Sep. 30, 2022
IS THERE PRE-SCHOOL IN HEAVEN? (09.29.22)
Thursday, September 29, 2022
6:52 PM
Hello, welcome to today! The sun's light when I got home, touched places inside our home in a special way. This family photo was taken in 1984, Jason & Shane were 7 & 5.
There are 2 updates here, one for Larry & I and one for little Grace who suffers with Leukemia.
1. LARRY & I: I arrived today to Larry being whisked away for a liver ultrasound. I had picked up a few art & physical therapy supplies on the way in, so I made him a colourful poster that reads "Expect Miracles"! That phrase came from one of a few uplifting videos I watched last night, by Fr. Cedric Pisegna, including 'Focus on Hope, Not the Negatives' & 'Don't Let Your Herts be Troubled!'
Once Larry returned to his room & settled in, there was not too much poking by staff. The allergy specialist came to see Larry. The rash has subsided considerably. From the investigations of the pharmacist, comparing the date of drugs administered & dates of rashes, the team are confident that they've narrowed it down. If they need more tests, beyond the skin samples taken yesterday, Larry may go to an office in Vancouver for a further look.
Larry's sure comfortable in his new 'airy' bed. The O.T. brought a giant wedge, just because I spoke about it, but really feels that the mattress is efficient enough, in helping take care of the pressure wounds.
I gave Larry a wooden puzzle blocks & he took it apart & back together, with little effort. We tossed a 6" cube (dice) back & forth. He was throwing it like a football. I was pathetic! I asked Larry what exercises he'd like to do in bed, considering he's the 'therapist', so he did a few, very well, just as the physio assistant came to work with him, then did more of the same. She said he's improved even from yesterday.
We played a game of cards & he has no hesitation in picking & laying down cards to give him a good hand. And when he needed to add his hand if he lost (which didn't happen too often) he had no problem. When he won, he'd put on a funny face. I was falling asleep in the game, but he didn't let me off the hook, he said "Let's finish!" The gentleman in the bed across from Larry, whom we've known from Luke 15 house is very friendly, kind & funny. That's part of what makes Larry grateful to be in a room with others.
Even though, I've not stayed for as long each day, since Larry has settled in to RCH, I'm more tired. I managed to do all my Costco business on the way home. 'Draggin Lady!' I was. An early night tonight for sure!
Today is the feast day of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel & Raphael. Larry enjoyed hearing about that as well as little Grace's question about preschool in heaven. I prayed in Larry's ear in thanksgiving, for all the horrible things that have gone from Larry's long list of challenges & the strength & wellness that he keeps gaining. We had a good day! Hope you did too!
2. GRACIE'S UPDATE: It has been a full year now, since I was introduced to 3 year old Grace through an email prayer line. She was a direct answer to my prayer before getting out of bed asking God to give me special grace to overcome the pain & turmoil of the last leg of my chemo treatments. I've included periodic updates on my blog, about Grace, asking you to join in praying for this little warrior. There continues to be a very special place in my heart & prayers for this beautiful gift of Grace to us!
One year ago I shared a new relationship, with 3 yr. old Grace, whom I began to pray for, through an email prayer line. Little Grace is a warrior. Leukemia is attaching her little body. She's had a full year of very harsh treatments, which included chemo & lumbar punctures. This week she began more treatments that are expected to go for 15 more months.
On the whole, we are all doing better than we have been in a very long time. Grace started preschool this month. She is really enjoying it. She asked the other day if school will be in Heaven. I asked what made her think of this and she said, “Well, I just like preschool so much that I want it to be in Heaven too.” Because of her daily chemo and immunocompromised state, she tires a little more quickly, but she is managing. We had our final neurology follow up (post stroke), and the neurologist is very happy with Grace’s full recovery. Additionally, Grace does exercise therapy through the PEER program at Kid’s Cancer Care Foundation every week, and LOVES it!!
I (Anna) am recovering my health and am working daily on rebuilding my body and spirit after such a long period of burn out and depletion. My improved health makes a significant difference in the overall health of our family.
Greg actually lost his job at the end of July. This was a shock to us and has not been easy, but new opportunities are beginning to open up for him in the world of consulting! This may be the birth of something new and exciting for him.
Although Grace still has 15 months of active treatment, on this one year anniversary, it feels like we, as a family, are stepping into a much more positive phase of life. And we are so thankful for all of you who have offered us so much support in so many different ways.
For our praying friends, when you think of us:
-Pray that Grace will thrive in school and that she will miraculously avoid the many colds and flus that are passed between young children.
-please pray that Greg will soon become busy with client work. Although consulting opportunities are opening up, we have yet to see any consistent income.
-Pray that I (Anna) will continue to grow healthier and stronger in all areas as we move through the fall.
We send you our love and are so thankful for this community of support.
A photo of Grace was sent, and I'm waiting for permission to post it. Good night. Thank you for adding little Grace & her parents in your prayers. xoxo