Easter Sunday

One year ago, on April 8th, Easter Sunday, Isaiah hunted for Easter eggs with cousin Aaliyah at Grandma's house.  I felt frustrated for Isaiah as he worked so hard to retrieve the chocolate eggs.  He appeared exhausted and could not lift himself up one stair without asking to be carried.  After a short hunt and few eggs in his basket, he was content with what he had collected despite my urging to look in the places where there were still eggs.  He was tired and uninterested.  What I wouldn't find out until the next day was that his heart was enlarged, compensating for the lack of blood he had, in order to pump enough oxygen through his body.

This past year has been the most difficult year of my life.  Anyone who has a child of their own can understand how hard it is to see their own child hurting.  I remember some nights after Isaiah had received chemotherapy treatments, he'd moan in pain throughout the night.  There was nothing in my power to make him feel better.  All that I could do was hold his hand and be with him until the hurting subsided.

That said, it has also been a year of rich blessing.  We grow during times of suffering as we learn to fully rely on God, knowing that His plans are ALWAYS greater than our own.  After going through this experience, I have discovered that Christ is sufficient.  The way I would like my life to play out has no significance.  God is the author of my destiny and it is so freeing to know that He has a plan for me and my family.  The things of this world are all too temporary.  Even life itself is frail and there are never any guarantees.  It is very easy to be engrossed in the present life.  When God allows these trials, I am reminded that my life is not in my own control.  In order to live an abundant life, I need to keep my focus on Christ.

I am so thankful for all that I have and am feeling so richly blessed this Easter.  God is healing Isaiah and has a special plan for his life.  I am looking forward to this year - to see God working in our lives.  Thank you Lord for all that You Are!

Easter Sunday 2012

Easter Sunday 2013

And of course, we cannot leave out a picture of Oats

Hawaii!!

This month, we went to Hawaii for a week with Dave's mom.  It was such a great trip.  Isaiah and Adam absolutely loved the water and digging in the sand.    

It was a big stress getting travel insurance for Isaiah before we left.  Because he had been hospitalized in February, he did not meet the "stabilization period" for most insurers.  Thankfully we were directed to a company that covered us.  Ironically, it was Adam who ended up in the clinic with an allergic reaction.  We're still not sure what caused the reaction.  

I'm having some trouble uploading the pictures but some of our highlights included spotting a whale on our boat ride, endless digging in the sand, swimming with the fish, visiting the Honolulu Zoo and Dave surprising me with a helicopter ride around the island for our 5 year wedding anniversary.  

 

 

 

Still neutropenic

Isaiah had a check-up with his doc today.  Unfortunately, he is still neutropenic (ANC of 0.19).  He is looking great and feeling completely normal but will be held off his oral chemo meds until his ANC rises.  His immune system is extremely vulnerable so we will continue to do a lot of hand washing and avoid seeing anyone.
Adam is being dedicated at church this Sunday.  We still plan on going but will probably leave right after the dedication so that Isaiah isn't hanging around crowds of people.