March 4, 2018 · from Lesley’s original CaringBridge journal
Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am languishing; heal me, O Lord, for my bones are troubled. My soul is also greatly troubled. But you, O Lord – how long? — Psalm 6:2-3
So I have been reading through the Psalms – this is how I have felt the past few weeks – these have been my prayers. We had round 2 of the stomach bug right after round 2 of chemo again this past week. I can seriously count on one hand how many times our family has had a stomach bug and here we’ve had it twice in less than a month???
Early Monday morning Marsh started getting sick. Thankfully I had been feeling better and was able to get up and take care of everyone on Monday – however, that completely wiped me out. By Monday evening I was done and pretty much spent the rest of the week in the bed. I had to call off our helpers (because no one wants to come to your house when folks are puking) and do this thing solo. Others puked – I don’t know who all else, it just wasn’t the baby this time. People slept all over the house. I slept with all the lights and the tv on. Apparently Tuesday Marsh was able to work and the big boys took care of the baby and their school. The week really was a blur – we think I had a touch of what they all had but it is so hard to tell. I ended up dehydrated again this time and was at the point where it was hard to eat or drink anything. One of my sweet friends came over on Thursday and loved on me while I wallowed – one of the few people I will allow to see me in such a state. My poor in-laws got this mess too and I had to call on one of my backups for keeping the boys on Friday (she came on her birthday – God love her!). I dreaded the doctor on Friday – I was certain my counts would be tanked and more bad things were going to happen.
But God….
We got to the doctor and I was so afraid I would throw up there – certain smells of the office were making me queasy before I got there. To our amazement my bloodwork was “GREAT” again! The body is an amazing piece of work. They suggested fluids and I was all for it. It is amazing what a liter of fluid and some steroids will do for you. We left the office and I was already starting to feel better. It was a total parenthood date this week – we went to Costco and enjoyed a $1.50 hot dog and a drink combo and picked up pizza for the kids and a few other groceries. Then we went to Dick’s to get new baseball pants for the boys. I was craving a Frosty now – we were so excited I had an appetite, forget nutrition facts at this point! After that we bought a new battery for my car and finished the night off with a trip to the Dollar Tree for some impulse buy trinkets.
I have no idea what God is doing with us – it honestly does feel like we are being crushed most days lately. My head and reality are in a constant boxing match. I have to cling to what I know to be true – He is sanctifying us as a family. There IS a purpose in all of this and it is NOT to crush us, it is to refine us. I guess He is helping me get to the ‘though He slay me, yet I will trust Him” point? (But please do join us in praying that the extra sickness leaves us and we get a bit of a break!!!)
Comments from CaringBridge
CaringBridge showed 12 comments on this post; the site’s “view more” pagination only surfaced these 10 for me to pull.
Janice Wright — 3/7/18
So sorry your family is going through this! HE WILL not put more on us than we can handle and will give us strength to get through it…this too shall pass.
Milinda Thomas — 3/6/18
I’m praying for you & your family that this stomach bug will leave you. I’m praying for a complete healing for you. By the way I love your in law parents!
darice davis — 3/5/18
Hi Lesley, I am sorry that you all had to deal with the bug on top of all the other things. My heart and prayers really go out to you. What happened with the natural treatment they were going to offer you? I hope you get your strength back, and I will call you to set up a visit soon. I miss everyone, especially my little Gus. Hang in there, and be strong. I’m so grateful you have such a nurturing family to keep you focused. We love you all!
lee blount — 3/4/18
Gosh, you are amazing. Thank you for sharing.
D Gillespie — 3/4/18
When I’m in a really difficult spot, the hymn “How Firm a Foundation” comes to mind. “The soul that on Jesus has leaned for repose, I will not, I will not desert to its foes; That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I’ll never, no never, no never forsake.” Carry on and persevere in faith. We’re praying for you guys! P.S. This was R.E. Lee’s favorite and was sung at his funeral.
Laurel Falcon — 3/4/18
Continued prayers for you and your family! So sorry y’all have been so sick!! ❤️❤️❤️
Jan Davis — 3/4/18
Still praying for you and your family, Lesley.
Sandra Muir — 3/4/18
Your faith blesses me. Love to you. Praying for your strength
Pam Cook — 3/4/18
Praying for y’all! ❤️
Gale Roberts — 3/4/18
Still praying 💕
Cancermamma 