Greyson’s battle with Leukemia took a discouraging turn a few days ago. He woke up with a fever and an upset stomach. We took him to the hospital, assuming it was a normal virus. Upon admission they ran a battery of tests. Less than 48 hours later, we learned the news: His cancer is back, the prognosis is poor, the future is bleak.
We’re reeling, trying to process the news while also preparing to roll up our sleeves and get to work. There is still so much that we don’t know. Right now, we are trying to put a puzzle together while missing several important pieces. We think we will be in Kansas City next week. This assumes Greyson is a candidate for the study trial. We think we’ll be in Kansas City several times, often weeks at a time over the next few months. We think this trial will ultimately lead to a bone marrow transplant. We hope it works.
We think. We hope. Ironically, those aren’t always the most comforting of words. But here’s what we know:
- God is good, even when it feels like He’s not.
- God is in control, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
Those aren’t catchy phrases , casual comments or empty platitudes. Those are life-giving, peace-granting and constant-reassuring words we live by. These are truths we know.
This world constantly reminds us that it is broken and in need of total restoration. As you read this blog, I know you have several issues in your own life. You’re suffering with pain and heartache about personal issues, medical issues, relationship issues and a myriad of other issues. Scroll back up and fix your eyes on those two statements we know to be true. Those statements are absolute, meaning they are true regardless of our present circumstances. Rest in those statements. Sit down with them. Live with them. Let them give you life. Let them give you peace.
When you rest in those statements, look for us. We’ll be there, sitting right next to you.There will be times over the next few months that we will be pulled away from this resting place. We’ll be enticed to leave our place of comfort and enter into the world of fear and anxiety. We know you will be enticed to leave too. That’s how fear and anxiety work. They drag us away from the Lord and flood our minds with worry. When you see us drifting that way, remind us that God is good and He is in control. We promise, we’ll return the favor if we see you drifting that way too.
Many have asked how to help. First, let me say how grateful we are for each of you, near and far. We are humbled by you. We are grateful for you. We praise God for you.
For now, the only thing we need is prayer. Here are three ways you can pray:
- Pray for Greyson to be a candidate for this study trial. He has to meet several markers before he is accepted. Pray he meets those
- Pray his bone marrow donor is still available and still willing to donate.
- Pray for my family. Cancer is hard. Cancer in the midst of a pandemic is harder. Covid protocols are very necessary, but not very convenient. For the next several months our family will be divided. One of us with Greyson, one of us Mason.
These are challenging days. But…
- God is good, even when it feels like He’s not.
- God is in control, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
A good friend recently reminded me of a quote by Oswald Chambers: “We are not uncertain of God. We are just uncertain of what He is going to do next.” For now, we are waiting, watching to see what our mighty Lord will do next.
Thanks for praying. We love you.
Brian, Karla, Mason & Greyson.