tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post8098925773364580759..comments2024-03-15T13:00:08.144-05:00Comments on 2 Kids, a Mini Van and a Mortgage: My New LifeKatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05304478032446507014noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-21578103962642673502011-11-14T19:21:54.660-06:002011-11-14T19:21:54.660-06:00Hi Kate. I just found your blog, and what Karla ca...Hi Kate. I just found your blog, and what Karla called "mother's guilt" really resonated with me. I think that truly, none of us can do it alone. We only think that we can when we don't have any major challenges in our lives, and we aren't any better off for it .. we simply go on believing we ARE supposed to be able to do it all, and to do it all well, and I think our moods go up and down just as much. Up when we imagine we have it all together and are awesome megamoms, and have something to boast about ... and down when we realize we can't do it all and the people around us seem to be able to. I think we can sometimes go a long time on our own reserves and I think it's a GOOD sign for us when we reach the end of those reserves. That's when we reach out. I'm glad you are asking for help, and I hope you also schedule time for napping when someone else is there to help, because that's as important for your health (and your family) in the long run, as somehow managing to get enough help to be able to "do everything." I think we need more rest when we have major stressors, and yet we usually get less. And one secret: my kids are sharing things with me about the years when we had their sister with us and the past year spent trying to wade through grief, and the one thing that surprises me is this. While they do have some sadnesses to share and things they never felt they could admit before, because it seemed selfish and unspeakable, they also don't see me as having completely failed them. They did make sacrifices, but I hope they will grow into the kind of people who know that when it's called for, sacrificing for others is important and what we are created for. For sure there has been suffering, but they are deeper and better people for having gone through that part of their lives, and they definitely are not the worse for it in the final analysis. You can't be "on" for every one of them every single day, and I believe they will only remember that you poured yourself out for them ... but not that you had to take naps when someone else got the chance to spend quality time reading or doing homework with one of them. :)conniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08675708151247378703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-58802701090942766922011-11-08T15:55:36.190-06:002011-11-08T15:55:36.190-06:00I've been following and praying since the begi...I've been following and praying since the beginning of this journey for your family. Continuing to pray that God would pour out His blessings, grace, and mercy all over you. I can relate to so much of what you said about being able to get everything done...and I don't have some of the difficult challenges you face each day. In my own understanding, being the planner I am, I want to figure it out in my way, fretting about how I'm going to do it...and then I remember I can't even begin to do any of it without God's help. I too read Jesus Calling, and Nov 4th was exactly what I needed to be reminded of...sometimes God grants me just the amount of strength and energy to get through that day...but that's really all I need...cause He will provide it again the next day if I just ask. Praying that He would meet your needs each day.How "Sweet" it is...https://www.blogger.com/profile/02428217680361142587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-18408525518569218222011-11-08T13:51:21.623-06:002011-11-08T13:51:21.623-06:00Another poster commented that you are "the be...Another poster commented that you are "the best mom that your kids could ask for". That is all that we can do. We are so lucky that our kids only have one experience of having a mom and that they have no one else to compare your love and service to. What I mean is that we CONSTANTLY compare ourselves to other moms and we always want to be like someone else that we know. Well, our kids only care that we love them, we are there for them, and that we support them. You are doing WAY more than they could ever imagine and for that You are the best mom that your kids could ask for and so much more. You are an amazing mother and Christian woman. I only hope my kids see as much in me as I see in you!!!! As always, thanks for sharing your life with us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-49670825553453138012011-11-08T13:46:08.488-06:002011-11-08T13:46:08.488-06:00Oh Lucy...you are such a warrior. Keep up the grea...Oh Lucy...you are such a warrior. Keep up the great work Lucy!! You are doing great<br /><br />Kate, it is no doubt you awesome parents and you have inherited those same qualities. Please let your BIL know that he is in my prayers. <br /><br />I have followed your blog for over a couple of months and I have to say... I have laughed, cried and rallied at the updates. Your sweet Lucy is always in my prayers. Your family continues to be a "testimony" to so many of us. As mentioned above "there are many that are willing to help out" with the kids. Being a mom as well, I know we wear "many hats" and sometimes it's hard for us to admit "that we can't do it all'. It appears you have found some "wonderful help"! That is truly a blessing.<br /><br /><br />I am continually praying for Lucy's counts to remain good and your brother-in-law recovery.snekciphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10686413749838968519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-56481009768150114692011-11-08T08:42:55.890-06:002011-11-08T08:42:55.890-06:00We continue to pray daily for precious Lucy and yo...We continue to pray daily for precious Lucy and your entire family!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-1745070195795643252011-11-07T22:04:28.884-06:002011-11-07T22:04:28.884-06:00I wasn't going to comment, I came back twice a...I wasn't going to comment, I came back twice and decided that I needed too. You are super mom!!! You are doing a wonderful job, loving your children and putting them first in your life is amazing!!!I want to give you some perspective, I have spent the last two days panicing because my three year old has started to pee more then normal and have a lot of accidents...yep...this is what I have been panicking about. The tests the dr did have all come back negative, and more then likely he is just trying to get some attention away from his 17 month old baby sister (I spend most of my day trying to assure the other child that I love them no more or less then the other one) Back to my point...you and your family have been through childhood cancer, real pain and real illness! it will take a very long time for your "normal" life to be normal again. I pray for you all every day, though Lucy is on the top of my list, You as a mother and as a person all your own are on that list as well.Mommyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08999237715203377877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-7045858514717106002011-11-07T19:34:21.977-06:002011-11-07T19:34:21.977-06:00Ive been reading your blog for as long as I can re...Ive been reading your blog for as long as I can remember. I have to comment that although Lucy has a less than happy face to be up and about with her walker, she looks SO much healthier. Her coloring is coming back and she really does look good! I will keep you all in my prayers as I always do!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-66840739863411950332011-11-07T14:47:46.576-06:002011-11-07T14:47:46.576-06:00Hi, I have a little something that I would like to...Hi, I have a little something that I would like to send to you that might help with that red cup addiction :) I am a starbucks addict myself this time of year. Don't see the address where things can be sent anymore. Can you repost it? I have never met you but think of your family often . I am a memphis native, transplanted to Colorado and know what a wonderful place St. Jude is. A wonderful place that I pray hard you will someday never have a reason to visit again. Happy early holidays to you and your family. May it be a very special, family focused, God focused time.Leehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14824401990360433347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-52545179500667280112011-11-07T12:19:17.871-06:002011-11-07T12:19:17.871-06:00Hi Kate,
As tears stream down my cheeks, my heart...Hi Kate,<br /><br />As tears stream down my cheeks, my heart hurts for you. I know you are not throwing a pitty party, but indeed you are throwing us your needs, and as praying people, you are helping us know how to talk to God about you. You are carrying such a heavy cross right now, and at the same time your struggle is spreading the message that God is wanting you to share. He holds your heart and your life story in His palm and may none of this trial be in vain. May none of Lucy's precious life be in vain. You are glorifying Him amongst the thorns in your field, also known as your family who will reap the benefits of Christianity. You are doing a great job. I am also staying at home with my children. I have an 18 month old and a 3 year old. Being a "homemaker" is not all it's cracked up to be, but as your title says at the top, " As for me and my house, we will SERVE the Lord". That is what you are doing. You are serving Him each and every day as you "make your home". As to caring for sweet Lucy and the mixed emotions of "pushing her", don't you think that God pushes us from time to time? I do. I believe that our faith is strengthened when He pushes us which in turn causes us to lean on and trust Him. Although it must be easier said than done, a little love combined with a little encouraging push will bring her farther than you can probably imagine at this time. She will climb that mountain and reach the top in due time. Because of you and Eric, she will get there. And you will rally around her as she does so. And sweet Jack... is it trying or what?! I am unsure how you are even beginning to keep your plates spinning. I will say, however, that more than likely he will not remember this time. Not to say that he should be left out of the necessary needs, but do what you can do. Invest in Lucy's recovery and lean on others to help with Jack and Ella, alongside you and Eric. As a past teacher, I do believe that extra-curricular activities are important, however that doesn't mean that each and everyone is necessary to be beneficial. May your wisdom help you pick and choose. I also hope you and Eric can take a date night every now and then to continue investing in your marriage. <br /><br />His yolk is easy, His burden is light. This is the lovely month of Thanksgiving. I can't help but be thankful for the doctors who have seen Lucy through this journey, and also for your transparent heart as you've shared your faith amongst your worries. I am certain that Lucy has brought so many to the Lord. Many who possibly hadn't spoken to Him in a very long time. Many who are now closer to Him as they've talked with Him about Lucy. That warms my heart.<br /><br />Hang in there, sister. You are doing great! The next "ta-da" will be Lucy-girl walking on her own. Baby steps are ok. We (I) need to work on those during the day ourselves. Thank you for sharing your life and your love for your family who belongs to the Lord.<br /><br />Lastly... Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6 <br /><br />There is a song with these words... you can probably find it on youtube. It is a favorite of mine. :)<br /><br />Blessing and love to you and yours,<br /><br />By the way, praying for your brother-in-law, too.<br />SelenaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-47686952630030986042011-11-07T09:29:06.651-06:002011-11-07T09:29:06.651-06:00Good Morning,
I am praying for your brother in law...Good Morning,<br />I am praying for your brother in law and his family. I have been praying for you and your family. I am hoping this comment posts. I just want to encourage you. I was the child that needed daily exercises that caused pain. My family was faithful in doing them. I was allowed to express the pain, but I was not favored for it. I am now 44, I have 4 grown children and work full time in healthcare. I have Cerebral Palsy. <br />I was also the parent of a premature twin. After her heart surgery she tried to catch up to her twin in development. One day I had to verbally push her to catch up to her siblings as she just wanted to stay by my side. I cried as she cried trying to catch up with them. But she caught up and will graduate HS May 2012 and plans to by a police officer. You can do this. I am rooting and praying for you.Kelly C.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-21583092763393641432011-11-07T08:27:55.130-06:002011-11-07T08:27:55.130-06:00Like others said, take one day at a time. When Luc...Like others said, take one day at a time. When Lucy looks at you with that face, remember that by His grace, she is here to see today. In God's time, she will be strong again. It is hard to make peace sometimes with the fact that our demands and needs have little to do with His perfect timing. Maybe today you don't get it all fit in or right, but tomorrow is a new chance to go at it again. <br />You have to give yourself time, just like Lucy (and Ella too) to adjust. You have to stop, take a breath, be able to say "That didn't work so well" and wipe the slate clean. I know myself, it was hard to do after my daughter's last surgery. Everything you do, you are doing with the weight of a huge, heavy, unseen burden of worry and sorrow on your back. It makes everything that much harder. Perhaps the lesson God wants you to learn here is to slow down. Don't rush through life or pack it so full of "extras" that you miss the beauty of simply being together. <br /><br />MelissaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-2486056793431980072011-11-07T08:09:37.419-06:002011-11-07T08:09:37.419-06:00I love how you post the ups and downs. Life is not...I love how you post the ups and downs. Life is not perfect - God didn't promise us perfect. He did promise to be there and I can see Him throughout this story. Keep posting everything including Lucy not looking so happy with the walker. She has a right to her downs too - the overachiever will be back one day. She will thank her God and parents for pushing her. Sending prayers for peace, strength, comfort, and wisdom.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-44896762832788304842011-11-07T07:10:43.997-06:002011-11-07T07:10:43.997-06:00Kate-You and Lucy are often the first ones who com...Kate-You and Lucy are often the first ones who come to mind during my prayer time. I hear your heart in this post. I have 3 kids about the same age as yours (7, 4 and 18 months) and I struggle everyday to do it all. I can only imagine he added pressure you feel. I will continue to pray as God brings you to mind.Sandy Phttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06967103819573187075noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-57639309794178196402011-11-07T06:26:27.669-06:002011-11-07T06:26:27.669-06:00Awww, her little face says it all. Cancer sucks! P...Awww, her little face says it all. Cancer sucks! Prayers continue for all of you. I have your thankyou postcard on my bulletin board at work and I pray for Lucy and think of you all every time I glance at it. Please take care.Moiranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-71090220425996185492011-11-07T06:13:50.334-06:002011-11-07T06:13:50.334-06:00First and always I will pray for you and yours. S...First and always I will pray for you and yours. Second, I'm going to get that CD and on the way home stop and pick up a full red cup and then snuggle up on the couch and listen.Lorihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05933148155913991208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-79102445006063731162011-11-06T20:57:26.682-06:002011-11-06T20:57:26.682-06:00Hi Kate,
It is a tough walk and sometimes when yo...Hi Kate, <br />It is a tough walk and sometimes when you look at the whole, big picture it just becomes so overwhelming. One step at a time, girl. All of this will fit into your day and you will have more time than you thought. Enjoy each and every single moment doing what you need to do at that moment. It is hard to not stress out but you need to give it a go because those kids need you to be functioning and I know from experience, that one cannot function fully while you are stressed. <br /><br />Praying for you all. Give each and every moment to Jesus, He will help you through this. You have a lot of people praying for you, I know I pray many times a day, as the Lord reminds me. <br /><br />Smiles,<br /><><child of Godhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11635805396738062444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-77130638626867151522011-11-06T20:35:18.177-06:002011-11-06T20:35:18.177-06:00My heart and prayers go out for ya every night. I...My heart and prayers go out for ya every night. I think you are an amazing, stronger than you think, wonderful mother. KNOW that MANY have your back in lifting you, Lucy and family up in prayer<br />Love<br />Ms ReneeReneehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00382335103350561657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-50076750095448218202011-11-06T19:29:56.153-06:002011-11-06T19:29:56.153-06:00I have read sense you weredx but never posted befo...I have read sense you weredx but never posted before. My son have rhabdomyosarcoma at 2 and is not 18 months post treatment. So I understand some of it. It does get better. With time. Remember it took untold months for the tumor to do its damage and 8 months of hard core treatment. Just like a pregnancy takes time to recover from so does treatment. <br /><br />Even after 18 months zach and our family are not the same. We never will be. I am glad for some of the ways it changed us and hate other parts. I hate at now 4 1/2 he still is not potty trained. I hate all the doctor appts 3 hrs away. Granted now they are only evrEry 3 months but still...it is time away. <br /><br />It does get better. Slowly it gets better. Prayiing . As always. <br /><br />Jennifer<br />Mom to zach stage 4 RhabdoOur Rhabdomyosarcoma Journeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02974055027908801360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-68437665538173033012011-11-06T19:19:50.891-06:002011-11-06T19:19:50.891-06:00Today I shall go from saying "Pray for a litt...Today I shall go from saying "Pray for a little girl we don't know named Lucy," to, "Pray for a little girl we don't know named Lucy, and her precious Mommy too!"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-88739187487207400862011-11-06T19:17:40.544-06:002011-11-06T19:17:40.544-06:00I continue to keep Lucy and your family in my pray...I continue to keep Lucy and your family in my prayers. CindyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-2575423537261093772011-11-06T19:04:37.531-06:002011-11-06T19:04:37.531-06:00A day not too far down the road, when Lucy is runn...A day not too far down the road, when Lucy is running to keep up with Ella, and running away from Jack and his messy little hands she will have you to thank...I can imagine pushing her pulls at your heart strings, but one day you will see that smile again as she runs in the front yard and you will look back and be proud of yourself :)A Boy, His Girls & A Big Doghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09447260063427018685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-46035206139416087892011-11-06T18:50:55.289-06:002011-11-06T18:50:55.289-06:00I am SO glad you have arranged for help. One perso...I am SO glad you have arranged for help. One person cannot do it all and your helpers will love getting to spend time with your precious family. Even though it seems impossible find a way to take even a half hour for yourself no matter how weird it feels. You need it to be able to give all you are being asked to give. Praying for your WHOLE family.vanckathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11631402120846037575noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-64719078677641099962011-11-06T18:49:46.753-06:002011-11-06T18:49:46.753-06:00I stumbled across your blog somehow and have frequ...I stumbled across your blog somehow and have frequently checked back in often to read your story. Thank you so much for sharing the real story...good, bad, and the ugly. <br />You and your family are in my prayers. :)Brookreson Familyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17063727081752081906noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-33274017418320337922011-11-06T17:57:59.147-06:002011-11-06T17:57:59.147-06:00I want to comment, but I don't know what to sa...I want to comment, but I don't know what to say. I don't know how you do it all and keep your head above water, except that you are doing "all things through Christ..." You are a real lesson in living. You bless, inspire and bring us to reality all at the same time. It is imperative you stay healthy which means you must have moments for yourself in the riddle of all that you have to do.<br />I am reminded of the saying that "If God leads us to it, He will lead us through it." I believe He is doing this everyday in your life and you are proof that His promise to never leave us is true. Blessings and healing to sweet Lucy and all your family.Cynthiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04790794543767479004noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5845195637603537263.post-73827330257136811502011-11-06T16:40:19.774-06:002011-11-06T16:40:19.774-06:00Dear Kate,
You're right, you do need the help...Dear Kate,<br /><br />You're right, you do need the help of your friends and family and even strangers who will become new friends. You cannot do this alone. Nobody expects you to. Sometimes people want to help, but they don't know how to ask, or they are afraid that maybe they'll say something wrong and so they don't ask at all. You may be surprised how eager people are to help, if you just ask. Ask and you shall receive... <br />Don't be too hard on yourself. Remember to give yourself a break once in a while. You're doing the best you can. And that's more than enough. Praying for you and your family, including your brother-in-law.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01633391999370187726noreply@blogger.com