Battling cancer on a daily basis is exhausting mentally, physically, emotionally & spiritually. It's a full time job dealing with the meds, the endless insurance claims, the clinic visits, trying to manage the side effects of medications, while hoping and praying that the treatments are doing what they're suppose to do without the long term side effects that can come along with them. In the center of this insane battle, sits three little kids. Their lives have been twisted and shaken, and they've been schooled in things no child should ever have to see. And yet, they shine! They find joy all around them, they eagerly anticipate each new day and all it has to offer. They play, they learn, they hope, and they dream. We are constantly inspired and humbled by these little loves.
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| Christmas 2014 |
Chloe never knows from one day to the next, how much energy she'll have. Whether water will taste "disgusting" or the smell of food, Dozer, or her brothers breath will make her nauseous. Yet, she chooses to laugh, she makes up elaborate stories, and when inspiration strikes, draws whimsical pictures. She started giggling after she drew this picture and when I asked what she was laughing about, replied "I guess I have a case of the silly bugs" LOVE this girl!
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| In square one, you'll see a duck modeling a Tutu & a hat with a lovely pink flower. Square two is a Blue Jay wearing a black leather vest and pink high heels. Square three needs no explanation, we've all seen a super hero pig :-) Lastly, a stylish lady bug with a matching umbrella. |
She is an encourager, a wise little soul, and though she is the youngest, she has always been the leader of the pack. It's the unspoken law that Chloe picks the first piece of bacon off the platter, it is Queenie who decides which Paw Patrol dog or Super hero each will play with, and the scenario of the adventure. She orchestrates little surprises and celebrations, and the boys usually go along with her orders plans, even when they include a dance number from Descendants!
Our boys have always protected & loved her, but there is a heightened sensitivity towards her since her diagnosis. When we explained her illness to them when she was hospitalized in June, Caden asked if she would lose her hair like the other children on her floor. We told him yes, and he began to cry and shake his head no. He said he didn't want her to be sad, and losing her hair would make her really sad. They all know that her hair will grow back after treatment, and they haven't mentioned it since. (With the exception of Chloe, who says she always has hair in her dreams)
When Chloe was diagnosed, our entire family was diagnosed. The changes for our boys, begin at the front door, when after school, the shoes & shirts come off and the hand sanitizer goes on. Friends can't come to play like before, family outings are rare and limited. But they don't complain. When we ask them about the best and worst part of their day, they quickly respond with the good and often have to think about the worst.
How grateful we are, that in the heat of this battle, our children's hearts are kept and secure. We pray that this challenging season will make us all more compassionate, and purposeful human beings. We definitely appreciate the good days, and even the not so good days have good moments, as long as we're looking for them. The Lord is our strength and shield, and we thank Him for guarding the tender hearts of our children.
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| A friend loves at all times, and a brother is there for times of trouble. Proverbs 17:17 |
"Every day you either see a scar or courage. Where you dwell will define your struggle." - Dodinsky
