Monday the 23rd, my mom goes into the hospital.
I've been distracting myself with basketball and the "big dance". I've been distracting myself with figuring out who plays next and who I have wining in that game. I've been distracting myself with future plans. Plans that include a new job at a Christian Church in Southern Indiana, just outside Louisville. Plans that include going to Chicago in a few weeks to see the Home Opening game for the White Soxs as they play my KC Royals. I've been distracting myself trying to soak up as much time with my intern family as possible before we all spread out and impact the world. I've been distracting myself from what I don't want to face. I'm not in denial. I just don't want to think about it. I know that if I do, I won't be able to function. So, I keep my mind on other things. But the day is here.
As I write this, I'm getting shaky. (when I'm extremely passionate about something, I get shaky... Missions, Poland, Preaching the Word and love of Jesus.) I'm shaky now, because I know that writing it is one step closer to the reality of it all.
BUT at the same time, I have a calm peace. I know that God has the whole situation in His hands. He has my mom in His hands. He knows every hair on her head and every thought in her mind. He has a perfect plan. He has perfect timing! We don't always understand it or like it, but it is perfect. He has made my mom special for this moment... when she goes into a new mission field: the hospital.
Today, my mama is going into KU Medical Center. It will be her first day in her new home for about a month. She will start chemo then on March 31st or April 1st, she will have a bone marrow transplant. She is getting chemo to destroy her bad bone marrow and her immune system. Then she will get the new bone marrow and her body will start to recreate all new, clean blood. Her body will have to rebuild her immune system from scratch. This is why she will be in the hospital for about a month. After the month is over, or when she is healthy enough, she will be able to return home. (Dad and Brother will be cleaning and fixing up the house to make it as clean as possible. air ducts and chimney cleaned... cats living with grandparents) Even after she returns home though, she will have to be extra careful. She will have multiple Dr. appointments a week. She'll only be able to be at home or the hospital. She won't be able to go to church or work. From the day of the transplant, for 100 days, she will be under close watch and care. After this process is over, she should be clear and free of her disease.
Its going to be a long process. We are all so thankful that the day is here! She has been tired and not her uppity "Sweet little Tammy" self since we found out in early November. We knew this could be a really long process trying to find a match to be a donor, and everything that goes into waiting. God has blessed my family with so much! We are all so close and tight! But better yet, we all know Jesus! He has blessed us with amazing extended family and friends that we call family! We know he has this under control! He always does. Yes, this first few weeks will be really hard. Especially being in KY while everyone is in KS. But, we have phones, email, skype and other ways to keep in touch. I also have an amazing family here that has gone above and beyond in taking care of me this year!!
I wanted to let you all know what was going on. I wanted to ask for your prayers!
For my mom: that she can stay healthy, her body accept the transplant and she recovers quickly.
For my dad and brother: to be able to go about their everyday tasks and take care of each other while mom is getting better.
For my grandparents: keep them worry free and able to continue on with everyday tasks.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
My mom's faith is incredibly strong. I am blessed to have such a wonderful role model to look up to for life, love and joy!
Love you! Keep Praying!!
~just.julie
