Anissa’s Story # 2 – God Shows Up With Grace As Joy Comes In The Morning.

joy in the am

After a long night of contemplating the what ifs and the whys of our situation, we met with Anissa’s doctor the next day. It was a breath of fresh air and an amazing relief to hear the doctor say :

“It took a hand higher than ours” he admitted. “Your daughter’s kidneys are functioning and her fever is gone. We tried everything we knew to get her kidneys to function. Nothing worked. You can thank the good Lord that you still have a daughter.” Even the nurses were excited over the good news that Anissa had wet in the middle of the night, the first time in several days. Her eyes were open and even her fingernails had returned to a normal color. Everyone acknowledged that Anissa’s improvement was miraculous, there was no other explanation.

We firmly believed that this miracle was the result of the prayers of many. I knew also that my prayer to God in the middle of the night had been answered. I knew in my heart that God had another plan for Anissa’s life which was not to include a lifetime of institutions, but a special agenda that the Lord had for her. On that same day February 27th, 1968 Anissa was baptized in a small out-of-the-way hospital room. What a different outcome for this day than it could have been had God not shown His grace!

We still realized that as the doctor said, Anissa would suffer from the rare form of petit- mal epilepsy called myoclonic seizures. At the time many people suggested we file suit against the doctor but we decided that it was not his fault that Anissa had such a reaction to the drug Phenergan. However, it was found by the FDA a short time later that this drug should never be given to a child under two years old due to the immaturity of the brain.

Next up the doctor recommended to us that we admit Anissa in a research study on this type of epilepsy that was underway. A noted neurologist from New Zealand, Dr. Fritz Dreifuss was at the University of Virginia hospital leading the study. It gave a us a ray of hope we so needed. The next day we drove to the hospital and entered Anissa in the research program.

At that time we owned a motel and had plenty of work to keep us busy, which was probably a good thing because of the long week that Anissa was gone. We were also glad it was not the busy tourist season since the waiting time was unpredictable concerning hospital visits.

We continued on to search out anything we could about myoclonic seizures and even met some parents of a boy who had the same type of epilepsy, in his case requiring institutionalization .

Our trips to see Anissa were not very hopeful. Since various drugs had been tried, along with injections of the hormone ACTH, with no positive results, Dr. Dreifuss gave us a dismal prognosis. As a preventitive treatment against other types of seizures, Gemonil ( metharbital) was prescribed.

As a matter of fact, he suggested we put Anissa in an institution and go on with our lives.

Clinging to my faith that God had a special plan for Anissa’s life since the miracle of her kidneys, I believed the only chance for her survival would be in our home. Dr Dreifuss questioned whether I could handle the continuous 24/7 care necessary for a brain- damaged, hyperactive child. I thought of the many stressful events experienced while balancing family and business. I quickly stated that if I was able to keep my sanity during the 14 years of operating a motel and restaurant, than I could surely handle Anissa.

The doctor then indicated that if we planned on keeping our child at home, it would be best to live where she could be outdoors most of the time. Little did we realize the trials and frustrations that were ahead !But in our times of weakness, our fervent prayers to God enabled us to receive the necessary strength to carry on, experiencing a taste of His excellent grace.

To contact Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To visit the website go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story # 3 – Weary – But Trusting In His Grace.

praying stick

Following Anissa’s release from the university hospital, seizures became more frequent regardless of various drugs added, including Valium (diazepam). She was then put on a Ketogenic (High Fat) diet. After five weeks without a spell, she suddenly had a violent reaction. While drinking the heavy cream mixture, it expulsed with great force from Anissa’s mouth. It reminded us of seeing water spouting from a whale.

Seizures returned and since her health was deteriorating, the dietetic therapy was discontinued. Allergies, along with sinus infections, seemed a constant battle. We were pushed into many avenues of healing that would never have been considered if it hadn’t been for our desperation to keep Anissa from being institutionalized.

When she was 3 1/2 years old, our nerves were beginning to frazzle. So one day we made a spur-of-the-moment decision to close the motel for a few days and head for Florida. While the business had been a priority in the past, now Anissa’s health and our sanity was what really mattered. An elderly couple who were frequent guests at our motel had invited us for a visit where they lived in Ormond Beach during the winter months.

The time in Florida was wonderful! Our son loved the ocean and Anissa was much better. Remembering what the neurologist had said about her being better off where she could be outdoors, we decided to move. Within two months’ time, we sold our motel-restaurant. We purchased a home one block from the ocean in Ormond Beach and moved in July, 1971.

WalkingB&V Beach for email

Being outside in the ocean air improved Anissa’s physical health but the seizures continued. Even so, she attended the Rainbow School for the Retarded in September. However, she had a difficult time adjusting. The sound of my little girl crying and screaming made it difficult to leave but because of the opinion of experts saying that she would adjust and needed the school, I persevered. Later, when the school psychologist met with me, she explained that Anissa was unable to adapt and would do best on a one-to-one basis. One day when a volunteer Catholic nun was present, Anissa was drawn to her in a positive way, just wanting to sit on her lap.

As seizures worsened, the school would call for me to come get my daughter. One teacher suggested that we take Anissa to a medical doctor who specialized in diets, using the process of eliminating certain foods to detect an allergy or toxic reaction. At first, while on vegetable juices, Anissa improved drastically but after the third day she began acting like a starved animal, grabbing other children’s food at school and eating things not meant for human consumption.

Realizing Anissa would not be able to continue in school the way she was, the teacher then recommended a chiropractor who might be of help. That was an unfamiliar avenue of healing so we gave it prayerful consideration. Around Thanksgiving time, Anissa began having more grand-mal seizures. We decided to try chiropractic therapy and immediately there was a noticeable improvement in her speech, with less hyperactivity and seizures. Once again we were hopeful. However, westerly winds hit our area, causing a high pollen count of ragweed and other air pollution. These winds lasted for several weeks and instead of progressing, Anissa grew steadily worse.

anissa2

By Christmas she was unable to talk, comprehend or even recognize us. She lost control of her bladder and bowels and was having 15 -20 grand-mal and over 200 lightning seizures daily. She wanted only to be held and to lay her head down. She was confused and walked into objects as though blind. By January, 1972, she was unable to walk or talk.

Many times I cried aloud to the Lord, “Heal this child and I’ll do anything You want!” Fear now had a grip on me. The more I read on nutrition, vitamin and herbal therapy, I worried that I might be upsetting Anissa’s metabolism rather than stabilizing it, as I attempted to bring her seizures under control. After hearing about other epileptics being healed while undergoing therapy at the Spears Chiropractic Hospital in Denver, Colorado, I began to hope that such daily therapy would provide answers for our child. Also, my husband could not stand to see me so exhausted and said that if things didn’t change, Anissa would have to be institutionalized. Remembering my earlier prayer regarding such, I felt Spears was my only ray of hope left.

grace 2

Once again we expected to experience our Lord’s excellent grace.

To contact Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To visit the ministry website go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post #10 – Waiting For God…

gods timing

As a result of the healing Anissa received in October-November, 1975, she was able to learn and do more things for herself. It then gave me some free time to concentrate upon God’s call to build a healing center. During that time, there was no internet to access, so we had to seek other means of obtaining information.

There just happened to be a woman visiting our church who was credited for establishing Prayer Rooms in USA state capitol buildings. She began attending the prayer group meetings in our home, giving us wise counsel in laying a solid foundation that would carry forth the vision of a healing center.

Several members of our prayer team gathered with her for a day of prayer and fasting to first seek a name for the ministry. The Holy Spirit led us to the Scripture, “In the beginning was the Word [Logos], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. In Him was Life, and the Life was the Light of men.”

John 1:1, 4

The Bible I used translated the Word as Logos. The revelation we received was that the written Word, Logos, would give life and light for the building of a solid foundation – thus – LOGOS LIFE AND LIGHT FOUNDATION. Four years later, the ministry was legally incorporated as a not-for-profit organization.

Little did we realize it would be 25 years before the healing center would become a reality. Once again we are reminded of how God’s timing differs from our concept of time. Just like the Biblical story in Genesis when God promised Abraham that he would have a son. We learned from that example how important it is to wait upon the guidance of the Holy Spirit and not take matters into our own hands and end up with an Ishmael rather than an Isaac!

Over that long period of waiting, many of our faithful prayer group members had to watch from the balconies of heaven the completion of the healing center. I feel certain they, along with a host of heavenly angels, were all singing high praises when the center was dedicated on February 27, 2000, to the glory of God and established by

His Excellent Grace.

welcome wellspirng

To reach Anissa’s mother, email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

For a virtual tour of the Center, go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story Post #12- “Extreme Circumstances – Tests Of Faith”

Having Anissa free of seizures for an entire year enabled her such freedom to run, play and learn. So, when seizures returned, due to the flu she contracted while at school, our faith was sorely tried. The unpredictable effects of the seizures required someone to be with her at all times, whether awake or asleep. It was during this time that several new drugs for epilepsy were approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), bringing new areas for us to explore.

After the second dose of the drug, Clonopin (clonazepam), Anissa went wild, kicking, screaming and thrashing her arms to strike anything that moved. It was necessary for us to physically restrain her until such actions subsided.

When a drug alleviated one type of seizure, other types would manifest. Behavior problems, fearfulness and confusion resulted. Another example came when Mysoline (primidone) was given to her on a trial basis. One day, I heard Anissa’s terrified voice coming from the bathroom. Rushing in, I found her standing on top of the toilet seat looking around in a bizarre state of confusion.

Whether from the drugs or the seizures, only God knows for sure, but it became increasingly difficult to cope with Anissa’s behavior. She became self-destructive, pulling out her hair, picking out her toenails, etc., and in sudden bursts of rebellion and anger destroyed anything in her sight. The perverse behavior became so magnified that, in comparison, the seizures now seemed minor.

Whenever Anissa accompanied me to a store, I found myself thinking that it would be easier if her physical features pointed out to others that she was mentally handicapped. By the “dirty looks” I sometimes got, I realized that to a casual observer she must have appeared to be just a “spoiled brat.” The words that Anissa’s neurologist spoke years earlier kept coming to my mind, that she would require very strict discipline — to the point that others not understanding the situation would consider the discipline abusive.

faith stronger than fear

My faith was challenged over and over again. I had to overcome the fear of taking Anissa out in public and also stop worrying about what other people might think. I learned from experience that when I allowed fear to overpower me, it didn’t take long for Anissa to win the battle! Therefore, I made up my mind that even if she needed physical restraint to the point of my actually holding her down on the floor while in a store to keep her from destructive behavior, then I would do so. The test came while grocery shopping! I laid her on the floor, hovered over her, fervently praying in quietness, as I attempted to shut out the glare of the people. From that day on, when out in public, she listened without requiring such severe restraints.

“And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Have faith in God.’ For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will come to pass, he will have whatever he says. Therefore I say unto you, whatever things you ask when ye pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.”

Mark 11:22-24 NKJV

The Lord had given me the courage I needed to face the giant of fear, reminding me of the Biblical account when David faced Goliath – he believed God for the victory. During the past ten years of Anissa’s life, I had witnessed over and over again His Excellent Grace, thus enabling me also to believe for a victory!

To contact Anissa’s mother email blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the retreat center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post #23 – The Power Of A Praying Doctor…

Again and again, it appears to be an unending venture in seeking a cure for my daughter. Through the search, it is my hope that others who suffer with uncontrollable seizure activity, or are diagnosed with Lennox Gastaut Syndrome, such as Anissa, will receive helpful information.

“But in our trouble God has comforted us—and this, too, to help you: to show you from our personal experience how God will tenderly comfort you when you undergo these same sufferings. He will give you the strength to endure.”

2 Corinthians 1:7 TLB

Upon our arrival in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the City of Faith Medical Center, we thought it best to transport Anissa to and from scheduled appointments in a wheelchair because of seizures being so unpredictable. She enjoyed the rides and was especially happy to be outdoors in the beautiful weather. Sometimes God answers prayers in areas we least expect, but need the most. While many were suffering from severe allergies due to an abnormally high pollen count that season in Tulsa, Anissa showed no sensitivity to the outdoor air.

The faith-filled atmosphere that encompassed the City of Faith complex was so peaceful. We were especially impressed with our first appointment when the neurologist, Dr. Liphard D’Souza, asked Pastor Joel Vesaner to come into his office and pray for Anissa. Surrounding her, we all reverently joined hands in prayer.

IMG_1127[3389]Anissa & Doctors -Tulsa

The honest concern that Dr. D’Souza had toward Anissa and our situation showed his heart of compassion. For several months, her digestive tract had been upset and was making grinding noises. He recommended an enzyme tablet with everything in it. I realized, then, this doctor knew the benefits of good nutrition. After two days of enzyme therapy, the noises subsided. It was then we learned the medical name given for Anissa’s condition is Lennox Gastaut Syndrome.

After getting the results of Anissa’s blood tests, there were several drugs that Dr. D’Souza wanted to try. He handed me his 1986 Physician’s Desk Reference Manual so I could read the description of Depakote (divalproex sodium), the drug he was considering. Since that drug is equivalent to the Sodium Valporate given to Anissa in the past, we hesitated in our decision to give Depakote a try. But after learning the tablets were enteric-coated with less chance for gastrointestinal upsets, we gave our approval.

While it controlled the absence seizures, after Anissa ate any mildly spiced foods, she would vomit, so her diet was very limited. It took high dosages of a combination of the drugs, Depakote, Valium, Tegretol and Tranzene to keep her seizure-free for three months. After that time, however, reactions set in: multi-seizures returned and in addition, her hair began to fall out, sores appeared in her mouth and blood in her stools.

Upon hearing this, Dr. D’Souza was very disheartened and said, “I’ll keep praying for her and we’ll come up with something!” True to his word, he has phoned me throughout the years to check on Anissa and discuss various drugs that may be helpful. Several years ago, while on a business trip to Florida, he and his wife came to our home – not as a visiting doctor but as good friends. The following quote by Nobel Prize winner, Francois Mauriac, describes our time in Tulsa:

“No love, no friendship can cross the path of our destiny without leaving some mark on it forever.”

When taking Anissa outdoors, Dr. D’Souza prescribed a wheelchair for her protection against injury. We followed his advice and for several years were able to enjoy the sunshine blessings of living in Florida. I have learned that when God places someone special in our lives, then no one can separate what has been joined together by His Excellent Grace.

To contact Anissa’s mother email her at blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to http://www.wellspringhealingretreat.org

Anissa’s Story – Post #41 – Life Is Not Free Of Storms. Trusting God Through It All…

storms

While Anissa’s brother was visiting us in July, 2010, it finally happened that he was present to video tape one of her most dangerous type of seizures. Upon showing the video to her medical doctor, he commented: “If she was in a nursing home type facility, within one week she would wind up in the hospital.” Simply because they would not have the necessary means to care for her one-on-one unless she was bedridden. Also, Anissa’s communication skills are seldom verbal unless she yells and then the caregiver must decipher what her actions mean. The danger is greatest while walking or even in a wheelchair, due to her legs, arms and torso thrusting hard in opposite directions.

Another new drug, Vimpat (lacosamide), was prescribed. The first week of that medication seemed to make Anissa more alert. But after several weeks, tremors caused her head to shake so violently that food would fling out of her mouth and the seizures became more intense, so the drug was stopped immediately.

It was in 2011 that Anissa’s beloved neurologist for over thirteen years was no longer able to see her. So, to prevent the long trips to Melbourne, a neurologist in our locality seemed a wise choice; whereas, his first order was to have an EEG done.

To obtain an accurate brain wave test required that she receive no extra medication that would put her to sleep. Because of the constant head tremors, the technician had a very difficult time getting the wires glued to Anissa’s head and wanted to forego the test, which I totally understood the negative response.

It was then I mentioned how prayer can change things. I invited the technician to join with me in prayer, but she let me know very quickly, saying, “I do not believe in that stuff!” Knowing the importance of the EEG, I believed God for a miracle, so I asked if she would please proceed with the test while I would quietly sing to Anissa — she reluctantly agreed. As I was praying and softly singing in Anissa’s ear, a very deep sleep came upon her, amazing the technician, as well as myself!

“And Jesus looking at them said, ‘With men it is impossible, but not with God; for with God all things are possible.’” Mark 10:27 NKJV

The completed report read as follows: This is a diffusely slow abnormal tracing. There are multiple spike discharges seen throughout the tracing. This seemed to be fairly symmetrical. These occurred on every page of the tracing, spike and spike slow wave activity, which had the frequency of about two per second. Three minutes of hyperventilation was not performed. IMPRESSION: Severely abnormal EEG, consistent with a generalized seizure disorder. The neurologist’s interpretation: “The report shows that seizures in her brain never stop and unless medical research discovers a new medication, there is no answer!”

Several months prior to the EEG, due to the hard clenching of her jaws during violent seizures, Anissa had to have three more teeth extracted. With only front teeth remaining, that meant she must have puree or soft foods at mealtime.

As the challenges became greater, so did God’s Grace! He gave me the courage to drive to North Carolina for my granddaughter’s wedding. It was a four-day round trip and since restaurants were not an option, I had to pack enough of Anissa’s special foods to last. Also, it required taking her bath lift plus other essentials that filled up every space in the car. The good Lord made the way for a very special friend of mine who lived in that area, along with her Pastor, to stay with Anissa while I attended the wedding and a short time at the reception.

It was wonderful to see the many relatives and later that evening to visit with family at my son’s home. Except there be a change for the better concerning my daughter, it’s not a trip that I desire to repeat! The perfect weather and Anissa’s love to travel eased the stress considerably, for which I give thanks and can only attribute the blessings to His Excellent Grace!

To contact Anissa’s mother email her at blawyerlogos@bellsouth.net

To take a virtual tour of the healing center go to http://www.wellspringhealing retreat.org.