Thursday, November 28, 2013

So much to be thankful for!



On this special Thanksgiving day, 
as we pray for healing, prosperity, and God’s mighty hand to ease our suffering, one of our favorite songs by Laura Story comes to mind:

“Cause what if your blessings come through raindrops,
What if your healing comes through tears,
What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You're near.
What if our greatest disappointments, or the aching of this life,
Is the revealing of a 'greater thirst' this world can't satisfy.
What if trials of this life:  the rain, the storms, the hardest nights,
Are Your mercies in disguise.”

We believe all of that.  That's why it's so easy to be thankful today. 
This was right after Caleb got out of the hospital, after being diagnosed with leukemia.  I am so thankful for this child.
Every November, our family comes up with a “What we’re thankful for” list.  Caleb’s list is obviously A LOT different than usual.  Of course, it’s usually a private list, but this year, I felt it was worthy of sharing.   

What Caleb is Thankful For:  His Top 10 List got stretched to a “baker’s dozen” this year.
1.  God and Jesus 
2.  My family and friends (he individually named EVERYONE... this took a while.)  :)
3.  My nanny Nicole
This was an adventurous outing with Nicole this week.  No chemo the past two weeks, means he felt like playing for the first time in months. 
 4.  My doctor
Very loving Oncologist Dr. ZoAnn Dreyer
          5.  My homeschool teacher, Mrs. McDonald & my teacher at school, Mrs. Elrod, who sends me cards from her and my friends 
Caleb got to be in Mrs. Elrod's class just a few weeks, before he got sick
      6.  I didn’t lose all of my hair & now Maggie looks like me.  (So far, miraculously, Cal has only lost about half of his hair & his once VERY fluffy dog is now sporting a crew cut 
Maggie's new look
      7.  Chicken (So much for turkey)
      8.  The Candlelighters (Childhood Cancer Family Alliance) for sending me to cancer camp & to the Texans Tunnel to high-five the players 
Caleb & Zach loved seeing the Houston Texans players, coaches, and owner up close & personal
        9.  Charlie Brown movies 
      10.  My ipad.
      11.  Google, so I can see what blood cells & platelets look like under a microscope  (wow)
      12.  Cards, crafts, & fun treasures from people to cheer me up
      13.  The Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo

     We're thankful Caleb got the break from chemotherapy, so that he was able to come up with his list with lots of giggles & stories about why he chose them.  We hope you find blessings in learning from this Kindergartner, who has turned into a little man overnight. 

6 comments:

  1. Sweet Caleb, we are praying for you! What a wonderful list of things you are thankful for. We are thankful that you have shared your story and have inspired so many of us with your courageous spirit. We know that God has his healing hands upon you, and will continue to provide you strength. You have the best parents ever, Caleb. Please enjoy your Thanksgiving! Your buddy from Kindergarten, Jake P. and family send you our best wishes and hugs!

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  2. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family! God bless you always <3

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  3. Just saw your story on Facebook. Our son was diagnosed with Leukemia a few days before yours was. He is also being treated at TCH. Such a wonderful facility with wonderful medical personnel.

    We are also thankful for the same things your family is thankful for.

    Hope you and your family have a good Thanksgiving and that your sons treatments go well for the next 3+ years. We'll pray for you, your son, and your entire family as you go through this.

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  4. It is amazing how God works through children to remind us adults what is really important in this world. Caleb continues every day to teach us about faith, trust, love, and perseverance . Happy Thanksgiving Day to one of God's special families.

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  5. I'm so inspired to see that through all you go through, God remains first. Thank you for sharing, Good be with you.

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  6. Just now reading your blog. Know that one more is praying for this precious one. Just as God told Joshua and Caleb to be strong and courageous, may He remind Caleb and each of you to do the same. What a brave little boy!

    Because of Him,
    Rebecca

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