We still Believe...

Dad is doing well, He is still getting stronger and able to get around better each day. I know it is frustrating for him to not be able to get up and do anything he wants, but he has made so much progress in the past month. He is a fighter! We have an MRI scheduled for the 27th and then we will meet with Dr. Birdwell on January 4th for the results. A new year....... a great report, That is our hope!

We started the journey of fighting with our hero 5 months ago with our trust in our faithful Lord-That is where we still stand today. Dad has been thrown one obstacle after another, but we are trusting that the Lord has a plan for Dad, and for our family.

For I know the plans I have for you, plans to

prosper you and not to harm you, plans to

give you a hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

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Part of the plan we have already seen unfold. Dad's story is not only touching the lives of our family and friends, but people across the world. Below is a comment posted a few weeks ago:

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hi stranger.. i dont noe ur name.. or his.. but i noe what cancer

can do to a person.. my aunt had cancer.. it spread nd she

past away...the few things the person needs to survive is love... prayer... nd hope..

u hav to tell the person to fight it! u hav to show the person that he is

not a burden 4 u... pray 4 him everyday even if it is very late at night,

take a minute to pray... tell him everyday that u love him...hope ur

dad does fine...nd i didnt get this stuff from an cheap feel good thing...

its things i wish i had done...im a 16yr from m'sia.. nd i will pray

whenever i go to the temple or b4 i sleep 4 ur father,U nd ur family...chaoz

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If that does not show you the Lord's hand in this-I am not sure what does! God does not waste anything. He is constantly working in our lives even when we can't see it or feel it. Even when it feels as though the walls my come crashing around us. His word promises to "use all things to work for the good of those who love him, and are called according to his purpose." In September, I posted an entry titled Clinging Cross to tell you about a precious gift Dad received. It is a small hand held cross that reminds Dad of the comfort and peace found in His Lord. A few days ago this comment was posted:

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God gave me the design of the Clinging Cross when my own father was on his

journey home to be with his Heavenly Father.I am grateful that this

cross is a blessing to your father. That's why God gave me the

design, and I'm able to share it with others. Jane

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Jane is indeed the lady that created the clinging cross, and God has used Dad's story to bring a "purpose" to her suffering. I think that gives us a picture of just how much he loves us. Not only did he suffer and die on the cross for our sins, but he cares enough to show us that although the storms of life are going to come, He is a strong and mighty tower. If we cling to Him, there is hope and purpose in our suffering.

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I am humbled by God's mercy and unconditional love. Thank you Lord, for loving us the way you do. We Believe!

Sorry to leave you hanging on the video-I had good intentions, but could never figure it out! It is complicated (for me anyway!!) I am not giving up, but it may be a while :)

Things are about the same with Dad. We have good days and bad days. We took Dad to church yesterday, and saw a wonderful Christmas program. In the midst of the holiday rush, it is always great to be reminded of the reason for the season.....The birth of our precious Lord and Savior.

Please continue to pray for Dad's healing and that he will feel good through this Christmas season. We are truly grateful for your prayers and thoughts!

WE BELIEVE!!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

Mom and Dad are celebrating 38 years today! They have had many great memories and have rode the waves of life together! Jason and I are so grateful for parents who have showed us what true love is........We are truly blessed!

As soon as I figure out how, I will be adding a slide show that I made for Mom and Dad....Stay tuned!!!!

Meet the Parents

Against Dad's better judgement, Mom and I loaded him up and took a little road trip to Houston! For some reason he doesn't exactly trust us......Every time we go to move him he gets this "deer in the headlights" look on his face.....It is pretty funny. So you can imagine the look we got when we said we were going to Houston!!! Now that is what I need a picture of!!!

We started the 2nd round of Chemo last night and so far so good! Dad ate really good today which was great to see. I am so thankful for a type of Chemo that is not making him really sick.

Once we got Dad to Houston, we had a great weekend. Saturday night we cooked dinner and invited Allan's family over. I knew that my parents would love them, they are so easy going and fun to be around. We had a great time sharing stories and getting to know each other. I have been blessed beyond measure with parents who have taught me what love is, who have molded me into the woman I am and who have taught me valuable life lessons. To now be blessed with another set of parents who share the same values, and who have accepted me with open arms is just amazing! I could not ask for more, and I am so excited to continue my journey as part of the Cox family :)

Roller Coaster

One day Dad walks 125 feet....The next day he is to tired to even talk. I am realizing that this whole experience is like a roller coaster ride. Much like life-We all face our ups and downs. We never know what each day will bring. With the last few updates, Dad was doing much better and I could really see a difference. We were at the top of the roller coaster with our hands held high! Now it seems as though we are starting the fall. Dad has been very tired the past few days and pretty down. But one thing never waivers, his sense of humor. One of things we all love about him! When his therapist arrived this morning, Dad told him, "You must have the wrong house!" In other words, "Leave me alone!" :) His therapist got a kick out of that! In the midst of Dad being to tired to do anything, it is good to see him hanging on to that sense of humor!

It is also good to remember the great thing about a roller coaster, and life, is that once you start that downward spiral, there is another hill ahead that leads to the top! Please join us in praying that Dad will start that climb back to the top! We have adjusted some of his medication so we are hoping that will help.

Dad will see Dr. Birdwell on Friday, and then we start the second round of Chemo on Saturday. At the end of December, we will do another MRI to see how the tumor is responding to the Chemo.

We all know that this season gets busy and hectic. Dad sends a message to enjoy each day while you can!