Wednesday, December 20, 2006

A different kind of holiday

Its been a while since I updated on my mom. Sadly, once she got over (if you can really call it that) the pneumonia episode and started the maintenance chemo, we soon learned that the cancer had taken a radical turn. The final stages were on the way. Less than a month ago we were told that her CA125 numbers had seriously jumped, more than quadrupled, actually. The oncologist didn't want to give a prognosis, but since mom and dad asked, he said his best guess is that she'd have about 3 months.

Mom is still hanging on at home, but the day to day care has gotten tougher. I jetted down last weekend and spent 4 full and treasured days with her. Since that time she has been faced with new struggles daily. Its sobering for me to consider how she was just 1 week ago while I was there, and compare it with what my dad is sharing with me now.

She is fighting, he believes, to make it through Christmas at home. And then he thinks she will be ready to go on to be with our Lord. No one can really know, only God, when her name on the Roll will be called. But she is ready. And has been a glorious testimony to peace... the peace that only comes from above. She has been strong and steady and sure through every step of this trial. She is focused on the prize, on the promise. I am so proud of her.

We ask that you pray for mercy and peace for my mother. I ask that you pray for rest for my brain, as I'm burdened with thoughts about how the next few weeks will play out with holiday travels, Santa for my kiddos, and what will happen with my mom in the mix. But surely... I can cope with the details, if she can cope with what the Lord has given her. She is amazing. She is a blessing. She is my hero.

The Battle Is Not Ours

The battle is not ours
We look to God above
For he will guide us safely through
and guard us with his love

I will not be afraid
I will not run and hide
For there is nothing I can't face
when God is at my side
No, there is nothing I can't face
when God is at my side

The battle is not ours
We look to God above
For he will guide us safely through
and guard us with his love ~

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wen,
I am so sorry to hear that things aren't looking good. Please know that you are all in my prayers and that I love you all.
Rachel

Anonymous said...

Wen, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May the peace of God rest upon you and your family during this difficult time.

Cindy (from knitting)

Shelley L. MacKenzie said...

I've said a prayer for your mom and asked that the Lord let her be able to have Christmas with her family.

Anonymous said...

Wen,

I am so so sorry for the lose of your wonderful mother. I feel as if I have known her personally through you. I am thinking of you and your family through this very difficult time. I love you Wen.

Love and prayers,

Kristi