Our friends, Jan and Mark Lacher, received a new diagnosis for their youngest son recently: Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. It is a catastrophic epilepsy with no cure.
Here is a portion of their email, which I am using with Jan’s permission. Please read it – especially linger over the last paragraph – and marvel at God’s sustaining power in the midst of extraordinary pain:
This diagnosis was difficult to hear. Even though it is just a label, there is much sorrow in it. It is difficult to see Michael with his disabilities in ways that other people see him. I am much more aware of his disabilities when I am out of my home. I tend to respond to how others respond to Michael and have a heightened awareness of his weaknesses. That is one of the reasons leaving the home with him is so difficult. There has to be a great deal of courage to do so.
Typically, when I look at Michael, I really don’t see a person with disabilities. With great affection, I see “Michael–the Fox”–as a person. He can’t do what others can, but he does have a charm about him that is unique to him. He can be mischievous as many of you have witnessed when he unexpectedly knocks a cup or plate out of your hand; he experiences pure pleasure when eating chocolate pudding or an ice cream sandwich as exemplified by his “mmmm” with each bite; he displays his affection as he rests his head on my shoulder or taps his foot on my thigh; and he belly-laughs when Mark “wrestles” him on the mat. He seems to recognize my greeting every morning of “this is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” I am beginning to think that achievement is over-rated!
Every day for us continues to be a walk of faith in our Lord–one that looks to Him for what we need–for the strength, for the courage, for the hope, and for the grace to go forward, one step at a time, one day at a time, and frequently, one minute at a time. The unrelenting nature of Michael’s situation is daunting, but God promises to work this out for our good–to those of us who love Him and are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28) We know that God’s Word is always, always, always, true. He never will contradict Himself. It is not in His nature to do so. He can be trusted even though we do not understand all that He does. We rest in that promise.
We welcome any prayers said on our behalf.
Jan L
Please join me in praying for this dear family.
The Works of God 
Our daughter shares that diagnosis with Jan’s son so my heart resonates with hers in the grief but also in the comfort of the Holy Spirit. And when fear creeps in, we can all rest in the authority of Christ to be near, faithful and sufficient — always, always, always. I am holding Jan’s family in prayer.
Praying for the Lacher family…gotta love that Michael-the-fox!