Weepy Days

                                                                                               

I use to think  my tears had to be hidden, denied, or choked back.

I use to think my tears were a sign of weakness, lack of control, or emotionalism.

I use to think my tears were a cause of embarrassment, shame, and failure.

I use to think this only about my tears, not anyone else's.

Stew use to think some, not all, of the same.

Years ago, when we read Psalm 56: 8, we slowly began to realize our tears were important to God. He valued them.

And, He knew there would be "weepy" days.

Today was one.

Today:

 We received a text from a friend we have come to know through chemo days. After 5 different chemo protocols, her chemo treatments are done. Not because she is in remission, but because she isn't. She is only 36 years old.

We learned that someone who has been a part of our lives for 10 years has stage 4 cancer.

We were informed that a friend of ours has been diagnosed with dementia.

We realized Stew has now lost 45 to 50 pounds, depending on the time of day.

We read the following words in the "doctor's report ": I had a lengthy discussion with the patient regarding the overall prognosis...He has residual disease in his abdomen and the suspicion that his cecal disease is worsening. The patient has extensive bone marrow disease... In general, patients with mantle cell have poor long-term disease control.

Weepy days are not just birthed out of sadness, but gladness, too.

Today:

Our day began with this early morning text from a new friend:

And, I will give you treasures hidden in darkness-secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, the One Who calls you by name. Isaiah 45

The day lilies in the backyard bloomed in a beautiful display of yellow and purple hues.

We received a text from our son.

We enjoyed dinner with Amy, Chad, Noah, and Shiloh.

Noah and I sat on the bench and simply visited.

Shi and I danced and sang in the park.

Stew pushed me on a swing, and we laughed like children.

We took a slow stroll around the lake with family.

And, this evening we read the following in a text from another person God has gifted into our lives:

Yes, it was a weepy day, but God already had us covered from beginning to end by His Word shared through others. Nothing catches Him off guard!

Update:
*The past week and a half has been a bit rougher for Stew. His platelets hit a new low and an infusion/transfusion had to be given last week in an attempt to build them back up.
*On Friday, April 28th, he will be admitted to the hospital for three days as he receives the next round of chemo.
*Then, in the following week or so, another pet scan will be given to see if his body has achieved remission.

With each new challenge that comes his way, Stew truly radiates more and more peace and gentleness in his countenance. It is as if he glows. This man of God, my husband, is my hero.

Thank you for your continued prayers. You are a joy to us both and we love you.

Faces to the Wall as we trust in our Father,
Stew and Deb

Family

Family!