What community means

When you are facing a Lenten season in your personal life, you really begin to understand what the Christian community is really about. The church does begin to sustain you by praying, helping, listening, encouraging, and constantly sharing. This group of people has come alongside of my family in very concrete ways since my dad's diagnosis. I'm very thankful and humbled by God's grace through them.

My dad has lung cancer...

Andy's Epiphany art is a great, symbolic way of describing life with a cancer diagnosis. Everything feels broken, fragmented....like your life needs a completely new way of being understood or framed....

I've avoided posting this information because I don't like talking about it very much. Apparently I caught more communication reticence than I believed I had from my parents; however, I've learned that many people I love want to support us and be a part of the journey with us. It's important for me to share.

Here is the short version of the story. Dad has cancer in the right lobe of his lungs; we are waiting for a confirmation that there is not cancer in the left lobe. If the left lobe is clear, he's in stage one. If the left lobe has cancer cells, he's in stage four. Pretty big difference. So, we wait...

The multiple tests have been difficult and exhausting for my dad and mom. The waiting has been psychologically wearing on everyone, but especially my parents.

Lent has an entirely different meaning to us this year. Easter feels really far away...

The end of strep?

Today (Wednesday) Jaelyn had her tonsils taken out by Dr. Smith. At this point she is on the couch feeling sad due to the pain, but she has been very brave through the entire ordeal.
We are all hoping this will bring an end to the ever-occurring strep throat infections she has had multiple times a year.

Marcia, David & Amy purchased a Webkinz leopard to stay with her throughout the surgery. Kerrie pitched in a great shirt for the leopard so that it wouldn't have to suffer the indignities of the open-back scrubs they made Jaelyn wear. Addison has tried to be a supportive brother, but he often runs from the room when Jaelyn cries because he can't stand to see her tears. We're working on that.

We don't have an interesting picture to post. Google images were just too disturbing. We try to keep this blog at a PG rating.

Thanks to all those who prayed so earnestly all day for Jaelyn and her doctors. We really depended on prayers and God's peace throughout the day.

Yes, we can!

Most of you know that I have been a bit over-the-top about Barack Obama for a long time. I read his first book last Christmas, and his story grabbed me. Since then, I've also read The Audacity of Hope. As I read it, I would randomly quote passages of it to Andy and the kids. Every time I listen to one of his speeches, I start crying. Seriously...me...I start crying! Because of a politician!

His message inspires me to keep up the everyday fight in the urban school setting when it feels like every other politician has forgotten about 'those kids'. He gives me hope for Jaelyn and Addison and other children of color. His faith encourages me....immensely...when I've been so frustrated at other 'Christian' politicians and their corporation-favoring and violence-inducing decisions.

Yeah, maybe he'll disappoint me too, but right now, I feel more idealistic about the future of our presidency than I ever have before. "Yes we can!"

You've GOT to see this video. Warning: tears of hope may follow...
http://www.dipdive.com/