Kathy’s report today is positive.

All her numbers are good and the doctors have determined that following today’s chemotherapy, we will return in 3 weeks for a full round of scans. Then and if the scans are clean, chemo will be suspended and we will begin the next phase of this journey with labs and scans every two months to see how her body will respond without the chemo. We consider this a tremendous moment for us and we rejoice for all that God has done to this point—believing that this new segment is further evidence that God is helping us and securing His plans for Kathy’s future.

It has been a special treat this time to have both Jeremy and Jason, their wives as well as Sadie and Tucker with us on this trip to CTCA. Having Sadie and Tucker has been an emotional boost for Kathy and me. Our four grandchildren are such a gift from God to us. We’ve been able to introduce our family to the many acquaintances we have met here and those who have helped us. CTCA has been so important to our journey and we firmly believe this is the place God wanted us to be. Obviously, hospitals are not the best place for small children but watching Sadie and Tucker today in the waiting areas brought to mind a great spiritual truth…

And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)

Amidst all our consternation with Kathy’s illness and the progress toward her complete healing, a few things have consistently enabled my spirit. Among them are four with names– Cooper, Branson, Sadie and Tucker! Because they are young and don’t yet know the trauma of anxiety, the atmosphere around us is oblivious to them. In their laughter that might appear to be out of place, they remind me of how God desires all of us to walk out life’s larger moments.

Cooper’s parents prepared him that some people taking chemo lose their hair and so he has been constantly aware of Mimi’s hair. Remarkably and thankfully, she has been able to keep her hair throughout the process. However, this has not kept Cooper from keeping check on her hair and wondering when her hair may come out like Uncle Jason’s? We prepared two hairpieces for Kathy, just in case and they sit on a bureau in Mimi’s room at our house. Cooper thinks they would make wonderful additions to his wardrobe as a Rock Star, if “Jesus does not take your hair!” Seeing life through small eyes reminds Kathy and me that our “big” moments can be viewed with joy and peace—if we become as little children.

As Sadie and Tucker play in the floor in front of me help me realize that someone bigger is watching over us. Their hearts are focused on the things that bring them joy and not on the anticipation/anxiety of the older adults. Watching Tucker giggle and wiggle on my lap I am reminded that Jesus once asked, “why are you so worried about such things? Your Father knows what you need!”

In simple terms, we are the children in this drama, waiting in the presence of our Father and trusting His love and care for us is always enough. May God teach us all to appreciate the wonder and joy of life as prepared by our Father.

Our family thanks you for your consistent and faithful prayers for Kathy!