Bowl of Cherry Pits
Yesterday a friend commented that “Life can certainly deal out a bowl of cherry pits.” Yes, indeed. I hate Tay Sachs. I hate what it has done to my child, my marriage and my family.
Some days I can focus on the good parts. Tay Sachs has taught us compassion. It has given us an opportunity to truly serve the “least of these”. We have met amazing, wonderful families also affected by this disease. We have a “story” worth living.
Other days, the hard parts are overwhelming. Carmen is sick. She is dying. Dave and I have drifted far apart. Will our marriage survive? Lauren and Hope will lose their sister. We are exhausted. We can’t remember life before Tay Sachs.
The friend who made the bowl of cherry pits comment also said, “I’m so glad you know Jesus, and I’m praying He will bring just the comfort, peace and solace that you are thirsting for today.”
Thanks sweet friend for the words of encouragement. That is our hope.
***
Carmen is doing better. She is breathing better and the fevers are gone. Antibiotics really are amazing.
Thank you Jane for the pot roast dinner! It was really, really good!
When I read this, my heart crys for you, Carmen and your family. Life can be so hard at times. I just can’t imagine what your going through. Know that we are praying for you all. Wish we were closer so that I could help.
Praying today for you! Made me think of this song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GfGbcjCVDOs
May you feel God’s love and presence today!
shortly after our Daughter died, we were on the 700 club sharing how parents go through the grief of losing their child.
There was a woman and another couple sitting with us who had lost children. The woman who had written a book about death of a child looked at us and said, “You know, 80% of marriages fail after the death of a child.” I said, “Not us.” God brought us together and we’re sticking like glue.” I meant it.
Noone was going to pronounce anything on us.
God brought you together, you hold on tight and love each other through the good times and the bad. You purpose in your heart to go through this rough time together, not separately…
together as a family. It’s been 22 years now and we never wavered….and….God was with us all the way. We marvel now at how we are walking through this grief. God is good.
Praying for your family today.
Debbie
Hi Lana, When Bridget said Molly is getting tired and called hospice, I cried, I don’t do that much but you just don’t know how much I truely love all of your children. I really can’t know what your life is like and I pray very much. When I got hurt and my wife and I started the process of living after me having a brain injury we were told 95% of marriages don’t last 5 years, we just barly made 5 and now we are part of the 95. It’s hard to go from such extremes as a couple because every one deals with things differently and some times even as a couple you just walk alone, each trying to find a way to cope. But one thing I think is this, if even when you are far from each other if you both keep close to God your paths will once again meet up and togather you will continue on. I know you two will be togather for life, I have no doubt but it wont be easy. Nothing worth working for is easy. My parents will celebrate 52 years in April. I asked my mom how they did it and she said “there were some really hard and trying times, some I didn’t think we would make it through, it wasn’t fun but it sure is a glorious ending, we are more in love than ever” You and Dave will be saying that too
) Take it one day at a time, you’ll see. God bless, Joe
Boy I hope that is good how I say
Praying from Missouri for all of you! Know that in a significant way, your family’s story has had an impact on me and the story I’m helping to create for my family. Suddenly a one year daughter with a broken leg is small potatoes, as they say!
Blessings to you, Lana!
As you know, my husband left 9 months before Baby Ry passed. I was left to make all those difficult medical descisions myself…. ugh. We even had separate funerals! I wasn’t alone though. God was with me and so were my girls. Both of you have inspired me – try, try, try to keep yourselves first. May the Lord bless you and your family for blessing so many of us! Thank you. xo
I have absolutely no doubt that our marriage will survive. You shouldn’t either. We’ve survived this much; we’ll certainly survive more heartache and pain when it comes our way.
But surviving isn’t the goal!
I don’t want us to merely exist; I want us to LIVE! I don’t want us to merely survive; I want us to THRIVE!!!
I love you like crazy, Lana! And, because I love you, I will not allow us to settle for merely existing and surviving. We were made to live and thrive!
My reply will be fairly short. Number one: I love you all. Number two: I suppose it’s a cliche, but “I feel your pain very much and it hurts me.” Number three: Your Heavenly Father knows everything and I trust Him. I know you do also. I’m very much comforted by that! In my life I’ve had some pain; different than yours, but nevertheless pretty painful. Day by day I’ve learned not only to trust God, but to rely on His love, power and wisdom. He is truly a great God! I’m talking with Him about you all as I write this. May He “bless your socks off!”
I am counting on the LORD; yes, I am counting on him. I have put my hope in his word.
~ Psalm 130:5, NLT
Praying for you – holding you close to my heart!!!
I can’t imagine your pain, disappointment, and exhaustion, but I have seen a strength in you that clearly comes from the Lord and I believe on Him to continue to carry you through this extremely difficult time, as well as any heartache and crisis that may test you in the future. Remember, all things are possible through Christ who gives us strength, and that when you are weak, He is strong. I love you and I am praying for you. I wish I could be there to help you, and give you time alone for a really long nap! With love across the miles… Christina