"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.
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
Ps 61:1-4
Libby and Miguel Barowski
We are praying for your sweet family during this time!
Much love and intercession,
Natalie Tibbetts
-Rachel-
Mike and Jessica Somerville
Christina Norwood
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
Blessings,
Jim Colbert
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
Hugs,
Laura (Gale)
praying,
Courtney Minard
love
Jesse and Rebekah Phillips
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
Rebekah Jimenez
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)