Hello! We are Conrad and Kalen, the proud parents of the sweetest little boy, Oliver James. Oliver’s arrival was much anticipated and like other parents, we had dreamt of who he would look like, what his personality would be, and what he would grow up to be. We had fears, as well, but those all disappeared the minute we met Oliver.
At four months, those fears returned when we were referred to the University of Iowa due to Oliver’s nystagmus and the fact that he didn’t seem to look right at our faces. After a lot of genetic testing and multiple doctor appointments, we were told that Oliver has a genetic condition called Galloway Mowat Syndrome. Galloway Mowat Syndrome is a neurodegenerative genetic condition. Every time those words are said-- it stings just a little bit more. We learned that our sweet little boy may develop seizures, his kidneys might fail, he may never walk or talk, he may die in his childhood or he may live until he is 30. The team of doctors assured us that we would let Ollie show us what he will be able to do. There were so many unknowns and we were left with dreams shattered, hearts broken, and fear that consumed us.
After taking time to let all of this sink in, allowing ourselves to feel all of the feelings, wrestling with God, and dreaming new dreams, we had a huge perspective shift in our lives and this led us here-- wanting to share our story in hopes that you find encouragement, strength, and joy in the trenches of life. We believe that God has entrusted us with the greatest gift we have ever received and know that He has big plans for Ollie. We know that Ollie is fearfully and wonderfully made by our great Creator and we continuously seek to uncover His plan for Ollie’s life.
Every day, we give up our control and give it over to God, we praise God for this gift that he gave us, we continuously seek His will, and we step out in faith and choose JOY.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“But, he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”