Romans 8:18 - I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed to us.

Romans 8:18 - I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed to us.

This particular verse is so powerful and given our current situation, I felt like I needed to share.

I know weeks and weeks go by and many of you wait for an update, but sadly, sometimes it's just so hard to communicate what's happening. The disease process is taking its toll and slowly all of the small activities that used to come so naturally to mom are becoming more difficult for her each day.

Fortunately, Suzanne's pain has been pretty well managed with morphine and methodone over the last few weeks. In the last couple of days though, eating has become perhaps the biggest chore. She has extreme sensitivity in her mouth which makes it hard to eat almost anything and there tends to be a tremendous amount of discomfort associated with digestion. The lack of nutrition has essentially meant diminished energy and the loss of much weight.

All things considered, we're doing what we can to keep her comfortable and smiling. So speaking of smiling, here are few smile-worthy moments:

A recent highlight was Becky's Prom. Mom beamed as she saw her beautiful daughter all dressed up and ready for her night out...

I was the chauffeur for the evening and sister Ashley was my co-pilot..

 

Another highlight - Ashley received an honorable mention at the State level for the Reflections contest. This year's theme was "Beauty is" and Ashley's entry was an essay about our beautiful mother. It's worth noting that only 800 out of 107,000 entries received an award and Ashley was one of them. Way to go sister! Unfortunately though, Ashley did not save a copy so none of us have actually read the essay. Thanks Ashley! :) I'm sure it was amazing and we're still working on getting a copy.

Another highlight - Those sweet people at mom's work sent over an ENORMOUS card reading "We Love You Suzanne" and included lots of sweet thoughts for her. She loved it and her spirits were definitely lifted. She's very well aware that Pasteur Plaza Surgery Center is NOT the same without her and that it must be awfully quiet without hearing her opinion on a daily basis. :) (Don't worry, she's still happy to offer her opinion at home though.)

As the days move forward, I can't promise to write with consistency, but I will certainly try.

We need your continued prayers that the good Lord eases Suzanne's pain and suffering and brings her peace.

I also request continued prayers for my family -- that we may continue to stay strong and allow God's grace to get us through each day.

Romans (8:24-25) For in hope we were saved. Now hope that sees for itself is not hope. For who hopes for what one sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait with endurance.