Reflections
Reflections...
Over the last month my heart has been so full. God continues to pour out blessings in our lives and I truly am amazed at just how deep and wide the Father's love is for us...
Kate's graduation was a realization of still another miracle in the journey of Kate's life. Her graduation was a celebration of the milestone of completing high school, but even more than that, a celebration of the gift of life. In May we learned that Kate had received a Make A Wish scholarship. We went to the Make a Wish headquarters in Pittsburgh, and enjoyed a special afternoon with the other recipients who had also over come incredible odds and are now ready to begin college. The senior awards assembly at the high school also held blessings and affirmation for Kate as she received the Spirit Award for her senior project. This award is for the senior project that most exemplifies the spirit of service to others. Kate's "Blankets of Hope" project in which she raised the funds for over 700 blankets for Children's hospital was truly done from the desire of her heart to serve others journeying the cancer road. She also received another award for Leadership and Service. Kate joined 18 other teen oncology patients this week for a retreat/get away to the Poconos. The Child Life Department got funding for the trip and it is a good opportunity for the kids to get a way and enjoy some time with others who truly understand the journey they have been on. Kate and her friend Brandon went two years ago, on the first such outing. Neither one of them felt very well at that time, so it was nice to see both of them vibrant and full of health, head out on the bus for the trip. This summer, we are focusing on trying to build up Kate's strength and stamina so she is ready for walking campus in the fall. We are trying to do some walking each day and some work with light weights.
It's hard to believe Maggie will begin high school in the fall. Blessing and affirmation were also awarded to Maggie at her awards assembly. I truly thought my heart would burst with joy when Maggie was honored as the female recipient of the American Legion Award. This is considered to be the most prestigious award given in eighth grade. It is awarded to a male and female eighth grade student who possess the qualities of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service. Over the course of the last few years with Kate's illness, Maggie has often taken a back seat to the attention focused on Kate. I have tried to be very conscientious about acknowledging Maggie's achievements and activities, but this honor topped all and it was truly with tears of joy,that I watched Maggie receive this honor and affirmation of the special qualities she possesses, that caused her classmates to award her this honor.
Maggie's dance studio had a small dance revue the end of May. I love watching Maggie dance. At times it truly takes my breath away to see the beauty of her ballet dancing. Running seems to have captured Maggie's attention. After a fun track season of developing her skills, she has decided to run cross country this fall. Practice began this week. Maggie had a great week at church camp. She always comes back from that time charged up spiritually. The youth meet in the summers and she never wants to miss their weekly event called Ablaze. In early August Maggie will travel to Newport Tennessee on a mission trip. They will work on some construction projects and conduct a Kid's Club. She's excited about this trip and has raised the funds for her trip through youth fund raisers and the gracious support of love gifts from family and friends.
We would like to ask you to pray with us over the next few weeks regarding Kate's upcoming MRI. At this point we are scheduled for an August 7th MRI and clinic visit - standard three month check up. Since her illness, Kate and I have become very aware of and are very sensitive to any physical changes in her body. We noticed some changes recently and I discussed them with the nurse practitioner. Kate's oncologist went ahead and ordered some blood work to follow up with our observations. Results came back indicating a slightly elevated prolactin level. The doctor feels this may be caused by one of the medications Kate is taking. She did however acknowledge that it could also be caused if there was tumor near the pituitary. The nurse practitioner said, given the absence of any other symptoms they are fine with leaving Kate's MRI until August 7th. However, if I wanted to they would try and move it up. I decided I would like to have them move it up if possible. There is really only one feasible week in July that it can be done given the doctor's schedule. They are going to try and reschedule the MRI for the week of July 14th. The bottom line is, whatever the outcome of this MRI, God is control and will faithfully continue to provide the grace and mercy for each day. I am praying trusting that God's hand is upon Kate and that this is truly nothing more than a side effect of medication. Would you please pray with us and also ask that God's perfect peace will keep us as we wait on the MRI.
We trust you are finding quiet moments in this slower paced season of summer to enjoy the beauty of each day and each relationship that God has given you.
Over the last month my heart has been so full. God continues to pour out blessings in our lives and I truly am amazed at just how deep and wide the Father's love is for us...
Kate's graduation was a realization of still another miracle in the journey of Kate's life. Her graduation was a celebration of the milestone of completing high school, but even more than that, a celebration of the gift of life. In May we learned that Kate had received a Make A Wish scholarship. We went to the Make a Wish headquarters in Pittsburgh, and enjoyed a special afternoon with the other recipients who had also over come incredible odds and are now ready to begin college. The senior awards assembly at the high school also held blessings and affirmation for Kate as she received the Spirit Award for her senior project. This award is for the senior project that most exemplifies the spirit of service to others. Kate's "Blankets of Hope" project in which she raised the funds for over 700 blankets for Children's hospital was truly done from the desire of her heart to serve others journeying the cancer road. She also received another award for Leadership and Service. Kate joined 18 other teen oncology patients this week for a retreat/get away to the Poconos. The Child Life Department got funding for the trip and it is a good opportunity for the kids to get a way and enjoy some time with others who truly understand the journey they have been on. Kate and her friend Brandon went two years ago, on the first such outing. Neither one of them felt very well at that time, so it was nice to see both of them vibrant and full of health, head out on the bus for the trip. This summer, we are focusing on trying to build up Kate's strength and stamina so she is ready for walking campus in the fall. We are trying to do some walking each day and some work with light weights.
It's hard to believe Maggie will begin high school in the fall. Blessing and affirmation were also awarded to Maggie at her awards assembly. I truly thought my heart would burst with joy when Maggie was honored as the female recipient of the American Legion Award. This is considered to be the most prestigious award given in eighth grade. It is awarded to a male and female eighth grade student who possess the qualities of courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship and service. Over the course of the last few years with Kate's illness, Maggie has often taken a back seat to the attention focused on Kate. I have tried to be very conscientious about acknowledging Maggie's achievements and activities, but this honor topped all and it was truly with tears of joy,that I watched Maggie receive this honor and affirmation of the special qualities she possesses, that caused her classmates to award her this honor.
Maggie's dance studio had a small dance revue the end of May. I love watching Maggie dance. At times it truly takes my breath away to see the beauty of her ballet dancing. Running seems to have captured Maggie's attention. After a fun track season of developing her skills, she has decided to run cross country this fall. Practice began this week. Maggie had a great week at church camp. She always comes back from that time charged up spiritually. The youth meet in the summers and she never wants to miss their weekly event called Ablaze. In early August Maggie will travel to Newport Tennessee on a mission trip. They will work on some construction projects and conduct a Kid's Club. She's excited about this trip and has raised the funds for her trip through youth fund raisers and the gracious support of love gifts from family and friends.
We would like to ask you to pray with us over the next few weeks regarding Kate's upcoming MRI. At this point we are scheduled for an August 7th MRI and clinic visit - standard three month check up. Since her illness, Kate and I have become very aware of and are very sensitive to any physical changes in her body. We noticed some changes recently and I discussed them with the nurse practitioner. Kate's oncologist went ahead and ordered some blood work to follow up with our observations. Results came back indicating a slightly elevated prolactin level. The doctor feels this may be caused by one of the medications Kate is taking. She did however acknowledge that it could also be caused if there was tumor near the pituitary. The nurse practitioner said, given the absence of any other symptoms they are fine with leaving Kate's MRI until August 7th. However, if I wanted to they would try and move it up. I decided I would like to have them move it up if possible. There is really only one feasible week in July that it can be done given the doctor's schedule. They are going to try and reschedule the MRI for the week of July 14th. The bottom line is, whatever the outcome of this MRI, God is control and will faithfully continue to provide the grace and mercy for each day. I am praying trusting that God's hand is upon Kate and that this is truly nothing more than a side effect of medication. Would you please pray with us and also ask that God's perfect peace will keep us as we wait on the MRI.
We trust you are finding quiet moments in this slower paced season of summer to enjoy the beauty of each day and each relationship that God has given you.
posted by Tracy @ 5:58 AM
3 Comments:
At 5:41 PM,
Jan said…
Thanks for this update... we'll be praying. Congrats to both girls... they are of good and noble character just like their mother! God is good.
At 9:29 AM,
Pete and Kimberly said…
Hi there! I've been following Kate's story of the past 1.5 years, and have spoken to our Father multiple times about you guys. I remember meeting you briefly in China 8 years ago. We are rejoicing with you on the significant milestones your girls have had this spring!
At 6:24 AM,
Anonymous said…
Hope all is well my dear friend
PB
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