Here we sit waiting for the labs to confirm that chemo is a go. Today's infusion will take 6-7 hours.  It is our first time in this infusion center and everyone seems so thoughtful and kind. The area is set up with individual cubicles, so our opportunity to interact with others will be limited, but not totally impossible.

It is interesting how words can bring comfort and sadness at the same time. As we were getting settled in the medical assistant said, "Welcome to your second family." It really does become that way each time a treatment is given. We are thankful for the people we have met, and the stories that have been shared. Yet, like everyone else here, we are hoping for the words "You are healed!" to be shouted from the roof tops.

Week before last we had two first hand glimpses of that victory shout. The first was at the Proton Therapy Center where Stew was having a special test done. As we entered the check in/waiting area, we noticed a large circular gold gong on a stand by the stairway. As the morning progressed we learned what it represented. It was beautiful.

About mid morning a nurse came down the hallway with an older gentleman and asked for every one's attention. She announced that his treatments were successfully completed, read a poem, and handed him a big gold mallet. He turned around with a huge smile and hit it as hard as he could. Everyone began to clap and cheer. Tears filled his eyes as he walked down the line of nurses, receptionists, and others that were there to shake his hand or give him hugs. As I glanced around the waiting area I could see similar tears and smiles of joy gracing the faces of those watching.

The other was in the waiting room at Dr. B.'s. While Stew was having labs drawn, a gentleman sat down next to me and began to share his story. He had been diagnosed with cancer of a different type than Stew, undergone chemo, hit remission, and received a stem cell transplant. He now had an appointment to see if all was going well. When his name was called, he stood, gave me a thumbs up, and entered through the door that would lead him back to where he believed good news awaited.

A while later, the door to the examine rooms opened. Out he came, looked around the waiting area, saw us still sitting there, and almost floated over to where we were with a huge grin on his face. It had worked and he was being released back to his own doctor. His happiness was almost tangible. He thanked us for our prayers and said he hoped the same for us.

These are the things hope are built on. God is the foundation, but moments like these help to keep it alive.

So thankful for what the Father did in both of these men's lives.  So thankful that the Father gave us these miraculous healing glimpses in the midst of our circumstances. What a gift it was to be able to celebrate together!

Reminders that joy isn't only found in your own answer received, but that it is found in each moment of victory, no matter whose the victory is, are precious. Joy is found in celebrating gifts of life. It is found in the heart of the Father. It is found in honoring what gives Him joy.

And, when eyes are open to see it, to see Him and be thankful...we are made stronger. For it is "the joy of the Lord that is our strength." Praying for eyes that continue to see His joy before us.

Thankful for:

Early morning rain.

The ding of incoming texts last night and this morning from those who remembered this was Stew's first day of the new chemo. We read each one and rejoiced at the prayers, love, and thoughts given. We were like little children opening a gift.

Crackers and juice provided by the clinic. They have already been used.

Pillows and blankets...infusion centers are cold!

Katie's (Dr. B's PA) just now visit: Antibiotics, medicines, precautions, etc, will be ready for us on Monday for our trip to see Ben and family next week. Loved her happiness for us.

Family!

You!

Our Father...

With hearts full of love and gratitude,
Faces-to-the-Wall,
Stew and Deb

Waiting with a smile.


Our home away from home.


Benadryl taking effect. :-)