Tuesday, December 31, 2019
I am not normally one to overly reflect as the year comes to an end, but this year I have had a lot more time than normal to reflect. In 2019, Shon and I were blessed to travel a lot of the country. I ran 10 half marathons in 7 different states. We saw the Grand Canyon, the Hoover Dam, the Rockies, Hawaii and lots more. We went on multiple camping trips, ran 5Ks, and went to the beach a couple of time with the girls. We celebrated 15 years of marriage. It was turning out to be a nearly perfect(as can be) year, until August when the rug was pulled out from under our feet. Our sweet baby, the one that completed our family, was diagnosed with cancer.
Our lives since that moment have been an all out fight. We have fought alongside our daughter during treatments. We have fought with life changing decisions that no parents should ever have to make. We have fought to keep our older girls' lives and routines as normal as possible. We have fought to stay strong in our marriage under circumstances that put you in more stress than imaginable. We have fought to stay positive and strong in our faith. We have spent 65 nights in the hospital and countless other days running to appointments. We have let worst case scenarios creep in our minds only to push them back out. We have let doubts, questions, and fear consume some of our days. But, at the end of the year, we have survived, and we are oddly leaving 2019 stronger than when we began.
I have never been one to set resolutions or goals or even choose a word at the beginning of the new year(no offense to those that do), but for some reason the word "Intentional" has been stuck in my mind the past few weeks at home. Webster defines intentional as " done on purpose; deliberate ". For 2020, I plan on being more intentional in all that I do. I want to be intentional in being a better wife, mother, and friend. I want to be intentional in showing others kindness and grace. One thing I have learned in the past few months is that even on my worst day, there is always someone struggling through something worse. Extending kindness to others, no matter what you are going through, goes a long way.
We went to clinic this morning to have Avery's CD34 level checked. Her numbers looked good enough that she will be admitted at 11am tomorrow in preparation for pheresis Thursday or Friday. We still have some important decisions to make regarding a single vs. tandem transplant for the next stage of treatment, and getting these stem cells will help guide our decision.
Please continue to pray for:
- Successful collection of stem cells
- Strength and protection as Avery undergoes chemo and transplant
- Wyatt , Avalynn, Sawyer, Liam, Madison, and all of the other kids still fighting the fight
- The families that are dealing with losses
I pray that 2020 blesses you all in unimaginable ways.
Your message is so powerful, strong, and faithful! Your family has faced every parent's greatest fear, CANCER in your child. You, Shon, and your extended family are bonded and glued together with faith and love; I am amazed at how you have navigated the past months! My prayer is that Avery is responsive to all treatment, and that she is healed completely! I do believe in prayer, Christ, and the miracles He can accomplish for us all. Blessings to you all in this New Year, and know that you have thousands (many who you have never met) praying for Avery and your family. Your posts and your fight with your child is an inspiration to us all; it m…
Lori Beth, your well written words truly touch my heart. Your remind us all that we can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us! That is our comfort as we face trials and tribulations. You and Shon have demonstrated to all of us that God’s grace is sufficient to carry us through. Avery and your other girls are blessed to have parents that live daily with full hearts, intentionally pouring faith into their cups to the point of overflowing. They are learning so much that will affect them in the years to come as believers, capable of facing anything with strength and courage. May you all be blessed this year with health and continued happiness!
This is a good reminder that our intentional actions have big results. We pray that your family has a wonderful new year and the battle you fight to overcome cancer is won. If only everyone had your resolve and strength this old world would be a better place. Your family will always be in our prayers.
This is so real. The highs and lows and depths of 2019 have been inexplicable. Praying big for 2020 and all the things mentioned. Love to all of you!
We stand in loving prayer with your family. We are praying that 2020 is blessed year for each of you. Regardless, please know we are just next door if you need us! ♥️