Thursday, August 13th
Today marks 1 year since Avery's brain tumor was discovered, and we were thrown into this world known as childhood cancer. It seems somewhat unbelievable that a whole year has passed, but our minds and bodies have also seemed to bear the weight of each day ten-fold. I have been dreading this week in a lot of ways... the familiar milestones, the memories, the flashbacks, the pictures... reminders that August 13th will always signify a change... there will always be "before" and "after".
There are so many ways to describe the past year. It was terrifying, angry, heart breaking, and some times just plain hell. But there was also hope, faith, prayer, outreach, and a whole lot of love. If I had to sum up this past year in just one word it would be a "Gift". Despite all the hardships, we were blessed with 365 more days. That's 365 more hugs and kisses, 365 more good-night snuggles, 365 more "I love yous", and 365 more days to count our blessings. We were able to celebrate birthdays, holidays, and other milestones. We were gifted with 365 days of "MORE"! In the world of childhood cancer, that is not something that everyone is able to experience, and it is not something we will ever take for granted.
So today, on a day that every instinct in my body is telling me to grieve, I am choosing joy and gratitude instead! We will chose to celebrate the wonderful gift we've been given...more time with all 3 of our beautiful daughters. One thing that we have learned this year is that time can not be bought or earned or promised. It is truly a gift that only God can grant, and we will graciously accept that gift as long as He is willing to give it.
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Since our last update, Avery has received her hearing aids. They are taking a little time to get adjusted to, but she says she loves them! The first thing she does when she wakes up is bring them to me to put in. To say she is proud is an understatement!
Towards the end of July, we went to clinic for a quick port flush and nutrition consult. Then we hit the road and traveled across the country and back for 17 days! Avery has always wanted to see Mount Rushmore, so we made her wish come true and were finally able to celebrate her being cancer free! I'm not sure who enjoyed the trip more(parents or kids), but it will definitely be a trip we will all cherish for a lifetime!
Please continue to join us in prayer for:
- Clean MRIs on August 20th (these will be Avery's 6 month scans)
- Avery's appetite and tolerance for food(She is down to 41lbs and so skinny. We are meeting with the nutritionist and adding as many full/high fat options as we can, but she is just not hungry the majority of the time)
- Our friends(kids and adults) who are still fighting this battle
Thank you for sticking with us on this journey! Your love and prayers are appreciated!
Lori Beth,I told Grace last night she had this beat.Everything would be ok.Now I have no words.This is a shock.I know you and family are heart broken but you have to keep fighting.Right now all I can do is pray.I am at a loss for words to comfort all of you. Kaye
Thank you Lori for the beautiful update and sharing your vacation Plus Avery pictures with us.
Praying for Avery's appetite and tolerance for food to be in near future, love and prayers to all the children who are still on that journey you were on a year ago.
God is good and has surely blessed us with Avery’s journey. March forward little warrior!
What a great story and victory! I have loved the photos from the trip, and I know you all needed that! You and Shon are the best parents and so strong in faith! Avery and her sweet sisters are blessed to have you for their mom and dad! Prayers for a weight gain and clear scans to come! I hope they all love school!
LB this sweet girl is precious! I am ecstatic that you all can finally celebrate!!! We pray for this angel every night, and will continue to do so :)