Support, love, prayers and timing

After getting all of the details and information about the horrible days following Dec 22nd in place, it is time to talk about the important stuff - the overwhelming and humbling support, love and prayers being shown to and for me and my family. Our friends, family and community have stepped in with strong arms, strong hugs, strong faith and some pretty darn good food. Cards, calls, flowers, gifts, emails, greetings in town. Endless offers of “let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do”. People asking Jim, “Isn’t Lisa at Duke today? How is it going?” And, by the way, “How are you doing, doc?” Keeping Jim and the kids and my parents in your hearts brings me great comfort.

Let’s talk about timing. Two weeks after that ultrasound we’re consulting at Duke and one week later I’ve started treatment that includes a new experimental drug. It all happened so quickly that at first we questioned if we were jumping in to soon. Paula says my timing has been amazing. Thanks but it’s certainly not all due to me. Granted we pushed a bit. I know, you’re shocked to think I could be pushy : ) however my wise husband said it well. You know all those prayers and medical folks working on our behalf? Well, that's what got us here.

I do not have the words to adequately express my awe and appreciation. I keep giving people a rather corny example of my perception of this. You know the Verizon commercials with all the people standing behind the Verizon guy? Well that’s what it feels like to me. Many, many people standing behind us with words of hope and encouragement and prayer. It is truly palpable to me. I see it, feel it, sense it. It sustains me.

We all know there are downsides to small town living but let me tell you, the upsides are amazing. To see cards in my mailbox from friends, acquaintances, churches, bible school classes and to hear that I am on yet another prayer list is uplifting in ways I could not have know before this.