Therapeutic

Therapeutic, that is what this blog has become for me.  It is a place I can let out some emotion and feel like I am 

doing something for my precious son.  My prayer is that each time someone reads a post they stop and say a little prayer of healing

 for James Thomas and Luke.  The Jones' are battling a 

serious condition as well and my 

heart hurts even more for them now.  I now know EXACTLY what Melissa is feeling and thinking and I pray for peace for their family.

James and I got to go to Sunday School and church today.  It was wonderful to see our faithful friends and get some much needed hugs.  The lesson today hit home for James and me.  We are studying Psalm 73 and our teacher talked about things that draw us closer to God.  He said that ANYTHING that draws you closer to God is good.  I know that James Thomas' condition has definitely drawn us closer to God but it is hard to say it is good.  He talked about his wife having Leukemia and how only the grace of God got them through it but looking back it was good because it drew them closer.  I agree with him completely except that it kills me that what is drawing me closer to God is hurting my baby.  If James or I were going through this it would be a lot easier to accept but tears fill my eyes when I think about what James Thomas has and is going to endure.  It hurts, it hurts a lot.  Friday night Melissa and I were on the phone crying over all the possible side effects from the boys conditions.  The unknown is so scary and we only want the best for our boys.  They are so beautiful and innocent and I just want James Thomas to have every opportunity out there.  (The picture of us in bed was taken Saturday morning when we were still a little down.  We had the three of us in bed plus the two dogs.  It felt good to just lay there as a family and be together.  Excuse the way we look!)  But, I will keep praying and reminding myself that ANYTHING that draws us closer to God is good.  In service Dave Riggle talked about when things become too big then God is too small.  Diamond Blackfan is too big for me right now.  I have to fix this now.  Diamond Blackfan is not too big for God and I have to hold onto that truth!  I will close with the last 4 verses in Psalm 73, "Whom have I in heaven but You?  And besides You I desire nothing on earth.  My flesh and my heart may fail But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  For, behold, those who are far from You will perish, You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You.  But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works."  Psalm 73:25-28  Isn't it amazing how God's word teaches right to us when we need it.  This leads me to James and my prayer request from now on.  We are pleading God for a miracle.  We are asking him to work in James Thomas' bone marrow and allow it to start making adequate amounts of red blood cells.  We know that God is BIG and we believe he can heal our son.  When this miracle happens we won't let James Thomas be considered part of the 17% that go in to remission for some unknown reason.  But instead we will tell of God's great work and let everyone know he was HEALED by our Lord, it will not be considered an unknown remission to us but a present day miracle!!!!  We ask that you be a part of this with us so that you too can tell of His works.  

Jim and Nancy left this afternoon.  They came into town Wednesday and helped us get readjusted back at home.  We had wonderful conversations and lots of GOOD food.  We are so blessed by family and really appreciate their help.  James Thomas got lots of LOVE and we thank them for everything.  

My sweet friend Ashley stopped by today and brought us the sweetest plaque.  It says, "God said it.  I believe it.  That settles it."  She also told me of a really special thing she is working on for our Sunday School Class.  I am super excited and so thankful for her support.  I can't thank everyone enough for the outpouring of love, food, and gifts.  Yesterday, I had an awesome present from a special friend in my mailbox, we also got a cookie bouquet this weekend, wonderful cards every day and not to mention everything that was brought to the hospital.  You guys are amazing and we will never be able to express enough gratitude.  I know I am leaving lots of things and people off so please know each of you mean the world to us and it has really helped us along the journey.  

An exciting thing to announce!!!  One of my best friends just passed court for her adoption.  Karen and John Mark Hutcheson will be going to Ethiopia to pick up their son Kasheku in November.  It has been a joy to follow their journey and we are so happy that they are finally getting their son.  CONGRATULATIONS HUTCHESON FAMILY!  We can't wait to meet your son.

Enjoy this Sunday evening!  We will be going to clinic to meet James Thomas' doctor Tuesday.  Her name is Dr. Lakshmi, and she is probably going to be our new best friend so keep that relationship in your prayers.  I really like to feel connected with people, you guys know me!!!  I am silly!  Love to you all and thank you again for loving us.