"Papa's Getting His Hair Cut'

Today, as we started off a New Year, I couldn't help but praise Dad for the family that he has blessed me with. 

Last night all 9 of us –Ed, Mom, Fain, Josh, Jamie, Liv, Haddy, Alli, and I- spent the night ringing in the New Year together….and we wouldn’t have spent it any other way!  Then today, Jamie, Alli, and myself decided to go hiking at Pilot Mountain!  As we hiked the mountain, we couldn’t help but be in awe.  What an amazing, beautiful place Pilot Mountain is – the view overlooking the surrounding area is just breathtaking.  We couldn’t help but continue asking ourselves why we had always gone to Stone Mountain, and never once considered visiting Pilot Mountain….

Then, we came home tonight and as Hadley’s phrase is best - “Papa’s getting his hair cut.” 

Over the course of this past week, the chemo kicked in and Eddie’s hair began falling out….Tonight he decided to get “his hair cut.”  Tonight Jamie shaved Eddie’s head.  Although we knew this day would come, it was/is definitely a hard task that one must face when receiving chemo treatments.  BUT, as Alli phrased it best, “this was a bittersweet moment, because at least we know the chemo is working!”  This daunting task actually went as perfect as it possibly could have gone! 

Over the course of the past week, things have been a little rocky.  Eddie had a cold this past week; which resulted in him having a temperature and having a terrible cough.  Due to one airway being restricted, this cough made it hard at night for Eddie to receive the sleep that he needed.  Then, we were supposed to have started chemo on Tuesday – which would have resulted in the second round concluding Friday.  But, due to the cold, chemo was unable to take place.  The doctor said that it would not have been smart for us to do chemo – due to the fact that Eddie’s body was fighting a cold already, lowering the counts with chemo would not have been beneficial.  So, the game plan right now is to start chemo on Monday and continue through Wednesday.  Please just continue to pr@y that we continue to get rid of this cold – as Eddie has felt better the past day or two – so that we can keep on schedule and continue with round two on Monday! 

But, in saying all of this, I just have to say that as this year, 2014, has arrived, I honestly could not be more thankful for the family that Father has blessed me with. 

As we have had a couple of sleepless nights here at the house, I have spent a lot of time in pr@yer and a lot of time reflecting upon how much my family truly means to me.

Fifteen years ago tomorrow, the Father chose my dad to join Him in He@ven.  Yes, my dad meant the world to me…I would be lying to you if I told you I didn’t miss him today.  There have been events over the course of the past fifteen years that I would have given anything for him to be at….But, I cannot help but to smile when I think what an amazing example he was – what an inspiration his story and faith in the Father was to all those who he came in touch with.  I find strength in knowing that although dad wasn’t at games, graduations, and major life events, I KNOW beyond a shadow  of a doubt that he joined my He@venly Father in the clouds, and together they both watched these events  – smiling and laughing the whole way through.  I find peace in knowing that I will see Him one day.

But, as dad was called up to be with the Father, Father sent another blessing my way – a blessing in which it took me years to understand, accept, appreciate, and love.  Father sent Eddie to my mom, Alli, and I.  And with Eddie came Fain and Jamie! 

I will be the first to admit that accepting these three into our family, was NOT something that I initially wanted.  In fact, I tried to push them away as hard as anyone possibly could….I did and said everything and anything mean that could possibly be said….I was not a fan of Eddie and my mom being together, and in no way did I want more siblings.  I wanted anything but this, and it was obvious to all…..

But today, as I think back to that time, I am ashamed of who I was, what I did, and how I acted.  And, I am beyond thankful that my mom and Eddie were stubborn enough to stick it out - believing and loving each other the whole way through…….

As Dad called my dad to join Him in He@ven, He knew all along that He would be sending us someone equally as great to take care and provide for Mom, Alli, and I – He also knew to grant Eddie some patience as it took me a while to adjust.  J 

Today, as we head into this New Year, I could not be more thankful for the family that I have!  We may be one crazy bunch, but I wouldn’t want it to be  any different.  These past couple months we have laughed, cried, and grown together…and honestly, I am not sure how we would get through it if it were  any different.   Although we are facing a difficult time as a family, we continue to hold our heads high, pull together, keep our faith strong in Him, and pr@y knowing that He is the one true healer, that holds every tear we cry, and has our best interest at heart…..Without this we would be lost…..

But, as the kiddos, we would be lost without the strength of the parents.  During a time when many could give up, be angry, and just thrown in the towel….Eddie and Mom are doing the exact opposite.  Not once have they said anything negative.  Not once have they said anything angry.  Not once have they even thought about giving up.  No, they are the definition of strong, positive, and faithful.  As the kids, we are blessed to have examples like this!  I ask that you continue to pr@y for all of us, but particular Eddie and Mom, as we are entering into round two of chemo.  As we know there will be days of struggle ahead, please pr@y that their spirits stay positive, strong, and faithful just as they have always been! 

Dad blessed me with an amazing family, and I cannot wait to see what He does for us, through us, and in us during 2014!  As we are facing Eddie’s cancer, and as that is our number one priority, we are also facing many other changes this year as a family – many thrilling changes that we are all looking forward to going through together!  We know 2014 is a BIG year, and find comfort in knowing that everything that happens must first go through His hands!