Hello Friends.

We are so thankful, every day.  It seems strange, because right now life is so hard.  I'm wondering if pain, sorrow, and fear are unexpected pathways to gratefulness.  I think traumatic circumstances serve to heighten awareness of small, simple blessings that we might otherwise overlook.

Last weekend, after several unexpected days in the hospital and some rough rounds of chemo for Luke, our family decided we would need some help with Thanksgiving dinner.  It was just going to be too much for Laura to try to find the time and energy to prepare her typical feast.  So...I sent a quick email, and texted a few people, asking for help.  In a matter of minutes we had friends volunteer to bring turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, vegetables, and (of course) chocolate brownies.  Many of these providers thanked us for allowing them to help.  We enjoyed a delicious, restful meal at home with our whole family.  So thankful.

Late on Saturday Luke was running a fever, which meant another unplanned visit to the clinic in Grand Rapids.  A fever can indicate potential infection, and the doctors are rightfully cautious.  Each hospital visit is a challenge for Luke.  He's poked and prodded, and he's away from his home and his friends.  Even though the treatment he receives is excellent and necessary, we all wish we could just be at home.  Thankfully, so far the cultures show no sign of infection.  A blessing.  In addition, the doctors seem to have found a regimen that minimizes Luke's nausea.  Another blessing.  We were able to spend another day together with our brave, thoughtful, funny young son.  We are so thankful, every day.

Our prayer remains the same.  Can't stop, WON'T stop, praying for God to heal our boy.  (James 5:14-16)

God bless,
James & Lu
(for Sam, Jay & Luke)

Hello Friends.

Luke is scheduled for chemotherapy treatment #14 tonight (Friday) and then #15 again tomorrow (Saturday) night.  This run includes some medicines that Luke will be experiencing for the first time, so  please keep praying for his body and mind to tolerate these chemicals.

This week Luke experienced his first significant side effects from the chemo, as he got dehydrated because the nausea was making it difficult for him to eat and drink.  We brought him to clinic to receive IV fluids and nutrition, and he spent a couple of unexpected nights at the hospital while they made sure his levels and counts were all ready for his next run of chemo.  It's nice for Luke's body to be on the correct meds and such before the chemo, but his mind and his soul ache for home.  He missed school all week, and misses his friends and his brothers and sleeping his own bed.  He is very tired and often discouraged, so we are praying for God's mercies to be great this weekend so he can be home resting for the next week, enjoying a peaceful Thanksgiving with his family.

We are so proud of Luke.  His circumstances are so challenging.  It was a blessing to be able to spend the day with him today, watching a movie and playing cards and talking about strategies to endure the treatment required to eradicate the cancer from his body.  Luke is a funny, brave, and thoughtful young man.  Our prayer remains the same.  We can't stop, WON'T stop praying, for God to heal our boy.  (James 5:14-16)

God bless!

James & Lu
(for Sam, Jay & Luke) 

Hello Friends.

We continue to be blessed by the generosity of so many.  We are so grateful.  Many of of you have asked about specific ways you can help out.  I've listed some idea below.

NEEDS
1) Luke could use some tutoring for his English class.
2) Our December meals are pretty open...click here to sign up for a meal.
3) Grapes, carrots, and celery for Jay.
4) Schedule a time to hang out with Jay.
5) Amazon gift cards and pre-paid Visa cards have been awesome for Luke so he can buy music, movies, and other random items to occupy his time.

PRAYERS
1) The process of being fitted for a prosthetic is a scary one for Luke.
2) Continued strong blood counts and overall tolerance of the chemo treatments.
3) For reduced nausea, especially when Luke is taking medications.
4) For rest, peace, and comfort for me, Laura, Sam, and Jay.
5) For scans in late December, to show significant reduction / disappearance of cancer.

Chemotherapy is rough.  Luke is tired, his appetite is low, but he is hanging in there.  Thank you for your willingness to pray, to show up, and to provide.  We can't stop praying, WON'T stop praying, for God to heal our boy. (James 5:14-16)

God bless!
James & Lu,
(for Sam, Jay & Luke)

Hello Friends.

Thank you for continuing to hold Luke and our family in your prayers.  There is so much being thrown at Luke right now, several times he has used the word "daunting" to describe his situation.  The chemotherapy by itself is overwhelming, and it just keeps coming week after week.  The process of getting fitted for a prosthetic, and then learning how to walk with one, is also lengthy and tedious.  When you add in school and hair falling out and the fact that Luke almost never feels very well physically, it's a lot for Luke to handle.  Please pray for wisdom and patience to navigate all that is in front of us, and also for God to provide peace in the midst of all that is going on.

Recently Luke and I were driving home from haircuts, and he looked so handsome that I tried to get a picture of him, much to his dismay.  After several photos of his hand, and the back of his head, and his bitter face, I finally got a good one.  We are blessed to call this brave young man our son.

Of course, we can't stop praying, WON'T stop praying, for God to heal our boy.  (James 5:14-16)

God bless,
James & Lu
(for Sam, Jay & Luke)

Hello Friends.

Today was memorable.  We made our first visit to Springer Prosthetics in Lansing, to begin the process of preparing Luke's leg to be fitted for a prosthetic limb.  It's a fascinating process, and Luke has a ton of hard work in front of him, and we are excited for him. 

Strangely, the most memorable part of the visit took place in the waiting room, where Luke encountered a man in his sixties who had his leg amputated when he was sixteen years old.  The man badly wanted to encourage Luke, so he began by taking his pants off.  Literally.  He took his pants off in the waiting room, right down to his briefs, in front of me, Luke, Laura, and a confused three year old girl who climbed up on her chair to watch.  The man then detached his prosthetic leg, and then removed the sleeve that was covering his residual limb.  Luke almost passed out.  Laura was cracking up.  It definitely took the edge off as we began our appointment.

Luke has completed seven chemotherapy treatments, with five more scheduled this weekend from Thursday until Monday.  He is getting accustomed to the fatigue and queasiness he feels on an ongoing basis.  Today he attended school, and then the ninety minute appointment with the prosthetic folks, followed by a visit to Marshall Music to play piano.  A full day.  A good day.  We are grateful for God's mercies today.

Please continue to pray, for complete healing in Luke's body, and for strength in his mind and in his soul.  We can't stop praying, WON'T stop praying, for God to heal our boy.  (James 5:14-16)

God bless,
James & Lu,
(for Sam, Jay, & Luke)