Learning

Jessica had a small burst of energy last Friday to take some pictures before the chemo gets the best of her hair. An amazing and sweet friend offered to do some casual shots of her for fun and on demand as we couldn't plan around how she was feeling and what the weather was doing. This was a random and spontaneous act of kindness by a friend who used her talent to make someone feel good. Thanks (you know who you are)

We are learning so much through this process of tearing her body down so she can rebuild it back up. chemotherapy is NOT fun at all. I've read volumes of the side effects and potential risks from these harsh treatments and what they actually do to the body to kill off cancer. It's alarming, to say the least. But about two months ago, I listened to a CD series called, "Go For NO". It is an instructional series that teaches you how to change your mindset so you can achieve more. One point that they made in one of the lessons was about body builders. Before you can build muscle mass in the body and become strong, you have to tear the muscle down first. The physical stress on the body from work outs actually tears down the muscle. The strength and muscle mass comes as the body rebuilds itself after the trauma. (and yes, that is my word for exercise)

Jessica, like everyone else, is blessed with one of those opportunities in life that will literally tear her down........and I mean physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. But, her opportunity to rebuild and repair the damage done to her from this disease will make her super strong in so many ways. Already, I am seeing her grow spiritually. I've watched Jessica come to the cross roads of these moments where she has a choice to make. She can either become bitter and depressed, or she can fight and be strong. Sometimes the choice for her comes minute by minute or even day by day, but I am proud of the way she has chosen to fight this.

We have had visits with several others who are going through or who have gone through similar struggles. It's a huge comfort to hear all of your experiences and know that we aren't alone in this. We do recognize that we are not the only one's in life who have hard things to overcome. In fact, ALL of us do. None of us is exempt.

Thank you everyone, for sharing with us your stories, your experiences, your triumphs and your encouragements. It makes me think of my favorite quote that hangs on my wall....."You lift me and I lift thee and together we ascend forever." That's how it's done.

For the most part, this week, Jessica is doing pretty well. We go through peaks and valleys. And often they are packed into the same day. But we plug along. She is pretty tired from the weekly treatments and procedures, but she learns how to conserve energy. The drugs make her feel yukky. (that's the best word to describe). Some of you have called and invited her out to a few things, and we have to take it one day at a time. Sometimes one hour at a time. she may make plans to go somewhere or do something, but then be too tired or sick to actually do it when the time comes. Don't be offended when she doesn't show up to most things. It just is what it is. That is our new normal. Adjusting to what comes, when ever it comes, and being flexible.....a lesson maybe the Lord knew we needed.

We want to thank everyone for your kind words, your stories of your own battles with this, your meals, your resources to help with the expense of this, your time, your visits, your cards, your calls, your hugs, and your unconditional love, no matter how it was conveyed. We are taking it ALL in and it carries us through what keeps coming. Many of you are going through challenges worse than this and continue to serve and extend yourselves to others. We are inspired by you and hope to emulate that.

There is no physical way we could ever repay all the acts of service and kindness that have been shown to our family so far by our own family and friends and even strangers. We are in Awe, and we are overwhelmed by it. All we can do is work to pay it forward in what ever way we can. That's the goal.

Human Kindness Is Alive And Well...........................