by Dan Zacharias
We've reached another milestone; Bradley just received his 200th methotrexate injection. Methotrexate is a chemotherapy agent that acts as an immunosuppressant. You see, in 2013 Bradley was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, sometimes called JRA or JIA. Psoriasis is a related ailment. His rheumatologist first prescribed Enbrel; we tried that for about 4 months in 2014, with no effect. Then we switched to Humira for about 6 months. Humira relieved his arthritis symptoms, but it seriously exacerbated his psoriasis. In January, 2015, we began the weekly methotrexate regimen. Of course, since methotrexate suppresses the immune system, we don't give it to him when he is sick; that explains why it's taken more than 200 weeks to reach 200 doses. Barring illness, though, he gets a shot every week. He hates it (I'm told that it really stings), but he is a trooper nonetheless. The good news is that it has been working very well. His arthritis symptoms are greatly reduced, and the psoriasis is always about 90-95% cleared. We have to have his blood checked several times a year to make sure that the methotrexate is not damaging his liver, and so far his blood work has always turned out very good. There are other side effects, which I won't comment on, but we've learned to cope with those pretty well.
As all of us are prone to do, I often wonder why. Why does God allow Bradley to have this disease, and more importantly why did God create Bradley with Down syndrome? I don't pretend to have all the answers, but I have concluded that perhaps the most important reason is to show the rest of us something that does not come naturally to us. I believe that Bradley's most valuable gift is the ability to love other people unconditionally. I've even seen him hug the dentist! I certainly don't have that ability in my nature, but it is a blessing to live with somebody who does.
When God answered Moses after Moses gave the excuse that he was "slow of speech," God took credit (not blame) for creating people with disabilities, thus making the point that He has a wise and loving purpose for doing so.
"And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the LORD?" Exodus 4:11
From these thought-provoking rhetorical questions, I conclude that God designed Bradley on purpose and with purpose. I may never fully understand God's purpose, but I'm learning to trust His wisdom, to face the challenges with His help, and to treasure every day that He allows us to have Bradley in our lives.