LIVESTRONG – ARMSTRONG

We have wanted ceiling fans for a long time in our upstairs bedrooms. We started this project once and ran into electrical issues we didn’t want to tackle five years ago. We are ready to tackle the old knob and tube and transform to new electric. The surprising thing is its Adam and his brother Chris are tackling this feet! Yesterday one fan was successfully in put place. This is a project! Exciting to see the change.

While all this is happening I am getting tanked up on blood both red and platelets. This takes time but you can’t fathom how it helps me feel more alive. I am fighting a minor infection but feeling well.

We have been in contact with MD Anderson and their are a few trials I qualify for. Please pray for wisdom as we pursue these options and seek His will.

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.”
Isaiah 12:2

The last two and half days our family welcomed two of my treasured friends to our home. Heather and Renee my roommates from junior and senior years at Taylor. We cherish those memories. This visit was different with its heaviness yet, joyful in our time together. Between the two of them they have the boys. The kids loved time with Sam and of course a baby(fin) is always intriguing for the kids. We spent time just being together sometimes there were words and others not. That is how you know you have a treasured friend, silence is ok. I am grateful for the solid, wise, loving, generous, and gracious friends He has surrounded me with.

I have not spent much time on here sharing some of the needs of a blood cancer patient. I recently have had a hard time finding platelets that match my blood type. Thankfully platelets aren’t as pressing to match as red blood (hemoglobin). Many don’t realize that donating platelets is just as necessary as red blood. There are many like me that need your help to keep our bodies functioning, so if you are on the fence about donating blood consider whom you might help. Also inquire about donating platelets. It’s easy to overlook these opportunities when life is busy. I remember. But, now I have a better understanding of being in need and waiting.

The thing I find myself pondering the most lately is my use of time. What is important and what is not. I have never sat in the driveway to watch my kids play, but I did that today. It’s not natural I have things to do yet it feels necessary. Do they care that I am watching? No they are playing, why does it make me feel better that I am there? It’s not just the kids, I find that I question what I spend my time doing, and what might be time well spent. I can tell you one thing any time waiting in cancer centers feels like a waste! My mind is busily yet quietly pondering many aspects of time. I want more of it!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

The weather couldn’t be more beautiful. We love this season of open windows and doors, kids in and out enjoying the outdoors. Today we had a crew of friends show up to do our gardening. Within 2 hours they had our bushes trimmed, flowers planted and our garden planted. This is the second year they have done this for us knowing that I enjoy growing our vegetables. We are blessed by the work and time shared.

This weekend we have special company and the girls have been having a blast. Cousin Gracie and Jessica are here from NJ. They enjoyed a sleepover last night and lots of play time today. It’s been a treat to have them here and see how the kids reconnect. They are spoiling us while here, but its sure fun to be together.

As to me, I am gathering information for options going forward. Please pray for wisdom and His peace as we tread these waters.

“It is the LORD who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
Deuteronomy 31:8

Last night we were driving home from the tumbling show talking to the girls.

Adam and I asked Paige, ” did you find us in the bleachers? We were waving at you.”

She replied, “mom I can always find you, and then I see dad you look alike, but then I see your earrings and know its you.”

I guess being bald has a few perks.

Today I had my head shaved for the third time. It’s unemotional and matter of fact these days. I enjoyed my hair and received many compliments, but third time is a charm, who knows what will come back this time.

Our news today was not what we hoped and prayed for. My biopsy revealed no change in my bone marrow. This news of course is disheartening and sets us on a new course of action. We will be sure that there aren’t any other trial drugs for my disease. We will know more soon. Ultimately, we continue to need a miracle.

Tonight we took in the tumbling show. Both Paige and Hayleigh performed and rolled and danced well. Each moment is cherished and every step observed, a proud momma watches each move.

It’s a new day tomorrow.

We have certainly made a tour of hospitals and cancer treatment centers. Today we found ourselves back in Cleveland. The purpose of this visit is to give us direction for treatment. We will know more tomorrow. If by Gods grace we are in remission things will move quickly towards transplant. Other results will direct us as well. It could be easy to worry and fret about these results but ultimately, we remain in His embrace trusting that His way is the way we want to follow. We head to bed knowing we are loved and cherished by our Creator who knows all things. Thank you for praying and trusting with us.

2 Samuel 22:33
“God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect.”

Mollie meeting baby chicks.

I came home to this surprise from Paige. This is one of several notes/projects I have acquired over the past few days. I smile at how they view things and life. I never knew I was a Mac n cheese chef, but I will take it. Hayleigh answered that my favorite thing to do is spend time with her. This was comforting knowing my presence has been inconsistent.

Being a mom is an honor, joyful and draining, but their hugs, smiles, words make a day complete. Our perspective is different the lenses jaded a bit but we continue to praise Him for another Mothers Day. Not only being a mom, but having a dear friend in your mom makes this day doubly special. The love and gratitude I have towards my mom for the ways she has grown me is abundant. I count it a blessing to have her as my friend walking this life with us.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
—Philippians 4:6

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
—John 14:27