The good week did not end quite as expected.  My dear friend Jennifer Yin came from Atlanta for a visit on Thursday; and Friday, I came down with an upper respiratory infection complete with fever.  I felt extremely puny and sick, but the fever was the “scary” part.  If it spiked too high, I wondered if I’d end up in the hospital.  Would I be able to do chemo on Monday as planned?  The hours went slowly as we waited to see what recovery would look like.  I prayed this would be yet another “blip” to look back on…and, Praise God, it was.

Jennifer served our family so selflessly: playing with our kids, cooking, cleaning, encouraging, and cheering up our family, putting kids to bed.  God had her here for literally the sickness.  Autumn and Greg’s family (my sister and her husband) were already scheduled to be in town on Saturday and Sunday, and picked up where Jennifer left off.  We had a special time with them and two of their girls, as we watched church online, rested, celebrated my niece’s 14^th birthday and her History Day accomplishments.  And God brought the healing we asked for.  My fever left Sunday, and my bloodwork was fine on Monday to do chemo.  I’ve never been so thankful to be sitting in the chemo chair.

The visits were not over: I returned from chemo to find my older sister Jill (who lives in Colorado Springs)!  She and my precious husband conspired to fly her in for 24 hours, since she’s in Memphis for the week and “felt so close” to NC.  It was the best dose of medicine for my heart!

Even as I begin the dive back into the dark valley of chemo effects, and the unknowns it inevitably brings, I am full of thanks.  I am humbled by those loved ones who have served us this weekend in our need (Jennifer, Greg & Autumn, Stephanie Schouten, Jill).  I am in awe of a God who loves us so personally that He carries us through these difficult seasons…and brings healing on the other side.  I am thankful for the chemo that God is using to bring healing to my body.  I am encouraged there are only two more “bad weeks” and one more infusion to go.

Thank you for continuing to pray for us and battle with us during this season!