I spoke with Mike this morning and all is well at Vandy. He really enjoyed visiting with Josh yesterday and for the most part is still feeling pretty good. As I mentioned before, today is the last day of his first round of chemotherapy. So far he has tolerated it like a champ and we pray he continues to do so well. Melisa said all is good on the home front too; Casey is warming up a little more to his new school and making it a little easier for Debbie to drop him off. I think he has a hard time at night without his Momma and Daddy there. Please pray for our little sweet pea so that he is also comforted during this difficult time.
I'm not sure about you all, but here in Louisville, today just might be the most beautiful day we've had all year. Cooler temperatures and lower humidity makes the sky seem bluer and the grass seem greener. All of the colors just seem to pop. Fall is my all time favorite season and today we are able to get just a taste of what is to come. Football games, homemade chili, jeans and sweaters, fall festivals, apple cider...throw in a few of my favorite people's birthdays and I'm as happy as a pig in...mud. We are lucky to live in Kentucky, we really are. It is the perfect location to fully witness all of the seasons at their peak. Sure, you can go swimming in Michigan in the summer and as Jamie, God love her, likes to tell me, "We wear sweaters here in Florida too." Just not the same to me. Our summers leave us praying for a reprieve while our winters leave us begging for mercy. For me, I don't know what I enjoy more, the seasons themselves or the promise of the change that is yet to come. As I have gotten older, I tend to lean toward the latter. There is something very appealing about the hope and promise of a new day, a new season. And without fail, that change inevitably comes. It is no coincidence that today, the first day that has provided us with a hint of change, is also the last day of my brother's initial treatment. I pray that this beautiful day provides him with the reassurance that even though he is currently in a season that has us all begging for His mercy, a promise of change is right around the corner. A promise of hope, a promise of change, a promise of healing. Hang in there Mikey, the best is yet to come. I can just feel it in the air!
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
9/11 We Have Not Forgotten
Hard to believe that 6 years have passed since those terrorist attacks on the US. Don't you remember that day just like it was yesterday? Remember EXACTLY where you were when you heard of the tragedy? Remember how blue the sky was that day? Remember what the rest of your day and night consisted of? Definitely hard to believe it was 6 years ago. As I was taking my boys to school this morning, everywhere I turned there were reminders of that day. Bumper stickers on cars, marquee signs on restaurants, flags at half mast in the school yard...all tributes to those who lost so much that day. Please keep the victims' families in your thoughts and prayers as you go about your day today. I can't imagine the grief that this day must bring for them.
I spoke to Mike this morning and he sounded as good as ever. Josh made it down last night and he was in the room with him this morning. I think Josh brought Cameron's PSP and a Madden game for Mike to pass some time. I know he'll put that to good use. Thanks to Josh and Brandi for that! He said he had a good night, ate a good breakfast, and he and Josh went on his walk. It is so reassuring to hear his upbeat voice and know he is in good spirits. I think I posted yesterday that this was his last day of chemo. Actually tomorrow is his last day. I know you are, but please pray that this treatment cures his body of this illness and his spirit is comforted at the same time.
Yesterday while grocery shopping with my youngest child I got to witness a very sweet scenario. For those of you who don't know Houston, or 'Tootie', as he calls himself, he is as rough as a cob...definitely all boy! He would just as soon pounce on your head than give you a hug or a kiss...just ask his big brother who by far takes the bulk of Tootie's abuse. You know those parents who say, "If we had this child first, he would be our last." Well that's us with the Toot Monster. Anyhow, we had just gotten inside the store and I was trying to bribe him to ride in the cart, offering up everything from Oreo's to balloons to no avail. What? Mr. Rambunctious ride peacefully in the cart when there are both employees AND patrons of Kroger to be terrorized??? I don't think so. "OK," I warned him, "but if I have to tell you ANYTHING, ANYTHING at all, you're back in the cart." From the smirk on his face, I knew he understood. I was carefully selecting my oranges as well as keeping a close watch on Houston, who by this point had identified another small child across the store. She appeared to be about his age and had spotted him too. All of the sudden, out of nowhere, they take off running towards one another. Both her mom and I kind of followed along, watching how this was going to unfold. Was he going to take her down, Ray Lewis style? Bite her? With him it's all a possibility. Instead, much to my surprise, rather shock, they met in the middle and just hugged one another...for quite a while too. It was one of the sweetest things I've ever seen. From what we could gather, they didn't know each other, didn't go to the same school, didn't go to the same church, probably the first time they have ever even seen each other, but it didn't stop them from hugging one another. It was the sweetest, most honest, most natural act these two kids could have done at that time. They didn't think anything of it what-so-ever. How liberating it must be to be 2 years old!! Her mom remarked how sweet it was was that they aren't inhibited from doing something like that. I said that we should be more like that. And we should. Maybe we don't need to go up and hug a complete stranger but being a little kinder, a little more gentler sure couldn't hurt either. Because who knows what that person on the other end is going through at the moment.
I spoke to Mike this morning and he sounded as good as ever. Josh made it down last night and he was in the room with him this morning. I think Josh brought Cameron's PSP and a Madden game for Mike to pass some time. I know he'll put that to good use. Thanks to Josh and Brandi for that! He said he had a good night, ate a good breakfast, and he and Josh went on his walk. It is so reassuring to hear his upbeat voice and know he is in good spirits. I think I posted yesterday that this was his last day of chemo. Actually tomorrow is his last day. I know you are, but please pray that this treatment cures his body of this illness and his spirit is comforted at the same time.
Yesterday while grocery shopping with my youngest child I got to witness a very sweet scenario. For those of you who don't know Houston, or 'Tootie', as he calls himself, he is as rough as a cob...definitely all boy! He would just as soon pounce on your head than give you a hug or a kiss...just ask his big brother who by far takes the bulk of Tootie's abuse. You know those parents who say, "If we had this child first, he would be our last." Well that's us with the Toot Monster. Anyhow, we had just gotten inside the store and I was trying to bribe him to ride in the cart, offering up everything from Oreo's to balloons to no avail. What? Mr. Rambunctious ride peacefully in the cart when there are both employees AND patrons of Kroger to be terrorized??? I don't think so. "OK," I warned him, "but if I have to tell you ANYTHING, ANYTHING at all, you're back in the cart." From the smirk on his face, I knew he understood. I was carefully selecting my oranges as well as keeping a close watch on Houston, who by this point had identified another small child across the store. She appeared to be about his age and had spotted him too. All of the sudden, out of nowhere, they take off running towards one another. Both her mom and I kind of followed along, watching how this was going to unfold. Was he going to take her down, Ray Lewis style? Bite her? With him it's all a possibility. Instead, much to my surprise, rather shock, they met in the middle and just hugged one another...for quite a while too. It was one of the sweetest things I've ever seen. From what we could gather, they didn't know each other, didn't go to the same school, didn't go to the same church, probably the first time they have ever even seen each other, but it didn't stop them from hugging one another. It was the sweetest, most honest, most natural act these two kids could have done at that time. They didn't think anything of it what-so-ever. How liberating it must be to be 2 years old!! Her mom remarked how sweet it was was that they aren't inhibited from doing something like that. I said that we should be more like that. And we should. Maybe we don't need to go up and hug a complete stranger but being a little kinder, a little more gentler sure couldn't hurt either. Because who knows what that person on the other end is going through at the moment.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Feathers, Feathers Everywhere...
Happy Monday All! I talked to Mike early this morning and he said that everything was going good. No nausea, has a good appetite, and just finished his morning walk. He only has 1 day of chemo. left! (little whoop-whoop!) Then for the next 7 days he will basically be resting, allowing his body to recuperate and rebuild its blood supply. Please pray again that this chemo. knocks out all of those little sons-a-bitches and he is back in the saddle at Dana in no time! Please also pray that his body continues to tolerate his chemo. as well as he has thus far.
Mikey had a good weekend; had lots of visitors. Big Hope, Mei-Mei, and Casey all went back to Henderson last night. Mom and Melisa stayed in the Nash at the condo and were headed back over to Vandy this morning. Our cousin Josh is kindly taking some time away from his practice of "fighting cavities for freedom" to hang out with the patient for a couple of days. I hope Brandi and the boys manage get along ok while he is gone. Go Gaines!! Oh how Mikey wishes the Beaner were there too. He does miss him terribly, as we all do. Somehow though I believe he is there. Go Vols!! Please pray today that during Josh's visit Mikey doesn't laugh so hard that he knocks his pic-line out of socket and has to have it redone. It is a possibility.
As I said in one of our previous posts, Psalm 91 has been such a strong and comforting verse for everyone in our family. Specifically it states that the Lord "will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge." Many of you have kindly endured my telling (and re-telling) of my experience with the feather. Even more so, many of you have been finding feathers everywhere!! Aunt Beanie at her home, Mei-Mei in the hospital, Bart in his office, Mom at the condo. last night, and Scott on the ball field of all places. Sure it would be easy to dismiss an event as small as this. However, just ask any of us who have found a feather lately whether or not that is a coincidence. We'll gladly tell you the answer! Each of these feathers hold so much meaning to us as they are concrete reminders of that scripture that promised protection. I love hearing each of them! Please keep sharing your stories. They are so uplifting!
More to come...
Rachel
P.S. Emilee could have SO taken that girl at 3rd. I don't know who's the toughest of the grandkids - Her or Houston? It's probably a toss up.
Mikey had a good weekend; had lots of visitors. Big Hope, Mei-Mei, and Casey all went back to Henderson last night. Mom and Melisa stayed in the Nash at the condo and were headed back over to Vandy this morning. Our cousin Josh is kindly taking some time away from his practice of "fighting cavities for freedom" to hang out with the patient for a couple of days. I hope Brandi and the boys manage get along ok while he is gone. Go Gaines!! Oh how Mikey wishes the Beaner were there too. He does miss him terribly, as we all do. Somehow though I believe he is there. Go Vols!! Please pray today that during Josh's visit Mikey doesn't laugh so hard that he knocks his pic-line out of socket and has to have it redone. It is a possibility.
As I said in one of our previous posts, Psalm 91 has been such a strong and comforting verse for everyone in our family. Specifically it states that the Lord "will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge." Many of you have kindly endured my telling (and re-telling) of my experience with the feather. Even more so, many of you have been finding feathers everywhere!! Aunt Beanie at her home, Mei-Mei in the hospital, Bart in his office, Mom at the condo. last night, and Scott on the ball field of all places. Sure it would be easy to dismiss an event as small as this. However, just ask any of us who have found a feather lately whether or not that is a coincidence. We'll gladly tell you the answer! Each of these feathers hold so much meaning to us as they are concrete reminders of that scripture that promised protection. I love hearing each of them! Please keep sharing your stories. They are so uplifting!
More to come...
Rachel
P.S. Emilee could have SO taken that girl at 3rd. I don't know who's the toughest of the grandkids - Her or Houston? It's probably a toss up.
Sunday, September 9, 2007
Saturday, September 8, 2007
Coincidence? Hardly.
When Mike was diagnosed with leukemia, each of us were (and still are to some degree) placed on an emotional roller coaster of sorts. I don't know how its possible, but it's not uncommon for each of us to experience fear, anger, peace, comfort, and joy almost simultaneously. When we are faced with a situation as drastic as this, the only place we can turn to calm our fears, squash our anger, rejuvenate our peace, fill up our joy, and receive our comfort is to the Lord. Along the way we have all dropped to our knees asking for His immediate presence and have received His Holy Spirit in abundance! Some of us have had more spiritual experiences, while others have witnessed more concrete examples of His presence. Either way, we KNOW that He is with us every step of the way and we are eternally thankful for His grace.
During this journey one major doubt that I have been feeling in particular is that perhaps our sins, maybe even Mikey's wrong-doings brought on this disease. Even worse, I felt that the Lord was just sort of throwing His hands up in the air as if to say, "Hey, you brought this on yourself," and was turning His back on us. I have been struggling with this for a while, partially not wanting to believe this but still feeling myself give into that realization. I mean, why not? After all God has done for us and this is how we repay Him? Come on! I'd probably turn my back too. But as I am human, I am in no way God and I can't fathom the type of love He feels for each and every one of us.
Those doubts were put to rest once and for all last night when Bret called me. Together we discussed 2 passages of scripture that the Lord placed on his heart. The first one is in the book of John, Chapter 9, Verses 1-3. It reads: "Jesus went along and he saw a man born blind from birth. His disciples asked, 'Jesus, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' (Which is exactly what I thought...what sin brought this in to Mikey's life?) And Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happned so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.'" How awesome is that??!! With this we know that we are not alone AND that this is the work of God. As the old saying goes: Everything happens for a reason and such is the case in this instance.
The next scripture that we discussed is in the OT in 2Kings, chapter 5, which talks about our old buddy Naaman. Basically Naaman was a man who was a leper and was sick. No one would go near him nor touch him as they were fearful of him. Naaman went to the King of Isreal and took him tons of material items: money, gold, silver, and clothing. He offered them to the King and asked to be healed. The King turned him away, wisely telling him that he is not God and he doesn't have that kind of power. During all of this, Elisha, a prophet of God overheard all of this and said, "Tell Naaman to come to me." So Naaman went to his house. Elisha told him, "Go wash yourself 7 times in the Jordan River and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed." But Naaman didn't like what he heard. He thought that Elisha could just call on God, wave his hand over him and he would be healed right there on the spot. Besides there were 2 rivers that were a lot closer to him than the Jordan. Why couldn't he just wash himself in either of those? So Naaman left angry. After a while, his servants talked him into taking Elisha's advice. He went and did as he was told and was ultimately healed. As Bret pointed out there are too many likenesses to Mikey in this story and this is not just some fluke of a coincidence. Just as Naaman noticed that there are 2 rivers near him, there are 2 hospitals that are near Mikey. But just like Naaman had to travel to be healed so must Mike. Just as Naaman had to endure this as a process, so does Mike. Just as Naaman had to wash himself 7 times, Mike's body must also be washed for 7 days with the chemo. Coincidence? Oh no my friend.
Both of these scriptures are so very reassuring. The Word of God is very real and is as pertinent today as it was 2000+ years ago. There is a reason the Good Book is the most read book in the world, year after year - everyone can relate to its scripture.
I'm sorry - I didn't mean to go all Billy Graham on you today but this was very moving to me and I just wanted to share it. Besides, it is Sunday after all and by a show of hands, how many of us missed this morning's service??? That's what I thought.
Don't feel bad. I didn't go either. :)
Rachel
During this journey one major doubt that I have been feeling in particular is that perhaps our sins, maybe even Mikey's wrong-doings brought on this disease. Even worse, I felt that the Lord was just sort of throwing His hands up in the air as if to say, "Hey, you brought this on yourself," and was turning His back on us. I have been struggling with this for a while, partially not wanting to believe this but still feeling myself give into that realization. I mean, why not? After all God has done for us and this is how we repay Him? Come on! I'd probably turn my back too. But as I am human, I am in no way God and I can't fathom the type of love He feels for each and every one of us.
Those doubts were put to rest once and for all last night when Bret called me. Together we discussed 2 passages of scripture that the Lord placed on his heart. The first one is in the book of John, Chapter 9, Verses 1-3. It reads: "Jesus went along and he saw a man born blind from birth. His disciples asked, 'Jesus, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?' (Which is exactly what I thought...what sin brought this in to Mikey's life?) And Jesus answered, 'Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but this happned so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.'" How awesome is that??!! With this we know that we are not alone AND that this is the work of God. As the old saying goes: Everything happens for a reason and such is the case in this instance.
The next scripture that we discussed is in the OT in 2Kings, chapter 5, which talks about our old buddy Naaman. Basically Naaman was a man who was a leper and was sick. No one would go near him nor touch him as they were fearful of him. Naaman went to the King of Isreal and took him tons of material items: money, gold, silver, and clothing. He offered them to the King and asked to be healed. The King turned him away, wisely telling him that he is not God and he doesn't have that kind of power. During all of this, Elisha, a prophet of God overheard all of this and said, "Tell Naaman to come to me." So Naaman went to his house. Elisha told him, "Go wash yourself 7 times in the Jordan River and your flesh will be restored and you will be cleansed." But Naaman didn't like what he heard. He thought that Elisha could just call on God, wave his hand over him and he would be healed right there on the spot. Besides there were 2 rivers that were a lot closer to him than the Jordan. Why couldn't he just wash himself in either of those? So Naaman left angry. After a while, his servants talked him into taking Elisha's advice. He went and did as he was told and was ultimately healed. As Bret pointed out there are too many likenesses to Mikey in this story and this is not just some fluke of a coincidence. Just as Naaman noticed that there are 2 rivers near him, there are 2 hospitals that are near Mikey. But just like Naaman had to travel to be healed so must Mike. Just as Naaman had to endure this as a process, so does Mike. Just as Naaman had to wash himself 7 times, Mike's body must also be washed for 7 days with the chemo. Coincidence? Oh no my friend.
Both of these scriptures are so very reassuring. The Word of God is very real and is as pertinent today as it was 2000+ years ago. There is a reason the Good Book is the most read book in the world, year after year - everyone can relate to its scripture.
I'm sorry - I didn't mean to go all Billy Graham on you today but this was very moving to me and I just wanted to share it. Besides, it is Sunday after all and by a show of hands, how many of us missed this morning's service??? That's what I thought.
Don't feel bad. I didn't go either. :)
Rachel
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