There is a special relationship between grandparents and grandchildren that is an instant bond of acceptance, healing, and laughter. The magic children feel in the presence of their grandparents is like a sprinkling of fairy dust. It fills them with the secret that they are the most enchanting creatures God has sent to the earth and the very fact that they exist is magnificent joy. I love to watch my granddaughters swing open the door to my house completely confident that they are ushering in a shower of sunlight and the Hallelujah chorus with them. They know that they are royalty in my eyes, and the adoration is mutual. The Bible says, "Children's children are the crown of the aged." I don't usually refer to myself as "the aged," but I can certainly identify with the rest of the proverb! My grandchildren are the beautiful, glorious rewards of my own parenting. They are like the lines that connect the dots in the picture of a family. I am so thankful to be alive to see God once again carry a part of me into a new generation. For the past few weeks, I have laid for hours at a time with tiny Avery asleep on my chest. What is it about newborn babies that makes them smell so good? She is a perfect gift from heaven, and Shannon has been wonderful enough to bring her three girls over often so I can get in my fill of cuddling and kisses. Annabelle even observed a family resemblance between Avery and me, since she came out bald, just like her grandma!
We were thankful to learn that the sample of spinal fluid extracted during my lumbar puncture tested negative for cancer. This doesn't guarantee that my spinal fluid is completely clear, but it is certainly a good sign that two out of two tests were not able to detect cancer. I am scheduled for another two rounds of chemotherapy, and will then undergo the routine scans in mid-March to check for any changes in my disease.
I'm still pretty tired most of the time, but Dr. Segota said I should start regaining energy since the treatment I'm on now does not have many aggressive side effects. While being out most of the day would still completely wipe me out, she said it would be good to get a little activity into my routine. This was great news for Mackenzie who has found plenty of reasons to get me out of the house for meetings with florists, dj's, photographers, and a flurry of wedding-related vendors!
With my somewhat unpredictable levels of energy, Bob and I have had to miss some weeks of Bible study on nights that I have felt particularly drained. Last Monday Bob called to let them know I was going to have to go to bed early so we would not be able to make it. I was very touched when our doting friends Buzz and Donna showed up after they left Bible study with some of my favorite comfort foods - including a delicious pea soup. A few days later, sweet MaryJo came by with a savory stew, and then again with a snuggly warm blanket she had made as a Valentine's Day gift. God has really put a special group of people into our lives.
Understandably, I have a growing curiosity in anything I can learn about heaven. The Bible gives a few hints about what awaits us, and some Christian writers have written fascinating books describing their extrapolations on what the Bible has told us. Bob has been reading to me from Joni Eareckson Tada's book called Heaven. The ideas she has on eternal life are beautiful. She is as inspirational a writer as she is a role model. If you are looking for some stimulating literature, I'd recommend her writings.
Thank you for your continued prayers. God bless!
4 comments:
Dear Jayne,
My name is Katie Nixon Myers. I attended St. Clement with Erin and Steven as well as Fort Lauderdale High. I have recently reconnected with my former friends on Facebook. Erin and I got to talking and I shared with her that my mom (Judy Nixon) passed away from terminal brain cancer (10/05). I read your blog and I wanted to tell you that I cried and smiled at the same sitting.
Your spirit and faith is much like my mom's. Her journey with cancer taught me so many life lessons. Throughout her entire process, she maintained a healthy attitude and a smile. I just wanted you to know you are in my prayers and you have touched my heart.
Jayne,
What a pleasure to see such a beautiful picture of you and your new granddaughter! Thank you for sharing that with us! I also had a new granddaughter born last August ("Eva Patricia" - my first grandchild) and I completely understand the bond that forms from day one between grandmother and granddaughter! They are such a beautiful blessing as we turn the corner to the last chapters of our lives (which we all are whether it is as "in the face" with us as it is unfortunately for you!) I thought is was very cool that your new granddaughter will carry on your beautiful name (don't think I ever told you that I thought it was but I do!) just as mine does for me.
Please know that you continue to be in my heart and prayers...as well as those of all of your friends and classmates from Antigo!
Pat (Bullis) Colwell
Dear Jayne,
Thank you so much for sharing your journey. I am a voice from your high school days(long,long ago!)and remember you as always smiling and so full of life! You were always a joy to be around.
I, too, am a grandma with 5 granddaughters and 1 grandson. That makes me feel so much older when I see it in print! They are a blessing and I feel the same happiness and comfort you express when I'm surrounded by them.
Jayne, your blog as touched so many hearts and lives. You write beautifully and your faith and strength shines through each addition. Please know that there are many of us out here greatly blessed because of your faith and courage and willingness to be transparent and share you life with us.
You and your family are in my prayers daily.
Judy (Raab) Ulik
Once again I come for inspiration.
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