Smith Update

Hello. Just a quick family update. There is no word yet on Rachael and what caused the seizures. We hope to hear more next week as she goes to her doctor. No new episodes though and thats good. Ben had his Dynavox testing at UofM today and that went great. He charmed and impressed the ladies that tested him with his sweetness and technical savy. Trully a chip off the old block. Nate is in charge of this Sundays music at VOH and Rachael will be playing also, maybe on the electric guitar. My brother Craig will be on the drums and I am a roadie this week so it is the Smith Family Singers. Cheryl is doing well. Church wise this is a busy time of the year. My job is steady, next week looks lite, but that's next week. I can't wait until turkey season cause I know how much you all love my cool stories of haunted forests and giant birds. Until then...play nice, Randy.

The Guatemala Song - by Rachael

When Rachael got back from Guatemala she spent some time alone and wrote this song. Enjoy!

The Guatemala Song

We went on a plane to a different place
And found God’s mercy and embrace
The people we meet and came to find
Showed us God’s love of a different kind

(Chorus)
Act justly, love mercy
Walk humbly with our God
Act justly, love mercy
Walk humbly with our God

We drove through the town in our big white vans
The chicken bus drivers didn’t have a chance
Behind the wheels were Don, Scott & Dave
The craziest drivers since Nascar was created

(Chorus)

We built some houses, made some walls
God impacted more than we ever thought
The trip got better each and every day
Everyone agrees and would say

(Chorus)

Rachael's Health

Dear Friends and Family,

We totally had a scare this week Tuesday and covet your prayers for Rachael.

Tuesday morning I had just put Ben on the bus and was at the computer working on an email for his teacher. Rach was at the table eating. She got up and was rinsing her bowl and cup (such a good girl) when I heard a big boom. I turned and my first thought was "Where did Rachael go?" I stood up and realized that she was totally on the floor. She looked like someone should have been trying to catch her. I don't think she tried to catch herself at all. I ran over. Her eyes were fixed and dilated in a strange stare. I took her upper body and tried to cradle her when she started to shake. My heart lept out of my chest. After about 10-15 seconds she stopped and then started to come around. She was scared and cried a little. Nate was still here and tried to help me with her.

We had to wait for awhile for the doctors office to open and they sent us to the ER. We were there for the whole day. The cat scan came back clear. The doctor said, "she has a beautiful brain" no tumors, lesions, clots, etc. That was very good news. Her blood work came back good with no concerns. The doctor ordered an EKG which came back with a 'suspicious result'. When we finally left the hospital we had to go to the West MI Heart Center to have Rach fitted for a heart halter monitor. She needs to wear it for 30 days when she is awake, sleeping, etc.

We believe she had her first seizure on Feb 13. The one Tuesday was her second. Then last night (3/5) she had another episode. For now she is restricted from driving and we are making sure that friends or family are always around.

Next steps - March 17 they have scheduled her for an EEG at Spectrum and then we see from the results for what is next.

Most of you know that I have a seizure disorder as well as some other health concerns. I have always been okay with it being me and being thankful the kids were healthy. This has become a scary time. We are tring very hard to trust God and leave her in his hands - but this is not what I want for her.

Please keep Rachael in your prayers through out the days and nights, for her safety, that the doctors are able to figure out what is going on and that God would completely heal her.