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3.20.2011

Thankful

We have a million reasons to be sad.  We could wallow in our own self pity for months to come.  We could be really upset and pout that we did not go home as planned today.  But instead we are giving thanks.  Just as the winds of change seem to constantly be blowing around Lucy's medical condition, so do they with our emotions.  For today, we choose to give thanks for God!

1.  Thanks for the sunshine.  For the first time in 26 days Lucy actually asked to go outside.  It was so nice.  The first thing she said was "I'm not cold."  We took two laps around the hospital and just enjoyed the sun shining down on us.  We enjoyed looking at the trees that are blooming.  This is truly my favorite time of year and I had no idea how much had blossomed in the past month. 





2.  Thankful for time with Jack today.  Erik's Dad brought Jack down for a few hours.  I sat in the floor and played with him for a couple of hours.  We pushed him in the little car up and down the hallways of the 7th floor for what seemed like a million laps.  I didn't care though.  He was having a blast.  I also got to hold him for a little while when he took a cat nap.  As a mom to a newborn/infant you sometimes get caught up in the everyday routines of feeding, diaper changes and naps. Today I absolutely loved changing his diaper and holding him while he slept.  It was pure bliss.  We have also discovered that Jack is good therapy for Lucy.  Her attitude seems to improve ten-fold when he gets here. 




3.  Thankful for family.  Ella spent the day with my parents and brother fishing, playing soccer and playing softball.  She needed some alone time and lots of attention today.  I hate I did not get to see her, but I know she was where she needed to be.  


4.  Thankful for the Wii.  Yes, I know.  I never thought I would say it, but today Mario has been such a blessing.  At home, Erik and Lucy are Wii buddies.  They usually play for about 30 minutes together every day.  There is a huge TV and Wii located in the play room of the 7th floor.  We have been trying to get her to play for a month and she refused.  Today, she asked to play.  We are actually sitting in the play room right now.  She and Erik are playing and I am writing.  It's just like home.  Today I sat in the floor with Jack, Erik and Lucy played Wii and Grandpa just enjoyed watching us all.  For a moment things felt sort-of normal. 


5.  Finally, thankful for every moment spent with this precious gift from God.  Tough times may come our way, but God is still God.  He is merciful and just.  And this little girl is worth fighting for!




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60 comments:

  1. Kate, I think of Lucy a million times a day. Her battle has changed me. I am more thankful. I am enjoying the little things. I am more aware. Thank you for sharing your family with complete strangers. Please know I pray for you and your family everyday. I am praying for complete healing. Our God is so much bigger than this cancer. I am so glad to join my heart with you, my sister in Christ, and lift up your family. What an honor it is to stand in the gap for you! Praying for you in Alabama! Lyn

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  2. I just wanted to say how happy Lucy looks today. So glad she has had a great day. Continuing to pray for Lucy and your family!!!

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  3. What a beautiful Child of GOD! We are HIS beloved children. :) Keep the faith, we are praying for you here in Coconut Creek, FL!

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  4. Lucy's Smile is Beautiful and I am sure your glad everytime you see it on her face!
    Praying for you all!

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  5. I know you have heard this a lot lately, but I found your blog about three weeks ago through a facebook post and have been praying for your family and your sweet Lucy since. She is constantly on my mind and has been in my heart. Your astounding faith has me rethinking my own faith and how much I give to God. Thank you for sharing your hard story and keeping us posted on your precious family and adorable sweet Lucy. I wanted to share a song that has been on my heart and I have read that you enjoy praise music, it is a song called "If you want me to" by Ginny Owens. You might already know it, but every time I hear it I think of you and how strong you are. God bless you!

    Whitney Lemos

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  6. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtNzOpKvPfw

    Here is the URL to the song I mentioned..... hope it works, I'm not too savvy with stuff like this..

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  7. Hate that you guys didn't get home today :( But...it looks like you had a pretty good day after all. Tell Lu that she looks awesome! I love that smile!
    Got to see Ella today at church and after. Your parents parked beside us as I was getting Mills out of his seat. She was just waving and smiling at us as they pulled in. :) We love you guys!

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  8. What a sweet post! Each day, am I amazed at Lucy's strength and your faith. And you're right, God is still God and always has been - and he is an awesome God! So glad that y'all had a great day!

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  9. The pictures of Lucy are precious!!!! She looks like she feels so good in each of them! Thank you for your all's "Thankful" list....going to write mine down tonight as well. Prayers coming from the Cox family tonight!
    Whitney Shields Cox
    Maryville, Tennessee

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  10. you don't know me, nor I you. Nope I'm not a stalker normally, but i have become your personal blog stalker this past week. I heard about Lucy from Bennet's mom, Adrian.

    I think of Lucy goose everyday (I have given "goose" to every other Lucy I know, not sure why, it just fits lol....She and your family are on a journey that I hope I never ever have to join. I am happy to know that things are settling now with the shunt..I also have a shunt and when it gets clogged up or needs to be replaced, it's terrible pain and misery, Between that and the steroids I can so relate to Lucy's mood swings and tantrums.

    You are doing such a great job supporting her and being her mommy. It can't be easy when you have 2 others at home. Lucy will come through all this with flying colours and on her wedding day, birth of her first child etc etc you will look back and it will be nothing but a memory. Cancer is powerful, but your wee girl is more powerful than it. She will kick it.... I will continue to follow this blog, b/c I don't want to miss the day you post saying "Lucy is in remission"...

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  11. Oh my, I do believe I see that sparkle in Lucy's eyes today! Kate, I've been checking your blog several (or more) times a day since your Dad gave us the address on the day Lucy was diagnosed. We are OLD friends of theirs and I've known all about you for many years. You are one amazing gal! Of course, we've known that all along but you certainly have proved it in these last weeks. Hang in there. We are all praying for you and your precious family. We love you!
    The Scarbrough Family

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  12. I don't know you in "real life" but your story has truly touched my life. I can't even imagine what you are going thru, but I'm thankful also today that Lucy had a good day and I love seeing her smile in these pictures. Her smile is contagious! Please know that I think of your family often and I pray for you guys daily!

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  13. Everytime I read your blog your family never fails to amaze me! Your entire family has such an uplifting and positive attitude!! I am so glad to hear that Lucy had a good day, I pray that there are MANY more days like that to come!!

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  14. You are darn right she is worth fighting for! I am so thankful she is perking up. You cannot blame her for feeling the way she has felt for the past few days. She has gone through things most adults couldn't handle. I am so glad I will be going to bed tonight picturing her sweet smile. Ema and I say our night night prayers every night and she says "don't forget to pray for Lucy". Tonight we will be praying for more days like today! Such an answered prayer!

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  15. Kate, I have shared your blog with so many people. You and Lucy are changing lives every day (mine being one of those). You certainly help put things in perspective. Things that were once thought to be "problems" are now considered small or non-existent. I am your parents age and have learned so much from you and Lucy. Thank you for sharing your faith. Prayers are coming from everywhere. Love to all of your precious family.

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  16. I LOVE seeing Lucy smile in every single picture today. What a blessing and what a wonderful gift to be thankful for...that beautiful (and contagious) little smile!!!!

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  17. Kate, I have no words for what you and your family are going through. Watching Lucy's brave fight reminds me every day for everything we have to be thankful for in life. Thank you for reminding me not to take anything for granted. I will be praying for you and your family - keep faith, keep hope!

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  18. That last picture of Lucy made me smile so big! She's an angel! <3

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  19. Kate, your writing abilities astound me! You make me feel like I'm right there with you! Thank you so much for your transparency, your trust in our LORD and the love you so evidently have for your family! I am so very proud of the wonderful woman who was once "Baby Cakes"!
    We love you and yours and will continue to pray you through this!
    Praise God that through all this you are able to feel His presence!

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  20. You didn't tell us...who won on Wii? I hope Lucy! Sending many prayers for Lucy and her whole family!

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  21. Lucy looks great! i love those smiles.
    thanks for the reminder that when things aren't going the way we'd like, we still have so much for which to be thankful!
    Thinking about Lucy constantly.

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  22. It's a wonderful sight to see, Lucy smiling!! So glad all of you have had a great day, it was well deserved and a long time coming. Will continue to pray for you, Lucy and your entire family. May you be home very soon...I'm sure Lucy will love being home surrounded by family, familiar things and in her own bed. Here's no place like home. Bless you Kate and stay strong.

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  23. So blessed just to read about your thankfulness. Lifting your family up in prayer!

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  24. She looks so happy in those pictures! So thankful y'all had this day! Praying for many more!!

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  25. I smiled as I looked at theses pictures!! God is great and his presence is there with Lucy protecting her through this journey!! God Bless!

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  26. Prayed for Lucy tonight in our Bible study. I really am glad to hear that you all had a blessed day! Praying for many more...

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  27. Those pictures just made my night! Such a blessing to see that sweet smile on her face! What a ray of sunshine! :)

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  28. Praying for your sweet family.
    Kelley from Texas

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  29. I just wanted to say how wonderful Lucy looks in her pictures. She really does look like a brand new kid like you described the other day. She looks sooooo happy. Its such a wonderful site to see. So thankful your family is having some much needed "good" times. Many prayers continue to surround your family especially Lucy. Go Lucy GO!!!!

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  30. Kate, this post made me smile, laugh out loud, and praise God for all His blessing. I am so thankful God is showing his mercy & grace upon you. We are still praying and I KNOW God is right in the middle of all of this!
    Much Love!

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  31. Found your blog from Kellyskorner and have been praying daily to St. Jude for your sweet Lucy. I have been amazed and inspired by your faith and will continue to pray for your family!

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  32. It is so nice to see her smile!! I bet it did everyone good to be able to get outside. I pray for many more great days ahead!!

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  33. Love, prayers and hugs to Lucy and all of you!

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  34. Love, hugs and prayers to Lucy and all of you!

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  35. My 3 yr old, Ella, and I check your blog everyday for an update on Lucy. I am praying non stop for your family. Ella asks to pray for Lucy every night before bed. I can only imagine how happy it must make you to see Lucy's smile. We don't know your family "in-person", but it brings such joy to us to see her smile. Praying without ceasing for COMPLETE healing and WAY more good days than bad.

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  36. It brings a smile to my face to see such a HAPPY Lucy today! Even though we have never met, Lucy is really touching my heart! My prayers are with her and your family as well as all other children who are fighting this battle! Lucy is doing awesome! Keep up the great work!

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  37. Lifting you up in prayer every day from Phoenix AZ. We are total strangers, and honored that you are sharing this journey with us on your blog. We pray strength for the journey and total health for your sweet Lucy.
    Prays and Hugs, the Fabyanic Family

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  38. So happy for all of the positives that have come your way in the last few days! God's sunshine was so wonderful today... glad Lucy could, and wanted to, get out & enjoy it :) Her smile is beautiful, and speaks volumes!!

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  39. So happy to see a smile on your face and Lucy' s. We are praying for more good days while she fights hard to kick this cancer in the butt!
    You are so strong and brave and she will look back when she has her own kids and try to be strong like you. What a great example you are for so many people.

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  40. We drove through Covington on our way north last week for our youngest daughter's surgery at Shriner's Hospital and counted how many pink and purple bows are tied to buildings and poles all along Hwy. 51! Our girls were so excited to see how many people are praying for and reminding everyone to pray for Lucy! Try to take it...One Day At A Time...

    Love in Christ,
    Carmen Pfeifer

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  41. it has just made my night to see all the pictures of lucy smiling and enjoying the sunshine! so, so happy that she seems to be feeling better and in better spirits. you're "thankful list" has prodded me to do the same...going to write mine now on my blog:)

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  42. THe smiles in these pictures warmed my heart so much! I knew there was a reason the trip home did not work out and I believe the happiness in Lucy's face shows a lot. THe trip may have taken so much out of her that she could not truly enjoy this gorgeous Lord's day. Anyone who reads your blog tonight will sleep a little easier seeing these pics and those smiles. Thanks for sharing your most tender times. They touch us all as we share with you as much as we can in praying and trusting God that His Divine Will be done through your family. Bless each and every one of you!
    In Christ's love,
    Joan Hanks

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  43. I am so excited to see the wonderful pictures with the smile on Lucy's face! That in itself is great to see! I am glad that you all were able to see God's work today through the prayers that have been said and continue to be said! I pray that there are more days ahead like today in all of the joys. I am continuing to pray for you all daily! Go Lucy Go!

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  44. Your thankfulness for God's graciousness to you is contagious! AMAZING perspective...peaceful heart...calmed fears...even if it is confronted with the polar opposites daily, it is obvious that God has given you his grace and mercy to get you through. And what beautiful smiles! She is going to be sooo dang cute when she loses that hair!!! I can see it already!

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  45. Thank you for sharing her smile and for sharing your thoughts from a mommy's perspective. Praying you all get to go home in a day or so ... in God's time. He is our provider and our peace, and I'm so glad you saw Him in the sunshine and the beautiful Spring day it seems He made just for you and Lucy! Thank you for sharing the beautiful pics of Ella and Jack too!! Praying for a good day for all of you today! Lots of hugs to Lucy!!

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  46. Lucy's smile is AWESOME! Many prayers to you continue.

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  47. Oh what a beautiful smile!

    Still praying!

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  48. Thank YOU for the post last night! I loved reading every minute of it. I, too, am thankful for Lucy's good day. Praying for you, Lucy, Eric, Ella & Jack a million times a day!

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  49. My 3 year old son has Leukemia (he's doing AWESOMELY), so I understand the feeling of Thanks for those small things that are now the big things and the only things that are important - family, laughter, time, love, ... Thinking of you everyday.

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  50. Kate - Such sweet words and moments of thanks. Glad that it sounds like your little Lucy is feeling more like herself again. Praying for moe days like this and that her cure is just around the corner!

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  51. Good Morning Kate and Sweet Lucy! Still praying for God to heal you! Lucy - your sweet smile makes my day. You are absolutely beautiful! I hope you have a wonderful day. In Jesus Name I pray for you! Tina Anne - Eads, TN

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  52. I love to see all of Lucy's smiles in this post! She is a true inspiration for pressing on through life's storms.

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  53. Praying for your precious family. God is our mighty healer and we are believing in that healing for sweet Lucy. You are showing the grace of God by walking so strong in your journey. I can hear God saying to you" Well done my good and faithful servant".
    The Herzberg's

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  54. Kate,
    I have been reading your blog for the last two hours. I am not even sure how I found your blog this afternoon, but I think the Lord intended for me to find it. I am praying for Lucy and your family. You have been through so much, yet your faith shines. I know how much the thoughts and prayers of even strangers mean when you are in crisis. I will be sharing Lucy's story with my MOPS group and Mom's Bible Study this week and I will also be mentioning you and Lucy on my blog. I want you to know that people in Washington are now praying. May the Lord continue to give you strength to make it through each day.

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  55. WONDERFUL! WONDERFUL! WONDERFUL! I'm so extremly happy that you all had such a great day today! I pray for more of these days for you! Lucy is just glowing, and that makes my heart smile! God's blessings to you all!

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  56. I ache for all that you & your family are enduring & will endure. Simply, I am sorry that you or anyone has to go through this. The grace which you are displaying in the face of this storm can only be God-given.

    Please know that I and hundreds, even thousands, like me wrap you all in our prayers & hope & love with each post we read.

    I am originally a Tipton County girl, too, but I now live just a few minutes from St. Jude & Le Bonheur. If you should ever need anything, I hope that you will post it & there are many of us who would be glad to offer whatever help we can give.

    Lucy is truly one blessed girl to have been born into your family. GO LUCY GO!

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  57. What a BLESSING!! Lucy brings (happy)tears to my eyes with her sweet smiles!! Its SOO nice to see her smiling! Im SO glad yall had a great day!! Praying for all of you still...

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  58. That smile lights up the world!

    <3 from NY

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  59. The thing that strikes me most about this post is all the pictures of Lucy and her beautiful, genuine smile. She's beautiful even in what must be misery. I love love love her sweet smile!

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  60. Hi Kate,

    I have been reading your blog since I saw a prayer request on a friend's blog. I just wanted to say that we are praying for your sweet Lucy! I am in awe of both yours and her strength! What an amazing family. God bless you all!

    Robin

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