We are asking for your prayers again.
It seems the doctors were a little too optimistic last time Savannah visited NIH. As I reported in earlier posts, they thought the cancer was completely gone but this trip they realized that what they thought was "scar tissue" in her spleen was in fact cancer. It had grown ever so slightly and they detected a pea size tumor on the outside of her spleen as well. She goes back in 3 to 4 weeks for more extensive testing. If it has stayed the same or grown they will remove her spleen. They assured her this was not really a big deal.....you can live just fine with out it. Of course, we'd rather her not have to have any kind of surgery but.......whatever makes her well! SO.....please remember her in your prayers again and please pass it on to all those prayer warriors!
We have had a few weeks of non-stop activity around here. In mid February, Mom and Daddy left for Virginia to visit Jeff (my brother) and his family. Donna had to go to Africa on business and Jeffrey needed help with the girls so they stayed about a month or so. While they were gone, I had the bright idea to redecorate their master bedroom. I wanted them to have a nice relaxing space to come home to after being away from home so long. Too bad I was so thoughtful and selfless!!!! :) I almost killed myself trying to get everything done! Bo and Savannah proved to be....some.....help. They helped prime and paint the old, dark 70's paneling and trim (when their schedules allowed :) and Danny was useful in getting the old closet doors off and cutting out the headboard so I could upholster it. All in all it turned out to be a lovely, bright, peaceful room. They were extremely surprised and both seemed to love it.
OH!, did I mention in the middle of all of that.....Shelby had her 16th birthday party at their house? I thought it would be a good idea to get movies and pizza for the 9 girls and let them PARTY in the basement while I worked upstairs finishing their room. HA! Needless to say......no work got done that night!
When Mom and Daddy got home they had my two precious nieces (Lilly, 13 and Rose, 7) with them. They stayed for their whole 2 week Spring Break. We had so much fun with them. The first week Shelby was still in school but everyday as soon as 2:18 hit we picked up 4 to 6 LOUD girls as well as Rose & Lilly and off we went.....we looked (and sounded) like a caravan of wild gypsies traveling down 71B in Grandma's suburban. People could hear us coming for blocks and heaven help the single or cute guys at the stop lights! Grandma might never be the same!
We also celebrated Shelby's actual Birthday too. We ate at JD China....Shelby's favorite place and then came home for cake, ice cream and gifts. Yes, she got a car. My Aunt Wanda got a new car and she was getting rid of her old one so Shelby got it. It's really nice and well taken care of. I hope Shelby keeps up the tradition. :)
In the midst of all this....Savannah decided since it was Spring Break, she and one of her friends would just "road trip" to Maryland to her appointment at NIH. So she left all the madness of home and was off driving....who knows where..... hopefully to Bethesda.
Anyway, have you ever been to a 9 day sleepover with 4 girls that shower constantly? It's exhausting but totally fun. The laundry however is NOT!
I say 4 girls because we invited Kim, Shelby's friend, to spend Spring Break with us. Rose and Lilly love all of Shelby's friends and consider them to be their friends too but all except Kim were on a mission trip. We had big plans to do all sorts of cool things but those 12 inches of snow on Sunday dampened a few of those. Although... we did make it bowling, to the movies, shopping, a sleep over with Bella and Gabby (cousin Wes & Melody's girls) and to Branson on Friday. We had a blast! Mom, Daddy, Rose and Lilly were up very early Saturday morning in order to get the girls to their plane by 10am. We all need to sleep for a week before life resumes. I WISH! But....Life goes on whether your tired or not....so......
This weekend Linda and I opened our booth in Lincoln at the Treasure Chest. I would never have considered such a location but other vendors say it is very profitable there. So...NOW....Sassy Salvage has 3 locations for your shopping pleasure. Fayetteville, Prairie Grove and Lincoln. Wohoo! we've hit the big time!
LOL! Thanks for your prayers for Savannah GOD is Good! love y'all
Monday, March 29, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Today is March 9th
In the past, March 9th has not held any special significance for me....that I can remember anyway...BUT today is different!!!!! One year ago today, I got that terrifying phone call from the Breast cancer doctor telling me to find Savannah and get to his office immediately. He spoke with such urgency that I knew it was bad news. I kept telling myself on the drive to his office that -even if she does have breast cancer...people survive it all the time and surely we've caught it in time. Still, I knew whatever it was... was serious. Savannah knew it too. I could hear the fear in her voice when I spoke to her on the phone and told her to meet me there. Sensing we were going to need all the strength we could muster I called Danny and he met us there too. I was pretty much prepared for whatever bad news the doctor had (or so I thought) so when he circled a big ugly place on her back shoulder and said it was melanoma and that was what was causing all the problems, I was wondering why he had made such a big deal over something that could be removed so easily. I had always heard that melanoma is one of the worst kinds of cancers anyone could have but at least it was just on her skin. Then horror flooded my mind.....It wasn't just on her skin, it had spread to make that huge lump under her arm and if it had spread that much where else in her body was it? It was the most terrifying feeling I've EVER had. I can't even imagine what Savannah must have been thinking. The doctor was so good with her....he hugged her and said he had a daughter her age and told her they were going to fight this with everything they had. He had tears in his eyes and kept looking at us as if to say - I'm so sorry but you're going to lose your daughter. We made it outside to the front steps of the office before we burst in to tears.
I don't know why I want to remember the events of that day....maybe to just reflect on how far God has brought us and all the true miracles He has performed since that day. I will never forget the fear of that day. I will also never forget the peace that God gave me shortly after that...within hours really....and it stayed with me til we got the news that she is cancer FREE!! So, March 9th will never be taken lightly around our house again. It will be a day of Thanksgiving for our "Sweet Savannah" and her precious life.
Some new DRAMA
Bo is doing well after 2 trips to the emergency room a couple of weeks ago.
He thought he was dying......We thought he was having an appendicitis attack.
The doctors found a kidney stone! He was miserable and extremely sick. It was awful seeing him in that much pain but as I said, I think he's back to normal again.
Shelby is going to be 16 years old on the 15th of this month and she is expecting to drive!!! Who made that rule up?????? I'm all for changing the driving age to at least 18!!!! I'm not having an easy time picturing her out in this crazy world driving everywhere with all those nuts on the road.
Maybe I'm getting nervous in my old age......whatever it is......it's not a good feeling.
Kids driving.....Oh Lord, hear our prayers! :)
Linda and I have expanded our Sassy Salvage business. Now you can find us at our first location - Fayetteville Trading Post on N. College right across the hwy from Acumbaro Mexican Restaurant AND in Prairie Grove at Daisie and Olive's Flea Market. We are having so much fun and really have some funky, unique and fun home decor and fashion items. We add new things weekly so drop by on a regular basis so you won't miss anything. Many items are -one of a kind- since they are hand painted or crafted. Sometime soon we hope to have a Sassy Salvage blog or website.
It was March 9th when I started typing this but it has taken me so long to write it that it is now March 10th. I'm so slow! Good Night!
p.s. I still don't know when the FOX News story will be coming on but I'll send an email as soon as we know something. Love to ALL!
I don't know why I want to remember the events of that day....maybe to just reflect on how far God has brought us and all the true miracles He has performed since that day. I will never forget the fear of that day. I will also never forget the peace that God gave me shortly after that...within hours really....and it stayed with me til we got the news that she is cancer FREE!! So, March 9th will never be taken lightly around our house again. It will be a day of Thanksgiving for our "Sweet Savannah" and her precious life.
Some new DRAMA
Bo is doing well after 2 trips to the emergency room a couple of weeks ago.
He thought he was dying......We thought he was having an appendicitis attack.
The doctors found a kidney stone! He was miserable and extremely sick. It was awful seeing him in that much pain but as I said, I think he's back to normal again.
Shelby is going to be 16 years old on the 15th of this month and she is expecting to drive!!! Who made that rule up?????? I'm all for changing the driving age to at least 18!!!! I'm not having an easy time picturing her out in this crazy world driving everywhere with all those nuts on the road.
Maybe I'm getting nervous in my old age......whatever it is......it's not a good feeling.
Kids driving.....Oh Lord, hear our prayers! :)
Linda and I have expanded our Sassy Salvage business. Now you can find us at our first location - Fayetteville Trading Post on N. College right across the hwy from Acumbaro Mexican Restaurant AND in Prairie Grove at Daisie and Olive's Flea Market. We are having so much fun and really have some funky, unique and fun home decor and fashion items. We add new things weekly so drop by on a regular basis so you won't miss anything. Many items are -one of a kind- since they are hand painted or crafted. Sometime soon we hope to have a Sassy Salvage blog or website.
It was March 9th when I started typing this but it has taken me so long to write it that it is now March 10th. I'm so slow! Good Night!
p.s. I still don't know when the FOX News story will be coming on but I'll send an email as soon as we know something. Love to ALL!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
More "Dutton Drama"
Well,.....it all started last month when we decided to let Shelby go with Savannah to her NIH appointment. They were excited about taking a "sister" trip together, you know, bonding and that sort of thing.... :).....? Things heated up when"hot doctor" called Savannah, personally, on her cell phone and asked if she would mind being the NIH Diva in a piece that FOX Network is doing on cancer. She very reluctantly agreed so they rescheduled her appointment from the first week in January to the second.
Then the DRAMA started.....
Oh my word!!! FOX news! It's seen by millions of people! What would she say? How would she say it? Would they do a personal interview or a group thing? Would "hot doctor" be there?
But more importantly......WHAT WOULD SHE WEAR???? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(These are not actually her comments but I know how her mind works :) jk No, really she was so stressed about it she wouldn't even let us talk about it.
So then we had the daunting task of changing Shelby's flight to match Savannah's. Several minutes and $150 later.....done!
So, at 5:45 Sunday morning Danny was off to take the girls to XNA.
Upon arrival they found out there was something wrong with the plane. They were put on a flight through Dallas instead of Chicago. Somewhere over the friendly skies, Savannah got sick....the stomach bug type. Fortunately, we didn't hear about this until they were safe on the ground in DC. They got checked in at the hotel and stayed there the rest of the night.
Monday Savannah was feeling better so they spent most of the day at NIH doing Savannah's tests and scans. I thought all was calm for a while til I got a frantic call from Savannah saying that the Financial aid guy from school called and needed all her school information by 4:30 that afternoon or she would be kicked out of the system and not be able to attend this semester. Information that,by the way, I had been strongly encouraging her to get turned in for at least 3 weeks or more. When I mentioned that I wanted to inflict bodily harm on her for putting me thru this she almost giddily replied that she was in Maryland and I was in Arkansas and I would be over it by the time she got back. :@ Luckily she had her laptop with her so she found all the info, emailed it to us and we printed it out. By the time I had it in hand to take, I looked at the clock...It was 4:10. Hmmmm 20 minutes to get from my house to the Mall area?...not unheard of......even in traffic it shouldn't be that big a deal.....unless....of course...my gas tank is on empty...???......Anyway, after a few stressful minutes of crazy driving and praying......I MADE IT! With 30 seconds to spare.
So for a while....all was well....
Shelby says the FOX story thing went really well and that Savannah did a great job. We didn't really know what to expect. They hadn't told her much other than she would be in it. They filmed it as if Savannah were having an appointment with "hot doctor" and Dr. Rosenburg (THE cancer doctor at NIH over EVERYTHING). Savannah still doesn't want to talk about it but I'm sure she did a great job. I did find out that it is not just a story on NIH. Fox is doing a whole story on cancer so they will be in other big cancer hospitals as well. It will not air for a month or two so we will definitely let everyone know when it will be on.
OH!!!!! and in all the madness of her TV debut....we all totally forgot about the results of her tests. duhhhhh!
GOD is so unbelievably good and kind......
There were no visible tumors left in her body!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only thing they saw was some dense tissue in her spleen. They think it is scar tissue but they said that IT is even shrinking! I think they are amazed at how fast she has recovered from such a severe case. I want to go on and on about God's greatness but I just keep repeating myself. I think it suffices to say that God is GOD, He sees our trials, He hears our prayers, He has compassion for us, He is gracious and merciful and JUST and He answers our prayers as He sees fit. Thank You GOD!
So....on to the next drama.....
I called this morning (Wed.) to make sure the girls were up and getting ready to get on their way to the airport. Shelby answered and said they were getting ready to leave the hotel but she didn't sound too good....although she said she was "fine". Savannah called shortly after that and said Shelby was sick....with the stomach thing. She said there was no way they could get on a shuttle or metro into DC with Shelby getting sick every few minutes and they needed to get there asap to catch the plane. Danny and I thought maybe they should stay another night and take the same flight home tomorrow to give Shelby time to recoup. That would have been a good idea if we wanted to pay about $350 extra for the flight change, hotel etc......
SO, after Danny was on the phone for....a long time......with the airlines, they will be taking a later flight today at 4:45pm getting in around 8:30.........barring any other drama!
Hope I didn't bore y'all with the trivial little dramas of our family life. It's really not all that dramatic but we've gotta spice up life somehow right?????
Again, as I've said in so many posts before.....
Thank you all so much for the support, the prayers, the encouraging words and everything else you all have done to make our trials bearable .
We love you all!
Then the DRAMA started.....
Oh my word!!! FOX news! It's seen by millions of people! What would she say? How would she say it? Would they do a personal interview or a group thing? Would "hot doctor" be there?
But more importantly......WHAT WOULD SHE WEAR???? !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(These are not actually her comments but I know how her mind works :) jk No, really she was so stressed about it she wouldn't even let us talk about it.
So then we had the daunting task of changing Shelby's flight to match Savannah's. Several minutes and $150 later.....done!
So, at 5:45 Sunday morning Danny was off to take the girls to XNA.
Upon arrival they found out there was something wrong with the plane. They were put on a flight through Dallas instead of Chicago. Somewhere over the friendly skies, Savannah got sick....the stomach bug type. Fortunately, we didn't hear about this until they were safe on the ground in DC. They got checked in at the hotel and stayed there the rest of the night.
Monday Savannah was feeling better so they spent most of the day at NIH doing Savannah's tests and scans. I thought all was calm for a while til I got a frantic call from Savannah saying that the Financial aid guy from school called and needed all her school information by 4:30 that afternoon or she would be kicked out of the system and not be able to attend this semester. Information that,by the way, I had been strongly encouraging her to get turned in for at least 3 weeks or more. When I mentioned that I wanted to inflict bodily harm on her for putting me thru this she almost giddily replied that she was in Maryland and I was in Arkansas and I would be over it by the time she got back. :@ Luckily she had her laptop with her so she found all the info, emailed it to us and we printed it out. By the time I had it in hand to take, I looked at the clock...It was 4:10. Hmmmm 20 minutes to get from my house to the Mall area?...not unheard of......even in traffic it shouldn't be that big a deal.....unless....of course...my gas tank is on empty...???......Anyway, after a few stressful minutes of crazy driving and praying......I MADE IT! With 30 seconds to spare.
So for a while....all was well....
Shelby says the FOX story thing went really well and that Savannah did a great job. We didn't really know what to expect. They hadn't told her much other than she would be in it. They filmed it as if Savannah were having an appointment with "hot doctor" and Dr. Rosenburg (THE cancer doctor at NIH over EVERYTHING). Savannah still doesn't want to talk about it but I'm sure she did a great job. I did find out that it is not just a story on NIH. Fox is doing a whole story on cancer so they will be in other big cancer hospitals as well. It will not air for a month or two so we will definitely let everyone know when it will be on.
OH!!!!! and in all the madness of her TV debut....we all totally forgot about the results of her tests. duhhhhh!
GOD is so unbelievably good and kind......
There were no visible tumors left in her body!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The only thing they saw was some dense tissue in her spleen. They think it is scar tissue but they said that IT is even shrinking! I think they are amazed at how fast she has recovered from such a severe case. I want to go on and on about God's greatness but I just keep repeating myself. I think it suffices to say that God is GOD, He sees our trials, He hears our prayers, He has compassion for us, He is gracious and merciful and JUST and He answers our prayers as He sees fit. Thank You GOD!
So....on to the next drama.....
I called this morning (Wed.) to make sure the girls were up and getting ready to get on their way to the airport. Shelby answered and said they were getting ready to leave the hotel but she didn't sound too good....although she said she was "fine". Savannah called shortly after that and said Shelby was sick....with the stomach thing. She said there was no way they could get on a shuttle or metro into DC with Shelby getting sick every few minutes and they needed to get there asap to catch the plane. Danny and I thought maybe they should stay another night and take the same flight home tomorrow to give Shelby time to recoup. That would have been a good idea if we wanted to pay about $350 extra for the flight change, hotel etc......
SO, after Danny was on the phone for....a long time......with the airlines, they will be taking a later flight today at 4:45pm getting in around 8:30.........barring any other drama!
Hope I didn't bore y'all with the trivial little dramas of our family life. It's really not all that dramatic but we've gotta spice up life somehow right?????
Again, as I've said in so many posts before.....
Thank you all so much for the support, the prayers, the encouraging words and everything else you all have done to make our trials bearable .
We love you all!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Finally....a new post
Savannah and her friend Nicole left Tuesday for her monthly appointment at NIH.
She had her tests on Wednesday, her breathing treatment this morning and at 1pm the CLINIC appointment. This is her favorite part...they tell her the results of the tests AND she gets to see her "hot doctor"! Today, "hot doctor" had the news we've been waiting for....with the exception of 2 very tiny tumors (one on her spleen, the other in her tummy)... all the other tumors are
GONE!!!!!!!!!!! She is doing so well that she doesn't even have to go back til January. Of course she's happy with the diagnosis but no "hot doctor" for over 2 months....whatever will she do?
Even though we've had faith all along and have experienced the miracles that God has performed in our family, it still amazes me that He would bestow such blessings on such unworthy recipients. We don't deserve any of it but He takes care of us anyway!
I know I've mentioned this before but I'm SO proud of Savannah and the way she has handled this whole experience. Her attitude has been incredible. Even when she was lying in bed, soooo sick, she kept her sense of humor and her sweetness to the staff etc. She handled everything with such grace and dignity.
So, 7 1/2 months after she was diagnosed with potentially fatal cancer, she is almost cured, attending college and working as a newborn baby photographer
at Willow Creek Hospital. She is loving every minute of her life. She realizes God has a purpose for her. We can't wait to see what's in her future!!! THANK YOU GOD!
NOW...all about me... :)
My friend and business partner, Linda Parrish and I started a Home Staging business last year that we enjoy very much but because of the Real Estate market being so slow we found we had extra time and creativity on our hands. SO...we recently opened Sassy Salvage Flea Market booth at Fayetteville Trading Post.
It's new, located at 2600 North College Ave. ( in the old Arkansas pools & spas building ) a couple of doors north of Schlotsky's Deli. We have a large shop and sell recycled home decor and furniture. We find old, sometimes ugly pieces and paint and/or embellish them with bright colored paint and patterns. You know,
make it Fun and FUNKY! Danny has even gotten in on the action and is building things for us and helping repair things etc.... He is a very good carpenter.
We were voted "Best Booth" for the month of October.
Hours are M-F, 11am to 6pm Sat, 10 to 6 Sun, 12 to 5
If you get a chance stop by and check it out.....it's fun to see all the boothes.
O.K.....Considering I'm falling asleep as I proof read this blog, I think it's bed time!
We would still appreciate your prayers for those 2 little tumors to vanish. We believe that will be the January report! :) Thanks and love to all!
Friday, August 21, 2009
Doin' the Happy Dance!
God has blessed us (yet again) with AWESOME news from NIH.
Savannah had all her tests on Wednesday afternoon. Thursday morning she had her breathing treatment and then at 1pm she had Clinic. That's where they tell the results of the tests. The Results - A few of the tumors have DISAPPEARED and the other tumors have shrunk considerably. The TIL cells are live cells that continue to live in her body forever so no further treatment is needed....hopefully EVER. She still has to return every 4 weeks for their research and our peace of mind. God is SO good, He answers prayer. It's not just a comforting thought or phrase....He really does answer prayer. He has blessed us more this year than we can even comprehend. We are so Thankful!
When Savannah called to tell me the good news of her tests.....I'm not sure if she was happier about the results or the fact that she has a "HOT" new doctor.
Apparently, he's beautiful and they will probably get married. :)
My new catch phrase lately is "Dutton Drama" which simply means - when things seem too simple or are running too smoothly...we just throw some problems and challenges into the mix. Our latest "Dutton Drama" started Tuesday night before Savannah and Haley left EARLY on Wednesday morning. Danny noticed that the hotel where the girls were staying requires guests to be at least 21 years old to check in. I really didn't think this would be a big deal...we've stayed there before, I had made reservations weeks ahead of time, they knew she was an NIH patient....she's very mature for her age...etc....SO...I called the hotel to discuss this little matter with them. First of all, I find it amusing that a place called The AMERICAN Inn has no Americans working there. The nice man I was speaking with listened to my dilemma and assured me (in his thick Jamaican accent) that it would be "no problem maaaaaan" as long as someone 21 yrs old or older was there to check them in. I tried to explain (again) that Savannah was an NIH patient flying from Arkansas and would literally be out on the street with no place to stay. I assured him that I was the parent and would take responsibility for any mishaps or expenses that might occur should she be "irresponsible". After repeating several times that it would be "no problem maaaan" as long as someone 21 would check them in, I asked to please speak with a manager to which he replied...." Yes maaan, I be de manager". ???? Sensing defeat, I just said Thank you and hung up. I said a little (or big) prayer and tried to start coming up with a solution. My brother (Jeff) and his family live about 2 hrs away so I couldn't ask them to drive all the way there just to check them in. Oh wait, yes I could...I was desperate......no wait....I couldn't either....Jeff was in Maine and Donna was in India. I was getting a little stressed. Savannah suggested David and Aparna who are the ONLY two other people out there we know. I had not even thought of them! I really didn't want to ask them to help out though. Aparna is a doctor, David works and they have very busy lives....BUT.....what choice did I have? I emailed David early Wednesday morning then headed to the clinic for my treatment. Within 2 hours, David had it all worked out for us. He wasn't able to get into Bethesda but he has a very good friend that goes through there daily. He asked his friend (also Dave) if he could meet the girls and check them in. Dave agreed and around 8:30pm they got checked in to their room and hit the bed. They were exhausted after being up most of the night before. I don't even want to know what went through the mind of the person that checked them in. An older "uncle" checking 2 young "cuties" into a hotel room where there was only 1 queen bed???????????????
Like I said...."Dutton Drama"
More to follow in the coming months (i'm sure!)
They are flying back today at 5:30pm Eastern time so please keep them in your prayers. Thanks and love to All
Savannah had all her tests on Wednesday afternoon. Thursday morning she had her breathing treatment and then at 1pm she had Clinic. That's where they tell the results of the tests. The Results - A few of the tumors have DISAPPEARED and the other tumors have shrunk considerably. The TIL cells are live cells that continue to live in her body forever so no further treatment is needed....hopefully EVER. She still has to return every 4 weeks for their research and our peace of mind. God is SO good, He answers prayer. It's not just a comforting thought or phrase....He really does answer prayer. He has blessed us more this year than we can even comprehend. We are so Thankful!
When Savannah called to tell me the good news of her tests.....I'm not sure if she was happier about the results or the fact that she has a "HOT" new doctor.
Apparently, he's beautiful and they will probably get married. :)
My new catch phrase lately is "Dutton Drama" which simply means - when things seem too simple or are running too smoothly...we just throw some problems and challenges into the mix. Our latest "Dutton Drama" started Tuesday night before Savannah and Haley left EARLY on Wednesday morning. Danny noticed that the hotel where the girls were staying requires guests to be at least 21 years old to check in. I really didn't think this would be a big deal...we've stayed there before, I had made reservations weeks ahead of time, they knew she was an NIH patient....she's very mature for her age...etc....SO...I called the hotel to discuss this little matter with them. First of all, I find it amusing that a place called The AMERICAN Inn has no Americans working there. The nice man I was speaking with listened to my dilemma and assured me (in his thick Jamaican accent) that it would be "no problem maaaaaan" as long as someone 21 yrs old or older was there to check them in. I tried to explain (again) that Savannah was an NIH patient flying from Arkansas and would literally be out on the street with no place to stay. I assured him that I was the parent and would take responsibility for any mishaps or expenses that might occur should she be "irresponsible". After repeating several times that it would be "no problem maaaan" as long as someone 21 would check them in, I asked to please speak with a manager to which he replied...." Yes maaan, I be de manager". ???? Sensing defeat, I just said Thank you and hung up. I said a little (or big) prayer and tried to start coming up with a solution. My brother (Jeff) and his family live about 2 hrs away so I couldn't ask them to drive all the way there just to check them in. Oh wait, yes I could...I was desperate......no wait....I couldn't either....Jeff was in Maine and Donna was in India. I was getting a little stressed. Savannah suggested David and Aparna who are the ONLY two other people out there we know. I had not even thought of them! I really didn't want to ask them to help out though. Aparna is a doctor, David works and they have very busy lives....BUT.....what choice did I have? I emailed David early Wednesday morning then headed to the clinic for my treatment. Within 2 hours, David had it all worked out for us. He wasn't able to get into Bethesda but he has a very good friend that goes through there daily. He asked his friend (also Dave) if he could meet the girls and check them in. Dave agreed and around 8:30pm they got checked in to their room and hit the bed. They were exhausted after being up most of the night before. I don't even want to know what went through the mind of the person that checked them in. An older "uncle" checking 2 young "cuties" into a hotel room where there was only 1 queen bed???????????????
Like I said...."Dutton Drama"
More to follow in the coming months (i'm sure!)
They are flying back today at 5:30pm Eastern time so please keep them in your prayers. Thanks and love to All
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
On the last post I was talking about Savannah and Bo at Camp War Eagle. Well.....they ended camp a week and a day early this year due to the outbreak of FLU. I think the counselors were more upset about it than the kids. Of course the kids were very upset too since it was just the first week of their two week camp.
I'm amazed at the quality of the camp and the dedication of the staff. Many of the kids come from very troubled homes or have had horrendous things happen to them. The counselors are so focused on the kids and their need to just be kids and to have fun in a safe and secure environment. They try to help them focus on God and his all encompassing love. It is really a GREAT thing.
Anyway.....Savannah came home from camp with the flu. We got her to the doctor where she got a prescription of Tamiflu (sp?). The doctor said the whole family needed to be treated so we were all on meds. I guess it's a good thing because she shared her germs with me and I got it too! :( I THINK we are all OK now...?
NIH called and rescheduled Savannah's appointments from the 12th and 13th to the 19th and 20th, so...she and her friend Haley will be flying out in the morning (Wed) at 6:15am to Bethesda. They will return on the 21st.
PLEASE pray for their safety and for a great report from the doctors. We don't expect anything but good news but prayer is very reassuring :)
I will keep posting as I know more. Thanks for the prayers. Love to ALL
I'm amazed at the quality of the camp and the dedication of the staff. Many of the kids come from very troubled homes or have had horrendous things happen to them. The counselors are so focused on the kids and their need to just be kids and to have fun in a safe and secure environment. They try to help them focus on God and his all encompassing love. It is really a GREAT thing.
Anyway.....Savannah came home from camp with the flu. We got her to the doctor where she got a prescription of Tamiflu (sp?). The doctor said the whole family needed to be treated so we were all on meds. I guess it's a good thing because she shared her germs with me and I got it too! :( I THINK we are all OK now...?
NIH called and rescheduled Savannah's appointments from the 12th and 13th to the 19th and 20th, so...she and her friend Haley will be flying out in the morning (Wed) at 6:15am to Bethesda. They will return on the 21st.
PLEASE pray for their safety and for a great report from the doctors. We don't expect anything but good news but prayer is very reassuring :)
I will keep posting as I know more. Thanks for the prayers. Love to ALL
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Time
WoW! I can't believe it's been nearly a month since I posted a blog. I didn't realize it til several of you started emailing me about it. Time has become very blurred. I still don't feel like I have caught my breath from being gone from home so much.
I'm feeling overwhelmed with all there is to do and to catch up on. Thank You Notes for example. Oh my goodness! I don't know how I'm ever going to get all those out to everyone that has helped with prayers, food, the benefits....everything! If you're reading this...your Thank you card will come - eventually!
We are SO thrilled to announce that Savannah felt good enough to go work at Camp War Eagle as the camp photographer. She will be there for a total of 5 weeks. Before she left she took her breathing treatment here in town as well as an ultrasound on her leg (due to some swelling). It turned out to be fine.
She will be going back to NIH on August 12th & 13th for her monthly check-up.
I can't wait to hear what the doctors have to say about how much the tumors have shrunk. The really large one on her neck is barely visible. God is SO good!
After she returns from Bethesda she will only have a short time til school begins.
She will be attending NWACC for a few semesters till she decides what she wants to major in at U of A or who knows where.
Bo is still at Camp War Eagle working and will still be at the UofA this Fall.
Shelby has been playing Music shows like crazy this summer, solo and with her band "Out of the Sticks" VERY entertaining!
I was reading in the June 17th blog that Corinna had not left the country yet.
She ended up passing her driving test with flying colors......LOOK OUT GERMANY! Attended her first Vacation Bible School ever. Went Fishing for the first time....and last, I'm pretty sure. :) And finally, on June 29th, after much ado, we got her to XNA to begin her long journey home. We arrived early and it's a good thing because she had too many bags so they charged her extra and then the bags that could be checked were too heavy so we spent some anxious minutes transferring stuff from her bag to a plastic airline bag. Not to mention the big, poofy, Prom dress that we had suctioned into one of those flat storage bags. The only problem with that was the unseen whole somewhere in the bag that let all the suctioned air back in. It kept wanting to inflate. This is where my handy taping skills came in...by the time I was done, her big, beautiful, dress looked like a squashed up bag of potatoes. I hope it's wearable again.
By the time we got through our tearful goodbyes and she got thru security they were doing the last boarding call. She later told us that when she got to the last security guard she was crying so hard that he even gave her a hug.
I think she loves America. We certainly love her and will miss her like crazy.
One of these days when I have time, I'm going to post an overview of her "experience " in America. She has several interesting stories she shared with us about life before she came to live with us and then there are our stories...yikes!
Hope everything is well with all of you. Please keep Savannah in your prayers for continued healing and strength while at camp. Thanks Love to all
I'm feeling overwhelmed with all there is to do and to catch up on. Thank You Notes for example. Oh my goodness! I don't know how I'm ever going to get all those out to everyone that has helped with prayers, food, the benefits....everything! If you're reading this...your Thank you card will come - eventually!
We are SO thrilled to announce that Savannah felt good enough to go work at Camp War Eagle as the camp photographer. She will be there for a total of 5 weeks. Before she left she took her breathing treatment here in town as well as an ultrasound on her leg (due to some swelling). It turned out to be fine.
She will be going back to NIH on August 12th & 13th for her monthly check-up.
I can't wait to hear what the doctors have to say about how much the tumors have shrunk. The really large one on her neck is barely visible. God is SO good!
After she returns from Bethesda she will only have a short time til school begins.
She will be attending NWACC for a few semesters till she decides what she wants to major in at U of A or who knows where.
Bo is still at Camp War Eagle working and will still be at the UofA this Fall.
Shelby has been playing Music shows like crazy this summer, solo and with her band "Out of the Sticks" VERY entertaining!
I was reading in the June 17th blog that Corinna had not left the country yet.
She ended up passing her driving test with flying colors......LOOK OUT GERMANY! Attended her first Vacation Bible School ever. Went Fishing for the first time....and last, I'm pretty sure. :) And finally, on June 29th, after much ado, we got her to XNA to begin her long journey home. We arrived early and it's a good thing because she had too many bags so they charged her extra and then the bags that could be checked were too heavy so we spent some anxious minutes transferring stuff from her bag to a plastic airline bag. Not to mention the big, poofy, Prom dress that we had suctioned into one of those flat storage bags. The only problem with that was the unseen whole somewhere in the bag that let all the suctioned air back in. It kept wanting to inflate. This is where my handy taping skills came in...by the time I was done, her big, beautiful, dress looked like a squashed up bag of potatoes. I hope it's wearable again.
By the time we got through our tearful goodbyes and she got thru security they were doing the last boarding call. She later told us that when she got to the last security guard she was crying so hard that he even gave her a hug.
I think she loves America. We certainly love her and will miss her like crazy.
One of these days when I have time, I'm going to post an overview of her "experience " in America. She has several interesting stories she shared with us about life before she came to live with us and then there are our stories...yikes!
Hope everything is well with all of you. Please keep Savannah in your prayers for continued healing and strength while at camp. Thanks Love to all
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
