This morning, we were most inconveniently awakened from sweetest slumber, and a lovely dream, when Abigail came into our room, uncerimoniously turned off the noise machine, and asked (as if we were lazy teenagers) ” Are you guys getting up this morning?” Mark looked at the clock, and immediately jumped out of bed, while I grudgingly crawled out from under downy warmth and promised my pillow I would be back. Then he led family devotions while Abbie, Wes, and Gilana devoured yesterday’s coffee cake and I finished up the lunches I had started last night, crowning each with a Lindt Truffle- leftover from stocking stuffing. Then, with a rush of winter coats, and good-bye kisses, Christmas vacation came to an abrubt end, and the family vehicle headed out for Calvary Baptist School. Here we go!
And Happy New Year to you, as well! As we reflect on the most recent weeks of family celebrations, relaxed schedules, sweetest fellowships with God’s People, gifts of love, and favorite sweet treats, I must tell you– there were many pauses in our home- around the table, around the tree, amidst quiet moments and rowdy games. Pauses that were reality checks, resulting in genuine awe and whispers of “Thank You, Lord” decorating our Christmas celebration, and reminding us that our God is Good and oh so kind. As I made meals, put finishing touches on the Christmas tree, reveled in old familliar passages of the Nativity Story in God’s Word, and happily repeated familly tradions like chocolate mint cookies ( I love you, Tina McCarthy!) Mark’s anual Precious Moments ornament to me, and our Candlelight Christmas Eve service, I was and am aware of His mercy and kindness to me, and just how far He has brought us in these last nine months. Though still very much aware of my new immune system and its vulnerability, I have been able to do much of my former house duties- shopping, cooking, laundry, and even some cleaning. I inadvertantly cast a suspicious glance wherever I hear a cough or sneeze, and still don a mask when insecure, but have relaxed much, and gain confidence in new healthy habits and slowly returning strength. Though I am thrilled at the now infrequent trips to Froedtert Hospital, I am hopeful at the prospect of hearing the “all clear” following my January 14th PET/CT, and joining the ranks of happy Double Hit Lymphoma survivors. Today marks 86 days out from transplant, and though my thoughts often meander back to 4NT, the Bone Marrow Transplant unit, and all of the wonderful caregivers there, most of my thoughts and efforts are concentrated on today’s tasks and prospects for tomorrow. Though peripheral neuropathy still plagues my feet, making most shoe-choices impossible, and I am navigating my way through full-blown menopause- thanks to aggressive chemotherapy -these are small prices to pay for the priceless gift of returning health. I would appreciate your continued prayers on my behalf as I look forward to the first PET/CT scans. Apprehension loves to play around the edges of peace and comfort, and though God has proved Himself more than trustworthy in all of life’s and eternity’s issues, these procedures are never fun. We wish you a prosperous, healthy, and blessed beginning to 2013, and wish you ever closer to the God who holds our very breath in His Hands.
