Can bad news be Good ~ Part 2

Could you possibly believe there could be a Part Two to this post???

Well, there is. Yesterday we returned home from church to find out that our house was flooded due to a pipe (one connected to our dishwasher) that burst under our kitchen sink.

Now, keep in mind our house is pretty small. Kitchen with dining room, living room, long hallway, 1 bathroom (yes you read that correctly and for 6 people), 3 bedrooms and a single car garage convert into a small laundry room and an additional room that we use as a bedroom for the oldest.

When I say "our house was flooded" what I mean is that our everyday, all the time living space was filled with water. We lost our kitchen, dining room, small pantry off the entryhall, living room, partial hallway, only bathroom, Noah's bedroom, hall closet, and our walk in closet in our bedroom which wall is common with the pantry wall. The damage is so extensive that today I spent the entire day sorting through what things I will need over the next few weeks/months and what I won't mind stored away for that time. My house was filled with workers today packing and moving stuff, assessors looking over the damage, the insurance adjuster, and the several friends I called on for desperate help. We have officially moved out of our house as of 7:30pm tonight and are currently living in the Marriott Residence Inn until Friday. At that time we are hoping to have enough information as to what our temporary living arrangements will be and hopefully for how long - if they can even tell us.

As I am at the hotel and left my camera at home, pictures are coming...

Can bad news be Good???

Through my years of blogging, I have 'on purpose' limited my posting to my immediate family of 6, with an occasional post here and there including others whose story had a direct impact on my life or the life of my family.

Today's post is one of those!

Yesterday I received the 'awaited' news that my dad has been diagnosed with Diffuse large B-cell Lymphoma. Of course my first reaction was "what exactly is diffuse large b-cell lymphoma anyways?" The quick and easy version, it is a non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a blood cancer of the white blood cells that lives in the lymphatic system. It is an aggressive, fast growing cancer, that responds well to treatment. Since they haven't seen the oncologist yet, we don't know what the next step is, however from what we've read it will more than likely include chemo and possibly radiation! They were told that the tumor itself is too large to remove.

So...my question, can bad news be good???

I am inclined to actually say yes! Crazy huh?!? You see my dad wasn't sick, didn't have pain, there were no symptoms. In fact, they weren't even looking for it! He went in for an MRI to see if he had any broken bones in his leg/bottom/knee from a previous fall he'd had last winter. They found the tumor and alerted him to it before they even reported on the possible injury. And from there a cat scan, then biopsy, then diagnosis. Considering the fact that this type of cancer is so fast growing, it actually was a blessing that they found it when they did. Had he not had the MRI, or even the pain and discomfort in his leg/knee, they wouldn't have found it now and the danger that could have been...well let's just not even go there. Thankfully, they found it and thankfully, they will treat it.

So...as in usual fashion when I have {comical} conversations with my dad, I told him yesterday:

"BAD news Dad, is that you have cancer"

"GOOD news is that you are going to lose all your hair - or rather what you have left of it".

He replied, "Gosh, I guess I shouldn't have gotten my hair cut last week. To think I now wasted that money..."

Of which I replied, "Who knows maybe he'll give you a refund?

I Love you Dad and know that we are going to walk through this with you.

We are praying for:

a full recovery

his health during his treatment and recovery

against additional infections

his body as it succumbs to the treatments and all the side effects

his heart during this process ~ that he will not LOSE heart but rather be present in all that God is saying to him in and through this time

my mom's heart too ~ that she will continue to be strong in her faith that God is in FULL control ~ remembering 'all things work together for good to those who are called according to HIS purpose!'

our family!

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As promised

A few more homecoming pictures.

What will others say when...

Friday, I had the honor of attending a memorial for a very dear friend of mine whose father had recently passed away of cancer. I had never met him. My heart has grown with so much love for my dear friend over the past 4 years that I have known her and yet her dad and my path never crossed. During the service (it was a Catholic memorial mass) the priest had given all of those who were in attendance the opportunity to come up and share a thought, memory, story about him. No one moved! The crowd remained quiet and in their seats, which after a few awkward quiet moments, the priest moved on with the service.

As I was driving home, I could not help but think about the service and the part where no one got up and spoke. Sure, the majority of people were either too afraid to get up in front of a crowd to speak, or were afraid they wouldn't be able to get through what they wanted to say without tearing up. YET, it sort of left me with this feeling of sadness ~ didn't his life mean something to somebody (you know it did or what many people would not have shown up for the service)? I am sure, or rather HOPE that people used the reception as a time to share their memories, thoughts, stories to the family members about the impact that Jim during his life.

And still, I could not stop thinking about this idea of "what would people have to say about me, or my husband, or my kids?"  Funny how things are often connected. This morning during church, we are doing a 10 week study on the book of Jude. If you aren't familiar with this small little book, you could read it in under 5 minutes as it is only 1 chapter - a short one. Anyways, this week was where Jude is pleading with believers to 'fight for their faith in a time of tolerance'! Sound like something we are currently living out today? You bet!!!

Well, one of the first things our pastor said was "...we are all known for something," of which he then went onto doing a word association thing where he would say a name (i.e. Michael Jordan, Angelina Jolie, Tom Cruise...) and we were to say the first thing that popped into our head. He then went onto say that he's been a part of many funerals/memorials where whether up front or quietly off to the side, people usually have something to say about the person who has passed on . Then he said, "what will YOU be known for...after you are gone?", which of course just fed right into my earlier experience from Friday's service.

So...I guess I am asking YOU that same question now!!!

What will YOU be known for (remember we will all be known for something)?

Will others have something to say about YOU and if so, what do you think that will be?

What would YOU like them to say?

Is what YOU are doing right now with your life a clear reflection of what YOU would like others to be saying about you later on?

Is there anything YOU need to change now?

Are YOU willing to 'stand for TRUTH in your sphere of influence?

Are YOU willing to speak up when others won't, can't, choose not to?

Well, I don't know about you, but I for sure want those who love me to 'stand up and speak out' when MY time comes!

Homecoming

As promised, here is a sneak peek of homecoming last night.There are more to come...

I just have to say how incredibly handsome Tanner looked last night. AND his "date" Kyla, wow, she looked amazing! What a beautiful young woman she is.

 Dad helping Tanner adjust his tie.

 Mom and Tanner 

Tanner and his "date" Kyla (this is the daughter of Elise Marie photography, so we were so blessed to have incredible photos of the event - Elise you are awesome!)

A little of this...a little of that

Trying to play a little catch-up. We've had a beautiful Fall so far this year. Lots of crisp, cool, sometimes foggy mornings that burn off into incredibly beautiful sunny days. The colors of the leaves on the trees are vibrant and full of explosions of red, orange, yellow, burgundy, rust, greens and browns.

My days are divided between taking care of a two year old, managing 3 teenage boys, driving back and forth to classes, and lets not forget about housework as well. Some days the juggling gets the best of me and other days I seem to ride with it. Ahhhh, motherhood!

A few pics of Abigail enjoying a sunny day.

 

 

Abigail in her new b-day sweater from her friend J and her mommy & daddy.

 

Thought I would have a little fun and post a picture of Abigail and me from September 2008, right after we returned home from China.I'd say she looks a little different as she's grown up quite a bit too. At least she's learned how to smile, that's for sure!

  

Dalton, our oldest son started his new job Monday. Guess where?? You better bet I'm reaping the "Chai soy latte, no foam, no water, 175 degrees" benefits. He's actually worked as a barista in a local grocery store and has now transferred to one of the corporate stores. Better perks!

We have another driver in the house.

"Oh dear Lord" as my oldest puts it!

Tanner passed his written test last Friday and has been driving ever since. Back in the passenger seat I go. So far so good though, he's a really good listener and follows instructions to the letter. NOW...if I can only get him to listen and follow directions in the kitchen with his dishes.

We also have our first ever 'Homecoming Prom' this Saturday night. Pictures to come...