Friday, August 8, 2008

A little better

Today was a better day for Joseph. No vomiting but otherwise the same as before. We had a good outing to Target (or Tarbucks as I now call it, b/c most of the Targets around here also have a Starbucks--heaven!!), where he actually found a car he didn't have. What joy was his! He held that car all day and took it with him to bed. But tomorrow will be another day and another quest for a new train or car. We fear we are creating quite a consumer, but truly these trips to Target are the only things that get him excited and smiling and laughing. He really doesn't feel well enough to run around and play a lot, so we give him all the Target and Moe's his heart desires.
Tomorrow we are expecting a visit from cousin Bella and that has gotten him very excited. He could barely go to sleep tonight. It was like Christmas for him! They play so well together and she likes to do stationary play like coloring and play-doh, which I think he finds comforting. He can't wait to do some painting tomorrow morning. I'll post the pictures if they turn out to be the Eiffel Tower or something this time.
Holly is doing well and is being very nurturing and kind to Joseph. She has a sixth sense with him and seems to know when he isn't feeling well before we even tell her. She got to spend the night with Nana and Grandad last night, which I think was a nice break for her. She loves to swim over there and play dolls and have tea parties with Nana. And of course she doesn't mind being the center of attention. We hate that she is having to go through all this as well, but we are blessed with wonderful family who lavish her with love and attention.
Thank you, all you prayer warriors, for lifting us up in prayer.

29 comments:

Anonymous said...

Gillian and Allen,
Thank you for the updates about Joseph. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thank you for the wonderful way you allow readers to be on this journey with you and for sharing your love of Christ.
Love, The Osteens

Anonymous said...

Isaiah:40:11 This scripture sits beside the computer in the office in Gillians handwriting and its a comfort to me to just sit and be reminded of God's promises It says"He tends His flock like a sheperd:He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart:he gently leads those that have young" I agree with Crysal (Osteen) this blog is an amazing way to share the ups and downs of this journey and still live out your Christian faith and hope.I just love how Holly and Joseph truly care about each other.To-day when Holly hadnt seen Joe P. for a while she saw Gillians car coming up the driveway she ran down to greet Mommy but coulnt wait for the door to open so she could climb into the back and kiss Joe P. and ask Him "you feeling ok ??"It was probably the most precious moment ever.God bless you all tonight.Sleep sound in Jesus.Lots of love Nana Grandad Davey

Anonymous said...

i have no words of my own that would even come close to being adequate.. i am sure many feel that way, and in the loss of words,i know that many are sitting with you, in the quiet, praying and asking God to hold your precious family and believing that He is mighty to save..

david crowder released this song in his first album and the words have always brought me comfort. i hope they do the same for you..

"All I can say"

Lord I'm tired
So tired from walking
And Lord I'm so alone
And Lord the dark
Is creeping in
Creeping up
To swallow me
I think I'll stop
Rest here a while

And didn't You see me cry'n?
And didn't You hear me call Your name?
Wasn't it You I gave my heart to?
I wish You'd remember
Where you sat it down

Chorus:
And this is all that I can say right now
And this is all that I can give

Bridge:
I didn't notice You were standing here
I didn't know that
That was You holding me
I didn't notice You were cry'n too
I didn't know that
That was You washing my feet

Anonymous said...

I am so thankful that Joseph is feeling some better!! How sweet that Bella is coming and they can spend time together. Holly is incredible in her love and compassion for Joseph!! Our sunday School class is praying and I will report all of the latest tomorrow to them. I hope you all have a beautiful weekend together.
Blessings and love always to you,
Ann Lewis

Anonymous said...

So thankful to hear that Joe had a better day yesterday. How we pray that he will have a wonderful time with his cousin today. We won't forget to pray for Holly and all the adjustments she goes through too. We love you all.
Kissell's

Anonymous said...

So thankful for a better day yesterday and praying for an even better one today. Praying for God's grace to be more than enough for all of you.
Love,
Mel and Steve and family

Anonymous said...

So glad to hear Joe P. had a better day. Praying God would be merciful to you and gentle with you and NOT gentle with that awful tumor!
Love you all.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for keeping us updated, I'm relieved things have smoothed out a little. And thank you for telling us of Holly, too. I miss seeing her so much, too. So many times when Sarah does something grown up or silly I think of Holly, betting she does it too and missing seeing her get bigger. Sarah does the same thing also, whenever Matthew is sad and kissing him and patting his back.
There is something amazingly tender and innocent in watching the little ones take care of each other.
Thinking of you and praying.

Unknown said...

Continuing to pray for your sweet boy and for you and Allen. Praying that God will hold you tightly and that you will feel His presence continually..Much love-
Suzanne Bechman

donnyandkim said...

Gillian,
I have been checking your blog nearly every day for the past few weeks...your journey and Joe P's sweet journey is drawing me to the Lord deeply. Thank you for sharing so openly. Donny and I will pray for you tonight before we go to bed. Sweet dreams and sleep for you and your sweet little boy.
Kim

Anonymous said...

Dear Gillian,
Please know that Kirk, Maddy, and I are continuing to pray for Joseph and for you and Allen and Holly. I miss you and I wish that there were more that I could do. I will pray extra hard for Joseph to continue to feel better.
Love,
Sarah Knight

Ashley said...

I check your blog at least 15 times a day (I'm not exaggerating either). I haven't left a comment in a while because I don't really have any words. I just keep thinking, "What can I do/say that will help?", and when I can't think of anything, I just start praying again. I feel like I whisper prayers for Joseph 100 times a day. One verse that keeps coming to my mind is Psalm 46:10: "BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD..." It seems like all we can do right now is be still and trust in God.
Love,
Ashley

Randi said...

Loving you all and praying for you. Hope Jack has a great time playing with Bella! I'm sure Holly had a blast at her grandparents!
Randi Booth

Anonymous said...

Hi friends...all four of you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Coloring and painting are such soothing activities aren't they?! So glad Joseph can enjoy doing them with his cousin. I know he's got some more masterpieces in there to share:)
much love...tracey and chad

Anonymous said...

My heart is with you tonight...Joseph, Holly, Gillian, and Allen. I am so glad Sarah Jane and Bella are there making everyone smile and laugh.
Here is the scripture that God wants us to rest in tonight, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."
Sending kisses and big hugs your way...Love, Mimi

Jennifer said...

Like Ashley,I also check the blog over and over again. As well as call you guys and bug everyone back in Nashville to get "the latest". I hate being 3 hours away, but I suppose its a blessing to be in Memphis so we can be with you during your many trips here. Anyway, can't sleep. Miss you. Praying.

Anonymous said...

Glad you had a good day...take it day by day as you said. Glad to hear Holly updates....you are doing an amazing job balancing both kids and she knows how LOVED she is. You have amazing support system with all the grandparents/family which is true blessing that you/Allen seem to appreciate and lean on. I think God is working through Holly with her sweet nature and instints with her big brother. As a little sister to a big brother I always have held a special place for Holly during this time in my thoughts and prayers. I cannot imagine, no matter what age, having a sibling go through pain and as your stories demonstrate she very WISE beyond her years. I hope Joseph had a blast playing with Bella.

Matthew turns 4 today and we will be flying high at PDK with him....as always we will have Joe and your family in our thoughts. I so wish our babies could be together on their 4th birthdays, but we know you are where you need to be.

I love the Target/Starbucks comment....Kroger has them also. Not good for my latte budget, but I admit when shopping with 2 kids a $4 coffee is a treat!

LOVE YOU ALL & Praying. Jody

Lynn T said...

Gill, Allen, Joseph and Holly,

I love hearing how sweet Holly knows her big brother so well. She is just so loving. I love you all tons and praying for the miraculous healing of dear Joseph.

courtney said...

Praying and praying.

Anonymous said...

So glad Joseph is feeling a little better. Thank you for keeping us updated.

Love,
Catherine

Unknown said...

xxxooo! Anna

Anonymous said...

Thankful for new cars, new trains, & Moe's!
I'm so glad Joseph & Holly are having a visit from their cousin.
-Abbie

Our family said...

We are on our knees for you guys many times a day. Thank you for the updates. We love to know how to pray specifically for you all.
Nathaniel, Rebekah & girls

carolyn said...

you do not know us but I found your blog through a mutual friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have a daughter who had a medolloblastoma brain tumor at age 12. She was a St. Jude Patient also. She is now 26, a college graduate, married and pregnant. Miracles do happen. God is good. Keep your faith and keep praying and we will too!! Blessings to your family!

The Higdons

Anonymous said...

Our prayers are continually with you. May the Lord grant you strength for each day and a peace that surpasses understanding. We love you.
Kissell's

Chloƫ said...

good to hear about the good days. love all the latest pics on facebook. what a fabulous bunch of kids! there's lot of love and fun around, that's for sure. xx clo

Anonymous said...

Gillian, Allen, Joseph, and Holly -- I havent dropped a note in a while. Your MSM family is still thinking about you, was talking with Shawn Garrison earlier today about your family.

Your blog is now on our reading list for our students -- I dont think I have ever seen such a beautiful journal of a family's journey.

We all continue to pray for your family.

David A. Levine

Anonymous said...

Thank you for updating how you all are doing. You all continue to be in our prayers.
Lynn Culver

Anita J. said...

I am praying for you. I keep writing long comments and erasing them again. I want to encourage you, but I keep thinking I don't really know what you need. God does, though, so I'm praying for you. I'm glad you have so many wonderful supporters. What a blessing to have such wonderful people surrounding you. Ps. 32:10