as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
John 13: 34
This was another one of those weeks that had the potential to push us to that scary precipice. Lots of tough stuff came down the line, seeking to undermine our joy, our hope...our stability. Usually when the burdens start piling up I start to flounder. Thankfully that didn't happen this time. God has given us the grace to weather the current storms and we remain calm. It feels good to let our burdens rest in His capable hands.
Marc and I have always treasured our relationships. We feel so abundantly blessed by the friends and family that God has put strategically in our lives. They are our earthly treasures. We marvel at how we have been encircled by the most kind and encouraging individuals. I was reminded over and over again this week of how faithful our family and friends have been in supporting us in this trial. I truly don't know how we could have survived the last year if God hadn't been so generous in blessing us with relationships. We are in awe constantly at the love extended to us.
As I mentioned, this week was a challenge. Marc had treatment on Friday. Chemo is never easy on the body and hardest on the emotions. I admire my husband's courage to sit in that chair and volunteer for the horrible side effects. On top of it all, he was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism (blood clot) in his lung. This is a somewhat serious complication of his cancer. On top of everything else he must now be on blood thinner for the foreseeable future. While frustrating and concerning, we are excited that the pain that led to the diagnosis wasn't the result of the cancer spreading. An embolism with an obvious and effective treatment seems so much simpler than his cancer progressing.
The highlight of our week was sharing this experience with Marc's sister, Jenni. Her family was kind enough to let her come up and help us out last minute. It was a great encouragement to both of us -- a blessing and a reminder that we have an extraordinary support system. It was also humbling to hear her perspective on our life. Her fresh eyes reminded us of how amazing our team really is -- nurses, doctors, teachers, friends, and family. All amazing. Her observations and perspective were so helpful this weekend. She gave us new insights and appreciation for those that serve us so faithfully.
So as we start this new week, we will be looking for more of God's goodness. He has been incredibly faithful to us and we continue to be overwhelmed by His work in our lives. We continue to rely on His promises. He is worthy of our trust.
To those of you that continue to love us and pray for us. Thank you. Thank you for loving us as the Father has loved you....
One handsome dude in a blue hospital gown!
Amy...
Our most favorite, french-fry sharing nurse!
(She is AMAZING and has one contagious laugh :)
Enjoying the sunshine and a stroll.
Thanks for the motivation, Jen!
Smiles to end a very special weekend!
Many thanks to Jen for having the desire and making the effort to be here,
to Steve for taking over the kids while she was gone,
to Meg, Michael, and David, for being cool with Mom's last minute plans;
and most of all to Chris who was gracious enough to let his mom
come up on his birthday weekend!
Thank you!
With love and gratitude.....
