The kids and I finished about three and a half days of a “21 Days of Gratitude” bible study through November. Chemo made for a tough month! We could have used the other seventeen and a half days and then some to keep our perspective on track! My natural tendency stress relievers won over, which I am disappointed to admit. They never suffice. They never will! Only a false and temporary numbing salve, which is not the precious presence of Jesus I could have turned to. Sometimes, slow is the process of growing for this dumb sheep. Nothing in all this world compares to the presence of my Jesus! He is ALL I need and truly what my heart longs for in all my searching.  In eternity, He will be enough, but I want to choose Him here…every time!

The oncologist admitted Mark to the hospital at the beginning of the month for pain management. After a few days, during which he experienced the kindest nursing staff and care (next to mine of course :0) his pain was much better and we got to have him home again! The hospital ordered home care to follow up for the month. We ended up meeting some more of the nicest folks around! They were in the right profession for their skillset! The nurse, Scott, prayed with and for us and became a source of knowledge and support during that difficult month. Jennifer with OT was the same way! We felt, and continue to be, surrounded by God’s provision. There are so many God is using on this planet, and in our space and time, as His very own hands and feet! Yes it was a difficult month, but we came away feeling blessed beyond measure by the Father’s heart of love being poured out over us! Mark’s negative side effects progressed as chemo built up in his system with each treatment. By the end of November, he had eight straight days with very little quality of life, and was mainly bedridden. He made a wise decision to take December off of chemo, which turned out to be a month filled with seriously happy memories!! As challenging as November was, December was a breath of fresh air!