The last few days Lindsey has been busy with everyone coming and going. My mother (Leona) has come to visit and help out around the house; my father (Clair) has even stopped by to see me and Lindsey for a short time.
Hannah and Todd came in this weekend making it a full house. It is a blessing having everyone home and here to help, and to just visit.
With all the extra mouths to feed; God answered another prayer. People brought food; so much food that we almost didn't have enough room in the refrigerators for it all. A BIG THANKS goes out to everyone who helped make this possible!!!
Yesterday was a good/bad day for Lindsey. It started out great with most of the house hold going to church. Bob stayed behind to man the fort and to watch after Lindsey. After church Megan stopped by for a short time, but would return soon. A little latter that day, Grandma & Grandpa Jackson stopped by, and when Megan came back she brought the rest of her family to say hello. While Lindsey has access to the first floor of the house now, she spends most of her time sleeping in her room. She'll usually come down to the kitchen to eat, then ask to return to her bed to rest. Friends are very considerate of how Lindsey is feeling when they come by to visit. We keep it quiet in her room, and friends will go up to chat with her or sit with her as she rests.
The sad part of the day is when Hannah & Todd had to leave. It was emotional for all. They fear that something will happen when they are not home. Lindsey and I, had a hug and a heart to heart moment. I had to remind her after they had left, that Hannah would be back in a two weeks and Todd would be in next week. This time will fly!!!
I know how they feel when they leave and how hard it is to step away from the whole situation. The only way I live with it and myself is by knowing God is in control and that I am also leaving Lindsey in the hands of people I trust, respect, and love. I hope this helps you , Todd & Hannah.
As for today, my brother Daniel and his daughter Sam are coming in, and will be staying until Wednesday. My mother will be making the drive home with them back to Ohio.
In closing, Lindsey is still doing well (as well can be). She and the family still need every ones prayers and blessings.
Thank you to everyone who reads this blog and may you have a blessed day....Greg
Love of my Life
September 27, 2010
An Update from Greg
I flew in Monday, September 20th, around midnight. I have 30 days of leave; I fly out 20OCT10 for three years in Sasebo, Japan to be on MCM2 (Mine Counter Measures) the USS Defender.
September 20, 2010
An update from Aunt Nancy
Last week Lindsey mentioned she wanted to come over to my house. I was excited when Bob said he was willing to give it a try. I picked her up Thursday morning and as we drove away she said "I'm so excited. What are we going to do today?" I was surprised by her question but not her excitement about being out of the house. In the past our outings consisted of a visit to Hy-Vee, Starbucks, and Express Pak "N" Ship to visit my sister-in-law, Gina, who Lindsey has grown to love. I wasn't sure if she was up for any of it, but when I asked if she wanted to go to Hy-Vee, she said, "YES!" She loved seeing her friends from work; it was like a trip down memory lane for her which makes her sad sometimes. I tell her it's okay to be sad for a little bit but life is too short to waist on sadness all the time. That is when I try to find something silly to talk about to get her to smile or giggle. I usually works. :o) Carol, sorry we missed you... we will be back to see you on Wednesday if Lindsey is up to it. After we left Hy-Vee we headed to see Gina, then back to my house for a long nap.
I want to thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and support. It helps Lindsey and our family to stay positive and determined to push through each day. I also want to thank my sister and Bob for allowing me to be a part of Lindsey's journey. I will cherish this time forever.
Love,
Aunt Nancy
Additional misc updates...
We'll have a housefull this weekend...
Greg is flying in on the 20th and he'll be here for thirty days! Greg's mom is also coming in on the 23rd for five days, and Todd and Hannah will be home. We'll see if Lindsey is up for a visit to Octoberfest in downtown Lee's Summit, a favorite fall tradition of the Morris family. Last weekend Lindsey had a surprise visit from her father-in-law, Claire Elwood, whose truck route brought him through this area for a stop over.
I want to thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and support. It helps Lindsey and our family to stay positive and determined to push through each day. I also want to thank my sister and Bob for allowing me to be a part of Lindsey's journey. I will cherish this time forever.
Love,
Aunt Nancy
Additional misc updates...
We'll have a housefull this weekend...
Greg is flying in on the 20th and he'll be here for thirty days! Greg's mom is also coming in on the 23rd for five days, and Todd and Hannah will be home. We'll see if Lindsey is up for a visit to Octoberfest in downtown Lee's Summit, a favorite fall tradition of the Morris family. Last weekend Lindsey had a surprise visit from her father-in-law, Claire Elwood, whose truck route brought him through this area for a stop over.
September 14, 2010
Thank goodness for Lifts!
We're talking stair-lifts and bath-lifts!
This week the Morris house received new additions. We now have a bath lift which allows Lindsey to sit in a chair and be lowered down into the tub. We also have a stair lift which will make it much easier for Lindsey to go between the 1st and 2nd floor of our house.
The last two nights have been different. Normally Lindsey awakens when I arrive home and we spend 2-3 hours together. Last night she slept until 8:30 only to wake up awhile for a bath and to spend time reading messages on the computer. It's currently 8:30 and she is still asleep. I even sat in her room for 2 hours with the light on working... still she slept.
Lindsey will awaken to good news. Leona, Greg's mother and Lindsey's mother-in-law, will be visiting Sept 23 - 28th. Greg will fly in on the 20 or 21 and he will be here for 30 days.
Please pray for an uneventful weekend for both Lindsey and Bob. Todd and I are heading to Fort Worth to visit Hannah for the weekend. It's TCU's family weekend and Todd's first trip to the campus. Last year Lindsey and I went down to visit Hannah. It saddens me to think about how things have changed since that time.
This week the Morris house received new additions. We now have a bath lift which allows Lindsey to sit in a chair and be lowered down into the tub. We also have a stair lift which will make it much easier for Lindsey to go between the 1st and 2nd floor of our house.
The last two nights have been different. Normally Lindsey awakens when I arrive home and we spend 2-3 hours together. Last night she slept until 8:30 only to wake up awhile for a bath and to spend time reading messages on the computer. It's currently 8:30 and she is still asleep. I even sat in her room for 2 hours with the light on working... still she slept.
Lindsey will awaken to good news. Leona, Greg's mother and Lindsey's mother-in-law, will be visiting Sept 23 - 28th. Greg will fly in on the 20 or 21 and he will be here for 30 days.
Please pray for an uneventful weekend for both Lindsey and Bob. Todd and I are heading to Fort Worth to visit Hannah for the weekend. It's TCU's family weekend and Todd's first trip to the campus. Last year Lindsey and I went down to visit Hannah. It saddens me to think about how things have changed since that time.
September 12, 2010
We are not alone - The Walk
It's Sunday morning and while we are not in church, I'm spending some time with God.
People will say to the Morris family, "I don't know how you're doing it."
Talk to any Christian who has been through a valley, a deep life trauma, and you will hear much of the same thing: "I don't know how I did it, but somehow I made it through."
While the journey of Lindsey's "Return of the Tumor" continues, we push through. There is no question that it's difficult and uncertain. In the blink of an eye things changed for us like a rain of brimstone. The diagnosis has at times left us weak-kneed and shattered. However, these are the moments faith is made of. The Bible supports this. The more we need faith, the more faith we are given. The more we completely trust God, the deeper that trust grows.
Faith and power are gifts that go hand in hand, and they come from the source of all power, the Holy Spirit. Call it what you will -- stamina, courage, tenacity, hanging on, resilience -- it is that touch of the divine miracle, when we feel like we can't take another step. But, then we do. We were somehow strengthened beyond our understanding to stand a little longer, to take one more move forward, or to go a little beyond the totally helpless feeling of being out of control.
God's gift of faith and power are always adequate, no matter how desperate our situation has become. Exhaustion and frustration may have burdened us down so that we wonder if we will ever recover again. The pain unrelenting, the anticipated loss overwhelming, the void of a child damning. But God's power is great enough to get us through this desperate and challenging period of our life.
We are finding that we can and will go on. We will pick up the pieces and face our fears. We can find peace in the rubble. And, we can have courage.
We see acts of Jesus daily. Acts such as... my sister, Nancy who has reduced her work schedule to spend time with Lindsey during the day; friends who stop by to bring Lindsey her favorite food or Mom her favorite bottle of wine... a cash gift to help loved ones travel... 180+ people who participated in the Head for the Cure 5k to support finding a cure for cancer... businesses that sponsor fund-raisers or donate space to host events, a continuous stream of cards, notes, and messages.. employers who are supportive and understanding... and a family whose continued love and support lift us up everyday. The list goes on, just like the love of Jesus that never stops.
Regarding Lindsey...
Pain was the topic during the middle of the week. We were having trouble getting out in front of it which effected Lindsey's ability to rest. In addition, Lindsey was having sporadic, little seizures. Adjustments to the meds occurred and by Friday things were much better. Lindsey was also more verbal on Friday which was a nice treat for all of us. We love hearing her voice, seeing that twinkle in her eye and her smiles. She is frustrated by her inability to easily move about the house, and to go places. As she said to me Friday night... "You by my chair during the week is fine. Weekends are for going. I want to go, to lay in the hammock, to get out." On Saturday, the getting out consisted of spending time on the first floor of our house, instead of her room (which requires someone to come over and help carry Lindsey downstairs), lunch with a couple of friends that stopped by, and time basking in the sun on the deck, along with a chance to wash Lindsey's hair while she lay there quietly enjoying the beautiful fall day. We offered to take her into town in the evening but her day had been full. She was ready to have dinner and get ready for bed. She slumbered on the living room floor so that she could enjoy another day "out" on Sunday.
In the hubbub of of our lives, God is with us -- He opens the door for us to love one another and to bring light to someones darkness. The Morris family greatly appreciates everyone who is lightening the burden for us. You're helping to heal our spirit that is wounded. Thank you.
People will say to the Morris family, "I don't know how you're doing it."
Talk to any Christian who has been through a valley, a deep life trauma, and you will hear much of the same thing: "I don't know how I did it, but somehow I made it through."
While the journey of Lindsey's "Return of the Tumor" continues, we push through. There is no question that it's difficult and uncertain. In the blink of an eye things changed for us like a rain of brimstone. The diagnosis has at times left us weak-kneed and shattered. However, these are the moments faith is made of. The Bible supports this. The more we need faith, the more faith we are given. The more we completely trust God, the deeper that trust grows.
Faith and power are gifts that go hand in hand, and they come from the source of all power, the Holy Spirit. Call it what you will -- stamina, courage, tenacity, hanging on, resilience -- it is that touch of the divine miracle, when we feel like we can't take another step. But, then we do. We were somehow strengthened beyond our understanding to stand a little longer, to take one more move forward, or to go a little beyond the totally helpless feeling of being out of control.
God's gift of faith and power are always adequate, no matter how desperate our situation has become. Exhaustion and frustration may have burdened us down so that we wonder if we will ever recover again. The pain unrelenting, the anticipated loss overwhelming, the void of a child damning. But God's power is great enough to get us through this desperate and challenging period of our life.
We are finding that we can and will go on. We will pick up the pieces and face our fears. We can find peace in the rubble. And, we can have courage.
We see acts of Jesus daily. Acts such as... my sister, Nancy who has reduced her work schedule to spend time with Lindsey during the day; friends who stop by to bring Lindsey her favorite food or Mom her favorite bottle of wine... a cash gift to help loved ones travel... 180+ people who participated in the Head for the Cure 5k to support finding a cure for cancer... businesses that sponsor fund-raisers or donate space to host events, a continuous stream of cards, notes, and messages.. employers who are supportive and understanding... and a family whose continued love and support lift us up everyday. The list goes on, just like the love of Jesus that never stops.
Regarding Lindsey...
Pain was the topic during the middle of the week. We were having trouble getting out in front of it which effected Lindsey's ability to rest. In addition, Lindsey was having sporadic, little seizures. Adjustments to the meds occurred and by Friday things were much better. Lindsey was also more verbal on Friday which was a nice treat for all of us. We love hearing her voice, seeing that twinkle in her eye and her smiles. She is frustrated by her inability to easily move about the house, and to go places. As she said to me Friday night... "You by my chair during the week is fine. Weekends are for going. I want to go, to lay in the hammock, to get out." On Saturday, the getting out consisted of spending time on the first floor of our house, instead of her room (which requires someone to come over and help carry Lindsey downstairs), lunch with a couple of friends that stopped by, and time basking in the sun on the deck, along with a chance to wash Lindsey's hair while she lay there quietly enjoying the beautiful fall day. We offered to take her into town in the evening but her day had been full. She was ready to have dinner and get ready for bed. She slumbered on the living room floor so that she could enjoy another day "out" on Sunday.
In the hubbub of of our lives, God is with us -- He opens the door for us to love one another and to bring light to someones darkness. The Morris family greatly appreciates everyone who is lightening the burden for us. You're helping to heal our spirit that is wounded. Thank you.
September 08, 2010
Head for the Cure 5K photos
In case you're interested.... go to this link to view the photos from the 5k. I love this one of Lindsey and my sister, Nancy.
September 06, 2010
Labor Day Weekend
We were blessed with a wonderful weekend. Greg arrived early Friday morning and it was great seeing how his presence lifted Lindsey's spirits. It was also nice for Lindsey to have the strength of Greg as he carried her to the first floor and traveled with her outside. Greg is almost done with school and his plan is to return September 20th. We're hoping that Leona, Greg's mother can make it out to see Lindsey while Greg is here. After Greg left for the airport, I asked Lindsey if I could get anything for her. Her response, "Greg".
Here's a few precious photos from the weekend. A true labor of love.
September 02, 2010
Greg's Coming to Town!
Greg will be in town Labor Day weekend. His last visit home was July 5th. When I shared his visit with Lindsey last night she said "I'm excited, excited, excited."
As the hospice nurse told us yesterday, we're in a holding pattern right now. We saw a dramatic decline after the seizure this past weekend but no further decline has occurred.
Last night our friends from V's Italian Restaurant dropped off dinner - yummm... their lasagna is the best in town. Lindsey and I decided it was okay to treat ourself to not one, but two of their yummy brownies.
Enjoy time with friends and family this Labor Day weekend.
As the hospice nurse told us yesterday, we're in a holding pattern right now. We saw a dramatic decline after the seizure this past weekend but no further decline has occurred.
Last night our friends from V's Italian Restaurant dropped off dinner - yummm... their lasagna is the best in town. Lindsey and I decided it was okay to treat ourself to not one, but two of their yummy brownies.
Enjoy time with friends and family this Labor Day weekend.
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