Since the last post, JC has had two appointments. We have had some adaptations, but continue the relative course set out for JC.

Two Fridays ago, JC’s iron numbers did not decrease as significantly as we had hoped. This was pretty disheartening for us; however, her hemoglobin was high enough that she did not need a blood transfusion! If her body can hold onto the blood given through the transfusions longer, then the chelation therapy will work better overall. Since her iron numbers did not decrease as hoped, they did start her on an additional oral chelation medication.

This Friday, she went back for another appointment, and the news was much better. She still maintained a high enough hemoglobin that she did not need a transfusion (it is still decreasing, but not as rapidly as before)! Her iron numbers were back down to where they were before her transfusion about 4 weeks ago, which is also a significant praise!

She will go again this coming week to check her labs again and receive a monthly medication infusion. This coming week, her iron numbers should decrease even more.

We are so thankful again to all those who have continued to be with us through this journey. Those of you who have prayed, delivered meals, talked with us, listened to our hearts – we appreciate each and every one of you!

We continue to seek God’s guidance for this entire situation. We are ultimately praying for healing. In addition, we are praying for increased platelet, hemoglobin, and white blood cell counts. We continue to hope and pray her iron numbers will continue to decrease overall, and the chelation therapy will work in removing the excess iron. We are always praying for wisdom and guidance for us as parents and the medical staff as well as decreased anxiety for JC.

This past week, I received the most beautiful flowers from an anonymous person, and the word beauty has been on my mind since receiving them. A beautiful person gave a beautiful gift of beautiful flowers, and it has been such a reminder of God’s beautiful gifts as well!

At different points in my life, I have found myself focusing on the ugliness of a sin-fallen world. I think most of us have to come to a reckoning that no matter how good our life is, our spirit reminds us that this world is broken, and something is out of place. The heartbreak and absolute devastation we can see in our world is overwhelming at times. Looking out over a beautiful landscape has often brought me back to the truth that God made a beautiful world and creation tells of His glory; He provided us with beautiful gifts and promised us He will restore all that has been broken.

It is good to remind ourselves of the beautiful gifts God has provided us. Scripture tells us that every good gift comes from God. Ultimately, I have been gifted a beautiful son and daughter, and I am so thankful for them every day. There is so much God has given us, and I have been reminded again and again that He is faithful.