Thank you for being interested in how we are doing. We are doing great! In response to questions about the kids and how they are feeling about the next part of our journey, they are working it through. We are attempting to move them as seamlessly as possible (Ha Ha!) over Spring Break. Haddie's scheduled to be done with braces a few weeks too late, Matthew and Tanner will be right in the middle of track season, Tanner will be 6 weeks away from two AP Tests, Austin will be demoted back to Elementary School status since they handle 6th graders differently in Utah, and Savannah and Normandy have desires for way more play dates with friends than we can possibly work in. Matthew's solution is to stay here and live in a cardboard box near the pizza place:) The rest of us are trying to focus on all the good things about it... Being closer to family, Grandma Sycamore bread, yummy honey (It is the beehive state, after all!), Haddie opening a facebook account (aarrggh...), having income again, sporting the color purple and cheering for the Pioneers... okay, we haven't found joy in every facet of the new experience yet, but we're getting there. Packing up and cleaning up to get the house on the market has been rough on everyone, but for the most part, the kids are holding up. I personally, am exhausted and feeling a bit exposed after having many friends come and help to get our house whipped back into shape:) It's amazing how fast things can fall apart after a few months of neglect. I am so grateful for all my helpers, though. I could not have gotten it ready to list without them!!
Derek is doing okay. He has been doing a lot of touch up painting and has helped with some of the purging. It is wonderful to see him being able to do the things he wants to do, but I do think he has worn himself out a bit. Yesterday we went to a Chemotherapy class. It was a rude reminder of the ugly thing he is having to fight in an ugly way. We are grateful for the knowledge that exists in how to kill cancer, but it sounds daunting. Last night Derek was hit hard with what appears to be a cold. Shouldn't it be forbidden for cancer patients to get sick!?! This morning we will go into Denver to have a mediport placed in Derek's chest to pump the chemo through, for as long as he needs it. It is a long procedure, but they will use a local anesthesia, and it will be a good thing to have in the long run. Derek and I plan to head to Utah this week to connect with the future employer, new doctors, new schools, housing potentials, etc. Next week, on March 1st, Derek will receive his first chemo treatment.
We continue to pray for miracles... we need more than we feel like we can ask for!:) The scriptures we've been drawing strength from this week are the stories of the Prophet Elijah in the Book of 2 Kings. He was a man of great faith who was able to put his trust in God and not man. He was able to take part in many miracles as a result. We know that Heavenly Father is playing an active role in what happens in our lives. We have felt that so strongly and pray that ultimately His will will be done and that we will find peace and comfort in that. We have felt comforted and strengthened and continue to be so grateful for all of the prayers offered on our behalf.
Thanks for all your updates.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you are moving here. BUT, I can see all the hard stuff you and your kids have to go through-- not ideal. I wish things could be easier for you. I am so glad to hear that people are there helping you. I wish I could be there too!
Good luck on all the medical stuff! Alex is praying every night for "mom's friend". I keep telling him your name, but it doesn't change. I smile every time.
Thanks so much for the updates! We think of you daily and are so grateful for the bits and pieces. We believe in miracles and we certainly believe that the Todds are deserving of as many as you need. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteHow is the port? Is Derek feeling better?
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing to me that we are surprised by how God takes care of His kids! We are supposed to just simply believe and let Him do that...and then are astonished that He DOES! Praise the Lord that all things are moving so quickly and positively for you. House upkeep is challenging even when things are status quo...so I can understand how packing and cleaning and purging of extra "stuff" is hard. Keep in mind the excitement of a new place, new job, new friends and comfy family in UT. Again, you are always welcome to stay at our house when you get lonely for Frederick:). Chemo is going to be a challenge, for sure...it's just so toxic to the good cells as well as the bad bugs. We will continue to hold you up in prayer for God's blood to flow strongly through Derek and make the chemo do what it is supposed to do. We claim that he will have little or no negative side effects, that he be able to keep a positive spirit of joy and peace and that he be able to eat well and sleep well and GET well quickly! Please let us know specifically what we need to agree with you in prayer, too! Terry says we pray for your safe and productive trip and that we are TOTALLY loving having Bailey. She's such a fun girl! The dogs are playing together well (and establishing more firmly that Cabo is the queen and Abby is older than Bailey- and Bailey is good with anything as long as they get to play). Be safe and have a fun trip together! Hugs, Terri & Terry
ReplyDeleteJust so you know, we pray every night for you guys.
ReplyDeleteWe hope Derek's port is doing well. We are praying for your family and are so inspired by your courage and faith. Thank you for sharing the Scriptures that are such a source of comfort and strength for you right now as you move forward. We are here for you.
ReplyDeleteLove,
The White Family
We are anxious to hear all about your trip to Utah. Hope all went smoothly! We are excited about the increased chance we'll see you soon since you are moving to Utah! We have missed you up here!
ReplyDelete