Taking Steps for a Cure

Well, if you haven't known me for at least 12 years, you probably don't know that I spent most of my early 20's in the hospital. Five weeks into my freshman year of college, I was admitted into the hospital because of rapid weight loss, continual high fevers and digestive issues. Within hours of getting to the E.R., I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. I was in Pensacola, FL by myself with the exception of the employee from the college health office who came with me. My mom drove all night (because that's what moms do in these situations... :) and was there when I woke up sometime during the night.
Anyway, I came back home to Charleston and just a few weeks later was admitted to East Cooper Medical Center. After about a month of no improvement, we changed G.I. doctors, and I was transferred to the 10th floor of MUSC (or as I liked to think of it, The Ritz) where I spent the next 3 months...getting out on Christmas Eve. I met my sweet Charles in June and we began a roller coaster journey together. I managed to finish school at the College of Charleston, balancing feeling crummy and many more hospital stays with classes.
Well, to take you through the whole journey of where I am today would take more space than this blog would probably allow. I will just tell you that God and and His use of doctors brought me to a place where I can live in a way that no one would guess that I lived through such a season.
I am volunteering today at a Crohns and Colitis walk called Take Steps. It is to raise money for the research in the study of irritable bowel diseases. For so many years, people lived with these illnesses in silence. I am so excited that awareness is being raised for those who are still suffering and who will one day be diagnosed.

What a year...

I realize that so much has been happening in the Weeks home since the last time I wrote! On March 18, Charles was told that he was being "temporarily" laid off. The job that he was scheduled to run was delayed so there was not much work. Anyway, after 4 weeks (which is how long the layoff was to last), he was told it would be another 4 weeks. So...we began looking for other options! He interviewed and was offered an incredible job with Infrastructure Corporation of America. He started on April 27. He is over the electrical on 7 of the lowcountry bridges (Ravenel Bridge, both bridges on Mark Clark, 2 bridges in Beaufort, James Island & IOP Connnector). God is so good...He know just where we're supposed to be and He does what is necessary to get us there!
We are now in the last week of school for the kids! I have mixed feelings about this...I'm really looking forward to having them around more in the summer, sleeping late, going to the beach, etc but I also wonder how I'm going to get everything done without my free, quiet mornings!
Andrew is in full swing playing soccer for the city. He is becoming quite the athlete. Rebecca is still drawing, playing the piano and just getting bigger and more beautiful everyday!