Saturday
I forgot until this afternoon that Tammy has told me she can't get to the computer in the hospital over the weekends and the computer at the Ronald McDonald house is on a timer and shuts down before she and Rob ever get back there. SO, we won't be getting any word from them, so you'll just have to settle for my uninformed ramblings.
I haven't heard from them directly, but through other people I've heard that it's been more of what we've read about -- therapy and plans to move to rehab on Monday. It just made me realize how far Jack has come this week. Last Saturday Tammy called me. It had been an awful day, with Jack throwing up more than a dozen times and less than efficient nursing care. This week -- just in the 4 days since I was there! -- Jack has gotten all of his tubes removed (and his 'brain drain' or 'head straw' removed!) He has taken some steps. He's not as angry as he was. He quit throwing up! He's moved out of ICU. He's seen the trains -- he's seen the SUNSHINE!
Mary Sue had a precious reminder to us all that God spends nine months forming those beautiful children in their mother's womb -- it may take longer than a week for his brain to heal from such trauma and the constant, intrusive companion the tumor has been for more than a year.
Tammy, on this Mother's Day weekend I pray that God blesses you with meaningful glimpses into the healing He is providing for Jack. I pray a fountain of blessings on you that you may find a renewed spirit. And Tamara, as your Mother's Day finds you separated from part of your family, as well, I pray that God bless you with rest and renewal and blesses you many times over for caring for your family. And sweet Elaine, I pray that God also bless you with overflowing love in the same way your love for all of your family has flowed from you.
Love to all of you!
I haven't heard from them directly, but through other people I've heard that it's been more of what we've read about -- therapy and plans to move to rehab on Monday. It just made me realize how far Jack has come this week. Last Saturday Tammy called me. It had been an awful day, with Jack throwing up more than a dozen times and less than efficient nursing care. This week -- just in the 4 days since I was there! -- Jack has gotten all of his tubes removed (and his 'brain drain' or 'head straw' removed!) He has taken some steps. He's not as angry as he was. He quit throwing up! He's moved out of ICU. He's seen the trains -- he's seen the SUNSHINE!
Mary Sue had a precious reminder to us all that God spends nine months forming those beautiful children in their mother's womb -- it may take longer than a week for his brain to heal from such trauma and the constant, intrusive companion the tumor has been for more than a year.
Tammy, on this Mother's Day weekend I pray that God blesses you with meaningful glimpses into the healing He is providing for Jack. I pray a fountain of blessings on you that you may find a renewed spirit. And Tamara, as your Mother's Day finds you separated from part of your family, as well, I pray that God bless you with rest and renewal and blesses you many times over for caring for your family. And sweet Elaine, I pray that God also bless you with overflowing love in the same way your love for all of your family has flowed from you.
Love to all of you!
Comments
God knew just the right mommy for DJ, Sophie, & Jack. You are a blessing. May God bless you fully.
Love,
Dave , Karise, Keely, & Kinlie
I forgot to tell you that Kinlie can say "Jack " now. When we pray, she says "heh Jack!" which we are thinking means "Help Jack!". We will have fun with you this Summer and we are so glad that you are taking some steps. Way to go, Jack!
Love,
Keely G.
When There Are No Words
(9 May 2005)
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19 (NRS)
One of the most frustrating things for parents and caregivers of young children that are sick, is not knowing exactly what is wrong or how to help make things better. It's obvious they are hurting, but they can't tell us what or why. And they're too young to know what will make them feel better. They come to us to cuddle, but then they quickly withdraw because that doesn't really change anything. They cry and fuss and beg for attention and relief. Parents and other caregivers are often left guessing what is wrong and what might help.
We may be grown up now, but there are still times that we find ourselves sick and hurting. Not necessarily physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Like babies, we too are often unable to put our feelings into words. We don't know what to say. We don't know what to pray. The hurt is so deep and so raw that we can't even name it. So we cry and fuss and beg for attention and relief.
The good news is that our heavenly father is able to see our heart completely. He knows us better than we know ourselves. Even when we can't find words to express what's going on inside of us, he is aware of our needs and pleas. Paul wrote in Romans 8:26-27 (NLT) :
"The Holy Spirit helps us in our distress. For we don't even know what we should pray for, nor how we should pray. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying."
Unlike earthly parents, God is never left guessing about what we need to be comforted, to be made whole. He is always present, always loving, always healing.
O God, thank you that even when we don't know what to say, you know the deepest longings of our heart. May we experience your healing love today. Amen.
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