Prayers...

In April, 2010, when Andrew was 2 1/2, a tumor was discovered behind his eye. The tumor was removed, but it was found to be an aggressive cancer. He endured seven months of chemo and six weeks radiation. In December of 2010, the day after his last treatment, he was rushed to the ER with an almost fatal bacterial infection. He survived.

He is now seven-years-old!! I don't visit here much, because during the ordeal, this is where I dumped everything--my rage, my fear, my sadness, my ugly, my hope, my everything. But I want all of you who supported and prayed for us to hear his updates. You helped me survive, and I am deeply thankful. Every once in awhile, I will check in to let you know how he's doing. Please continue to pray that cancer will never return to his body. Thank you.



Thursday, May 20, 2010

Some People!!!

I have been amazed by the outpouring of love and care.  It is helping me to keep going.  I have also noticed that those who seem to best know how to comfort are typically those who have been "there."  In that desperate place.

Friends have been amazing.  Some have helped out with the boys.  Some have visited us in the hospital on frequent occasions.  Some send us encouraging notes on a regular basis. Many have made meals, some more than once.  Some comment frequently on my blog or facebook (thank you!).   I have friends I haven't seen since high school bringing me meals and sending me care packages.  All of these things are so touching to me.

My four year old son has two incredible teachers.  I didn't know HOW incredible they were until recently.  I didn't really know them very well, but as soon as I told them what was going on, they began acting as if they have always loved us.  They inspired other parents to provide meals for us every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, for a whole month.  They volunteered to watch all of our boys for our anniversary so that we could have a night out together.  (Our "night out" turned out to be in the hospital with Andrew, but at least we got to be together.)

They took the boys to Chuck E. Cheese and spoiled them with pizza and tokens.  The boys came home with a gumball machine full of gumballs (their chosen prize) and a very happy memory.  Then when John and I got home, we found a vase of flowers, a bottle of wine, and an Anniversary card.  I was so moved.

When John got home to relieve them, one of the teachers told him that when she was little, her brother died of leukemia.  She remembers what a difficult time it was for her parents, going through treatments, and trying to take care of their other children.  She wanted to make it easier for us.   I'm tearing up right now, writing about it.

It made me realize how easy it is for me to stand on the sidelines when things happen to other people.  How easy it is to stay isolated and focused on myself when others around me are struggling.  This experience is teaching me just how important it is to provide care and support for those in the midst of pain.
One day, I will pay these kindnesses forward, many times.

5 comments:

  1. Julie, I'm so happy that there are folks taking care of you guys out there. It really shows you what people are made of when you go through something so difficult.
    What kind people!

    ReplyDelete
  2. It's so good to hear that there are true, good hearted people in the world.
    We're praying for you and your family. Maybe this will be a new calling for you once Andrew is all healed up!

    ReplyDelete
  3. It's an amazing story... how people are stepping up to ease the burden a bit, help you so you can keep your focus where you need to have it. So glad to hear you're not on your own. Take care.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I am so happy for you that people are stepping up. You deserve all the love they offer!!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. It takes special people to offer that kind of support and even stronger, special people to know when they need to accept it. I am grateful for the blessings your friends are giving and that you are able to accept it with such a loving, strong heart :)

    Love and prayers to you all!

    ReplyDelete

Your thoughts...