Resilence

 I just received the call from the hospital. We have to check into the clinic tomorrow morning at 8am. It is a little earlier than we had anticipated, but not a big deal. It makes me rearrange a few things like how Becca will get to music class and making sure Madi is ready for school so Nanny and Papa can get her out the door, but nothing changes majorly with that time. We will check in and they will check his blood and then prep him for surgery. The nurse thinks it will be about a 3 hour surgery, but they can't be sure depending on how things go. This is the big day we have been waiting for. The day when our cancer battle could end. The day that we begin another round in the hospital eating cheese pizza from the cafeteria and having "date nights" in the hall ways while Andrew sleeps. This is also the week where we pray Andrew heals quickly from this surgery...that his chest tube comes out quickly and the pain from the incision is minimal. Today was a beautiful day outside so we all took a walk this morning. I watched as Andrew jumped over snow piles and ran down the street without a care in the world. Once again everything seems so normal and all will change tomorrow after this surgery. I am trying to keep my eyes on the long range picture, but knowing how uncomfortable he will be in 24 hours makes it hard on my heart. The end is coming soon though and for that I am thankful.
 I do have a great story to share. This weekend I got some great time to scrapbook with some friends. I was able to complete my 2009 family album. The last few pictures that I came to were ones of Andrew in the hospital for his first surgery and biopsy. I saw all the machines and tubes and the room that held us hostage for so many long nights. It took my breath away and reminded me of the road we have been walking for the last 3 months. It was a very overwhelming experience. I put the pictures in my album in a very plain way, but in a way that will help us remember this story. When I pulled out my albums to show my family on Sunday afternoon, the kids cuddled up next to Rick and I to look at the memories we have all made. We laughed and chatted through many of our stories. When we came to the last few pages the kids began asking questions about the hospital and Andrew's time there. From tthe questions they asked, especially Andrew, it seems like all they remember are the "fun" things....like clowns coming into our rooms, the playroom, and preschool. Andrew said he didn't remember much of what those other pictures showed. I know some of those experiences have shaped our kids, but I was shown the resilence of my three young children. Not one of them seemed scared or traumatized by the experience as I had once feared. They were memories that we could talk about and share together, but the Lord has once again reminded me of His protection of our hearts.
 Please pray for that again during this next hospital time. Pray for the surgeon's hand and the many nurses that will attend to Andrew. Pray the surgery goes smoothly and Dr. Rodgers can remove ALL of that tumor. Please pray for Rick and I as we wait for the news and  for our marriage through this next trial. Please pray for simple things like a private room for Andrew for the week (it is not guaranteed) and sweet nurses to care for us. Lastly, please pray for a quick recovery for Andrew. He could potentially be in a lot of pain with the incision and chest tube. Pray that the medications will help and that his body would heal quickly. We thank you for your love, support, and prayers as we come to the (hopefully) last leg of this marathon. May we all come to the finish lines with our heads held high.