The fourth child of Frank and Janet, Avery Micah Lynne Friedmann entered the world on December 17, 1997, with the odds stacked against her. She was diagnosed with a condition called arthrogryposis, which came with numerous complications. According to Frank,

"Avery's first few months of life resembled a rollercoaster--up and down and out of control!"

This little fighter persevered, and though there have been bumps in the road, today she is a thriving nine-year-old fourth grader, who recently took her first bike ride.

May 2008

After 10 years of believing that Avery has "Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenital Distal Type II E," a recent biopsy suggests that she does not have that disease, but has a "muscle myopathy of unknown classification." Put simply, that means we don't know what she has.

We are going to Texas Children's to see a specialist to help determine what she might have and what course of treatment to pursue. Her present doctors have cancelled her surgeries, pending further diagnosis.

In anticipation of this, we had a permanent IV access port put in. The disease has caused her to have very small veins, and it often takes over an hour to find a vein. We do not want her to be a pin cushion, and since there could be an emergency sometime when IV access would be needed quickly, this is a good decision. The normal 30-minute procedure took over three hours, as she does not do anything by the book. Further, she aspirated into the mask during surgery, requiring hospitalization to guard against pneumonia, which as you know she is prone to.

Her hand surgery, which was done in February of this year seems to have been a big success. She lost some mobility and is having to adapt in new ways, but her hand is very straight and she is asking when we can fix her other hand. She is such an amazing child. The other day I was taking her to school, and she was singing in the background. When I asked her what she was doing, she told me, "I am just happy all the time." What an outlook on life this child has...I wish I had the same child-like spirit.

February 2008

What has been on the horizon is now here. We were preparing last night to go to Dallas for Avery's surgery on February 22. She finally broke down and cried. She told me that she wants her hands fixed, but doesn't want to go through another surgery.

This little girl fills my heart, but she breaks it too. She is so brave and I am so very proud of her. Please pray for her. Also please pray for Ben, who will man the house while still on crutches; and for Morgan, who will once again be staying with dear friends and continuing her school work; and for Les-Leigh, who is far from home. These children have borne Avery's burden for many years, and I am so proud of their courage and faith.

December 2007

Ben recently blew out his ankle and had to have surgery. It was a painful time for him. He is doing well and recovering nicely. He is such a wonderful young man and a joy to share life with. During this time, we were ministered to once again by Avery. Janet approached Avery about her upcoming surgery in February, inquiring of her, "Avery, have you seen the pain that Ben is experiencing with his surgery? Does that make you afraid about your surgery? What is going on inside you, little girl?"

Avery quickly responded, "Mom, my surgery is not for another month!" What an amazing gift from our Father. She has an ability to compartmentalize her life. In essence, she was telling us that she would deal with it when it got here, but for now she was going to live life. I think someone once said that we were not to worry about tomorrow, because each day was its own. We are so glad that she is able to put aside what is on the horizon to enjoy today. I hope we all learn to do likewise.