Monday, January 21, 2008

Hanging in there.


In the top picture, Wyndham was 'pretending to be asleep'. She did this most often when a doctor or nurse came around asking too many questions. She would pretend to zone out in hopes that maybe they would just leave her alone. I thought it was cute, and funny that she had such a sense to come up with her own 'coping mechanism' while she was in the hospital last week. The part that helped me really feel a sense of 'everything's going to be okay' during this uncertain time was the fact that she was trying so hard to 'be herself'- even when things were so different and difficult for her. In the photo I took I had just told her "I love you" both verbally and with sign language. She pretended to close her eyes, but as you can see, she still signed "I love you" back to me. It's the little signs of 'normal' that I was seeing in her that helped me to stay more calm and assured that she would be alright.
My personal coping mechanism is seen a little bit in the next photo. After I had taken her picture I was about to turn my camera off, but as I turned to walk toward the window I just felt I had to capture a picture that represented 'me' at that moment too.
I hadn't fully prepared for 2 nights/3 days away from home, and had to re-wear my clothes one day, but I was thankful that I had my 'necessities' along with me that helped me to hang in there for some of the long hours. If you've never spent time in a hospital, consider yourself blessed. Hospitals are really hard to get rest in- even with the best care. There is lots of noise and disruptions and lights and beeps and it just doesn't feel like home. My pillow goes everywhere with me...and it is one thing I have learned to grab on our way to the hospital after several experiences. It's just one small thing that really makes a big difference to me. Even if I only get an hour of sleep a night. My Bible is a tremendous source of comfort, encouragement and peace. I literally can flip open to almost any given page when we are in the midst of trying times and it seems that something 'jumps off the page' and speaks directly to my heart. I find it amazing that God uses His word- written long, long ago, to help guide and give assurance in ways that are timely and relevant. No matter our circumstances.
Today, I am letting some of you know that Wyndham isn't doing so well again. She had a rough day yesterday and we are concerned for her even more today as she has not kept food/drink down and just isn't looking or feeling herself. Her MRI has yet to be rescheduled, so I will be sure to post an update when I know more about that procedure.
We're just really keeping a close eye on her and waiting to see if she just has a bit of stomach flu or if there is something more serious going on.
We continue to appreciate your thoughts and prayers. Sometimes it feels like our family 'gets picked on' more than others in this life. But we feel blessed in many ways and continue to remain confident that even the 'down days' have value and purpose- beyond what we can see.
It's the thought of Heaven and a glorious eternity that we keep our eyes focused on at such times. Life really isn't about coping...but more about hoping. That's what keeps us all hanging in there. I trust it's what keeps you going in the midst of life's storms too. Thanks again for walking through the rough waters with our family. We truly appreciate your friendships, love and support.

33 comments:

Anonymous said...

You and Wyndham remain in my prayers.
and your strength continues to amaze me.
Your faith in God is such a joy and a blessing.

Anonymous said...

Jody ~ you don't know me, but I stumbled on your blog a while ago and read your blog regularly. Thanks for the update on Wyndham! I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers!!! Thank you for being such a strong woman of God, you truly are an inspiration. Many blessings!
~Sarah~

Susan said...

Praying for you all! Especially Wyndham!
Sue Simpson

Anonymous said...

Our family is praying for you all.

Hugs,
Rhonda

Anonymous said...

Continued prayers for Wyndham and all of you, Jody.

Robin said...

Jody
I came upon your blog through a friend of a friend, etc. I have gone back to read your history and am so impressed with your faith. I have mine, but sometimes, I let myself get in the way.
Anywho, I am praying for Wyndham and your family during this time. I understand about the hospitals. My husband was in for 7 weeks many years ago for leukemia chemo, and it is so draining.
Praying for you in northeast TN,
Robin
dixonchicks.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

We will keep Wyndham in our prayers...please update us later so we know how she is doing. What a sweet picture of her on the blog. We will keep praying...

Your Friends from all over
Amie

Anonymous said...

Jody
I will pray God gives to you His strength and comfort in a mighty way as I am sure you are weary. God bless you and your family.
in His love, Judi

Melissa said...

your whole family is in my prayers and special prayers for health and peace for Wyndham. She sounds like an amazing little girl!
thank you for sharing your good and bad times with us! I hope the rough spots smooth out soon! you are such an inspiration Jody!

Kris with a K said...

Jody,

Sometimes we need to cope to continue to hope. May God watch over your family through this trial.

Anonymous said...

Sending you big hugs, hang in there!

Anonymous said...

Jody,
I will continue to pray for your family and especially precious Wyndham. In church yesterday the sermon was on praising God in both the good and bad, and I thought of what an excellent example of that you are. I don't know many people with your kind of faith. You are an inspiration!

Diane

Suzanne said...

I'm not the most religious, but I am a praying person and have given you and yours all that I have. Peace to you at this time...

And I just got a chill because after hearing Amazing Grace on your blog, I noticed the Bogger's word verification used the word nkvmHYMN. I think it's a sign...

Unknown said...

Your faith will see you through the storm! Continued prayers and (((((HUGS))))) to you and your family.

~kim

Laura said...

Jody, I WILL keep you, Wyndham and the rest of your family in my prayers...your faith, love, hope and words always inspire me. Just know, you have many "angels" out there watching over Wyndham. Lots of love.

Laura G.

Anonymous said...

Jody, I WILL keep you, Wyndham and the rest of your family in my prayers...your faith, love, hope and words always inspire me. Just know, you have many "angels" out there watching over Wyndham. Lots of love.

Laura G.

Juli said...

I ran across your blog sometime last year and it has really touched me. You continue to encourage me with your faith in God and make me smile. I just had to check out your bible. You spoke so highly of it. I ended up ordering one. That will be perfect to keep in my bag for reading in car circle and while sitting at baseball practice. Please know that you, Wyndham and your whole family will remain in my prayers.

claudine hellmuth said...

oh dear so sorry to hear this! I am sending you and Wyndham good thoughts and strength and healing and well wishes!!

paige said...

sweet jody....your comments leave my heart hurting to know that wyndham is not back up to her sweet self yet. i'm praying this is indeed a bug & will pass quickly. so cute her little picture & i enjoy seeing your 'digs' over there!
you are amazing!
xo

Tina Vega said...

I'm so sorry to hear that Wyndam isn't feeling well. I'll continue to keep her in my prayers!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jody . . .

I'm a frequent lurker on your blog and just had to add my prayers for Wyndham health and strength and strength for her parents too.

I always think that you don't know how strong you really are until you are faced with extreme adversity.

God Bless you family!

Another Jodi (in Oregon)

Bridget said...

Poor Wyndham! She's really been through the ringer lately. I'll continue to send healing prayers and hugs for her and for you as well. I know this has to be difficult, Jody, but you remain in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

I am awed by your wonderful outlook on life and ability to express your deepest thoughts. I to look to him in my brightest and darkness hours. He will never fail you and will always be by yourside. Best wishes to you and Wyndham................today's entry almost brought tears to my eyes. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Even in this difficult time you are able to display God's everlasting grace.
http://labellamaison.typepad.com/tickled_pink_blog/

Anonymous said...

I am awed by your wonderful outlook. When I read your blog I see the lord in you. May you and your family continue to be blessed by his grace. At difficult time like these its sometimes hard to see his "grace" but your attitude and spirit show it shining through.

Lisa
http://labellamaison.typepad.com/tickled_pink_blog/

Tammy said...

You give me faitha nd make me want to look at life the way you do. I do hope that your little Wyndham recovers quickly.

Song said...

I found your blog via Christine M's - Your faith has been a real inspiration to me as a new Christian. Thankyou for sharing your faith and strength - I hope you don't mind me sharing ... Hebrews 4:16

scrapnic72 said...

I am continuing to pray. And especially praying for encouragement and safety for your whole family.

Nicole

Janna said...

I'm praying for you guys too! God bless!

Unknown said...

I've only commented on here a couple of times but I read your blog daily and feel like you and your family are my close friend even though you have no clue who I am!!! I am praying for Wyndham and you and your family. You are the epitome of what a Christian is supposed to be. Your faith and courage are so amazing. You are an inspiration. God Bless you!

Anonymous said...

Thinking and praying for you over here.

Lori said...

Oh Jody, so sorry to hear that Wyndham isn't back to herself yet. Hang in there!! We've got Wyndham, you and the family in our prayers!!

Laura Williams said...

oh DEAR!!! i got behind on your blog, and i sure did miss A LOT. sending you some belated prayers, and prayers from here on out!! :)hugs jody!!! (to you AND your fam!)

Anonymous said...

Jody, Thanks for your words and sharing. May you continue to feel God's love wrapped around you and your family. Many prayers for you and your family, God listens.. Much love, Jen