Some people say no news is good news, but my experiences this past year has taught me that this saying isn’t always accurate. There is not too much of an update from the last post as we have been patiently awaiting the next appointment.

We continue to go through the chelation therapy process every night, and JC has been tolerating all her medications well. We are so very grateful and thankful that she has had no major side effects from the additional medications that have been added! Thank you to God for this answer to prayer, and thank you to each of you that has prayed.

There have been some rough days in the past 10 days, and JC has had her share of bad moods, frustration, and overwhelming feelings. There have also been some very beautiful moments and time spent together that bring tears to my eyes. Continued prayers for us to walk together as a family strengthening and encouraging each other are greatly appreciated.

This Friday is our next appointment; they gave us 2 weeks in between appointments this time which has allowed us to relax a bit. I am very interested in seeing her blood count numbers as well as her iron numbers at the upcoming appointment. It will give us a better gauge on if the chelation therapy is pulling the iron out at a greater rate than the transfusions are adding the iron in. The goal is that chelation takes her more steps forward than the transfusions take her steps backwards.

As of right now, we continue to follow our routine, pray, hope, and wait. We are in continued need of prayers for grace as well as wisdom, comfort, and understanding. JC particularly needs prayers for healing, reduced anxiety (peace), comfort, and that the doctors’ plan will be successful for her situation. We continue to pray for wisdom and understanding for those treating JC (doctors, nurses, child life specialists) and that God would use them to help JC.

This past weekend, my husband manned the fort with JC, and my son and I were able to get away to spend some time with extended family. I walked away from this weekend tired, but more importantly thankful.

I am very thankful to my husband and his father for taking care of JC in my absence! I am also thankful for the family I have been blessed with! The way they display the attributes of God is humbling, and the joy and laughter is so beautiful! I will admit that at times I have forgotten to take the time to laugh and see the lighter side of life as this season has been very heavy. This weekend was such a blessing, and it was good for my heart to laugh again. We are born into our families, and we do not get to choose who belongs to our family clans. I consider myself so fortunate and blessed because we (our small little family of 4) are surrounded with loving, caring, faithful, and dependable family members on all sides. It truly is a rich blessing that cannot be matched.

My aunt shared this verse with me, and I am in turn sharing it with you. It is a beautiful reminder that our trust should lie in Christ, and He is the source of everlasting joy, peace, and the hope of a restored future. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13