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.Day by Day.

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion says my soul. Therefore I will hope in Him." Lamentations 3:22-24

This has been the cry of my heart these past few days. When thoughts of the future loom ahead and what this is going to look like in a week, month, year are ever present, we are seeking to take things one day at a time. And even as we take it one day at a time, each morning, we are faced with more of the unknown- what the day will bring, how Jack will be feeling, how he will respond to his meds, how he will respond to the staff here, when the nasty side-effects of chemo will begin... the list of unknowns are seemingly endless.

Not only is the thought of what the day will bring full of unknowns, but we are also very tired, as we are not sleeping much at night and so we are tempted to view the day through the filter of weariness. So yes, it is a fight each morning, to not only even want to wake up, but serve our boy joyfully and faithfully.

And yet, as God's word promises, there have been new mercies each morning. Physically, it has been hard to rise, but there waiting for us has been an abundance of grace and joy. It really is amazing. I do not think I know how to fully explain it. Even after going to bed at 1 am, being awoken at 4 am for his medicine dosage to fall asleep at 5am, and then up again at 7:30 am, feeding Dylan some point in there (although I cannot remember when that was!!!) ... I am fully awake and happy to be here with my boy! God's grace is so amazing!

He even has blessed us with little things like our friend, Jenne, who works on this floor bringing us Starbucks at 7 and her sister sending in breakfast food in with her for us! Amazing.

An update on Jackers, he got his first round of Chemo treatment yesterday. As I watched them inject this drug into his IV, it hit me that this was really happening. My child was getting chemotherapy. Something I never dreamed would be happening to one of my children. And again, the reality of what is to come hit me, as he was dry heaving for a few moments this morning. Yesterday was a tough day for the little guy, as he began the treatment and received a few meds that he will be continuing to get over the next month. He has been "hurt" so many times by all the needle pricks in the first few days here, so that now, whenever a nurse or doctor comes to take a look at him, he starts to cry.

Today, he seems to be doing a lot better though. Already, his glands are not as swollen as they were just 5 days ago! He is not limping anymore!!! Finally, after a month of him having a limp, he is walking with ease! Oh how I love to see this. He is also much more joyful and seems to be more of the Jackson we know and love. We took a walk down to the play room and he has been eating a little better today than the past few days. Sadly, one of the side effects of one of his meds, is extreme mood swings, which we are already seeing some of.

It is funny to me, how doing simple things makes all this feel a little bit normal... the other night, I had done some laundry here and folding it made our little room here feel more like home. Feeding him, changing diapers, and playing cars with him also add to the normalcy of what is a very different set of circumstances than we had ever thought to experience.

Anyhow, that's the update for now. We cannot thank you all enough for the lavish outpouring of support you are giving us. We truly are being carried by you and are refreshed by each and every offering of prayer, verses and passages of encouragement, and support. Please do not think that by simply adding your name to the list of many who are praying, that this is somehow not a blessing for us to hear! It really just humbles us that God would place our little family on so many hearts. You all are truly being an example to us of what it is to be a church family and to bear each others burdens up to Christ. We are so grateful.

Comments

Libby said…
We are old friends of Jordan's and Megan's from the SG church in Baltimore, MD. I occasionally wander onto your blog to read updates and see your sweet boys. Miguel and I both cried as we read your updates. We are praying for you as you walk through this season.

Ps 61:1-4

Libby and Miguel Barowski
Jordan Family said…
With tears and prayers - Love the Jordan family
I don't think we ever met but our family was at the PC 3 years ago. My boys and I were reading about Jack and cried along with you but we also were so encouraged by the grace that God has put upon your lives.
We are praying for your sweet family during this time!
Bobbie said…
You are doing a wonderful job with the updates. As a cancer survivor myself let me say I'm soooo proud of you for the day at a time approach, and don't worry, you'll be bouncing Jackson's children on your knee one day. I'm praying the Lord blesses you in unexxpected ways every day!
Anonymous said…
I praise the Lord that He is giving you the strength and the wisdom to not focus on those unknowns and what-ifs, It's so much easier to give into them, but to stand up and fight to focus on what the Lord has for you right now is golden. Isn't that how we should live anyway....we all have unknown futures, we just don't realize it until it's challenged. He's doing amazing things in you...I love Him for that!

Much love and intercession,
Natalie Tibbetts
Unknown said…
Tali, you and your family have been so strong in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts. Thank you for keeping us informed on all that is going on, as we are anxious to hear how prayers are being answered, and how mighty our God is. Jack is so incredibly blessed to have you for his mother at this trying time and always. If there is anything we can ever do for you, do not hesitate to ask. Love you!!
-Rachel-
Jessica said…
We have been praying for you, and I have been praying for you especially when I am up in the middle of the night nursing my little girl,praying for strength for you as you care for your three boys in this difficult season.

Mike and Jessica Somerville
Christina said…
We are praying too. Our 5 year old, Elena was just starting to take part in collecting change for Leukemia with her school. I read about your little Jack just days later and now it's more tangible for her. When asked if anyone had anything they wanted to pray about at home group this past week, Elena just started praying for God to heal the kids with this disease. I'm sure she'll remind us to pray for Jack often. Thank you for posting updates...we all need to see how God is at work! Love you and we are praying from afar.
Christina Norwood
Oh, Tali, I think my heart stopped beating when I saw this on Kim's blog. I'm so sorry, and I'll be praying for complete healing for Jack and continued peace and wisdom for you and Jordan!

We were at Children's last year when our 1 yo was diagnosed with a blood disorder, and there is no place I'd rather seek treatment for a sick child...so thankful for the medical advances and expertise they're able to offer.

Many hugs & prayers,

Mandi
Colbert Family said…
Our family was directed to your blog through a friend. We can understand everything you are going through right now. Our daughter, Abbey, was diagnosed with ALL in October of 2008. We are still going through treatment and as we read your blog so many emotions and memories come into our heads. The only thing I can think to say right now is that when the icy hands of fear grip you, know that the same Savior who conquered sin and death will carry you through this! If you get a chance you can check our blog out which will hopefully give you some encouragement as well. I believe my wife is in the process of reaching out to you through email.
Blessings,
Jim Colbert
Malcolm Six said…
"Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any who were sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them." (Luke 4:40) Praying for the healing hands of mighty Jesus to touch your boy. love, Linda
sarah said…
Jordan, Tali and Family,
Found out about Jack through mutual friends - praying for much strength, endurance and peace in the days to come for your sweet family.
Thanks for your example in steadfastness and trusting God in all circumstances ... the grace that has been poured upon you is evident and a wonderful testimony to those around you.
May God continue to pour out much grace and new mercies to you each and every day.
The Herr Family
LadyBug said…
Tali and family, you all are in my prayers and thoughts. I am praying for a complete healing! Keep your faith strong and just know that there are those of us out there that are on our knees before the Savior, even if we can only help virtually and prayerfully!
Laura said…
Our life group is praying for your family during this difficult time. Hoping you find many examples of His love to share with your boys today and in the coming weeks!

Hugs,
Laura (Gale)
Courtney said…
I heard about little Jack today at church. I will be praying for healing for Jack and strength and grace for your family! Your amazing testimony of God's sustaining grace through this trial brings so much honor and glory to our Savior. He is near. Your example is building and strengthening my own faith!

praying,
Courtney Minard
Prellis said…
Tali we are carrying your burdens with you and praying for little Jack and your family!
Anonymous said…
We have been praying for you all since we heard the news. God's strength and grace are so evident in your lives. We pray for a complete healing for little Jack.

love
Jesse and Rebekah Phillips
Dave said…
Praying for you guys. Thanking God for your example and the hope we find in your response to this trial. God is blessing you with peace and hope in the midst of the storm. Praise Him.
Elise said…
We cannot imagine the journey our Lord has set before you and are praying heartily for abundant grace, abundant provision and abundant peace in the midst. Your little guy is daily in our prayers as are you his parents. God is still bigger and He'll show himself still faithful and will stay with you 'unstill' in the stillness of every moment you wait, watch and work with the challenge of meds and hospital life. Praying for you right now...
Mindy said…
Tali,

We heard about your little Jack yesterday at church and since then your family has been on my heart. The testimony of trust in the Lord's goodness even in the midst of such uncertainty is bringing glory to His Great Name.

I was provoked by your example as C.J. commented on the way you are resting in the goodness and love of God and even more so after reading your blog here. We will be lifting you up to the throne of grace.

James 1:12 "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."

Mindy Mayhew
Jose & Rebekah said…
Praying for God's hand to be on all of you and a keen awareness of Him! Thank you for updating and being so honest. It is so evident that the Lord is your Rock and giving you the strength. May He bring about much good through this very difficult time!

Rebekah Jimenez
Dave & Emma Taylor said…
Hey Jordan & Tali,

As we read through your blog today, we were reminded of the times when our Joshua walked through his palate & heart operations. Particularly the challenge of needles and doctors/nurses ever approaching... Our hearts so go out to you as a family. That said, we just wanted you to know afresh that we're praying for you. We can indeed testify to the grace and kindness of God being ever present as you walk through health challenges with a son. Praise God that we all now have a 'Son' we can cry out to in these times... One who is ever present, and loves your boy more than even you ever could. May you know his nearness and grace at this time, and would the Gospel shine ever brighter.

With great affection,
Dave & Emma Taylor (UK/OZ)

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