What a week this has been for us here in Houston! With the wonderful news that we received at the beginning of the week and then some "friend-filled, family-filled, FUN-filled"days...this week has flown by.
Amanda and I have been so thrilled, so blessed by the many wonderful ways in which we have been reminded that we are cared for and remembered here in Houston. Our week began with friends from Columbia spending some great days with us passing the time away by enjoying more of the "tourist" side of Houston. Between visiting Lakewood (the largest church in America) to a sixty-acre "Trash or Treasure" garage sale (really-60 acres), along with the zoo, the Natural Science Museum and trying our first "Whataburger", not to mention hours of games and laughter, the days in this week passed by quickly. Our mail box became another source of fun as cards, letters, and some gifts from back home arrived. Each of these is such a highlight in the day for Amanda & I. She loves to go to our mailbox and check to see if there is something there. Thank you to each of you who has taken time to send these precious little touches from home, they are so special.
And then, family. Just one day after saying goodbye to our friends, we greeted a 15 passenger van filled with 14 people that we love! My cousins, Nate and Lori, loaded their van with 11 members of their family plus 3 of my children and drove to Houston. What a reunion! Lori's brother and sister-in-law (David and Jennifer) have their home here in Houston. While part of the family stayed with them, Abby, Anna and Caleb (along with cousins Bethany and Lydia) joined Amanda and I here at the apartment. How I have loved being with these three of my children again, as well as nieces that I dearly love.
Late that night as I lay on the couch with Caleb asleep on a roll out bed near me, the sounds of the laughter and the squeals of happy, silly teenage girls came from the bedroom. That is the sound I treasure the most. These days of treatments, tests, appointments, and infusions, have not dampened what Amanda is the most. A teenage girl who loves her sisters, brothers, cousins and friends. A girl who still laughs and whispers and loves to shop. When we look back at Houston, when it becomes one memory in this cancer journey that we are taking with Amanda, I know I will remember the treatments and the radiation. But I am also going to remember that because of the support and love and thoughtfulness of our family and friends, there was fun and laughter and some really great new experiences and memories as well.
To each of you who plays a part in making this such a good experience for all of my family- whether you have delivered a meal to my family at home, prayed, sent a gift to help with the financial expenses, put a letter/gift in the mail, called, came to visit or wrote words of encouragement on this blog - for those things and the countless other expressions of support & love that we have been the grateful recipients of - you have my eternal gratitude.
Only God will ever know how grateful we are and can truly bless you on our behalf. We pray daily that He will.
me 'n amanda joy
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3 comments:
Amanda,
It brings tears to my eyes to know that you are truly being blessed where you are. There are a lot of people in Columbia that care for you and your family. God is going to continue to bless you and you are going to be home with your friends and family soon.
Love & prayers,
Chas
Amanda,
SO glad to hear the good news! You've finally tried a Whataburger! We remember them well - maybe too well. We are also glad to hear how well the treatment is going. Rejoice!
David Westfall & family
Amanda, you will never know how many conutless lives you have blessed with your ability to endure whatever your are given and still have a smile on your face. I am glad to here you are doing well.
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