Clean Shave

Today has been a quiet day to clean the house and get ready for Tom's parents who will be here on Thursday. 
Tom decided he would take the razor to his face and get himself "cleaned up".  I have to admit the kisses since then have been sweeter!
Tom received the sweetest card and gift via UPS today...the blanket in the picture.  A WCMS 7th grader, Elizabeth Pridham, had her grandma knit the blanket for Tom.  It is so beautiful.  What a precious gift.

Troy McIntosh, friend/WCMS principal/asst. superintendant, stopped by to visit and catch Tom "up to speed" on all the happenings at Worthington Christian.  I really wanted to take a picture of Troy and Tom together.  I had even put my camera where I would remember!  Oops...I had to find a photo (google search!) to put in the blog for today, sorry Troy.

Carylee Meyers stopped by to visit with ME...most visitors come to see Tom, so it was a pleasant surprise to have her say she was here to see me!  I wanted a picture of Carylee and I too...but had to resort to an old baseball photo from Matt and Ike's senior night.

Staples Out - NOT!

Well, today didn't go quite like we thought...we are learning how to live life not as we "planned".  We arrived at the surgeon's office at 10:00 this morning prepared to have Tom's staples removed.  After filling out much paperwork we were escorted to an exam room by the physician's assistant.  The PA looked at Tom and said "how long ago did you have surgery?", and we replied, "ten days ago".  He said normal procedure is 14 days and he would be right back.  When he returned he said he had good news and bad news!  He proceeded with the bad news first, "your staples cannot be removed", good news, "you can go ahead and have your MRI today."  My first response is "why did they schedule us for today when they knew this wasn't procedure?".  He said this is happening all too frequently and that he would be sure to address this with the scheduling department!  So we will be back to the surgeon on Friday.
We left there and went to the post office to mail tax forms and W-2 forms to Matt at MVNU because Matt was randomly selected by our government to have his FAFSA reviewed!  Can you believe that?  Of all the times!  Anyway, we did get the required paperwork together and in the mail so that the "audit" can proceed!
We then stopped in Raisin Rack (local health food store) to browse their selection of healthy food.  Since it was almost lunch time we decided to order carry out.  We were quite impressed with the selection and even more impressed after eating our delicious lunch!  We definitely will be back...an option for us to "eat out".  So I guess you can say we had our first date since 3/7 at Raisin Rack...I'll never forget it.
We then were at Riverside at 1:00 for Tom's MRI.  Uneventful and out of there by 2:30.  We were both very tired and once home we both took a nap!  I usually don't nap, but today was one of those days I couldn't keep my eyes open.  I'm not sure if it's the haul of the last month, the week with no caffeine or the rainy day...anyway the nap felt good.
"Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him."  I Corinthians 2:9
Lord, thank You that You prepare our every day and KNOW exactly what we need...we love You!

Sunday Worship

What a praise to be able to sit with Tom, Matt and our church body this morning and worship our Lord together!  It was such a blessing to have the WCHS Choir sing in service...it was very emotional for both Tom & I to see each choir member come in and fill the stage, they are amazing!  I am so thankful for that gift and then to top it off, Pastor Jim used Tom as an illustration in his sermon from Philippians 2.  Like Epaphroditus, v. 28 "...you may rejoice when you see him again..." the congregation rejoiced when they saw Tom!  Thank you for surrounding us with your love.

We stopped on our way home from church to wash our very dirty car.  Once home we ate some lunch and then Tom crashed!  While he slept I vacuumed out the car and washed the car windows of winter grime...what a good feeling.  I then swept out the garage knowing this would make my husband quite happy.

We were glad to get word that Zac & Sarah made it back safely to Grace College early this morning in time for the Leesburg GBC service.  And then just as glad to hear that Matt made it back safely to MVNU's campus after saying good-bye to us in the church parking lot.  What a treat to have the kids home for the weekend.

A Weekend At Home!

It has been a true joy for Zac, Matt, and myself to be home this weekend!  What an amazing difference to see the improvement in Dad just in 2 weeks.  We are so thankful that his speech continues to improve and most importantly that Dad is laughing and joking!  :)

Today was a very relaxing day.  We enjoyed omelets this morning and then played Hand and Foot as well as Uno.  Dad and Zac were able to go outside and pick up wood as well as the gumballs!  I think it was refreshing for Dad to get outside.  Mom made wraps for lunch and they were delicious.  She is becoming quite the 'organic/healthy cook'!  She is incredible.  After lunch, Dave and Jill Petrel stopped by for a nice visit.  We enjoyed catching up with them and chatting.  Right before they left, Dave asked a profound question that I was just tickled to hear my Dad's response.  He asked something like this, 'Tom, we know this has probably been some of the hardest weeks of your life, however, what is something that you have considered a blessing throughout this experience?'  Without hesitation Dad quickly responded, 'My Wife!'  I think this just goes to show how terrific my parents are and their unconditional love for each other.  They reflect Christ in all they have done and are doing through this process.

I am thankful that we serve a sovereign God who has us in His hands!  We are taking one day at a time and enjoy every moment we have together. It was an awesome weekend and we look forward to being back soon!
-Sarah

Doctors Appointment - Confirmation

God has met me again today and confirmed in my heart (& Tom's) that Riverside is where we will get his treatment. As I spent time in God's Word, this is the verse that He gave me "Peace to you!" Luke 24:36b. We are confident that God has ordained our steps to Riverside and that God has, can and will continue to use the physicians, nurses, aides, techs, and any person who comes into contact with Tom as tools in His hands to bring about His perfect will. As we met with Dr. Megan DeHaan, Tom's radiation/oncologist, we once again felt confirmation that this is where God wants us. It was almost exactly 22 years ago that I was treated with radiation at the exact same place (my Dr. is still there)! When we were greeted at the door by "Gail" it was the same "Gail" that greeted us 22 years ago...and she remembered us! She loves Jesus and also knows some students at WCHS. Not only that but Dr. DeHaan had Hodgkin's Disease just like me when she was only 17! Please don't think that these two "coincidences" are what made us make this final decision about treatment at Riverside. We want everyone to know that many people, hours of research and much prayer have led us to this point.
Tom was able to have his mapping mold done of his face today and then on Monday will have the MRI/CT scan to complete the requirements for Dr. DeHaan to put together a perfect treatment plan. We were informed today that Tom did not qualify for the clinical trial we enrolled him in. We knew it was questionable since he had the emergency surgery for the bone flap removal. We have prayed that God would make if very clear as to whether or not he should be in the trial and today we are able to praise God for making it very clear!
We are so thankful that Zac & Sarah arrived safely last night. Tom & Zac took on Sarah & I in a round of Hand & Foot and the boys dominated...we girls will have to take them on again with more aggression! Everytime Tom beats me at a game I just say "I'm taking it easy on the sick fella!". It wouldn't matter what the circumstance...Tom beats me at everything! I've always said the fun is in the playing...not the winning...or I'd never have fun!
Matt arrived home safely this afternoon from MVNU and we are looking forward to a family meal and then I'm sure a competition of some sort!

Georgia Visitors!

We were blessed to have Tom's cousin, Doug (husband of Amy) & daughter, Anna Stroup, here to visit today!  They were on their way to Dover, OH for the weekend and it worked out for them to stop by.  We enjoyed fellowship & prayer.
My dad, brother, brother-in-law, & nephew stopped by and put our patio furniture out!  We are trusting we will be able to use it soon.  My brother then hauled our winter/Christmas decorations into the attic.  There are SO many things that Tom does that we are realizing now that he can't do them!  We are so thankful to our family for all their help.
Our "big" doctor appointment has been shortened due to the fact that Tom's staples can't be removed until Monday.  We will have a doctor appointment tomorrow, it just won't include the MRI/CTscans.  After the staple removal on Monday we will then go and get the MRI/CTscans...so Monday is now our long day.
Matt is also coming home this weekend and our whole family is looking forward to being together at home and not at Riverside.

Days of Healing

I haven't "posted" in a couple of days so thought I'd fill you in.
At the top of our "to do" list is rest and rejuvination!  We are so thankful for this time to process what God has set before us with devotions, scripture reading and prayer.  We are so thankful for the overflow of cards of encouragement and gifts of love that are sent our way, we are so blessed.
We have had several visitors:  much of the "Kline Clan", niece Brittany from MI, Jim & Terri Parrish, Kevin, Katherine & Megan Weakley, Kent Homoelle, Leigh Wigton, Elden & Jennifer Deskins on a walk through the neighborhood, Tom's WCHS secretaries, Cathy Smith & Liz Bookheimer, WCHS assistant principal/friend, Dave Muschott, WCHS Bible teacher/friend & Dominican leader, Tom Burns, and today my dad, brother & brother-in-law came by to fix three things while I ran errands:  an electrical outlet, clogged sink & toilet.  Tom was to nap while they made repairs...when I got home I found the four of them around the kitchen table playing cards!  They did get one of the three jobs crossed off the list...I will need master repairman, Elden Deskins to finish the job!!  I think the card game was therapy for all four men.  Tom napped when they left!  Tom so enjoys the visits and hearing all about what is happening "out in the world".
We are looking forward to having Zac & Sarah back in town this weekend for a visit!  Then next weekend (April 14-18) Tom's parents from Orlando will fly in for a much needed visit. 
Tom has a long (4-5 hrs.) doctor appointment on Friday (4/8) afternoon.  This is his normal naptime so pray for endurance.  We ask you to pray too for God to ordain the steps and wisdom in seeking a second opinion.  We are on track for this but I am not sure how the timing will work out.
We are adjusting to being on a "rigid" medication schedule along with a big adjustment in our eating habits.  I have enjoyed surfing the net to find healthy recipes then implementing them onto our table.  We so appreciate the love, prayers and concern of each of you.
"For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways, says the LORD.
For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways,
And My thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9