'm really scared. I'm scared that Tate will have more seizures. I'm scared of what that means for her future. I'm scared to move to a foreign land and not know if she'll receive the best care. I'm scared to move to a foreign country. Period. I've never left the United States.
Over the last few nights, I've thought about our future and my word. Nothing. Nothing really grabbed me and expressed what I was feeling. Then, it came to me. Courage. So many times I find myself giving up in my career before even trying because I'm scared. I'm scared I might fail. I'm scared I might make a fool of myself. I'm scared of the expense. I'm scared, I'm scared, I'm scared. Well, not this year. This year, I'm looking forward with courage. I will try new things. I will not be fearful of failure. I have a new approach on life and the year to come. Whatever comes our way, we will embrace it, move through it and hopefully enjoy it.
Now I'm not a negative person so please don't get the wrong impression, especially if you are new to my blog. I see a lot of potential and joy in our future. I am very excited to travel outside of the United States. I'm anxious to see Japan. I think the next 3 years will be full of adventure and opportunity for our entire family to learn and immerse ourselves into another culture and society. This will be such a great experience for the children.
In addition, we have heard great things about Okinawa, Japan. We have friends who currently reside there and friends who have returned from Okinawa with great reviews. They say it is much fun and great for the family. Yay! That is wonderful news.
One more thing... Ali highlighted Christine Kane's blog who also celebrates the beginning of each new year with a chosen word. I love her tag line on her blog... Be Creative. Be Conscious. Be Courageous. Lovely! And Christine has a free downloadable discovery tool to help you choose your Word of the Year.
God Bless!
Wow Candace--how exciting and scary at the same time! We will keep you in our prayers and continue to follow you through your blog. I hope to see you sometime soon!
Posted by: Jennifer Priest | January 08, 2010 at 11:46 PM