Tomorrow, Thursday, March 26th is Purple Day, Epilepsy Awareness Day! It was a day created by a young girl in Canada to create awareness for Epilepsy. So, wear Purple tomorrow and tell everyone why you are wearing it!!!
March 26th is also the day that B rushed me into the hospital because my seizures were so frequent. I had almost 20 in about a ten hour time frame. Early the next morning, I was diagnosed with Epilepsy. So, March 26th & 27th hold a "special" (if you can call it that) place in our hearts.
You can read more about it here:
Purple Day
So, tomorrow is basically the one year anniversary of starting to get answers, though we still don't have a cure! Wear purple tomorrow and shave your heads if you really want to have fun! Just kidding!
Thank you for all of your love and prayers!!!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Miracles-Part 2
This was the question I posed yesterday:
Just curious as to how each of you would define a miracle?
It can be one word.
It can be a paragraph.
It can be scripture.
It can be a story.
Whatever you want to share.
Start typing....
Don't be shy.
Of the 50+ people that have been to the blog, only one has responded. Then, I read a blog today with this post about Miracles!!!
It links to this post which also discusses Miracles.
What is a miracle to you?
Just curious as to how each of you would define a miracle?
It can be one word.
It can be a paragraph.
It can be scripture.
It can be a story.
Whatever you want to share.
Start typing....
Don't be shy.
Of the 50+ people that have been to the blog, only one has responded. Then, I read a blog today with this post about Miracles!!!
It links to this post which also discusses Miracles.
What is a miracle to you?
Blessings!!
Throughout this crazy journey we've been on, we've been blessed by so many of you...
Since Tx won't let me drive, it's hard to run basic errands. I like a good bargain and so if I see that something is on sale at one store vs. another, it takes great effort to get to each store. Plus, I need to pick up prescriptions quite often. Other times you just want to get out of the house!!! B & Mom run me on their share of errands (i.e., doc appts). So, I hate to constantly ask them for all of the other little trips around town, too (though I know they would do it & they do do it with willing & loving hearts).
When I was first unable to drive, my next door neighbor took me to the grocery store every week. She also taught me about The Grocery Game which has saved us so much money since I've not been able to work for over a year and Ben's time at work was so limited last year sitting next to me in the hospital for so many months. If you decide to sign up for the grocery game, let me know so that I can give you my e-mail as a referral because I can get credit & free months!!!
Then, my next door neighbor started working and was unable to take me to the store anymore. Our next door neighbor from our previous house then offered. She is a physician and so I know it was such a sacrifice from her schedule, but she still worked to make it happen each week.
Then, a friend from church offered to take me each week. Her name is K. She is so patient with me and will go sit at the Starbuck's at the front of the store and just wait if I'm taking too long. There are times that I have a bunch of seizures and so the trip to the store takes a long time...she never hurries me. She has been such a precious blessing! She also gets as excited about coupons as I do...
I love our time together and our talks that we get to have in the car! However, I think her favorite time is when she gets to the house to pick me up and she cuddles with Hank!!!
Saying Hello to Hank
Looking at coupons & getting kisses from Hank!
Hank trying to cuddle with her!
Their official cuddle time!! Hank loves this!!
He actually starts to cry at the front door about
10 min. before she arrives each Mon. morning.
Thank you, K, for blessing me each week!
Thank you to everyone that has selflessly blessed us so much through this time!
Since Tx won't let me drive, it's hard to run basic errands. I like a good bargain and so if I see that something is on sale at one store vs. another, it takes great effort to get to each store. Plus, I need to pick up prescriptions quite often. Other times you just want to get out of the house!!! B & Mom run me on their share of errands (i.e., doc appts). So, I hate to constantly ask them for all of the other little trips around town, too (though I know they would do it & they do do it with willing & loving hearts).
When I was first unable to drive, my next door neighbor took me to the grocery store every week. She also taught me about The Grocery Game which has saved us so much money since I've not been able to work for over a year and Ben's time at work was so limited last year sitting next to me in the hospital for so many months. If you decide to sign up for the grocery game, let me know so that I can give you my e-mail as a referral because I can get credit & free months!!!
Then, my next door neighbor started working and was unable to take me to the store anymore. Our next door neighbor from our previous house then offered. She is a physician and so I know it was such a sacrifice from her schedule, but she still worked to make it happen each week.
Then, a friend from church offered to take me each week. Her name is K. She is so patient with me and will go sit at the Starbuck's at the front of the store and just wait if I'm taking too long. There are times that I have a bunch of seizures and so the trip to the store takes a long time...she never hurries me. She has been such a precious blessing! She also gets as excited about coupons as I do...
I love our time together and our talks that we get to have in the car! However, I think her favorite time is when she gets to the house to pick me up and she cuddles with Hank!!!
Saying Hello to Hank
Looking at coupons & getting kisses from Hank!
Hank trying to cuddle with her!
Their official cuddle time!! Hank loves this!!He actually starts to cry at the front door about
10 min. before she arrives each Mon. morning.
Thank you, K, for blessing me each week!
Thank you to everyone that has selflessly blessed us so much through this time!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Miracles
Just curious as to how each of you would define a miracle?
It can be one word.
It can be a paragraph.
It can be scripture.
It can be a story.
Whatever you want to share.
Start typing....
Don't be shy.
It can be one word.
It can be a paragraph.
It can be scripture.
It can be a story.
Whatever you want to share.
Start typing....
Don't be shy.
Connor
Thursday, March 19, 2009 4:29 PM CDT Chemotherapy is completed. Scans/tests required by the clinical trial are done. 11 days at the hospital or clinic in Ft. Worth are behind us. Grandpa Burt's funeral was on Monday. It has been a wild ride over the last two weeks. Thanks so much for everyone's prayers. I know they sustained us during this time.
The chemotherapy was not too bad, considering some of his past treatments. His blood counts looked good today, which allows us to go to Grandma and Grandpa's for the weekend. Connor's appetite is coming back after the chemo. We are all faring well, considering. In the midst of this storm, I am trying to praise Him for all our blessings. I know that praising Him will bring my heart's focus on Him, instead of my troubles.
Counting my blessings, I realize that we have been so blessed to have so many pray for and support Connor. Our school (Prestonwood Christian Academy) had several special prayer times for Connor and our church (Prestonwood) had prayer time for him during Sunday School. It was so beautiful hearing all of those children pray for Connor. I know it had to be like a beautiful aroma to Him. So precious. Not only has our church, school and friends rallied around us, but so has Tait's company (Northwestern Mutual) . People from across the US have helped us so much over the past 4 years. Just recently, several people flew in to speak to people at Tait's office to re-energize them and lend their support during this tough time for our family. Thanks, Keith, Ira, Chris, John and Laura. Many of our friends have shared that they have passed along Connor's prayer requests and now even strangers are praying for us. We feel your prayers. Thanks for pounding on the doors of heaven for us!
Specific prayer requests:
1. Pray this chemo will work to kill the cancer cells. There is part of the tumor pushing out of Connor's abdomen. Please pray that this evidence shrinks to nothing. It would be evidence that God is answering our prayers.
2. Pray that Connor stays strong thru this new round of treatments
3. Pray for guidance. No charted path. God must make one for us.
4. Pray we bless others along the way.
"What If His People Prayed" by Casting Crowns (some of the lyrics)
What if the armies of the Lord
Picked up and dusted off their swords
Vowed to set the captives free
And not let Satan have one more
What if the church, for heaven's sake
Finally stepped up to the plate
Took a stand upon God's promise
And stormed hell's rusty gates
Chorus:
What if His people prayed
And all who bare His name
Would humbly seek His face
And Turn from their own way
The chemotherapy was not too bad, considering some of his past treatments. His blood counts looked good today, which allows us to go to Grandma and Grandpa's for the weekend. Connor's appetite is coming back after the chemo. We are all faring well, considering. In the midst of this storm, I am trying to praise Him for all our blessings. I know that praising Him will bring my heart's focus on Him, instead of my troubles.
Counting my blessings, I realize that we have been so blessed to have so many pray for and support Connor. Our school (Prestonwood Christian Academy) had several special prayer times for Connor and our church (Prestonwood) had prayer time for him during Sunday School. It was so beautiful hearing all of those children pray for Connor. I know it had to be like a beautiful aroma to Him. So precious. Not only has our church, school and friends rallied around us, but so has Tait's company (Northwestern Mutual) . People from across the US have helped us so much over the past 4 years. Just recently, several people flew in to speak to people at Tait's office to re-energize them and lend their support during this tough time for our family. Thanks, Keith, Ira, Chris, John and Laura. Many of our friends have shared that they have passed along Connor's prayer requests and now even strangers are praying for us. We feel your prayers. Thanks for pounding on the doors of heaven for us!
Specific prayer requests:
1. Pray this chemo will work to kill the cancer cells. There is part of the tumor pushing out of Connor's abdomen. Please pray that this evidence shrinks to nothing. It would be evidence that God is answering our prayers.
2. Pray that Connor stays strong thru this new round of treatments
3. Pray for guidance. No charted path. God must make one for us.
4. Pray we bless others along the way.
"What If His People Prayed" by Casting Crowns (some of the lyrics)
What if the armies of the Lord
Picked up and dusted off their swords
Vowed to set the captives free
And not let Satan have one more
What if the church, for heaven's sake
Finally stepped up to the plate
Took a stand upon God's promise
And stormed hell's rusty gates
Chorus:
What if His people prayed
And all who bare His name
Would humbly seek His face
And Turn from their own way
Saturday, March 14, 2009
From Connor's Daddy
Below is an update sent out by Connor's Dad last week. Also, Connor started his first round of chemo yesterday (Friday) to treat this new tumor they have found. Continue to pray fervently for him. Also, let me know if you want a Connor's Prayer Warrior bracelet like we wear to remind you to pray for him all the time!!!
I have not updated in some time and with Joy's wonderful writing ability, many times I'm even awestruck on how she expresses the current status of Connor and the fight that we're going through with his cancer. We have been fighting cancer with Connor almost 46 months, longer than WWII. And when I hear people ask where do you get the fight, where does the energy come from, how much longer, how does Connor have the stamina, we simply have one answer and that is our faith in God through this fiery journey that we've been on.
With visits to Dallas, Houston, Boston, New York and now Ft. Worth, with the primary tumor being Neuroblastoma and now a completely new tumor, we still rest in the Lord. At the end of the day we will fight until there is no more fight. The only way we are getting through dark nights, thoughts that we don't want in our brain, questions we don't want to have to answer, doctors we do not want to have to see is your prayers, your encouragement, and knowing that our Lord is giving us strength.
Early on in this fight I quoted Psalms 23 saying we are going through the valley of darkness, to our right is dark, to our left is dark. Our old life, our old "normal" is behind us and the new normal ahead of us is black. The only way we're getting through this is with your fingerprints all over us pushing us through this. Today as the father of an eight year old son with two dragons inside of him trying to devour him I say thank you. With 46 months of fighting this, hundreds of visits to the doctor, thousands of pills taken, gallons of chemo infused, and countless surgeries, Connor has never complained.
My question to you today is what do you have to complain about? I'm asking you to be grateful, to embrace life's challenges, to say a prayer for an eight year old boy who is fighting cancer, and also I say thank you for your incredible faithfulness in lifting up our family.Sunday, March 8, 2009
Connor
From Connor's Mommy:
Hawaii has been wonderful. It's been full of fun, laughter, rejuvination and re-focus. We are so grateful that Connor's time here was event-free, especially since the doctors recommended that we bring some pain medication. Thank God, we have not needed any. More proof of God's provision. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY THAT GOD WOULD PROTECT CONNOR FROM SERIOUS HARM FROM THE CANCER. PRAY FOR CONNOR'S STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE AS HE WILL START HIS NEW BATTLE. PROTECT HIS BODY FROM THE CHEMO'S HARMFUL SIDE EFFECTS. PRAY CONNOR WILL RESPOND TO THIS NEW THERAPY. I hope God proves these nay-sayers wrong.
Thankfully, we should be starting Connor's treatment next week. We will meet with doctors in Ft. Worth Monday afternoon to sign consent forms and do any test we need to. On Tuesday, we will complete the tests and hopefully get started with the treatment. This first trial that he is doing is a combination of 2 chemotherapy drugs. We were looking at doing something that the doctors could just prescribe without being on a trial, but as the doctors pointed out, he can always do that. Trials, on the other hand, are not always open and available. So, we will continue on this trial until it ceases to work or it becomes too toxic for him. Then, we may have some new trials come available or a compassionate use drug may be ready at that time. AS YOU CAN SEE, WE STILL NEED MANY PRAYERS FOR DIRECTION. We are praying that God will put walls to the left and right and behind us so that the way before us is crystal clear. We want him to clear a path for us, as he has done over the past 4 years.
PLEASE PRAY FOR TAIT AND MYSELF AS WE GEAR UP FOR ANOTHER BATTLE. I do confess that Satan has been attacking us with fearful thoughts. He is trying to find our weakness. As we struggle against this battle in our mind, we continue to turn to God for strength and He has not let us down. As I continue to get weaker and weaker, I feel His presence growing stronger and stronger. Satan may feel like he is gaining ground with us, but he has not and will not win this war. Christ has already won! "In this world, you will have trouble, but, fear not, for I have overcome the world."
At this point, we are lying Connor at His feet. God is on His throne, He is in control (we are definitely not), and He will never leave our side.
I search for love, when the night came,
And it closed in, I was alone,
But you found me, where I was hiding,
And now I'll never ever be the same,
It was the sweetest voice,
That called my name saying
You're not alone, For I am here,
Let me wipe away your every fear,
My love I've never left your side,
I have seen you through the darkest night,
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life,
All of your life
You cry your self to sleep, cause the hurt is real,
And the pain cuts deep, all hope seems lost,
With heartache your closest friend,
And everyone else long gone,
You've had to face the music on your own,
But there is a sweeter song that calls you home saying
You're not alone, For I am here,
Let me wipe away your every tear,
My love I've never left your side,
I have seen you through the darkest night,
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life,
All your life
Faithful and true, Forever,
Oh my love will carry you
Still Believing,
Joy Cruse
Hawaii has been wonderful. It's been full of fun, laughter, rejuvination and re-focus. We are so grateful that Connor's time here was event-free, especially since the doctors recommended that we bring some pain medication. Thank God, we have not needed any. More proof of God's provision. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY THAT GOD WOULD PROTECT CONNOR FROM SERIOUS HARM FROM THE CANCER. PRAY FOR CONNOR'S STRENGTH AND ENDURANCE AS HE WILL START HIS NEW BATTLE. PROTECT HIS BODY FROM THE CHEMO'S HARMFUL SIDE EFFECTS. PRAY CONNOR WILL RESPOND TO THIS NEW THERAPY. I hope God proves these nay-sayers wrong.
Thankfully, we should be starting Connor's treatment next week. We will meet with doctors in Ft. Worth Monday afternoon to sign consent forms and do any test we need to. On Tuesday, we will complete the tests and hopefully get started with the treatment. This first trial that he is doing is a combination of 2 chemotherapy drugs. We were looking at doing something that the doctors could just prescribe without being on a trial, but as the doctors pointed out, he can always do that. Trials, on the other hand, are not always open and available. So, we will continue on this trial until it ceases to work or it becomes too toxic for him. Then, we may have some new trials come available or a compassionate use drug may be ready at that time. AS YOU CAN SEE, WE STILL NEED MANY PRAYERS FOR DIRECTION. We are praying that God will put walls to the left and right and behind us so that the way before us is crystal clear. We want him to clear a path for us, as he has done over the past 4 years.
PLEASE PRAY FOR TAIT AND MYSELF AS WE GEAR UP FOR ANOTHER BATTLE. I do confess that Satan has been attacking us with fearful thoughts. He is trying to find our weakness. As we struggle against this battle in our mind, we continue to turn to God for strength and He has not let us down. As I continue to get weaker and weaker, I feel His presence growing stronger and stronger. Satan may feel like he is gaining ground with us, but he has not and will not win this war. Christ has already won! "In this world, you will have trouble, but, fear not, for I have overcome the world."
At this point, we are lying Connor at His feet. God is on His throne, He is in control (we are definitely not), and He will never leave our side.
I search for love, when the night came,
And it closed in, I was alone,
But you found me, where I was hiding,
And now I'll never ever be the same,
It was the sweetest voice,
That called my name saying
You're not alone, For I am here,
Let me wipe away your every fear,
My love I've never left your side,
I have seen you through the darkest night,
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life,
All of your life
You cry your self to sleep, cause the hurt is real,
And the pain cuts deep, all hope seems lost,
With heartache your closest friend,
And everyone else long gone,
You've had to face the music on your own,
But there is a sweeter song that calls you home saying
You're not alone, For I am here,
Let me wipe away your every tear,
My love I've never left your side,
I have seen you through the darkest night,
And I'm the one who's loved you all your life,
All your life
Faithful and true, Forever,
Oh my love will carry you
Still Believing,
Joy Cruse
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
March 4, 2009
Today is a very special day!
While at lunch with Mom, I received a message from my dear friend A's little girl. "A" sang in our wedding and has been such a precious friend through the years. She lives in Houston and each time I've been in the hospital, she has been there by my side. Each time with a picture colored for me from at least her oldest, A, and sometimes her other little girl, S. She is such a steadfast friend and woman after Christ. She is always there to offer prayer and encouragement. I hope to be like her as a Mom some day, too!
So, back to the message. I got a message from her little girl asking me to call her back that she had "really exciting news to tell me." She said that it was so exciting and kept going on and on about how exciting it was and that I needed to call her back. I convinced myself that either her Mom was pregnant again or they were somehow going to be moving to Dallas.
When she answered, she told me that this morning, she was laying in bed talking to her Mommy and decided this was the day that she was going to accept Jesus in her heart!! I can't see to keep typing because I am crying. That's what I was doing as she was telling me...I kept trying to tell her that they were happy tears. I have known this sweet little girl since the day she was born (I even got to talk to her in her Mommy's belly) and now she is a New creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
They are having a little party tonight to celebrate that Jesus is now her Savior and she gets to spend eternity with Him! How cool!! We talked about the fact that today is March 4th, 2009, and it's a very special day and a day she'll never forget...I still remember sitting by the lake at Sky Ranch and asking Jesus into my heart. Of the many things I've forgotten, that is one memory I hold dear....
These are some pics over the years with Miss A.
This is us together a few years ago.
Me with her Mom, A (such a sweet friend).
Isn't she adorable?
This is one of the times I was in the hospital last year.
Also, in the pic, her sister (S), her Mom, her brother (J), my friend (Dr. S), and my Mom.
Hangin' in the hospital with Miss A!!
Another time they came to visit (her on the far left).
Her Dad was able to come for this visit, too!
I spent my 30th b-day with her.
Mom and I were in Houston for doc visits & so I got to spend the big day with them.
Didn't even get to spend the day with my hubby, but I was with Miss A!!
Our most recent visit to Houston after the surgery.
This sweet face now knows the joy of Jesus in her heart!!
While at lunch with Mom, I received a message from my dear friend A's little girl. "A" sang in our wedding and has been such a precious friend through the years. She lives in Houston and each time I've been in the hospital, she has been there by my side. Each time with a picture colored for me from at least her oldest, A, and sometimes her other little girl, S. She is such a steadfast friend and woman after Christ. She is always there to offer prayer and encouragement. I hope to be like her as a Mom some day, too!
So, back to the message. I got a message from her little girl asking me to call her back that she had "really exciting news to tell me." She said that it was so exciting and kept going on and on about how exciting it was and that I needed to call her back. I convinced myself that either her Mom was pregnant again or they were somehow going to be moving to Dallas.
When she answered, she told me that this morning, she was laying in bed talking to her Mommy and decided this was the day that she was going to accept Jesus in her heart!! I can't see to keep typing because I am crying. That's what I was doing as she was telling me...I kept trying to tell her that they were happy tears. I have known this sweet little girl since the day she was born (I even got to talk to her in her Mommy's belly) and now she is a New creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
They are having a little party tonight to celebrate that Jesus is now her Savior and she gets to spend eternity with Him! How cool!! We talked about the fact that today is March 4th, 2009, and it's a very special day and a day she'll never forget...I still remember sitting by the lake at Sky Ranch and asking Jesus into my heart. Of the many things I've forgotten, that is one memory I hold dear....
These are some pics over the years with Miss A.
This is us together a few years ago.
Me with her Mom, A (such a sweet friend).
Isn't she adorable?
This is one of the times I was in the hospital last year.Also, in the pic, her sister (S), her Mom, her brother (J), my friend (Dr. S), and my Mom.
Hangin' in the hospital with Miss A!!
Another time they came to visit (her on the far left). Her Dad was able to come for this visit, too!
I spent my 30th b-day with her. Mom and I were in Houston for doc visits & so I got to spend the big day with them.
Didn't even get to spend the day with my hubby, but I was with Miss A!!
Our most recent visit to Houston after the surgery.
This sweet face now knows the joy of Jesus in her heart!!If you don't know Him as your Savior, ask me or ask someone else how you can know Him!!! It is "really exciting news!!"
Pray for her sweet heart that she continues to grow in her relationship with Him!!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Magnolias
This is an e-mail I received and couldn't delete. Instead of forwarding it, I am posting it here. Consider how you might let it speak to you today.
**********************************
I spent the week before my daughter's June wedding running last-minute trips to the caterer, florist, tuxedo shop, and the church about forty miles away.
As happy as I was that Patsy was marrying a good Christian young man, I felt laden with responsibilities as I watched my budget dwindle . . .So many details, so many bills, and so little time.
My son Jack was away at college, but he said he would be there to walk his younger sister down the aisle, taking the place of his dad who had died a few years before. He teased Patsy, saying he'd wanted to give her away since she was about three years old!
To save money, I gathered blossoms from several friends who had large magnolia trees. Their luscious, creamy-white blooms and slick green leaves would make beautiful arrangements against the rich dark wood inside the church.
After the rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding, we banked the podium area and choir loft with magnolias. As we left just before midnight, I felt tired but satisfied this would be the best wedding any bride had ever had! The music, the ceremony, the reception - and especially the flowers - would be remembered for years.
The big day arrived - the busiest day of my life - and while her bridesmaids helped Patsy to dress, her fiancé Tim walked with me to the sanctuary to do a final check. When we opened the door and felt a rush of hot air, I almost fainted; and then I saw them - all the beautiful white flowers were black. Funeral black. An electrical storm during the night had knocked out the air conditioning system, and on that hot summer day, the flowers had wilted and died.
I panicked, knowing I didn't have time to drive back to our hometown, gather more flowers, and return in time for the wedding.
Tim turned to me. "Edna, can you get more flowers? I'll throw away these dead ones and put fresh flowers in these arrangements."
I mumbled, "Sure," as he be-bopped down the hall to put on his cuff links.
Alone in the large sanctuary, I looked up at the dark wooden beams in the arched ceiling.
"Lord," I prayed, "please help me. I don't know anyone in this town. Help me find someone willing to give me flowers - in a hurry!"
I scurried out praying for four things: the blessing of white magnolias, courage to find them in an unfamiliar yard, safety from any dog that may bite my leg, and a nice person who would not get out a shotgun when I asked to cut his tree to shreds.
As I left the church, I saw magnolia trees in the distance. I approached a house...No dog in sight. I knocked on the door and an older man answered. So far so good..... No shotgun.
When I stated my plea the man beamed, "I'd be happy to!"
He climbed a stepladder and cut large boughs and handed them down to me. Minutes later, as I lifted the last armload into my car trunk, I said, "Sir, you've made the mother of a bride happy today."
"No, Ma'am," he said. "You
don't understand what's happening here."
"What?" I asked.
"You see, my wife of sixty-seven years died on Monday, on Tuesday I received friends at the funeral home, and on Wednesday . . .. He paused. I saw tears welling up in his eyes. "On Wednesday I buried her."
He! looked away. "On Thursday most of my out-of-town relatives went back home, and on Friday - yesterday - my children left."
"This morning, he continued, I was sitting in my den crying out loud.. I miss her so much. For the last sixteen years, as her health got worse, she needed me. But now nobody needs me. This morning I cried, Who needs an eighty-six-year-old wore-out man? Nobody! I began to cry louder. Nobody needs me!"
"About that time, you knocked, and said, 'Sir, I need you'."
I stood with my mouth open.
He asked, "Are you an angel? The way the light shone around your head into my dark living room..."
I assured him I was no angel. He smiled. "Do you know what I was thinking when I handed you those magnolias?"
"No. I decided I'm needed. My flowers are needed. Why, I might have a flower ministry! I could give them to everyone! Some caskets at the funeral home have no flowers. People need flowers at times like that and I have lots of them. They're all over the backyard! I can give them to hospitals, churches - all sorts of places. You know what I'm going to do? I'm going to serve the Lord until the day He calls me home!"
I drove back to the church, filled with wonder. On Patsy's wedding day, if anyone had asked me to encourage someone who was hurting, I would have said, "Forget it!" It's my only daughter's wedding, for goodness' sake! There is no way I can minister to anyone today. But God found a way. Through dead flowers.
"Life is not the way
it's supposed to be.
It's the way it is.
The way you cope with it
is what makes the difference."
If you have missed knowing me,
you have missed nothing.
If you have missed some of my emails,
you may have missed a laugh.
But, if you have missed knowing my LORD
and SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST,
you have missed everything in the world.
May God's Blessings
be upon You.
THIS IS SO TRUE,
BEING NEEDED
IS SO UPLIFTING
TO EACH OF US..
This story is too beautiful not to send...
Monday, March 2, 2009
Nana & Pics
Thank you, faithful prayer warriors! We found out this afternoon that Nana did well in her surgery. She had to have three stents placed in one of her carotid arteries (we're not sure which one). She is recovering in the hospital tonight and should go home tomorrow.
Also, do you think the pics are awful? Do you like them? Is there a favorite? A least favorite? Tell me...help me...I can't make up my mind and you haven't commented yet. Let me know what you think.
www.haleybphotography.com
Portraits
Clients
password: fox (all lowercase)
Also, do you think the pics are awful? Do you like them? Is there a favorite? A least favorite? Tell me...help me...I can't make up my mind and you haven't commented yet. Let me know what you think.
www.haleybphotography.com
Portraits
Clients
password: fox (all lowercase)
Thursday, February 26, 2009
They're Back....
Yep, the seizures have returned...Nasty little boogers. I decided that since I wasn't consuming any sugar, it was okay to have a little Crystal Light to drink so that I could get a taste of something sweet (just a little flavor). I started having seizures again. So, I did a little research. Turns out there is Aspartame in Crystal Light which is known for causing seizure disorders--it would be nice if they put that on the label on the outside!!! I know, I was a marketing major, you don't have to tell me that would negatively affect sales.
Anyway, I had seven on Wednesday and again on Thursday. So, let's pray today I have fewer. I made it through the night without any....that is great!!!
We had pics taken a few weeks ago with a friend that is going to"photo-journal" this next year for us. We will take pics once a quarter. I still struggle with looking at myself and admitting it's me. It just doesn't look like me, to me...I look silly in some of the pics, but B looks perfect in every single one of them. B found an old house, barn, etc., and that's where we took the pics.
You can check them out at www.haleybphotography.com
Click on Portraits
Clients
and the password is fox
Directly under the pic is the picture #...you'll have to let us know your favorites as we need to place the order within the next week.
This is my favorite, though.
Isn't he the cutest?!!! That's my man!! This was the door to the storm cellar that we opened!!
****Also, B's Nana is going in for a procedure on Monday. Please be in prayer for her. They are looking at her carotid artery, I believe. It is pretty occluded and she has been having a few fainting spells and been pretty light headed. So, they are going in to check it out and possibly put a stint in, if necessary. Pray, pray, pray!!!****
Oh yeah, B woke up this morning with pink eye. So, he's on his way to the doc right now to get it checked out and treated. Pray that he can heal quickly. Poor guy needs to be able to get to work. I kept him from working too much last year. Then, he had that yucky virus last week that knocked him out pretty good and he hasn't stopped coughing since then...so, he needs some super healing...
Anyway, I had seven on Wednesday and again on Thursday. So, let's pray today I have fewer. I made it through the night without any....that is great!!!
We had pics taken a few weeks ago with a friend that is going to"photo-journal" this next year for us. We will take pics once a quarter. I still struggle with looking at myself and admitting it's me. It just doesn't look like me, to me...I look silly in some of the pics, but B looks perfect in every single one of them. B found an old house, barn, etc., and that's where we took the pics.
You can check them out at www.haleybphotography.com
Click on Portraits
Clients
and the password is fox
Directly under the pic is the picture #...you'll have to let us know your favorites as we need to place the order within the next week.
This is my favorite, though.
Isn't he the cutest?!!! That's my man!! This was the door to the storm cellar that we opened!!****Also, B's Nana is going in for a procedure on Monday. Please be in prayer for her. They are looking at her carotid artery, I believe. It is pretty occluded and she has been having a few fainting spells and been pretty light headed. So, they are going in to check it out and possibly put a stint in, if necessary. Pray, pray, pray!!!****
Oh yeah, B woke up this morning with pink eye. So, he's on his way to the doc right now to get it checked out and treated. Pray that he can heal quickly. Poor guy needs to be able to get to work. I kept him from working too much last year. Then, he had that yucky virus last week that knocked him out pretty good and he hasn't stopped coughing since then...so, he needs some super healing...
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Connor Update
When it rains, it pours. Please lift up Connor's Dad and his family as Connor's grandfather, passed away today (Tuesday, 2/24). He had Alzheimers. He was suffering, so it is a blessing that he is not in pain anymore.
As for Connor, we're still in limbo, but we are making progress. After speaking with the doctors in Houston, they made me realize starting the treatment right now is a little tricky. If we start something right now, he would have to be off of the treatment for three weeks before he could start the protocol on a clinical trial. Also, the doctors were nervous about him starting treatment on Monday (yesterday) and having his blood counts bottom out while we are in Hawaii. We've reached a compromise, so to speak. If they can find a trial for Connor and have it ready to go on Thursday when he gets back, then we will hold off on any drugs until then. If they have nothing concrete planned, we will start treatment on Friday. Friday's treatment would be a combination of oral chemo and a drug that is IV fluid that he will receive once a week. Connor will be back in Dallas before his counts bottom out (usually 7-10 after the chemo starts).
The doctors are looking at 2 different trials right now. We also have the Chief Medical Officer at St. Jude's looking at Connor's medical records to see if he has anything new to offer there (Thanks, Denese). And finally, we have a Dr. Bloom in Chicago looking out for clinical trials and helping us get some of the promising drugs out there in trials that are closed or trials that Connor doesn't qualify for. Dr. Bloom works for an organization that funds clinical trials and helps people who find themselves shut out of trials for one reason or another. PLEASE PRAY FOR GOD'S GUIDANCE -THAT WE WILL CHOOSE THE RIGHT PATH FOR CONNOR, WHETHER IT BE THE CLINICAL TRIAL OR THIS OTHER TREATMENT THAT WE CAN START FRIDAY OR SOMETHING THAT DR. BLOOM FINDS.
"I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." Isaiah 48:17 I am praying this for us!
I guess Connor's dad and I have reached a point where we are "leaving it all out on the field" in our fight for Connor. No stone unturned, so to speak. We will diligently seek God's direction in Connor's treatment, diligently seek His face, do everything possible to help Connor in this fight .... and then lay it all at Jesus' feet. God knew the number of Connor's days before he was even born, whether that is 8 years old or 80.
(13)"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (16) All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139: 13 and 16
We will rest in the knowledge that God loves Connor more than we do and He has a special plan for him. We are still believing that God is going to save Connor. We will remain steadfast, as our friend Jack directed us to. We are praying God will use these new drugs that will be put in Connor's body like he used the Israelites when they were marching around Jericho. Like the walls of Jericho, this cancer will crumble. Thank you for your continued prayers.
As for Connor, we're still in limbo, but we are making progress. After speaking with the doctors in Houston, they made me realize starting the treatment right now is a little tricky. If we start something right now, he would have to be off of the treatment for three weeks before he could start the protocol on a clinical trial. Also, the doctors were nervous about him starting treatment on Monday (yesterday) and having his blood counts bottom out while we are in Hawaii. We've reached a compromise, so to speak. If they can find a trial for Connor and have it ready to go on Thursday when he gets back, then we will hold off on any drugs until then. If they have nothing concrete planned, we will start treatment on Friday. Friday's treatment would be a combination of oral chemo and a drug that is IV fluid that he will receive once a week. Connor will be back in Dallas before his counts bottom out (usually 7-10 after the chemo starts).
The doctors are looking at 2 different trials right now. We also have the Chief Medical Officer at St. Jude's looking at Connor's medical records to see if he has anything new to offer there (Thanks, Denese). And finally, we have a Dr. Bloom in Chicago looking out for clinical trials and helping us get some of the promising drugs out there in trials that are closed or trials that Connor doesn't qualify for. Dr. Bloom works for an organization that funds clinical trials and helps people who find themselves shut out of trials for one reason or another. PLEASE PRAY FOR GOD'S GUIDANCE -THAT WE WILL CHOOSE THE RIGHT PATH FOR CONNOR, WHETHER IT BE THE CLINICAL TRIAL OR THIS OTHER TREATMENT THAT WE CAN START FRIDAY OR SOMETHING THAT DR. BLOOM FINDS.
"I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." Isaiah 48:17 I am praying this for us!
I guess Connor's dad and I have reached a point where we are "leaving it all out on the field" in our fight for Connor. No stone unturned, so to speak. We will diligently seek God's direction in Connor's treatment, diligently seek His face, do everything possible to help Connor in this fight .... and then lay it all at Jesus' feet. God knew the number of Connor's days before he was even born, whether that is 8 years old or 80.
(13)"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (16) All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139: 13 and 16
We will rest in the knowledge that God loves Connor more than we do and He has a special plan for him. We are still believing that God is going to save Connor. We will remain steadfast, as our friend Jack directed us to. We are praying God will use these new drugs that will be put in Connor's body like he used the Israelites when they were marching around Jericho. Like the walls of Jericho, this cancer will crumble. Thank you for your continued prayers.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Can I get an "Amen?"
Praise the Lord, the last few days have been seizure free. B hasn't been feeling well. So, I guess it was a bit of a trade off. However, it was a blessing because it allowed me to do my best to take care of him. I'm trying to not keep count, but I think I'm somewhere near 3 or 4 days with no seizures. Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, prayer warriors!!
There have been two changes:
1. I have tried to pay closer attention to what I'm eating. I can't start the Ketogenic/Modified Atkins Diet until I officially meet with the dietitian. The one the doc wants me to meet with isn't available yet. However, we've done a bunch of research on our own and we're trying to institute much of it. We even found out from a local dietitian that shampoos, lotions, etc., can add too many carbs to the count for the day. We can't start the diet completely or we can cross some dangerous lines. So, we are hoping to be able to get in touch with the doc & dietitian soon.
2. The doc switched me to an Extended Release version of the med I'm on...many times through all of this, we have talked about the absorption issues. Thus, trying the IV meds, etc. However, the company just came out with an extended release version of my med. I started it on Wednesday. So, maybe it is allowing my body to keep a higher concentration of the med in my body at all times!
No matter what, we are so grateful! It is such a blessing to go a few days without seizures. Just the extra energy I have is unbelievable. It's amazing how much more I can accomplish.
Thank you all for your prayers!!! We need a miracle and it would be so nice if this was it!
Also, I am so proud of him and have to share...today in church, the sermon was about marriage and what a Biblical Marriage looks like. When our pastor was reading through vows, he stopped on the "in sickness and health part" and called out my hubby and said he felt he was a great example of this! I agree!! How cool that people can look at B and see vows being lived out daily! Makes me proud!!!
***********************
Now, I'll try to do some catch-ups with pics...
One of our sweet friends came over at the beginning of the year with her daughter. B pulled out his telescope from when he was a kiddo and took her precious little girl outside and taught her all about the solar system.
They had so much fun. When they were done B gave her his telescope! Isn't she adorable?
I believe that I mentioned a few weeks ago that one of our neighbors passed away, very young. Right now, they believe it was due to the flu. Some of our friends that live nearby are in Sunday School with them and went over to help one afternoon. So, I babysat their little girl, H, for a little bit. She had fun in her ballerina clothes playing with Hank & Rudder.
Finally, this weekend, my sweet friend, K, and her little (now grown up) girl, R, came out to visit! We got to go have lunch with Mom! I was there the day that R was born. It's so hard to believe that she is grown up.
In the next update, I'll try to show you the shelves that B put up in our hall closet...it's so impressive!!!
There have been two changes:
1. I have tried to pay closer attention to what I'm eating. I can't start the Ketogenic/Modified Atkins Diet until I officially meet with the dietitian. The one the doc wants me to meet with isn't available yet. However, we've done a bunch of research on our own and we're trying to institute much of it. We even found out from a local dietitian that shampoos, lotions, etc., can add too many carbs to the count for the day. We can't start the diet completely or we can cross some dangerous lines. So, we are hoping to be able to get in touch with the doc & dietitian soon.
2. The doc switched me to an Extended Release version of the med I'm on...many times through all of this, we have talked about the absorption issues. Thus, trying the IV meds, etc. However, the company just came out with an extended release version of my med. I started it on Wednesday. So, maybe it is allowing my body to keep a higher concentration of the med in my body at all times!
No matter what, we are so grateful! It is such a blessing to go a few days without seizures. Just the extra energy I have is unbelievable. It's amazing how much more I can accomplish.
Thank you all for your prayers!!! We need a miracle and it would be so nice if this was it!
Also, I am so proud of him and have to share...today in church, the sermon was about marriage and what a Biblical Marriage looks like. When our pastor was reading through vows, he stopped on the "in sickness and health part" and called out my hubby and said he felt he was a great example of this! I agree!! How cool that people can look at B and see vows being lived out daily! Makes me proud!!!
***********************
Now, I'll try to do some catch-ups with pics...
One of our sweet friends came over at the beginning of the year with her daughter. B pulled out his telescope from when he was a kiddo and took her precious little girl outside and taught her all about the solar system.
They had so much fun. When they were done B gave her his telescope! Isn't she adorable?
I believe that I mentioned a few weeks ago that one of our neighbors passed away, very young. Right now, they believe it was due to the flu. Some of our friends that live nearby are in Sunday School with them and went over to help one afternoon. So, I babysat their little girl, H, for a little bit. She had fun in her ballerina clothes playing with Hank & Rudder.
Finally, this weekend, my sweet friend, K, and her little (now grown up) girl, R, came out to visit! We got to go have lunch with Mom! I was there the day that R was born. It's so hard to believe that she is grown up.
In the next update, I'll try to show you the shelves that B put up in our hall closet...it's so impressive!!!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Connor
Let's get on our knees again for Connor.
This is from his Mom this morning:
I just got off the phone with the doctor. It is not the news we
wanted to hear. The cancer is growing fast. It is growing in the
direction of the stomach again and also towards the liver. We need to
decide on some direction of therapy to start next week. PLEASE PRAY
FOR GUIDANCE FOR THE DOCTORS. We did receive some information today
that may help them direct their decision on the treatment. We had his
tumor sample sent to a lab which identifies which proteins it
expresses. This helps direct the therapy, making it targeted and more
effective. It highly expresses an EGFR receptor, which several of the
drugs out there are used to specifically treat tumors that express
this receptor. PLEASE PRAY THIS INFORMATION WILL HELP THE DOCTORS
WITH THEIR DECISIONS.
WE were planning on taking the kids to Hawaii for a much needed family
vacation. We're hoping we can still do this. Much prayer is needed.
Connor's school held a prayer mtg for Connor, where the children and
some of the parents prayed for him. The prayers of these sweet
children had to be like a beautiful aroma to God. I have to believe
that he is hearing their prayers. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR CONNOR
AND OUR FAMILY. WE NEED YOUR PRAYERS NOW MORE THAN EVER. WE NEED
GOD'S HEALING POWER!
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are
suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But
rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you
may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." I Peter 4:12-13
This is from his Mom this morning:
I just got off the phone with the doctor. It is not the news we
wanted to hear. The cancer is growing fast. It is growing in the
direction of the stomach again and also towards the liver. We need to
decide on some direction of therapy to start next week. PLEASE PRAY
FOR GUIDANCE FOR THE DOCTORS. We did receive some information today
that may help them direct their decision on the treatment. We had his
tumor sample sent to a lab which identifies which proteins it
expresses. This helps direct the therapy, making it targeted and more
effective. It highly expresses an EGFR receptor, which several of the
drugs out there are used to specifically treat tumors that express
this receptor. PLEASE PRAY THIS INFORMATION WILL HELP THE DOCTORS
WITH THEIR DECISIONS.
WE were planning on taking the kids to Hawaii for a much needed family
vacation. We're hoping we can still do this. Much prayer is needed.
Connor's school held a prayer mtg for Connor, where the children and
some of the parents prayed for him. The prayers of these sweet
children had to be like a beautiful aroma to God. I have to believe
that he is hearing their prayers. PLEASE CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR CONNOR
AND OUR FAMILY. WE NEED YOUR PRAYERS NOW MORE THAN EVER. WE NEED
GOD'S HEALING POWER!
"Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are
suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But
rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you
may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." I Peter 4:12-13
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Wow!!!
This is a 7th grader that we will see again!
Video
I am in tears after watching this, thinking of a precious little girl that went to her first dance last weekend. Her Mommy was young and could have made this choice some 11-12 years ago, but our lives wouldn't be the same without her. Thank you, K, for our sweet little girl!!
Video
I am in tears after watching this, thinking of a precious little girl that went to her first dance last weekend. Her Mommy was young and could have made this choice some 11-12 years ago, but our lives wouldn't be the same without her. Thank you, K, for our sweet little girl!!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Ketchup
So, I'm a little behind. I feel like I've been playing catch up for a while now.
B left town last week for a business meeting in Orlando. So, Mom came over to babysit since I'm not supposed to be left alone. We had fun girl time. I actually went almost five days without any seizures! Wow! It's such a relief! B came back home Saturday and we went to dinner to celebrate Valentine's Day. I had dessert at dinner that night and the seizures started back up the next morning (the docs believe carbs could play a role and want me to cut them out completely). I've had five or more every day since.
Before B left, he installed some shelves in one of our closets. While he was gone, I painted them and organized everything. I'll try to download the pics and post them soon. He's so handy!
B wakes up at 4:30 every morning and heads to work around 5:45a. So, Tuesday when I woke up around 6:30a and had a seizure and then noticed him in bed, I was so confused. I asked if he was okay. He said he felt awful and even his hair hurt. This is not like B. Even while going through chemo, he never acted as if he felt this bad. As soon as I woke up, we got him scheduled for a doc appt. assuming he had the flu. The doc agreed, did the test, and it was negative. Everyone was shocked. B had a fever and felt terrible. When we got home, he was even sicker...if you know what I mean...
He was home again today recovering. Hopefully, he will be able to get out for a little bit of work tomorrow. This is when I wish I could do more to help him. Pray that he heals quickly.
I'll try to post pics soon. Also, scroll down the page and look on the right...Pray for Nate. Be in special prayer for this family!!!
B left town last week for a business meeting in Orlando. So, Mom came over to babysit since I'm not supposed to be left alone. We had fun girl time. I actually went almost five days without any seizures! Wow! It's such a relief! B came back home Saturday and we went to dinner to celebrate Valentine's Day. I had dessert at dinner that night and the seizures started back up the next morning (the docs believe carbs could play a role and want me to cut them out completely). I've had five or more every day since.
Before B left, he installed some shelves in one of our closets. While he was gone, I painted them and organized everything. I'll try to download the pics and post them soon. He's so handy!
B wakes up at 4:30 every morning and heads to work around 5:45a. So, Tuesday when I woke up around 6:30a and had a seizure and then noticed him in bed, I was so confused. I asked if he was okay. He said he felt awful and even his hair hurt. This is not like B. Even while going through chemo, he never acted as if he felt this bad. As soon as I woke up, we got him scheduled for a doc appt. assuming he had the flu. The doc agreed, did the test, and it was negative. Everyone was shocked. B had a fever and felt terrible. When we got home, he was even sicker...if you know what I mean...
He was home again today recovering. Hopefully, he will be able to get out for a little bit of work tomorrow. This is when I wish I could do more to help him. Pray that he heals quickly.
I'll try to post pics soon. Also, scroll down the page and look on the right...Pray for Nate. Be in special prayer for this family!!!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Connor Update
Here's an update on Connor from Monday:
Connor is slowly getting stronger day by day. He went to school
everyday this week, except for Monday, because he had the 24 hour
stomach virus. That was fun.
He had a follow-up appt with the surgeon Monday and we have decided to
keep the feeding tube in longer. He needs to gain back 7 pounds and he
cannot do that with the small amount of food he can eat each day. He
eats about 1/2 of what he used to eat and he needs to eat double the
amount of food to gain back his weight. This small stomach is sure
causing problems. He gets full so quickly, and then he gets a stomach
ache and/or throws up a little bit. We are not making much headway in
this area. PLEASE PRAY THAT HIS STOMACH WOULD HEAL, HE WOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE IN MORE CALORIES AND HE WOULD GAIN WEIGHT. PRAY WE CAN MAKE THIS PROGRESS WITHOUT THESE STOMACH ACHES. It is very frustrating to deal with this everyday, with everything else that is going on.
Connor's scans will be February 19 in Houston. We should have a
treatment plan by then. PLEASE PRAY THE SCANS SHOW NO GROWTH WITH THIS NEW AND OLD TUMOR. PRAY FOR GUIDANCE FOR CONNOR'S TREATMENT(S). We are still investigating alternative medicine approaches that will complement the conventional therapies. There are so many different directions that it is overwhelming to me at times. I am asking for WISDOM, as King Solomon did. PLEASE PRAY FOR WISDOM/DISCERNMENT FOR US.
My friend, MK (another mom at Connor's school), said this
story of Daniel in Daniel 2 reminded her of our situation and our
search for wisdom.
Daniel was asked by the king to interpret his dream. If not, Daniel
and his friends would be executed. God answered his prayer and He
showed Daniel the meaning of the King's dream. This is Daniel's prayer
in response to God's faithfulness.
'Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
'He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
'I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.'
As she is doing, please pray Daniel 2 for us--that God would reveal
deep and hidden things and that the light that dwells with Him would
be given to us, so that we can walk in it as we seek the perfect
treatment plan for Connor. Praise God that all wisdom and power are
His, and plead for mercy with us that God will give Connor perfectly
restored health.
Still Believing,
Connor's Mom
Connor is slowly getting stronger day by day. He went to school
everyday this week, except for Monday, because he had the 24 hour
stomach virus. That was fun.
He had a follow-up appt with the surgeon Monday and we have decided to
keep the feeding tube in longer. He needs to gain back 7 pounds and he
cannot do that with the small amount of food he can eat each day. He
eats about 1/2 of what he used to eat and he needs to eat double the
amount of food to gain back his weight. This small stomach is sure
causing problems. He gets full so quickly, and then he gets a stomach
ache and/or throws up a little bit. We are not making much headway in
this area. PLEASE PRAY THAT HIS STOMACH WOULD HEAL, HE WOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE IN MORE CALORIES AND HE WOULD GAIN WEIGHT. PRAY WE CAN MAKE THIS PROGRESS WITHOUT THESE STOMACH ACHES. It is very frustrating to deal with this everyday, with everything else that is going on.
Connor's scans will be February 19 in Houston. We should have a
treatment plan by then. PLEASE PRAY THE SCANS SHOW NO GROWTH WITH THIS NEW AND OLD TUMOR. PRAY FOR GUIDANCE FOR CONNOR'S TREATMENT(S). We are still investigating alternative medicine approaches that will complement the conventional therapies. There are so many different directions that it is overwhelming to me at times. I am asking for WISDOM, as King Solomon did. PLEASE PRAY FOR WISDOM/DISCERNMENT FOR US.
My friend, MK (another mom at Connor's school), said this
story of Daniel in Daniel 2 reminded her of our situation and our
search for wisdom.
Daniel was asked by the king to interpret his dream. If not, Daniel
and his friends would be executed. God answered his prayer and He
showed Daniel the meaning of the King's dream. This is Daniel's prayer
in response to God's faithfulness.
'Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
'He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
'I thank and praise you, O God of my fathers:
You have given me wisdom and power,
you have made known to me what we asked of you,
you have made known to us the dream of the king.'
As she is doing, please pray Daniel 2 for us--that God would reveal
deep and hidden things and that the light that dwells with Him would
be given to us, so that we can walk in it as we seek the perfect
treatment plan for Connor. Praise God that all wisdom and power are
His, and plead for mercy with us that God will give Connor perfectly
restored health.
Still Believing,
Connor's Mom
Monday, February 9, 2009
Six Years...Memories...Snakes
Well, today, Monday, is a special day. It is the 6 year anniversary of our engagement. I remember some of it, but not much. B reminded me.
On Saturday, we went to a b-day party for our friends' 2 year old. We were actually in the room at the birthing center right before he was born, I went to pick B up from a doc appt, and when we came back, baby C had been born. So, it was fun to get to celebrate his 2nd b-day.
The Lord blessed me on Saturday with another seizure free day! So, when the party was over, we drove downtown to the church where we got married.
W.A. Criswell is the pastor that baptized my Mom....
I've struggled to remember our wedding and so I watch our wedding video quite often, hoping it will jog a memory or two. Anyway, I just knew that I would walk in to the sanctuary and it would all come flooding back into my memory.
The flood that came was tears. I couldn't hold them in. It just broke my heart that I stood there not too long ago and I don't remember it. So, I cried for quite a while. I hate that special memories like these are just gone. That is one of the parts of this health stuff that truly upsets me. I know it "doesn't matter." I've got B right here with me and that's what is important. However, I wanted to walk in and it just be magical. My sweet hubby even tried to re-enact it for me.
I did look at the pew where Granny sat and remembered how proud she was that she was able to walk (she had been in physical therapy/rehab learning to walk again after a stroke) part of the way down the aisle to light the Unity Candle. That is precious to me.
We walked around for a while and B tried to remind me about special parts of the day. Then, we walked outside and found a couple to take our picture.
In our Christmas letter, we stated this:
Five years ago, these were the vows we repeated to each other
I, Ben/Meredith, take you to be my wedded wife/husband
And I do promise in covenant
Before God and these witnesses to be your loving and faithful husband/wife
In plenty and in want
In joy and in sorrow
In sickness and in health
As long as we both shall live
When we left, I still hadn't had any seizures and we were rejoicing. So, we decided to go have dinner. We went to Hook, Line, and Sinker, and ate outside. There are signs everywhere telling you not to feed the birds. B accidentally threw a piece of cracker on the ground and the birds took that as a dinner bell. So, we were quickly surrouned.
When we got in the truck, we could barely see through the windows as the birds had "decorated" them for us; as well as, the rest of the truck. So, that called for a stop at the gas station to make driving safe!
We even found a little coffee shop in Deep Ellum that was quaint and fun. Then, we got back to the house and felt so bad we had left the pups inside for so long. We didn't expect to be gone for very long at all. So, the minute we pulled in the drive, I ran in the house and let the dogs out. Next thing I knew, B was telling me to stay outside and don't try to come inside. Scary? Yes!
Finally, I hear him banging on something (obviously killing something). Next thing I know, camera is in hand and I'm taking pics of this:
Yes, when he came inside, there was a 10-12 inch Texas Brown Snake on Hank's food bowl. Gross!! That means I walked right past it. Shudder. We couldn't handle being in the house after this. So, we all loaded up and went for a ride.
The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind...
Y'all are so boring.
What are you lookin' at...?
Hank loves riding in the truck!!
The seizures were back in full force on Sunday and made for a long day. We just wish we understood why I go without them some days and why I have so many on other days. We are so ready for answers. Thank you all for your prayers!!
On Saturday, we went to a b-day party for our friends' 2 year old. We were actually in the room at the birthing center right before he was born, I went to pick B up from a doc appt, and when we came back, baby C had been born. So, it was fun to get to celebrate his 2nd b-day.
The Lord blessed me on Saturday with another seizure free day! So, when the party was over, we drove downtown to the church where we got married.
W.A. Criswell is the pastor that baptized my Mom....I've struggled to remember our wedding and so I watch our wedding video quite often, hoping it will jog a memory or two. Anyway, I just knew that I would walk in to the sanctuary and it would all come flooding back into my memory.
The flood that came was tears. I couldn't hold them in. It just broke my heart that I stood there not too long ago and I don't remember it. So, I cried for quite a while. I hate that special memories like these are just gone. That is one of the parts of this health stuff that truly upsets me. I know it "doesn't matter." I've got B right here with me and that's what is important. However, I wanted to walk in and it just be magical. My sweet hubby even tried to re-enact it for me.I did look at the pew where Granny sat and remembered how proud she was that she was able to walk (she had been in physical therapy/rehab learning to walk again after a stroke) part of the way down the aisle to light the Unity Candle. That is precious to me.
We walked around for a while and B tried to remind me about special parts of the day. Then, we walked outside and found a couple to take our picture.
In our Christmas letter, we stated this:Five years ago, these were the vows we repeated to each other
I, Ben/Meredith, take you to be my wedded wife/husband
And I do promise in covenant
Before God and these witnesses to be your loving and faithful husband/wife
In plenty and in want
In joy and in sorrow
In sickness and in health
As long as we both shall live
We’ve joked that we are ready for the plenty, the joy, the health, etc. However, the truth is that we feel in our five years of marriage with very tight budgets, sorrow, and sickness, we have experienced a more plentiful, joyous and healthy marriage than those married fifty plus years that have not faced struggles. We have learned what it means for the two to truly become one. We have learned what it means to live out the vows that we said to each other five years ago. We have had to flesh out all of the commitments that marriage requires and more. As crazy as it sounds, we are grateful.
When we left, I still hadn't had any seizures and we were rejoicing. So, we decided to go have dinner. We went to Hook, Line, and Sinker, and ate outside. There are signs everywhere telling you not to feed the birds. B accidentally threw a piece of cracker on the ground and the birds took that as a dinner bell. So, we were quickly surrouned.When we got in the truck, we could barely see through the windows as the birds had "decorated" them for us; as well as, the rest of the truck. So, that called for a stop at the gas station to make driving safe!
We even found a little coffee shop in Deep Ellum that was quaint and fun. Then, we got back to the house and felt so bad we had left the pups inside for so long. We didn't expect to be gone for very long at all. So, the minute we pulled in the drive, I ran in the house and let the dogs out. Next thing I knew, B was telling me to stay outside and don't try to come inside. Scary? Yes!Finally, I hear him banging on something (obviously killing something). Next thing I know, camera is in hand and I'm taking pics of this:
Yes, when he came inside, there was a 10-12 inch Texas Brown Snake on Hank's food bowl. Gross!! That means I walked right past it. Shudder. We couldn't handle being in the house after this. So, we all loaded up and went for a ride.
The answer my friend is blowin' in the wind...
Y'all are so boring.
What are you lookin' at...?
Hank loves riding in the truck!!
The seizures were back in full force on Sunday and made for a long day. We just wish we understood why I go without them some days and why I have so many on other days. We are so ready for answers. Thank you all for your prayers!!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Hollywood
Well, we had a wonderful time at B's work party/awards banquet. The Lord was very gracious and I didn't have any seizures on Friday. Therefore, I had energy to be there and focus on my hubby!!
He did decide that he liked the red dress. So, I got to wear that one. He took me the night before to SteinMart and we found some shoes to match for $9.99 & some earrings for $14.99!! So, we were able to pull it all together quickly.
Our Mom's want to see pics. So, here are some pics of us Friday night!!
In the truck, pulling out of the driveway!
One more shot...
Sitting at our table.
I got very hungry that night. I'm allergic to tomatoes and the salad they served was covered in tomatoes, as was the entree. So, B went and spoke with the caterer to see if there was another option. She said, "absolutely." She came, grabbed my salad, and my plate, and told us that when they started serving dinner to tell them that she had my plate in the back. We just assumed she would bring out a salad with no tomatoes and I would get some of the tenderloin everyone else was having, but without the tomato-based sauce. Not so much. No salad ever came back and she brought me three spears of asparagus, half a red pepper, and some rice. So, I drank water!!! B was sweet and cut a few bites of meat out of the middle of his tenderloin for me so that I could have some protein. Such a sweetie!
Last year, he won the "Can do" award in the office. They told us it was the first time a Rookie had ever won the award. It has to do with your attitude, spirit, etc. It is voted on by the entire office. I'm so proud of my hubby. You can't win it two years in a row!!
This is B giving the award to this year's winner.
After that award, B had his Managing Partner stay up and called his wife up (Connor's parents)! He was able to speak of the amazing family that exists at Northwestern Mutual. Then, he presented them with a gift that is the schedule of everyone that was praying for Connor during his surgery. Do you each remember that day? Many of you wrote in and prayed for him. If you wrote me that you were praying, your name is in the book they were given...
Just a couple more pics for the Moms.
A kiss from my Prince!!!
He did decide that he liked the red dress. So, I got to wear that one. He took me the night before to SteinMart and we found some shoes to match for $9.99 & some earrings for $14.99!! So, we were able to pull it all together quickly.
Our Mom's want to see pics. So, here are some pics of us Friday night!!
In the truck, pulling out of the driveway!
One more shot...
Sitting at our table. I got very hungry that night. I'm allergic to tomatoes and the salad they served was covered in tomatoes, as was the entree. So, B went and spoke with the caterer to see if there was another option. She said, "absolutely." She came, grabbed my salad, and my plate, and told us that when they started serving dinner to tell them that she had my plate in the back. We just assumed she would bring out a salad with no tomatoes and I would get some of the tenderloin everyone else was having, but without the tomato-based sauce. Not so much. No salad ever came back and she brought me three spears of asparagus, half a red pepper, and some rice. So, I drank water!!! B was sweet and cut a few bites of meat out of the middle of his tenderloin for me so that I could have some protein. Such a sweetie!
Last year, he won the "Can do" award in the office. They told us it was the first time a Rookie had ever won the award. It has to do with your attitude, spirit, etc. It is voted on by the entire office. I'm so proud of my hubby. You can't win it two years in a row!!
This is B giving the award to this year's winner.
After that award, B had his Managing Partner stay up and called his wife up (Connor's parents)! He was able to speak of the amazing family that exists at Northwestern Mutual. Then, he presented them with a gift that is the schedule of everyone that was praying for Connor during his surgery. Do you each remember that day? Many of you wrote in and prayed for him. If you wrote me that you were praying, your name is in the book they were given...
Just a couple more pics for the Moms.
A kiss from my Prince!!!
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