Mom's Wig, Ericka's Support & Dad's Steady Hand

This weekend was time to 'get-a-wig-quick'. Mom's hair was falling out more and more, leaving patches of scalp visible and moving Mom & Dad into action. The nice lady's store wasn't available until Tuesday, so Dad & Mom drove to Greenwood and tried more wigs.

They came home with this one, which looks like Mom's previous style, already curled at the ends for weddings & fun events. The only major differences are the strawberry blonde highlights and bangs, and it's not as soft as her real hair. But, my Mom's a glamour-girl in any style.

Saturday night was difficult.  Mom sat on a stool in the kitchen and Dad cut her hair.*  Tears, joking, and laughter filled in the eerie snip, snniiippp of the scissors & watching another lock fall. My stomach was tight with nervousness. I can't imagine what she felt like. She is very brave. We're not posting pictures of the finished buzz-cut, but you can try to imagine Mom with 1 cm of hair. I was struck by how beautiful she is.

Sunday morning was hard. Going to church with a wig on. What would people think or say? What if the wind blew it off? I decided to go with a new look, too, to deflect some attention on me, so Mom wouldn't be alone.

Tying a scarf on my head, I waltzed with Mom into their Sunday School class. These dear friends embraced Mom with so much love. It was amazing. Everyone has been so supportive. And Mom is learning how to style her new doo.

We may post pictures of a secret, special wig. Think Spirit-day at a sporting event. We'll see when Mom pulls it out.

This week is the 2nd chemo treatment, on Thursday, Feb 2, all day. Thank you for your prayers to lessen side effects & bring the Lord's powerful healing to her body.

We've also been  working hard on some organizing projects around the house. One success story is a necklace hanging system that Dad & I created & Mom loves.

Blessings to each of you and your families in Jesus' beautiful Name.

~Ericka

* Lawrence's Post Script: Small bald spots on Rachel's scalp, growing with each brush stroke, demanded drastic offensive measures. Of the hundred of haircuts that I've given our three sons, none compared to this one.  A sadness flooded over me as I watched Rachel's gorgeous locks fall to the floor.  Silent tears betrayed her laughter, as she endured the inevitable.  I  love my princess bride.  I  hurt with her.

At the same time, I realize that I have been (and will continue to be) blessed by the Lord's gift of her life into mine.  It is really not about her hair at all.  It is about her life; and her lifetime commitment to me as one.   It is about the millions of great family memories created over our 40+ years,  It is about her love, her compassion, her kindness, her respect, her companionship, her help, her laugh, her smile, her humor, her adventurous spirit, her athleticism and her gentle spirit............(and so much more).............. that draws me to her, chases away the hurt and sadness and makes my heart sing!  

Thank you, Lord SO much for continuing to heal my princess bride.

Wig Shopping, Take-2; & Thankful Hearts

So we went wig shopping twice this week, and this second time was the charm.

Our first night, we entered a big store with rows of shoulder-up, hair-styled mannequins, and it was a little creepy. Wizard of Oz and the woman who kept switching heads wouldn't leave my mind.

The sales lady was really friendly, but told us if we weren't buying tonight, we could only try on three wigs.

Hmm. Hundreds to choose from; which three?

The problem with wigs is the hair looks stunning on the mouse-head, barbie-gorgeous mannequin.

Then you try it on, get hit with disappointment, and think, "Hmm. Somehow, it doesn't look the same on me."

Wig 1 was platinum blonde bob-cut. Memories of high school flooded back, but didn't match Mom's current look. Wig 2 was dubbed the "lionness" because of the red-gold tresses streaming from the scalp-cap. Wig 3 was a stylish ash-blonde short cut that we liked the best. Mom sneaked on two more wig-tries, one being a long-curly headed scare that I don't think her kindergartener's would take to very well. We got in trouble for going past our three limit, so that cut the trip short. We left not too excited about wigs. I realized how much I really like Mom's hair. It is soft, beautiful golden brown, with gorgeous silver streaks. Just right.

Yesterday, Mom started losing hair. It came out when she brushed. Not nasty chunks, but definitely more strands than normal. This morning, more came out. She said with a worried look, "This is happening a lot sooner than I thought."

After Mom left for school, I called Terri, a dear friend who is also a hair stylist. She had offered to help Mom with the hair-loss, by doing a big chop when Mom was ready. She had an opening at 5:30 this evening. She also recommended a wig place just down the street. They had a 4:30 available.

This time, the atmosphere was much more welcoming, and we had our own private room like a celebrity. The wig lady was very kind and helped mom try on more than three. The favorite of the evening was a shorter, straight, ash-blonde cut, with a few bangs.

We left for the hair cutting appointment with a lot more joy than the first wig-shopping night. Mom's friend, Terri, welcomed us at her cute boutique, and carefully cut the ten inches of Mom's hair, so it could be donated to Locks of Love. Then she styled the bob-cut, and surprisingly, it looked very similar to the wig we liked best. So now, Mom's students, and all of us, can get used to this shorter, new style, so the wig won't be such a drastic, fake change-over.

Terri gave us an amazing blessing that night and we left in awe of all the beautiful details of the day. Rather than being sad for the loss of hair, our drive home was filled with laughter and joy. A special treat awaited us, as Mom's dear teacher-friend brought over dinner, and we shared a mini-thanksgiving girl-party while Dad was at Scouts. It's truly been a glorious day.

***

Ericka's reflections on thankfulness:

My attitude changed dramatically today. Yesterday, I felt discouraged. Not for anything in particular, just kind of down. Then my previous house-mate from IHOP-kc (international house of prayer) called and we chatted for a while.

She asked me what I felt like the Lord was revealing about Mom's healing and progress. I thought and said, "Well, we're learning to praise Him."

"That's it!" she said. "That's what I'm learning about right now. I'm reading this book, Prison to Praise, and the author shares a story how God challenged and taught him how to praise and thank through every situation. It changed his heart and God was able to work with more ease. There are powerful testimonies of healing through praise and thanksgiving."

After our conversation, I found the book which, interestingly, I had just organized earlier that week and put on my top shelf to read. I opened it to the middle and read a story about God talking to this guy and saying, "Just like you praise and thank me that my Son was crucified and died for you, I want you, and will teach you how to praise and thank me through every situation you face in life. In everything."

I put the book down and thought, "Alright, I have to do this." I raised my hands and began proclaiming (quietly) of the Lord's goodness and beauty and kindness and faithfulness. As I did, my heart literally changed. It went from blah to expectant. From alright to filled with joy. And I like joy. It feels so nice. It is such a good change from ugh-discouragement. I went to bed last night thankful for the transformation, and woke this morning, beginning with thanksgiving. Today has been a glorious difference in my attitude and outlook.

Thank you, Father, for a great day; a fun time wig shopping, family bonding, and dear friends.

Thank you, Jesus, for going through the worst suffering, and keeping your eyes fixed on the prize.

I love you.

~posted by Ericka

Week Ahead (Jan22-28)

This week's highlight: Wig shopping!

Yes, if you have any votes for new styles, let Mom know. Ryan voted curly, because he likes Sabrina's hair, but Sabrina veto-ed it.

We'll see.

Dad's praying for the hair cells to be protected from chemo, so that's a possibility, too.

From a natural-standpoint, the hair will most likely fall out after the 2nd treatment, which happens in 2 weeks, Thursday, Feb 2nd.

So, we're going shopping this week, to be prepared, and try some new hair-doos.

And I may want one, too.

Prayer points:

• Strong immune system this week. Doc said week 2 after treatment is the body's lowest point for fighting off germs. But big praise, we know Mom's white blood cell count shot way up this past Thurs, so that will help!
• Continued energy to teach Mom's one-on-one students at Heritage. She loves them. And they love her, even though she makes them work! :)

~Submitted by Ericka

Week in Review (Jan15-21)

Last week's ~

Hard things:

• Side effects of chemo drugs (mouth sores, stomach pain/back-up, achey bones).

Miracle:

• Blood count shot up overnight before port-surgery & surprised the nurse, "This doesn't happen!"

Nice to have finished:

• Port-cathetor successfully implanted on Thursday. Mom has a white gauze square sealed w/ clear bandage over the place where they cut into her, put in the catheter, and sewed her back up. She took a pain pill and felt fine. Thank you, God, for effective medicine.

Yummy meal:

• A dear teacher-friend from Heritage brought over a delicious meal. Thank you, God, for nutrition, being able to eat and still enjoy the food, and for wonderful friends. (Right now, Mom's HCS department created and signed-up to bring meals every Thursday until treatments end in May--thank you! I love cooking, but it sure is nice to have someone come by with a wonderful, love-filled meal.)

~Submitted by Ericka

Blood count miracle

Received this text from Dad while they were at St. Vincent's today:

Great news! Blood tests were surprisingly good. White blood cell count yesterday 3.4, today at 10.8.

Platelet count yesterday 81, today 126! The nurse said that was amazing. We are now waiting for the surgeon to implant the port in your mother's chest. Love, Dad

Mom called later this afternoon after coming out of surgery. I could almost see her beaming.

She said, "The nurse kept looking back and forth from yesterday's charts to today. He said, 'I can't believe this. Your blood was just drawn yesterday. This doesn't happen.' I said, 'That's the power of prayer.'"

When she got home, Mom showed me the results: Yesterday's paper, 3.4 and 81.

Today's sheet, 10.8 and 126.

If the count didn't go up, Mom probably wouldn't have been able to have the port inserted.

So this is what it feels like to experience and receive a miracle. Amazing! Surreal. Super thankful. Laughter!

Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love . . .

Thanks so much for standing with us in prayer.

Keep 'em coming! Every cancer & pre-cancer cell destroyed, in the name of Jesus.

~submitted by Ericka

Mid-Week Prayers

Prayer requests for Mom:

*Side effects of the drugs to lessen & stop

*For her body to be comforted, to persevere, and to overcome

1. Stomach pain

(Tues-Thurs)

Chemo attacks fast-dividing cells, which includes hair, mouth, stomach, and intestine cells. So if the digestive system's cells are "attacked" by the drugs, it can't digest food as well, and things back up, which is painful.

(Mom said, "I just want to remove my stomach.")

2. Achey-bones in her hips, knees, skull, teeth.

(From the white blood cell booster.)

3. For successful implanting of the port-cathetor today. (For her white blood cell count to be high enough to do the mini-surgery and fight possible infection. Her's was at 81 yesterday, and nurses want it at 90.)

4. For Mom to actively receive the prayers targeting & zapping cancer & pre-cancer cells.

(Insight received in prayer.)

Praises:

1. It snowed! (God makes us as white as snow.) It's so pretty & makes Mom happy. :)

2. After prayer, stomach is feeling better, but it needs to completely clear out.

3. Mom feels the prayers!

4. Encouraging healing testimony at Heritage chapel today, by Joy.

Truly "the Joy of the LORD is our strength."

Mom has a beautiful smile.

Love and blessings!

And thanks for taking time (even 30 sec) to pray for Mom's victory, thru God's mighty hand!

May the Lord encourage and strengthen each of your hearts, as we learn to abide and trust in Him.

Week Ahead (Jan15-21)

Here's what is coming up:

1. Wed - Blood drawn, prior to Thurs procedure. Pray the person drawing blood finds her vein quick & easy.

2. Thursday - small surgery, where Mom will get an internal "port-catheter" connected to her heart vein, that stays until chemo is over. This makes it easier for the chemo IV to get dripped directly into her larger/stronger heart vein rather than her skinnier hand veins that could collapse or get worn down after lots of hours of chemo. Thankfully, Mom got to see and feel the skin on two other ladies who also have ports, to get an idea what it will feel like. It's kind of where you'd put a lapel pin, but under the skin. They will poke a needle, connected to the chemo drip bag, directly into this port. Mom rubs a cream on her skin that numbs the area before the poke. But according to Mom, while she was a camp counselor, she and some buddies used ice and a big sewing needle to pierce their own ears, so I think she'll be fine.

Prayer points:

1. Achey bones/joints to be comforted.

2. Immune system strong and protection from germs/infection.

3. Prayers would target specific cancer and pre-cancer cells ~ and for Mom to actively receive those prayers.

4. For the full work of the Lord to be accomplished in and through Mom (and each of our lives).

5. For continued joy & hope of the Lord to be her complete strength.

~Posted by Ericka

Week in Review (Jan8-14)

Here are the Main Events from Last Week:

1. Thursday 1st Chemo treatment

2. Friday white blood cell booster shot

3. Saturday 14th-Mon 16th, achey bones, feeling like "cramps" in joints, knees, pelvic/hips, teeth

-My understanding is the pain is from her bones responding to drug and producing more white blood cells, which will keep her immune system strong. She gets this shot after each chemo treatment, every 3 weeks.

4. I decided to stay in Indy and help Mom & Dad during this season.

Highlights:

1. MRI and other scans CLEAR of cancer growth in liver, lymph nodes, etc - praise God!

2. Lots of prayers

3. Amazing care at St. Vincent Breast Center - doctors, nurses, and ladies receiving treatment

4. Family & friends gathering around Mom & Dad during a rough time - amazing love & support ~ thank you

5. Fun times, romping in the woods, exploring, and spending time together

Lots to be thankful for. God is good.

~Posted by Ericka

You're Beautiful

Makes me realize how God beautifully cares for us in every detail.

~Rachel

Listening to this song, I hear two messages ~

1) Jesus saying, "You're beautiful," to me, the prize of His creation, whom He suffered for;

2) And me responding, "You're Beautiful," to my beloved Savior & soon-returning King.

~ Ericka

Enjoy.

First day of Chemotherapy

As we entered St. Vincent’s breast center this morning for Rachel's first chemo treatment, I sensed an 18-wheeler was about to hit my bride’s body. As we left the center 7 hours later, the 18-wheeler of my mind morphed into a much lighter pick-up truck. Other than feeling a bit subdued from drugs, she did not experience any pain beyond a cold IV draining into her wrist for many hours.

Her oncologist shared more fantastic news: all the MRI’s, CAT- scans and blood tests showed NO cancer colonies outside Rachel’s breast. Her liver and lymph nodes were clear; and her chemo regime would be once every 3 weeks for 18 weeks (until late May), rather than once/week like we thought.

We also learned that:

1. Each person reacts differently to chemo; but most likely any tiredness and/or nausea would occur 2 – 3 days after each session.

2. Anti-nausea drugs are administered with each round of chemo.

3. A booster shot to help Rachel's body produce white blood cells is given one day after each chemo session to keep her immune system strong.

4. A port (for IV’s) will be surgically implanted in Rachel’s chest next week. This port will access the main vein leaving her heart so that veins in her arm will not be damaged.

5. A support group of about a dozen ladies at various stages of chemo encourage the rookies and tell funny stories that turned the chemotherapy room into a Jesus ‘party’ of sorts!

a. We heard God and Jesus mentioned time, time and time again in this ‘foxhole’ type situation. Everyone tries their best to watch everyone else’s back and cheer to victory.

6. The nurses are kind, encouraging, professional and very, very, very busy serving their patients.

7. A prescription will be written for a wig.

a. Rachel’s hair will fall out 2 to 4 weeks into the treatments.

b. Rachel has a great attitude, and looks forward to her new look: be it long, short, blonde, brunette or auburn!

Since our Plan A (God supernaturally removing the lump) was obviously not in God’s plans, Plan B (God working through the medical community) is now firmly in place.

Rachel looks forward to getting back in the swing of things at Heritage Christian School. She feels ‘a peace that passes understanding’. She told me she has an awareness God has called her to this journey for very special reasons we now don't know or understand. She accepts His assignment - with the faith that He has her in the palm of His hand.

So thank you for your prayers. Please keep them coming; as the pick-up truck will most likely hit in 4 to 5 weeks.

Submitted by Lawrence

Week Ahead (Jan 9 -15)

Here's what's coming up this week:

1. Mon - Blood-work (easy, after school)

2. Wed - minor prep procedure / chat w/ doctor

3. Thurs - Big meeting w/ Chemo doctor, Birhiray, at 8:45am

• He will have received all past tests, MRI's, blood-work
• Hopefully we'll have a clearer picture about what's going on in Mom's body and how to proceed
• Possible begin 6 hour chemo this day through IV

Prayer Requests:

1. Good meeting w/ Doc Birhiray, for his wisdom and direction

2. For the cancer cells to stop dividing, and come under the submission of Christ, who created Mom

3. For encouragement, balancing moving around her students when necessary, and being uplifted through all

4. For our hearts and lives to grow in faith and trust and love

Written by Ericka

[Please pray for clear wisdom and direction for me. My 2nd "semester" at IHOP's Intro internship (House of Prayer in KC, Missouri) starts this coming Friday. But I'm asking the Lord to direct my steps for this coming season (stay with Mom & Dad to help, or finish the internship, or). The Lord was really clear about me coming home for Christmas, and I'm thankful. It's been great to be here this week and I trust Him to lead well. Thanks for your prayers.]

Week in Review (Jan2-8)

1. First oncology appointment Monday, Jan 2

2. Lots of tests through the week

(MRI, blood-work, check liver, check the heart before chemo/drugs)

3. Lots of phone conversations, love, prayers

4. Great time at Church, surrounded by wonderful "family"

5. Family chat time on skype tonight

Praises:

1. Watching God orchestrate, in the midst of some pretty heavy news,

• Sunrises
• Scripture verses with just the right words
• Phone calls or messages with lots of love
• Family and friends surrounding Mom and Dad with great unity and care

2. God is our wonderful, loving, caring Father, yesterday, today, and forever

• Scripture passages have deeper meanings when you're in need

3. God is our Healer and Great Physician and Counselor and Comforter and Guide, even when we can't see Him.

Written by Ericka

Mark's Email of Encouragement

I just got off the phone with Dad. I don't know what you're feeling now, but I know that I am still processing all the information. I love you, you are so strong, and with the amazing love and support around you we can get through this.

I attached my favorite photo I've taken. I made it my desktop image. On an artsy-fartys note I think the photo makes me think of what you might be experiencing today. You are the rock tower in the center. Dark clouds around the tower represent the current diagnosis, not raining yet, but maybe. Yet through this your face is warmed by love from God, and love from your family and friends, represented by the sun. The tower has many other towers around it, representing the many people that have walked this road before you, and can support and encourage you with their shared experiences. The photo was taken by me from the road 5 miles away, representing my physical distance to Indiana, yet in touch through many forms of communication, love, and prayer.

We climbed the left side of the tallest tower, named the Titan, which is fitting; you are the Titan.

Be strong Mom. I love you,

Mark

After the 1st Appointment

After the appointment, Dad, Mom, and I went out to eat. On the way, Ryan and Sabrina called (perfect timing) to hear how everything went.

I gave Mom my Christmas gift—a crystal mother and daughter, with a pink rose between them, and pink gem stones, and the message, “In the garden of mothers, you’re the sweetest flower.” They stand on a glass mirror, which reminds me of the sea of glass, mentioned in Revelation 4 and 15, before God’s throne.

We got home, and I turned on Mandy’s praise CD again.

Praise & Worship "Therapy"

At the International House of Prayer, I learned at a dance class about Israel's King Jehoshaphat. When a big, bad army came against them, they cried out to the LORD, knowing they were dead unless God intervened. Thankfully, He promised His protection and deliverance. Early in the morning, Jehoshaphat’s army set out. Their unique military strategy put singers, musicians, and dancers at the front of the army, to praise and worship the LORD. As they moved forward, the LORD set ambushes in the enemies’ camp—and the bad guys destroyed themselves! It was a great victory that day, and “all” they had to do was go out to meet the enemy and worship the LORD. He personally fought for them and brought the victory.

So Mom and I worshiped the LORD with dance, using my special, hand-made silk dance banner. At one point, I danced / acted like I was a woman crying out to the LORD, and Mom danced with the silk banner like she was the Holy Spirit, interceding for the woman. It was a special time.

Later that evening, we called the family to let them know about the appointment. Even with the difficult circumstance, it was so beautiful to hear and observe the love and support that flows from hearts, bringing family & friends relationships closer and stronger. It is one of the glorious gifts in the midst of hardship.

One neat addition: When we prayed with Craig and Mandy on the phone, Mandy prayed without knowing what Mom and I talked about earlier that day. “God, let it be like King Jehoshaphat’s army, that when we praise and worship you, you fight the enemy for us and bring victory. Let those cancer cells fight and destroy each other.” She told us she and Craig praised God earlier, on behalf of Mom’s life and for her complete healing. God's Hand is over everything! He loves and is guiding Mom and each of us.

*You can try this therapy, too! It's great. Turn on some good worship music, picture the Lord on his throne, and express your love and adoration to Him, proclaiming His victory over all darkness. Or, say, like King Jehoshaphat's worshipers: "Give thanks to the LORD, for His love endures forever." And watch what happens in your heart and your situation.

~written by Ericka

1st Oncology Appointment

We left feeling really encouraged. Yes, there are sobering facts, but also glimmers of hope.

1. Mom's cancer cells were at Stage 1 (indicates the size of the tumor/lump - it is small, 1 cm) and Grade 2 (indicates the aggressiveness of those cells - hers are dividing quicker)

2. Dr. Schmidt is excellent. He's been working over 20 years, explains complex information with clarity, and difficult biopsy results with frankness and compassion. He spent extended time with us, and made a special appointment on his day off so Mom could begin school on Tues.

3. Her test results from the biopsy show:
[these are my best explanation from what I heard]

a) The lump (tumor/cancer cells) is ER+ (estrogen receptor +) and PR+ (progesterone recep +)
Meaning that her cells thankfully have receptors that will hopefully respond well to hormone therapy. This 'therapy' removes the "nutrients" (estrogen and progesterone) that her specific cancer cells "feed" off of to multiply. (Some people's cells are ER- and PR-, which means they wouldn't respond to hormone therapy.)

Good news - her body (not everyone) has these receptors and it should work to slow down the naughty dividing cells.

Bad news - it may affect her moods, aging, and other body processes as these woman hormones are removed.

Prayer point -

• For the Lord to produce the fruits of His Spirit in her life & help her respond well in the absence of these hormones. "My grace is sufficient for you, my power is made perfect in your weakness." 2 Cor 12:19.

*Hormone therapy can last 7 mo - 5 years

b) High KI 67
Meaning the character of these cancer cells is somewhat aggressive in their division. Normal KI 67 is 10%, Mom's is 49%. This is a bio-marker showing the genetic expression of the tumor/lump.

Good news - they know the cells are more aggressive, so they can treat it with chemotherapy.

Bad news - Chemotherapy may cause nausea, food to taste metallic (so fruits/veggies are usually enjoyed more), and hair loss (happens w/in first month).

Prayer points -

• For the aggressive cells to stop dividing and die, leaving Mom's system



• For the source of these rebellious cells to be identified and changed back to how they were created to divide and function. The doc said often they come from the milk glands in the breasts.



• For the chemotherapy to target the cancer cells and be less harmful on the rest of her body.



• For Mom's health (strong immune system) as she receives these drugs.



• For little to no side effects.

*Chemo will last 4.5 months (6 hr thru an IV, every 2 weeks, until end of May)

c) Her2+
Meaning that her specific cancer cells have a receptor that will respond to a newer drug called Herceptin, that targets and destroys the cancer cells. It's suppose to have pretty good results. (The 'drug' link takes you to a page w/ 'metastatic' breast cancer. Mom does NOT have this, but the pictures show what the drug does.)

Good news - her cells have this receptor that can be targeted by the drug.

Bad news - possible side affects could affect her heart / lungs. (They will run tests to make sure she's doing well.)

Prayer points -

• Little/no side effects
  


• Drug's effectiveness in identifying and disabling of the cancer cells

d) She will probably have a single or double mastectomy (removal of breasts) unless they can get a clear region around the tumor/lump and remove only the section. But right now the doc thinks the cancer cells are in more parts of the breast than just the lump (b/c of the aggressive character of the lump's cells). It's better to have the person than their chest. The MRI (taken later this week) will give a clearer picture.

Prayer points -

• For the cancer to stop so the breasts (or lump) doesn't have to be removed.

The doctor said because the 'character' of cancer cells is more aggressive, and it could have been around since June (about 7 months), they're going to treat the whole body (because it's probably spread beyond the breast) w/ chemo, along with the drug Herceptin, and the hormone therapy, and hit the cancer hard.

Interesting note - the doctor described cancer as a "disease of disorganized growth". Because God is a God of order and not disorder, we're praying for Him to bring order to Mom's entire life. He knows how to heal everything, and has the power to accomplish anything, so bring complete wholeness to Mom in Jesus' powerful name. Praise to you, Lord! Thank you that you are the Healer and the Great Physician.

Mom said she looked forward to growing closer to the Lord as she walks this path--that inspires me.


~Ericka Smiley

On the Way to 1st Oncology Appointment

Craig drove through the night so Mom and Dad could sleep. We arrived in Indianapolis at 6 am Monday, after leaving California Saturday morning. Craig and Mandy drove to Lafayette, and we slept a few more hours before the 11am appointment.

Mandy's cd with songs of praise encouraged our hearts as we got ready. We were reminded of the Lord's power and presence in every circumstance.

Dad drove us to St. Vincent's Breast Care Center and Mom read the Jesus Calling devotion for Jan 2, which happened to begin with, "Jesus heals". The words encouraged us not to become overwhelmed by details of figuring things out. Focus on the Lord, worship him, and watch his care.

The scripture references were Psalm 105:4 saying, "Look to the Lord and his strength, seek His face always," and Luke 10:38-42 where Jesus defended Mary, saying she chose well to sit at his feet, and what was gained would not be taken from her.

A text arrived from Sabrina, “We’re praying for you, for total peace, clarity of mind, God's direction, and understanding of what you are told. We love you! Wish we could be there!"

I asked Mom if she wanted to sing. She said, "Sure." Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord God Almighty came from our hearts and voices. Mom made the comment with a smile and teary eyes, “We have a great team here. We need ‘Jesus Jersies’.”

I'm amazed at her laughter, smiles, and simple trust in the Lord.

~written by Ericka

Family Time

Over Christmas Break, we had wonderful time with family. Mark flew home from Colorado and was able to spend time at Grandpa & Grandma Smiley's for the traditional Christmas on the farm with cousins, aunts, uncles, and lots of fun. I also made a surprise decision to come from Kansas City, Missouri.

After a delicious meal, gifts, candlelight Christmas eve service, and lots of really special family time, we left to hear Mandy sing at the Christmas morning service in Lafayette, IN.

Mark flew home to Janelle (his wife), who had to work over Christmas in their ski town, and the rest of us got ready to leave for California. We left Monday, after loading our new van, for our 4,000+ mile round trip to visit Mom's family in Southern California.

We stopped in Eagle, Colorado to visit Ryan and Sabrina. Time was short but very sweet, and we enjoyed a delicious meal in their beautiful 'nest' with an amazing view. We each shared about life in 2011 and took time to pray for one another. The exciting news is that we have our first 'next generation' (baby) on the way! Yippee!

Mandy was a trooper for making it cross-country with us. "Normal" for our family can be an adjustment for anyone else. Sandwiches in the car, bathroom stops when we refuel, sleeping in the back, rotating drivers every 3 hours--it's a haul. But there are really special conversations, great views of the country, and it's a private car that can make detours to see sunrises at the Grand Canyon.

View Larger Map

We arrived in sunny, Southern California, Wednesday, over 48 hours later.

Thursday, was Universal Studios, with the memorable phone call, and then lots

of laughter with some pretty zany rides and a glorious, hand-painted by God sun set, just for Mom.

The purpose of the trip was to spend time with Mom's family, who just lost Julia Irene this past August, after a long battle with cancer. Her husband, Rob, and two kids, Lily and Liam, gathered with the extended family to celebrate her life at the beach where she grew up. Almost the whole family was there, which was really special because it doesn't happen often. We ate a great meal, provided by Uncle Jon and Aunt Pam, and then walked to the beach together. Mom's sister, Mary Alice and her family were there, as well as Jon's family. We missed Phyllis and her kids, as well as Emily. But it was a special time.

We're also praying a lot for Uncle Norman, Mary Alice's husband, who is currently battling cancer. Please pray for his complete healing.

Mom told her siblings the news later that evening, and again was surrounded with love and care. We are so thankful to have such an amazing family.

The drive back was fast and furious, to get Mom home for her Monday appointment. We stayed at Uncle Jon's cabin, drove through Las Vegas on New Year's Eve day, arrived at Ryan and Sabrina's at 3 am for a delicious New Year's breakfast, spent time praying together for Mom and Sabrina (new baby), and were off. We stopped by International House of Prayer were I've been the past 10 months, and kept going, with me deciding to come home to be with Mom at the start of all this journey.

On the drive home, Dad called his family members to tell them the news. Uncle Wynn, who also was in Kansas City, took time to pray with Mom on the phone, and that meant a lot to her, and was powerful and effective!

That's the whirlwind! Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, and Happy New Year!