Wednesday, March 21, 2012

I've never liked Marathons

Clayton's Flair Hair... Love it..

    Most of you probably know that I love a great workout.  I mean, I'm all about going to the gym for an hour, sweating and feeling great when I leave.  Remember I said AN HOUR.. not much longer... I'm really not dedicated to long training and anything AT ALL that resembles a Marathon. The closest I've gotten to running a marathon was New Year 2011 when we were eating donuts at the Main Street Bakery at Disney's Magic Kingdom cheering for some crazy people that agreed to get up at 4am to run 26 miles through the Parks and were staggering in one at a time. I was perfectly fine sitting in that donut shop, eating my sprinkle donut twist and watching.  That being the case,  it's strange that I am sitting here feeling like I'm on the first mile of a HUGE marathon. One that I didn't agree to, one that I'm having to pay to enter, and one that's least desirable.. certainly not one with Cinderella waving at me from the Castle.  That's what this treatment for Clayton feels like when I look at it as a whole.  A LONG LONG marathon with lots of hills and valleys, a few water breaks, and A FINISH LINE!

 Last night Clayton and I drove to Cook Children's to do another overnight chemo. The 2nd of 14.  I let stress and anxiety get the best of me and really spent the whole day yesterday depressed.  Just dreading the tough chemo, the hard week that follows, the fear of another fever, and figuring out how to leave 3 kiddos and a husband behind...again.... and make the best of a hard situation with Clayton.  Honestly, it's overwhelming and depressing and sometimes just deserves a really good cry. So, I have the good cry.. go to bed with  a headache.. and wake up putting one foot in front of the other.

    As a delightful surprise, today wasn't so bad.  We met another great doctor here at Cook Children's, spent some awesome time alone with Clayton, had lots of laughs and received another round of chemo... which puts me one week closer to the finish line. The finish line being close to Christmas... I honestly don't think I'll be frustrated at Hobby Lobby this year when they put their Christmas stuff out in July. Heck, I just may start my Christmas decorating early.  It's hopeful and exciting for me to think that by Christmas, my baby will be walking away cancer free and treatment free in Jesus name... We're believing it, Lord!

     The doctor here at Cook confirmed a great prognosis for Clayton, was very encouraging and was excited to work with us.  He, like the others, clearly loves what he does.  We once again feel very loved and cared for. 

   So far tonight, we have not had nausea and are praying that with the anti nausea meds, we'll be ok this time.  Believe it with us.  Pray that this marathon has minimal bumps in the road and a gorgeous finish line that will leave our little winner bragging on his trainer... our Jesus.. HIS Healer.. for a lifetime. To God be the Glory!
   Yesterday I couldnt get this verse out of my mind.  And as is typical of our Lord, He put it on the mind of a friend, who sent it to me... giving me a double dose of His truth for me yesterday...
Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge cloud of witnesses, let us strip off everything that weighs us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race set before us.  Let us fix our eyes on JESUS.. the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him, endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
   
As a side note... if you ordered a tshirt, they should be in any day.  We'll be letting you know how to pick yours up.  If you haven't ordered one, but want one... YEAH... send a message to me with your size, and we'll put you on our second order that we're placing soon.  Thank you all for your support.  We LOVE you all!

7 comments:

  1. loved the post but especially the scripture, thinking about the ones in Heaven like your Paw Paw Dean, he was a man of great love and faith. Please email me the prices of the shirts so I can order some for Roby and Jake. Love to all

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  2. Believing and praying with you all the way to the finish line!!!

    Mindy Pierce

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  3. I just have to say that I think Clayton is ROCKIN' the bald head. He looks super cool and adorable, all at the same time. : ) Praying for your whole family as you ride out this storm together in the name (and POWER) of Jesus.

    Jen Graham

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  4. I don't know you guys, but found your blog through a friend on fb. Just wanted you to know that we are thinking and praying for you all. Clayton seems like such a sweet little guy. We love Cook's! We have been there a lot and the doctors are fabulous. Praying for peace and healing.
    Christin Osborn
    Fort Worth, TX

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  5. Hello Kesleigh & Chad - I woke up Sunday morning thinking of Clayton and just began to pray over him. I see that face in my mind and I just praise God for him. I thought it interesting how God brought him so specifically to my mind.

    Getting ready for church, I couldn't find my wedding ring or other rings anywhere! I was running through the house, looking in all the usual spots only to find them in the center of the CLAYTON WINS bracelet on the top of my dresser. It was as though they had been so specifically placed there and it only validated God bringing Clayton and your family to my mind that morning. What a smile it brought.

    Your analogy with the marathon is spot on. I love how you write it out in your dialogue. I will help you pick out a tree in July too :) That is one beautifully styled finish line!

    Wearing my bracelet (Robin Reed got it for me), thinking and praying over your family and will be on the sidelines with sprinkle donuts, Gatorade, water and prayers - anything you need to stay on track.
    ~Karen Oakley

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  6. I work with Karen Clinkingbeard and am praying for your little boy, you, your family, and all involved. God does amazing things!

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  7. My name is Amber and my daughter Cassidy is in Cort's class and I would love to order some shirts. Please email me at saking101@gmail.com and I will give you my number and I also work at Texas First State Bank and you can call me there.Our family has been lifting your whole family up daily.

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