Fun, Fashion Shows and Flu

Just a brief update to keep in touch with those who remain connected with us via the blog. The month that has passed since our last blog update has been one filled with busy days of activity.

The highlight of January for Maggie was her "180" Youth Group winter retreat. This time away focused on challenging the youth to share their testimony and the "how to's" to do that effectively. Mags had a wonderful time and with the enthusiasm that is typical of Maggie shared about her fun experiences of the special
weekend. Unfortunately many of the people on the trip, Maggie included, ended up with the flu. Maggie got the respiratory version of the flu, running a fever for several days. She missed five days of school and is still playing catch up with her work. The flu forced her to miss the last two weeks of her winter basketball league, as well. The fever and cough really zapped Maggie of her strength and energy - what a contrast this lethargic Maggie was to our usually exuberant, perpetual motion girl. We're glad she's well again and back to her endless energy self, so much so, that she could enjoy the blast of snow today that gave us a "snow day" off from school. Maggie was much more enthusiastic about her creation of a snowman, than she was shoveling the 6-7 inches of snow!

Kate's January highlight was the removal of her central line (broviac). Her outpatient surgery for this procedure went smoothly and her side was only tender for a few days. After a year of having to protect the central line in a plastic bag when showering, she loves the freedom of a no-fuss shower! Kate's fun for the month was modeling prom and bridesmaid dresses in a weekend fashion show for her special friends at Mary's Bridal. Kate's energy level varies from day to day. Some days a nap is a necessity and by Fridays she is usually pretty spent. While she is medically excused from gym, she tries to spend a couple days each week during the that class period riding the stationary bike or doing some of her physical therapy exercises in an effort to strengthen her wobbly leg muscles. God has been most gracious in keeping Kate healthy and protected from the flu during this season when so many people around her have been sick. During the week that Maggie was sick, Kate commented, that while she hated to see Maggie feeling so badly, it was nice for once not to be the one staying at home because she was sick. Kate truly appreciates the blessing of being healthy that we can so easily take for granted.

My January and February have been filled with an overwhelming sense of awe at God's grace as I contrast this January and February to this same time last year when Kate was undergoing her intensive chemo and stem cell rescues. Tears came to my eyes and my heart was overwhelmed with joy as I watched Kate, vibrant and beautiful, walk down the runway for the fashion show and remembered that last year I was watching her lay weak and worn in a hospital bed battling her cancer. Reflecting back on January and February of 2007, we are rejoicing in God's goodness and faithfulness in carrying us through those long tedious days of treatment and recovery - truly amazing grace.

We celebrate with joy each day and the good things that are happening in our lives. While we are rejoicing in Kate's renewed health and strength, our hearts are burdened for our friends on the cancer journey who are in the thralls of treatment and waging battle with their cancer. As you so faithfully lifted Kate and our family in prayer during the heat of the battle, we too are part of the ranks of those who are praying for an out pouring of God's grace and mercy to these dear ones and their families. As we journey this road, each day is filled with uncertainty and the concern for what tomorrow will bring. So it is by faith knowing that each day God's grace is sufficient that we walk... one day at a time, knowing that we are held secure in his hand and that each new day and all it holds is a part of his purpose and plan for our lives.