Fear

Greetings loved ones and friends. I am so sorry that November escaped without my "Thankfulness" blog coming to fruition. We continue to draw upon your kindness and encouragement when we need a little strength or comfort. Your cards generate happiness and light over and over again as we read them =] It is truly a blessing to be surrounded by goodness and generosity during what could be a dark time. We also often open our "Loved" document and read over your names and gifts. I have started to pray over that document for each of you to also be blessed <3

Now it is December. Almost 4 months have passed since Araella was informed that she had cancer. It is December: the month that features twinkling lights, Christmas music, and one of the greatest stories ever told. I have been thinking a lot about the birth of Jesus and the people God used to be a part of that story. It is with new eyes and the desire for wisdom that I study the Bible these days. The past few months have provided me with cherished revelations too numerous to discuss here. For now, I would like to write about my thoughts on Araella's story, the Christmas story, and fear. 

Mary was visited by an angel and was pregnant when she was probably about 14 years old. The Bible says that Mary accepted the news - despite her age and the precarious situation. That is awesome isn't it?! The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid," and in that moment she didn't let fear take over. Let's put aside the fact that Mary was pregnant with the Savior of the world for a minute, and think about how nervous she must have been to tell anyone what was happening to her. Ok, now add to the scenario that she was carrying the prophesied Messiah! Holy Moly!!! We just witnessed the scrutiny of politicians during an election season - Likewise, I assume many people would have deemed Mary as an unworthy vessel. And just like that, fear probably crept in to her story...

We know Mary must have been experiencing turmoil or fear because the bible says she left with haste to visit her cousin. I suppose she could have just been filled with excitement, but I have to assume that wasn't the case since the angel of the Lord said, "Fear not, Mary," instead of, "Contain your excitement, Mary." While Mary was visiting her cousin Elisabeth, God provided her with signs and fellowship that confirmed the truth within her, filled her with peace, and most likely silenced fear. It was with that testimony that Mary returned to her home town a few months later. I wonder if she was going over and over in her mind what she was going to say on the journey home… or if she was just trusting God to direct her and give her the words when she got there.

After Mary arrived home, I am not sure who she told other than Joseph, but the Bible says Joseph was going to divorce her quietly. So, that conversation obviously didn't go very smoothly. Mary must have been holding her breath wondering what was going to happen. The law at that time could have resulted in her being stoned to death! Fear. It must have been incredibly isolating to possibly be the only person in her town who knew the TRUTH.  I wonder if she had anyone to encourage her or if doubt was the voice she heard… Fear.

The Bible also confirms that Joseph was afraid because the angel in his dream told him to, "Fear not." Thankfully, after his dream, Joseph also believed that Mary was carrying the son of God, Emmanuel, and King of kings who would save everyone from death! Mary and Joseph were privy to the most glorious truth, to the fulfillment of prophesy. Hopefully, together they shared some peace and joy in expecting the baby Jesus into their little family, but can you imagine the weight of responsibility that they must have also felt!? The adoptive parents of God's son must have battled with fear and darkness constantly because there is no way evil wanted the Deliverer of death and fear to enter the world. We are told that they had to flee to Egypt in the middle of the night to keep Jesus safe from King Herod's army. Fear.

Fast forward 2016 years… Araella was given life altering news about her health and she accepted it gracefully. As scary as that news sounds to many, fear has only played a small part in Araella's story as well. Perhaps that is because, like Mary and Joseph, Araella and I have also been directed to not be afraid. God is good. He has provided signs and fellowship that confirm truth and silence fear for Araella. However, seeds of doubt and fear sprout up - often times planted by the words and reactions of people. Araella says that she feels more fear talking to others about this diagnosis than she feels about the diagnosis itself. 

Yes, you read that correctly… From Araella's perspective, the words and reactions of others are the source of more fear than cancer. 

Araella's oncology nurse, Beena, is gifted in empathy and encouragement. She chases away fear on the infusion floor with her reactions and words. As we walked out last night, Beena brought peace to a storm of fear that was beginning to form in our story. With her help though, fear was kept at bay. 

I am doing my best to be like Mary's cousin Elisabeth for Araella - to have deep faith in knowing God's Will and to encourage her with my reactions and words. I pray I can be like Joseph too - to be open to hearing God speak, help Araella carry this diagnosis, protect her when fear threatens, and celebrate with her when God shows up. 

Mary's words in the midst of her story let me know that she found peace about what was happening to her. For her. For us. For everyone from generation to generation. She believed. I believe. Araella believes. Many of you believe. When Araella read the first draft of this blog she challenged, "Is it easier to believe now that the story is part of the Bible and everything worked out?" Would we have believed if Mary had told us that she was pregnant with the Messiah 2016 years ago? I love Mary's part in the Christmas story. Her faith and strength are a testament to why she was chosen by God. Araella has faith and strength too. 

I leave you with one of my favorite Christmas songs, a lyrical version of Mary's words as recorded in Luke 1:46-55. May we all give each other the gift of being more like Beena, Elisabeth and Joseph when fear threatens to play a part in one another's stories. 

"Seriously Mom…"

I have not written an update recently because, to be honest, I have been feeling downhearted. Although our faith grows stronger every day, we are physically and emotionally drained. (Definition of drained: depleted, burdened, deprived of strength and vitality) Ok, yikes, maybe it isn't quite that bad! But chemotherapy has once again taken it's toll on Araella who describes feeling like it takes enormous energy just to keep all of her organs working.

During this visit we heard different things from different doctors and left feeling a little confused and frustrated. As a result, we have decisions to make. I know the village is wondering, however I don't know what to tell you because Araella and I haven't talked much about it… Without having to say so to each other, we are waiting on having peace before proceeding with plans - as we have been doing. If you feel led to pray with us for that peace, we are believing that He will direct our path (Psalm 3:5-6) Oh, I do have an answer to prayer story to share with you! Before we left I mentioned Psalm 91:11 and for those of you who prayed that with us - WOW!!!

We turned the lights out shortly after 9:00 pm on Monday night. I am never quite sure how Araella feels on the evening before chemotherapy. I am always a little anxious. We listened to a few encouraging songs and prayed a short prayer out loud together. Now it was time to wait. Wait for sleep. Wait for morning. If sleep didn't come for me, I would wait for Araella's breathing to indicate that she was sleeping so that I could quietly work on a blog or read. She seemed to be drifting off peacefully...  It was completely dark in the room except for the light shining in between the separated curtains.

I am not sure how much time had passed when Araella interrupted the silence with, "Mom, what are you doing?"

"Just laying here Araella, are you ok?"  Silence.  Ok, I thought, she is alright.

A few more minutes passed and then, "Seriously Mom, what are you doing??"

"Araella, I am just laying here, do you need something?"

"Why are you standing there again?"

"I'm in bed Rae, what do you see?"

"You're just standing there."

"Where?"

"Between our beds."

My eyes looked upward to where Araella had indicated, and I sensed that there was indeed someone there. An angel! I didn't think to talk directly to the angel (this I regret very much). Instead, I whispered excitedly to Araella, who had fallen back to sleep, "Araella, I think you see an angel!"

Silence. I questioned if the air in the space between our beds was moving. I strained my eyes to see what she saw - but I could only see what I would describe as a colorless aurora borealis.

"Araella, what does he look like?" More silence. "A warrior or a shepherd?"

"A shepherd," I thought I heard her answer in her sleep. But then I decided to just relish in the refuge. To just breathe in the beautiful unexpected gift of being embraced by peace. Too quickly, I also drifted off to sleep under the guard of His angel, whom He had commanded to watch over us.

Appearances, Plans, Angels and Araella

Ok, my ability to type has recently been restored and I have so many thoughts to share.  So, here is a patchwork post…

Araella and I travel to CTCA again today for chemotherapy round 4 of 6 if blood work determines that she is healthy enough to handle it. It took Araella two weeks to recover from round 3. If you saw Araella or I this past week, you probably thought that she looked as healthy and as beautiful as ever. She has mastered gently caring for her hair, covering the circles under her eyes and putting color on her cheeks and lips with all-natural products from LUSH. (On the inside Araella's blood is telling a different story.) I, on the other hand, have not mastered the art of appearing put together with two broken wrists... Casts have limited my wardrobe choices and my ability to shower easily. I regret that they also limited my patience a few days (sorry if you witnessed that!)  Our poor neighbors have seen me sporting some pretty eclectic outfits when I take Sukee out - haha - Guess I needed a reminder that outward appearances are not that important. In 4th grade, Araella wrote out a bible verse and hung it on the bathroom mirror - it is still there, reminding us daily that God values beauty in relation to the inner character of our heart and the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit. Gosh, I love His Word. 

On Monday Araella will have blood drawn, as well as a follow up CT scan and ultrasound. We will meet with multiple doctors on her team to discuss the changes in her body and possibly changes in the treatment plan. That word… plan. It haunts me sometimes. It is such an exhausting word. Planning takes so much time, so much thought, so much energy. I need to be vigilant because I don't want to invest more into planning than I do praying and trusting and hoping. Once again, the music of Tenth Avenue North speaks to me in this song about CONTROL. It is freeing to know that God doesn't need me to plan this all out. He's got it.

While we are away, I will be focusing on Psalm 91. Verse 11 promises that He will send angels to guard us while we are there. Angels are with us. When Araella was two, and we were in church singing, she pointed to the ceiling and whispered, "Angels Mommy." On a few occasions she told me about the angels that she saw and I looked for them. I still look for them. Wouldn't it be amazing to see one!? I used to pray that God would send an angel to me with a message. Hmm, now that I think about it, Araella's name means "angel" in Hebrew ;] 

Ok, I need to pack!  More later =]

Happiness is...

When I was little I loved going to my Granny's house and sitting behind my Opa's chair with a book. (One of four locations in this world that I have done my deepest soul searching.) I remember one book titled, "Happiness is a Warm Puppy." It had a Peanut's character on each page with a different "happiness is" message - I loved that little book because it intrigued me that someone might actually find happiness in something that I didn't think was so great.

Happiness is a sketch book and markers. Happiness is a heated purple hippo. Ok, maybe… but during chemotherapy? Yup. Araella finds happiness even in the midst of a situation that isn't so great…

Her platelets and her hemoglobin are low, but she finds happiness in Vitamin C infusions and in doctors who give us good advice, like cooking with sesame oil. Her port is uncomfortable sometimes, but she finds happiness in being complimented by nurses on how incredibly well it has healed in such a short time (thanks frankincense and prayers!) She has a tight strap under her chin for 8 hours during chemotherapy, but she finds happiness in the heating and massage functions of the chair (massage function just discovered during round 3 - not sure why she didn't try that button before?! LOL). She cut sugar from her diet two months ago, but she finds happiness in frozen organic bananas and carob powder (thanks Yonana!) 

She was diagnosed with the big C, but Araella has found that happiness truly is trusting everything to an even bigger "C" because even though she is walking through a dark valley, Christ is with her, He is comforting her, and He has filled her cup with happiness that is overflowing (thanks Jesus!)

Now a vintage item on ebay - filled with "happiness is"
messages that I now completely understand (thanks Sukee!) 

Hope

Packing for Round 3...

Over the past two weeks, I have spent time researching and reading and shopping and cooking and cleaning and THINKING... It has been challenging to find words that summarize all of the things that are buzzing around in my mind for a blog. It has also been difficult to find words when I pray. I have been working on not asking for anything when I pray. Don't get me wrong, I HOPE for many things and I BELIEVE that He can do all things! It just seems that many times when I have a "great idea," God has a completely different plan.  So, my prayers have been less about my words and more about listening for His.  It is when I am still, that the buzzing in my mind subsides and I know that God knows exactly what I am thinking (even when I don't!). When it is quiet and I stop trying so hard to find the words, He reminds me of His promises in a still small voice.

Initially, I had titled this post, "Packing for Round 3 of Chemotherapy."  But that is not at all what I am packing for.  My hope is not in the doctors or medicine or the dietary changes that we have made.  My hope is in the powerful Spirit of the Living God who is alive in me - and in Araella. Romans 8:11

I will write again soon because we are blessed to have so many of you covering us in intercessory prayer. But for now, I need to get packed for Round 3 of Walking in Faith <3

Schedule:
10/17 blood work, meeting with team, chiropractor, vitamin C infusion
10/18 chemotherapy and dignicap treatment

Mic Drop!

Wow! Araella and I have been waiting for Mike Donehey's video journal about the song, "I Have This Hope" ever since the lyrics and melody inspired us a few weeks ago… We had no idea it was actually written for someone in the same situation as Araella! Emmanuel is with each and every one of us in every situation ♡

Araella's reaction, "That was solid."

Chewbacca and Kombucha

Today is day 5 following Araella's second chemotherapy treatment and I am happy to report that she has fewer side effects!!! (no nausea, no eye trouble, less fatigue) The vitamin C infusion and your prayers worked! Praise reports make the enemy tremble. Even though the port surgery has caused her to be uncomfortable, we are claiming Round 2 as a victory and ask for prayers that the discomfort and irritation from the port will cease quickly.

One of the bracelets that Araella is wearing reads, YOU'RE FIGHTING MY BATTLES. These lyrics were our battle song this time around: My fear like an enemy army, is marching again, but I'm making a stand, you surround me on every side, your love is my armor... so I won't be afraid… You're fighting my battles!!!  (Here is the link to the song Battles by The Afters.)

Our battle against the weather: Since we arrived home, it has been dreary outside… Even Sukee has been avoiding the outdoors choosing instead to burrow under fuzzy blankets.  We decided that we had to get outside.  So today, armed with a Petco gift certificate, we set out for a little retail therapy. Our outing was only an hour long, however it was a successful mission. Sukee carefully considered a myriad of stuffed toys before deciding on Chewbacca while Araella and I chose a few sweaters for her.  At one time we vowed never to be "those" pet owners - however we now completely embrace sweater weather for all three of us.  On the drive home, we also picked up some kombucha (probiotics for Rae) with GoFundMe money. Thank you <3

 

I know this blog isn't about Sukee, but her smile is so cute in this one!
And, it goes with the title =]

The Cold Never Bothered Her Anyway

There are currently only 26 places in the United States where breast cancer patients have the opportunity to use the Dignicap as part of their treatment. When Araella began treatment three weeks ago, there were only 8 places. Rae believes that every patient, everywhere, should have the option to use it - and I agree.

The Dignicap does make treatment a little longer… Here is a snapshot of Infusion day round 2: Rae was scheduled to begin treatment at 8:30 this morning. At 8:45 Araella and her nurse began by going to the bathroom and saturating Rae's hair and scalp. 

By 9:00 Araella was in the chair with the pre-medications being infused through her port.  The silicone cap was placed on her wet head and plugged into the machine to begin cooling. It takes time to "fit" the cap to Araella's head because there are only four sizes. For about 20 minutes two nurses, myself, and Araella all worked on getting a tight fit. You can see in the pictures that small pieces of material are used between the silicone layer and the neoprene top layer.  The top layer has three velcro straps that go around her head (front, crown and back) and one that goes under her chin.  That strap is particularly uncomfortable!  Araella has to pull it down to swallow. (Perhaps she will help to figure out a better design someday.) In the meanwhile, her nurse is impressed with Araella's tolerance to keep the chin strap tight the entire time. 

The Dignicap has to cool the patient's head for one hour before chemotherapy begins. So, we waited until 10:00 before infusion of the first chemotherapy medication began.  Araella has four medications, each of which takes about one hour to infuse. It was 2:25 pm when the chemotherapy was complete. Then, the Dignicap had to keep her head cold for two additional hours while the medication circulates through her body. Keep in mind that all day long Araella was drinking water…  

The Dignicap temperature never drops below freezing.  However, it is cold enough that Araella's head was numb after about 20 minutes.  Being numb keeps her relatively comfortable because she can't really feel that her head is cold. The exception to that is when she disconnects from the machine to go to the bathroom. During those minutes her head can warm up enough that she feels cold again for a short time. We have a good system of getting her to the bathroom and back quickly and then bundling her up again.  

At 4:25 this afternoon, the machine beeped and Rae called for her nurse to disconnect everything. Woohoo! When the cap was removed a few ice crystal on her hair were revealed but melted quickly. It was another long day that was completely worth it because Araella walked away with hope and dignity.

Araella's Dignicap treatments are not covered by insurance.  Each session costs $450.00. Our hearts are overflowing with appreciation for the generous friends who gave to make this possible.

Thankful for a heated seat, warm blankets, and prayers that covered her all day - Psalm 91

The Dignicap machine is too big for a regular room, so Rae is in a more common area, but she loves the view!
(and the company from friends on social media)

There could be another patient attached to the machine on the opposite side, however no one was.
If you zoom in, the green cap on the right reads 1.9˚C in back and 3.2˚C on top.
#RaeStrong indeed!!

Click the link if you would like more information on the DIGNICAP.

Sleeping Beauty

Let me begin by saying that from the time Araella was three weeks old until she was three years old, she slept 16 hours a day. If school hadn't interfered with her sleep schedule, she would probably still be sleeping 16 hours a day! Needless to say, we didn't make it to our 6:15 appointment this morning.

Thankfully, her appointments were able to be rearranged and her future appointments have already been scheduled to begin later in the morning. As we moved from appointment to appointment today, a few people believed that Araella was a new patient who had not yet had chemotherapy - a true testament to the power of her "mind over matter" attitude and her unshakable faith!




Araella had a PowerPort surgically placed beneath her collarbone today. It will eliminate the use of picc lines for infusions and needles for drawing blood. Waking up after the procedure was a struggle, but she ate dinner and reported for her vitamin C infusion where we are now. The infusion is two hours and Araella was sound asleep after 20 minutes.


When we get back to the hotel room, every card and every gift of encouragement that she could fit into her suitcase await her. She has experienced so much joy from your kindness and so much peace from your prayers. Please join us in praying for another healing treatment tomorrow. Araella's prayer is simple, "Infuse within me Your will."

Rae Reflections

After meeting some wonderful women at a Look Good Feel Better session sponsored by the American Cancer Society on Tuesday, Araella ruefully shared, "They didn't know about the DigniCap. Not one of them had heard of it. I want everyone to know. One lady is getting the same chemotherapy treatment as I am and she didn't have any hair." 

Araella was thrilled about the gift of makeup that was bestowed to each of the participants… and she was humbled by not having the need to cover up the side effects that her comrades are experiencing. She walked away from the session with a resolute determination to quell and conquer the side effects of round two. Practical advice such as how to consume a gallon of water the day of treatment, priming her body with a diet that supports a healthy immune system, naturopathic support and the intercessory prayers of so many have her feeling equipped for the battle.  

A few things that will make round two different from round one: 

*The infusion will be through a port (placed surgically on 9/26) instead of a picc line.

*Araella has elected to try a vitamin C infusion on 9/26 to counteract the side effect of fatigue following chemotherapy.

*The infusion and DigniCap treatment time given on 9/27 will be about 8 hours instead of 10 because less time will be needed to watch for reactions and because less Perjeta will be given.  (This is still a LONG day! *sigh* "I am not looking forward to just sitting there for 8 hours.")

And the last random reflection for this post was quipped by Rae last night in the middle of a Qwixx game, "It's squishy and normal. I can't feel it anymore at all." Mom and I looked at each other with wide smiling eyes but didn't have time to react other than that, because Araella picked up the dice and tossed them.  

1. After I took this picture, the other participants chuckled and I explained that I had to capture every moment =]

2. When I walked out of LGH to go to The Living Room, God was smiling.

3. Last Tuesday after The Living Room, we went to McDonalds and I couldn't order anything, so I came prepared this time with home made beef jerky and gluten free pretzels. They chucked too - I am making people laugh a lot lately!

Plans Change

As you all know, Araella's plans to go to college this year came to a screeching halt a few weeks ago.

Plans change.

This weekend another plan changed… A friend of Araella's had planned on shaving her head - with Araella or in support of Araella.  One way or another, that was her plan because Araella could have faced the side effect of losing her hair this week. Guess what?!

Plans changed!  

Instead of shaving their heads together, they laughed and painted and juiced and worshipped together. Araella got to spend a little time on a college campus and I got to do a little college student laundry =D

This year hasn't turned out the way we planned.  Not at all.  But God knows the plans for our future and they are good and full of hope! (Jeremiah 29:11)

Alyssa and Araella at UPRISE

Araella and Alyssa at SHIP
This picture was taken for me because I was so sad about not being able
 to take a picture of Araella on her college dorm bed four weeks ago…
A resilient reminder that in spite of changed plans,
joy still abounds!

Araella's Answers

What does it feel like to have cancer?

If this is how it feels to have cancer, I feel pretty good. I don’t know if I have ever felt better in my whole life! I have never felt healthier actually. I think because of all of the good food and prayers. I feel great Mom. I got a little frustrated last week when my mind wanted to do stuff and my body was like “naaaaw.” Chemo made me feel like my body wasn’t my own. But I truly believe it did not have an effect on me other than in the spot where it needs to be. It is mind over matter and I think I can even overcome the tiredness next time if people pray for that.  

What does it feel like to be held up in prayer by so many people?

I have never felt more loved in all my life. It feels cool. Like I am walking on sunshine (she starts to dance). I don’t know how to explain it. It’s indescribable. I think it is God working through the prayers. I have never felt this happy. It doesn’t make sense to be happy when I have cancer, but I am. Everything is the same other than the diagnosis. So, it has to be the prayers.

I just trust that everything is going to be ok, no matter what that is.  

Linked here is the song that Tenth Avenue North just released. "I Have This Hope" speaks to what Araella (and I) have been experiencing. Thank you again for all of your prayers!

Aviator sunglasses as promised =] 

Rae's in the Sun!

Day 7 was the turn around day for Araella. A few side effects were still trying to throw her off course, but she was able paint and socialize with visitors (who were adorned in masks). Her energy level didn't allow her to move around continuously, however she finally made it outside with Sukee and enjoyed some stationary vitamin D therapy. 

Day 8 was the BEST day so far! Araella was able to get outside and walk Sukee… Actually, now that I think about it, once out of bed this morning she was up all day =]  Sukee had a marvelous day too (even received her own card in the mail!) It seems their relationship is synchronous as Rae and Sukee each had an extra dose of spunkiness all day long.

Araella took her time opening the mail and soaked in the joy that each delivery bestowed. She will go to sleep tonight feeling absolutely showered in support and love. The affirmation that people are praying for her continues to comfort her. I am not sure how to thank everyone who has reached out through written words and gifts to touch us this week. I am discovering postal embraces are as nourishing as hugs.
                                                       

September 12  

September 11

Yes, Araella is wearing the same shorts two days in a row. It made her laugh and we hope you chuckle too =D

Tomorrow's goals: washing her hair (for the first time since chemotherapy) and going out in public protected from germs (her nurse said, "Go have fun - you're just a kid, but wear a mask if you can tolerate it.")

Rae's also in the Son <3 

A little better than yesterday =]

Araella is attempting to recover from her first chemotherapy treatment 6 days ago. The past two days have been the most difficult and she is anxiously awaiting the hour that she starts to feel more like herself. Her spirit remains strong but her body feels weak. This is frustrating to her, however I  have yet to see her without a smile. If you would like to follow her encouraging story, she has been posting updates on instagram @raeofsunshine__

Some good news is that for 2 days following treatment, Araella could feel the tumor shrinking (and she can no longer feel the lymph nodes that were affected!). Another piece of good news is that the side effect of light sensitivity and eye irritation seems to have been resolved and hopefully will not be an issue next time. When her new aviator prescription sunglasses arrive, I will post a picture =]  

We return to CTCA on September 25th. Araella is scheduled to have port placement surgery on the 26th along with some other appointments including physical therapy, survivorship and a vitamin C insfusion. On the 27th she will have another dignicap/chemotherapy infusion (8+ hours). Oh, another piece of good news is that Araella has not lost one hair that we have seen!!!

Headed home the day after treatment

Card #1 from our mailbox

We Are Not Alone

The difficult thing about today was seeing Araella try to rise above the frustration of her body not being as strong as her spirit. She just wanted to get up and clean her room, play with Sukee, paint… but she couldn't. She tried… but she just couldn't find the physical strength. She kept asking me when she would feel better and I kept telling her, "Tomorrow." With that she would smile and say, "Ok." I am praying that tomorrow she wakes up with renewed strength.

Some wonderful things about today were the cards that came in the mail (No bills! Woohoo!!!) and the vegetable soup and blueberry oatmeal muffins that were delivered. Each note and gesture, large or small, truly lifts Araella's spirit - and mine. Thank you. Also, Araella is now seeing a little more clearly. The chemotherapy has caused enough eye sensitivity that she has stopped wearing her contacts for a while… we updated lenses in her frames and ordered some sunglasses that she won't be embarrassed to wear =]  Hopefully, the combination of more physical strength and prescription aviator sunglasses will allow her to be outdoors with Sukee again soon.

A few friends who prefer not to use social media requested that I start a medical update page.  After looking at different ways to do that I decided a blog might meet that request and be therapeutic for me. As a single parent, I have gone through seasons feeling alone.  But this season, although the most treacherous, I feel safe because we are in the midst of a caring village.  One might even say we are in the midst of a mighty army!

Sweet dreams everyone <3
More battles will be fought and won tomorrow.

Your Prayers are Powerful!

Thank you for holding my Araella in your thoughts and prayers.  She has been resilient and strong since this journey began on August 16.  Stronger than I could have ever imagined.  In less than three weeks she transitioned from being ready to begin her freshman year at WU to being ready to face chemotherapy. And I have gone from being at the brink of a personal metamorphosis to strengthening our cocoon.

Yesterday, despite feeling fatigued and uncomfortable following the chemotherapy treatment 5 days ago, Araella posted another positive image and pronouncement:

Wouldn't be able to do this without Him

Matthew 19:26 

Greater is He that is in Araella, than he that is in the world!  That is for sure!   Please continue to pray for her sweet spirit to be protected and filled to over flowing with peace and joy <3