We have now been in the hospital for a week. Joshua shows some mild improvement, though he is still radically uncomfortable both emotionally and physically. We are tired, too, so I can just imagine what is weighing on him. His hair is definitely going now, so pretty soon we will do the buzz cut. We do have some specific things to ask you to pray for our little boy though.
1- Please pray for his blood counts to increase. This will make him feel better and also mean that we can leave the hospital. As he has no infections, we are just waiting here for the counts to increase, which will mean that he has enough of an immune system for us to go home.
2- Please begin to pray for the next 4 weeks. A week from Wednesday Joshua starts the "really hard" medicine; it's likely that we will have to check back into the hospital again for more of the same - that is if we get to go home before then.
3- Joshua's mental and emotional state. Clearly he is afraid of alot of things right now, and who can blame him? We would love to see our little boy laugh and play again soon.
Did we ever tell you what the name "Joshua" means? It's a good meaning for us in these days. "Joshua" in Hebrew means "The Lord is Salvation." That is striking tonight to me because the Lord IS salvation. Not BRINGS salvation, but IS salvation. Salvation is His essence. He is in the business of being present with His people, taking on their pain as His own, giving His strength as their own - it is who He is. I just thought that was a good thing to keep in mind these days.
18 comments:
Sorry to hear that Joshua is still struggling health wise. I wish I had some wise words to write that would ease your concern and Joshua's discomfort. We are praying, praying, praying. Thanks for the updates as it helps us to know exactly what your needs are at the moment.
Gwen Hicks
Hey Mr. & Mrs. Kelley,
Joshua has been on my mind a lot lately! He is one of my favorite kids at the hospital...I went to go visit him last week and he was definitely a highlight of my day. He's a great kid. I will be keeping him and ya'll in my prayers, and I cannot wait to see him this week. Please let me know if I can be of any help...I've been checking this blog daily since Rebecca told me about it.
See you soon,
Justin Phalichanh
We love you and are praying for you in this very difficult season.
z
May the real presence of Yeshua who is the Christ be with you!
Cheryl and I love you guys very much and are praying for healing upon Joshua and rest for all of you.
jeremy
dear savior. lighten load. strength. weeks ahead. calm fears. love. laugh. play soon.
I, Nana, feel so sad about Joshua's hurt and fear. I am so sorry my children that you are so tired. Michael, I truly enjoy your gifted writng and the pictures of our beautiful little boy.Today, God led my to the sixth chapter of 2 Corinthians that talks about lots of suffering. Also, I read the March 7 Oswald entry even though it is the 6th. He said, "We are super-victors with a joy that comes from experiencing the very things which look as if they are going to overwhelm us." I do feel overwhelmed at times with Joshua's illness and your dad's never ending battle with Parkinsons. Yet, I am so glad My Lord is My Rock of Salvation and though our faith is challenged, it is being renewed by His Grace and Made stronger By His Word. I am so glad you are my children. You bring me great joy. I love all of you dearly.
Wow...your strength never ceases to amaze me. You may not always feel it, but the Lord has blessed you. I can't begin to imagine what life is like for you guys right now, but I do know that hundreds (maybe even thousands) of people are praying for your sweet family. We do pray for strength and endurance over the next several weeks...we pray that Joshua's blood counts will rise so he can come home for a few days in between treatments...As a mother I especially pray for Jana and the other precious life the Lord will soon bless you guys with (make sure she is getting as much rest as she can)...I pray that there are some carefree "normal" days in Joshua's near future--Lord take away the pain, take away the fears, let him be free...
Christy McInturff
P.S. The offer of food is still there whenever you guys do make it home:)
It makes me really sad to hear that you all are still in the hospital and to hear of the pain/fear that Joshua is experiencing. I pray God would give you peace and strength to get through this. And I pray He would use you to touch others while you are there.
Look at his sweet, precious face.
words cannot express all of the love that we feel for you guys. Jana-thank you for your friendship and for keeping us connected through this time. I cannot wait to see what the future brings for your family--I do see a vacation ahead! We will continue to pray for sunny days to return....
Just wanted you to know that God has me up at 2 a.m. praying for Joshua---and you! P.S. Jay has a picture up on his myspace of your article in a magazine. CONGRATULATIONS! What a nice thing in the midst of your hard times.
Father, please heal Joshua. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Becky Dietz
Hang in there guys, My daughter is a pedi oncology nurse and she has said that all of this is normal, and to some extent to be hoped for as it indicates that the chemo is working. I know how hard it is to watch and wait, but God is faithful. You continue to be in my prayers and I check often. God Bless. One thing I would say is to take some time for each other. With all the concentration on Joshua, as we all would, it is easy to loose site of each other in the battle. You need to be strong togather to be strong for him. I love you both and will continue to pray.
You are all on our hearts and minds and in our prayers. Banks and I pray for you daily and will continue to! My heart hurts for you all, and we send our love, thoughts, hugs and prayers to you! May God provide the comfort and healing that only HE can give!
Love, Banks Humphreys and Angela Waters
We will continue to pray for you all and for Joshua. Our families are praying for you too. If there is ANYTHING you need, just let us know.
Our love and prayers are with you-
love, Adam and Laura
We are so sorry that Joshua is experiencing such difficulties. We continue to pray for all of you. May the Lord bless you with His love, peace and presence!
Michael and Jana, I can honestly say you have gone to the place that I have prayed we never have to go. I can feel the sadness and tiredness in your last blog and am so sorry. We are praying for little Joshua still, and I also was up last night at 5:00 am with you all in my prayers. May His peace, blessings, strength, rest, and healing be yours during these next 4 weeks. With much love,
The Goldsmith family
Joshua continues to be in my prayers. I pray that his blood count will increase and that he may go home, if only for a little while. Give him rest and peace, Lord. He is so young and it is difficult for him to understand what is going on. I continue to pray for you, as his loving parents. My friends are prayer warriors and they are praying, too. We are trusting our Lord as He intercedes for you and continues to be with you in your journey.
Love and Prayers,
Always, Joan
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