Pins and Noodles

To my son Tommy,

     "Mommy, you got pins and noodles?  Daddy rub mommy's feet?"  Those are the most recent questions of yours that made me smile.  They are also another example of how you "get it" and understand things going on around you even if not fully.  You are so thoughtful and considerate of others feelings and pains and problems at such an early age.

    Your mom is having some issues with her medications and health lately.  Your mom has Crohn's Disease which is a nasty autoimmune disease that attacks the bowels.  From your point of view, Mommy goes potty often, has cramps, and sometimes (with the recent meds) has "pins and noodles".  Your mother and I pray and pray that you do not have or get Crohn's.

    Actually we pray you don't get most of the things you can get with your genes from both sides of the family.  Crohn's, MS, diabetes, heart problems, cancers, obesity, lets just say you got a plethora of medical issues staring you in the face like a sawed-off shotgun.  We want better for you! That starts with us teaching you how to take care of yourself (eating, exercising, etc) but only continues if you decide to continue to take care of yourself.  Of course somethings, like Crohn's, just happen no matter how bad or good you take care of yourself.  It reminds me of the age old prayer...

God, grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
the courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference.

   As for your Mommy right now, well she is really being diligent with her health.  Hopefully we will figure out what medicine or what bodily function is causing all her new problems that are in addition to Crohn's like the low potassium and high blood pressure and such.  Unfortunately until she gets her medical degree (perhaps after she finishes the nursing  program she was just accepted into) she has to keep relying on doctors for answers.  I pray everyday for her.   So do you.  Every night after our normal prayers we spend time to "God Bless" those who we love and care for.  I let you choose and Mommy usually makes the list.  So we will continue to keep her in our prayers and tonight pray for no more Pins and Noodles.

Sincerely with love from your dad,

Leo