30 Days

This past Tuesday was another milestone in Emma's treatment....January 10, 2012.  That day marked the 30 day countdown until her last clinical dose of chemotherapy and the celebration of the end of her formal treatment of stage 3 Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma.  I can still barely believe that this was part of our life.  I can hardly wait to celebrate with her that huge accomplishment.....the fact that she had cancer and she beat it.  Cancer....my child....faced it head on and with so much grace.  She stayed strong and brave and courageous through countless needle sticks and tests and machines and hospital stays and appointments and losing her hair and gaining weight and  headaches and vomiting and sleepless nights and swallowing pills and and mood swings and disappointments.  We can also look back and celebrate the support that was shown, the love that was showered upon us, the generosity that was given and the prayers that were offered....all on her behalf.

In a way she was blessed because she got sick. Not blessed to be sick, but blessed in spite of being sick.  She got a glimpse into the ability of humans to show deep kindness and love to one another, love to her as an individual, love for Emma Kait.  What a gift to be given at the young age of 10.  If only all kids could have the opportunity to know and see how much they are loved and supported by their family and community.....it was wonderful for her and we will never forget it.

A year ago we were in the hospital room in Roseville thinking she had a mysterious staph infection that wouldn't respond to antibiotics. We now sit on the brink of finishing 15 rounds of chemotherapy and countless physical hurdles.  It's simply amazing how fast this year has gone by for us.  Partly it's been a blur due to just taking one day at a time and not being able to look around and take in the surrounding details.  It's also been a year full of forced rest and bonding as a family and redirected priorities.  Sometimes the things that shake us the most, cause us to move into the directions we need most....our families, our friends, our community and our Lord.  If only we could get there without such trying circumstances....but maybe that's not the way God works all the time.  Sometimes He whispers to us, and sometimes He allows challenges to remind us that we are not in control, but we are being carried and cared for in every detail of our life by One stronger and larger than any hurdle put in our path. 

Thank you dear friends for being a part of this story....Emma Kait's journey......all of our journey of increasing faith.

The Lord directs our steps, so why try to understand everything along the way?

-Proverbs 20:24 

I know the Lord is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. 

 -Psalm 16:8

The Lord gives His people strength. 

The Lord blesses them with peace. 

-Psalm 29:11

Even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 

-Psalm 139:10 

-Rebecca