I’ve been home for three days now. Jonathan’s mom took great care of our kids while I was in the hospital and now the shift has changed to my parents for the week . I had a big disappointment on Monday morning. The eye that I’ve been so excited to see re-open the first two days of chemo was almost completely swollen shut when I woke up. I was so frustrated that I barely got out of bed. I called the doctor and they recommended taking Benadryl, so I’ve been taking that around the clock. You can imagine how clear-headed and energetic that has made me feel. Today the swelling has dispersed more across my entire forehead and both eyes. There is even a little bruising – I guess a true battle took place between the Lymphoma and the chemotherapy.
Last night I went to Paris. That’s the name of the girls’ spa business in their bedroom – I was their first customer, so there was no charge, but tips were encouraged. It was a very relaxed setting where they pampered me with purple sparkly nail polish on my fingernails and blue sparkly nail polish on my toenails. As they gave me a small braid on the top of my head and simultaneously massaged my hands in warm water, I decided to check in on how they were doing. I completely expected them to need some reassurance that things would get back to normal eventually. I told them, “I’m so impressed with your faith and courage during all of this.” Our oldest daughter said, ” I think it is exciting. ” What? ” It is exciting to see what God’s gonna do.” Then our youngest daughter said, “Yeah, and look at Job. He kept having bad things happen to him. His friends told him to stop believing in God but he kept believing.”
Okay. Wow. It felt like I was the one who was receiving the reassurance. That was not what I was expecting at all. As they finished their spa treatment, they left me to relax with my thoughts and to enjoy their lava-lamp-lighted room wearing dollar-store sunglasses (to soften the light even more) and a pair of neon green fluffy slippers that fit the top 2/3s of my feet. . .
I am so touched by your journey back to health and the way God is using you and your beautiful family to inspire others. You don’t know me but I am an old friend of your Mother’s from nursing school and I am your sister is Christ:)
What amazing people you all are with so much love and faith, surely God is blessing you all and smiling with pleasure as you win the battles. I am praying for you all too. love and hugs, Rita
Do they allow guys to come to Paris, I want to get in on this action, less the braid.
I always am Amazed at How God uses Children. YOur Children are Super Special anyway. I Love your Beautiful Family. I had the Pleasure of hanging out with your Children one evening. I was so Impressed when they Thank Me for comming over so their Parents could have a date. Amazing Children. Harrison even has referred to Me as Grandma. LOL. I Love this Precious Family. YOu all are on my Heart. Praying. Praying, Praying. We Serve a Great Big God. He has you in his arms. May God be Glorfied in eveything We do.
Happy that you are home but so sorry you had a rough time of it earlier this week. I hope things are calming down now – try to keep up the positive attitude! We’ll continue to pray for the doctors to find the right treatment dosage for you, that it continues to attack and eradicate the remaining cancer, and that the side effects are few!!
Hi April,
Paris sounds wonderful! I’m praying that your new treatment is working.
Love,
Val
Hi April, I’m so glad you have such great love, support, and pampering from your family! We are sending prayers your way. XO Deborah
So sweet! Sounds like it was just what you needed. Thank you for sharing.
Love you!
Sweet girls! Love their faith!!! Glad you are home. Let me know if you feel up to a visit.
I love the story about the girls and their spa. What a great support system you have there! What inspiring faith!
What special and wonderful children you have…..what wonderful examples you and Jonathan are to them! They are precious!
We’re here for you, whatever that may look like…we’re just a phone call away! Whatever you might need, we’re here for all of you! Know you’re in our constant thoughts and prayers
Much love, dear friends!
Beautiful beautiful images! Love you so much. You are a wonderful brave woman with an awesome brave husband raising brave daughters. (And a sweet son!)
April, I had a smile as I read your spa therapy story which so reminded me of happy days with my daughter, Anna. I am grateful and amazed at how often I have learned essential lessons from my children, and they keep coming. Brace yourself as their insight and inspiration will continue to impress. Sending you love, Jan
Wow! Very insightful and faithful girls! Amber told me Saturday that she is looking forward to seeing you and me sitting outside under the umbrella when your treatment is finished. I’m looking forward to it too. Praying for the swelling in your eye and forehead.