Day 15

I guess later never came for me to write more yesterday. Sam and I enjoyed a better day yesterday. He was up to playing card games and monopoly while lying down on the couch. It was great to see him walking around more and feeling a bit better. However the evening did not fare so well. He had a difficult time physically, some new symptoms appeared.

A call to our oncology team, available 24 hours a day, relieved our concerns, with a check up already built into our visit to the clinic today. Sam, for the first time since we arrived here, broke down emotionally . It's so hard on a parents heart to see your child in such unbelievably difficult circumstances. At the same time I know it was good for him to release his tears, fears, and his longings to wish that things were they way before. He misses being together as a family, his home, friends, and being well. We snuggled and cuddled and talked and prayed. We are so glad K8 and Ger will be with us this morning!

To my kindergarten parents and wonderful students, I hope to be able to write to you this weekend while Ger is here. But know that I miss you all, wish that we could be together finishing off my favorite time of the year, and that I so appreciate all your prayers. Thanks Bethanie for your comments on the blog...that was very sweet of you to write to us!

An update for the cedars staff regarding a prayer request I brought forward 5 weeks ago, concerning my cousin Greg, who had just discovered he had stomach cancer. Last week he was scheduled for surgery to have his stomach removed with a great prognosis. A few weeks later he found a lump on his collar bone, had it biopsied, and found out the devastating news that the cancer had spread to his lymph nodes. Surgery was cancelled and other options presented to him at the cancer clinic. He has decided to proceed with chemo with the hope of slowing down the aggressive growth, but it is not going to cure it. We had a long talk yesterday and he is experiencing the amazing love, comfort and peace of his heavenly Father. He has quickly come to accept that God may be calling him home shortly. His family and friends have been a huge support during these past weeks. We look forward to spending time together next week. To all who read this, if you would like to join our family in praying for Greg, I know he would love it. Because Greg is one of the few cousins my age, I have some wonderful childhood memories of our times together. Also we attended Bible School together in Abbotsford for 2 years. He's very special to me!

Sam's calling, gotta run!

To Rowena and Holly,

I don't know where to get ahold of you here in Vancouver, but I know you blog on everyday. Sorry we couldn't get together yesterday and I appreciate your concern for Sam's health and not wanting to jeopardize his health when you have the sniffles and a new cough. We were so pleasantly surprised by your delivery. It was beautiful, cheerful and delicious! Have a wonderful, wonderful trip! You ladies are an inspiration and a huge source of encouragement. We love you.

To my Kindergarten Kids and Parents,

WOW! WOW! WOW! Ger brought a HUGE bin with a card attatched entitled "Taking Care of Sam's Mom Package." A heartfelt and enormous thank you for the cards, letters, pictures, encouraging words, scripture verses and thoughtful and pampering gifts . I am positive I will be making use of something at least once and day. It will remind me of your prayers and love for us. Thank you to Scarlett , Sandy,and the Big Buddies for helping make such a precious book of memories from the kindergarten children. I absolutely LOVE it but it makes me very kindergarten school homesick! I miss all of you, spending 3 days a week hanging out together having fun, learning, playing, reading, laughing, and enjoying our friendships. Thanks again for the AWESOME surprise! It's an understatement to say it made my day. With much gratitude, and love, Debbie



Debbie and Sam